Ghosts

I have recently changed jobs. After five years, I changed careers and in essence, completely changed my life... It's exciting, scary and sometimes just lonely. I miss my friends, the life I lived and the many many wonderful clients I worked with. I miss knowing everything and being the "go-to" person. But recently, I heard someone say "If you aren't moving forward, you are moving backward." How true is this statement? Do we settle for less more than we strive for better? Do we fear change? We push our children to do better, listen better, perform better but do we do the same for ourselves? I will personally tell you that a day does not go by that I don't struggle with my past. The reality is that I am where I am because of all of those choices...every decision I have ever made, good or bad. So I guess the real question is do I like where I am? Do you like where YOU are? My new job has opened my eyes to a lot of opportunity within the world and most importantly, within myself. I would never have dreamed of leaving my "safe place" of 5+ years but BECAUSE of my recent life changes...moving closer to family, changing my lifestyle, and shifting my focus on what was truly important, I would never have known of this new job nevermind go for it. In reality, I was a risk to hire. A newcomer to the field, no experience...just what my personality had to offer. And that was enough. Wow...what a relief! I guess what I am trying to wrap my head around is, why we have to go through what we do in order to get to a better place? And why is it so hard to let go of the past when it does nothing but haunt you?

I don't believe in ghosts. And I think allowing your past blunders interfere with your future greatness is a massive stumbling block. Many of us have been knocked down, been given up on or left behind. Life is a fight and there are days I gotta dig real deep to even put two feet on the ground and get moving! "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Ghandhi Look forward with hope and use your life experience to progress and propel yourself to a better place everyday. Bye for now...

Simplify

Rush rush rush

…running yellow lights…late again…check Facebook…text back “yes!” on church picnic…”kids turn down your video games, I’m trying to talk on the phone!”… drive-thru meals in the car…check the DVR to make sure it’s recording a show you will never have time to watch…”did I put clothes in the dryer?”…”sure, I can work an extra shift”…. midnight laundry folding sessions…update status that “life is great!”...fall into bed…wake up exhausted…and do it all over again.

This was me. For YEARS.  Stretched thin, little joy, barely getting by…trying to be all things to all people.  I looked in the mirror and I didn’t recognize the reflection.  All I saw was a tired, anxious and defeated image of my former self.  And then I walked away and started enjoying my life.

I moved away from the “perfect” neighborhood to be near a strong support system; I turned my Mercedes in for a “kid shuttle”; I quit my high paying job and regained my nights and weekends; I began cooking dinner again and I allowed people in my life that showed humility and a true belief for family values and roots that inspire me daily.  I learned how to garden (well re-learned…my passion for gardening had been stifled).  I turned the TV off, plugged my phone in when I arrived home, dusted off board games and learned to spend TIME with my growing children, listening to their dreams and enjoying their silliness. 

Our modern day lives pull us from one place to the next and distracts us from what is important and what is real.  Peaceful car rides have now become a multi-tasking environment.  The dinner table has become a coffee table in front of the television.  Texting has replaced conversation because we are too busy (?!?) to talk.

My life is still VERY busy…sometimes overwhelmingly busy.  But it’s busy with the right things…sunsets, soccer games, Sunday dinners, bonfires, family movie night, homemade brownies…moments.  Moments I have been missing…moments I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Maybe simplifying is not an option for you right now but you can set a goal to simplify.    Start with just ONE thing; your full plate will be lighter and your days will be brighter and the simple life will draw you in like a beautiful sunrise…I promise.