Don't Look Back

If you guys ever want to get a lot of thinking done, just move away from all your family and friends to a new land. It's fun! My posts have been much, much deeper than in past months, as I'm sure you've noticed. I have really been finding myself and learning about myself from the core. 

Mentally
   Physically
      Spiritually
         Emotionally

My goal has been to purge all of my bad habits; all the things that have been holding me back in any of the above forms; and to grow. In order to do that, I have to start with the things from my past that I'm still holding onto that no longer serve a purpose in my life - at least, not a good one.

However, I recently started a 40-day journey toward creating miracles in my life, which I'd love to share more about later. In this journey, I'll be focusing on some major shifts toward a life of light and love. In order to do this; truly do this - I know I have to let go of what once was in order to focus on what is. That includes the pain and the unanswered-questions.

I know deep in my heart that everything happens for a reason. The time I otherwise wouldn't have had with my mom before she died is proof of that. God, the Universe, whatever you may refer to it as... has a plan.

Each step I take along this 40-day journey, the more I realize how a lot of the little things [in the grand scheme of things] we hold onto, keep us from reaching our truest potential. They keep our energy from focusing on the now. They keep us from reaching absolute happiness; bliss. 

I challenge you all today to think of those things you've been holding onto, that, when you look at the big picture, don't bring you anything positive. They don't help you grow. They don't lift you. Whether they're bad memories, what ifs, a toxic friendship, etc... join me in never looking back.

Everything I've been through was preparation for where I am right now.

What are you never looking back on?

I Need Your Help and Journey Forward

It's been a month since we've had a Journey Forward link-up! If you're new to the blog, it's a link-up I started about a word we've chosen for ourselves to work toward throughout the year. I've posted prompts that will get you thinking and really reach deep to continue growing in the direction you want to go. Anyone can join in!

Today, the prompt is to pat yourself on the back for something you've done or accomplished to get you closer to your year's goal!

For me, and working toward my word "become," I'm proud of myself for going after my dreams whole-heartedly. I think I have officially accomplished one of my smaller goals [which you can read about here] to stop planning and start DOING. It's one thing to think about and plan what you want to accomplish but my goal was to put those things into action. As many of you know, I started my own jewelry business on Etsy called After Sunset [enter the giveaway to win a bracelet here!] It's something that I had wanted to do for so long but I finally did what it took to get it started. I'm still learning what works and what doesn't but I did it!

More recently, I signed up for a class. This class is extremely important to me and quite a big deal because it will help me get closer to accomplishing a dream I've had since I was a young girl. More on that as it progresses. I know, I know... you probably want specifics :)

The point is, I'm proud of myself for finally working towards my real and true DREAMS. Not putting them off anymore or talking myself out of it. I'm not holding back. Life is just too short.

*I will be posting the next prompt within the next month, so check back once the time gets closer* Feel free to join in on the fun and link-up below!

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On another note, I know I can turn to my bloggy friends for advice on pretty much anything. Well, I need your help. Where are all my make-up lovers?
I'm in the market for a new concealer!

For the last year or so, I have been using the e.l.f Essential Tone Correcting Concealer. $1.00. What a steal.

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But I can't say that I am in love with it. Sure, it's only a dollar but it doesn't seem to last very long.

Also, the coverage leaves more to be desired.

That's where you all come in! What concealer is your favorite? I'm looking for something that will help with the whole under-eye area [because many times life is too busy to sleep much] and any redness. 

Let me know in the comments below what I should try next :) Can't wait to see what you think!

*Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have a chance to win a bracelet of your choice from my Etsy Shop, After Sunset!*

Journey Forward {12}

Thank you all SO much for all the love yesterday! It was so awesome to share my new adventure with you :) I have restocked the lime green bracelet and added a new color as well so take a peak over at After Sunset if you would like!

Yesterday was an amazing day for me. I just felt happy and blessed and purposeful. While I strive to feel that way each day, I'm grateful for the days when the feelings are so strong and real! Today for Journey Forward, I'm sharing with you some more pins. These pins take me to my happy place. They make me feel alive and full of joy!

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Sigh. I can definitely see some trends going on. Pictures sure have been inspiring me lately and taking me away to my "happy place" where I can feel lifted and motivated! I just love it! What types of pictures take you to your happy place?

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Announcement about Journey Forward: I have decided to reduce the amount of Journey Forward posts to once a month. On the first Thursday of every month you can come link up your posts here! On June 7th, we will be writing about an accomplishment of ours. Pat yourself on the back for something you've done lately that you're proud of; something that has brought you closer to your goal and your word and write all about it!
As always, any questions, comments, or just to chat about your journey - email me, tweet me :)

Journey Forward {11}

I was unfortunately unable to post yesterday. You see, my flight was supposed to be arriving back into DC around 8:30PM. However, did you know that if you try checking in 44 minutes before your flight with Delta, they won't let you check in? Well, I sure didn't. I almost always fly Southwest. They require your bags to be checked within 30 minutes of take-off and they board 30 minutes prior to take-off. I've never had a problem. So, when flying out to Vegas, I had checked in online with Delta but needed to check my bags and they told me, with 43 minutes left to spare, that they couldn't guarantee my bags would make it as it wasn't within the 45 minute window. [My bags did make it, by the way.]

Then, flying home from Vegas, I didn't check in prior to arriving at the airport so by the time I tried [mind you, it was literally 44 minutes before departure] the system kicked me out and made me choose another flight. You've got to be kidding me. Alas, I waited an extra hour, had a longer layover in Memphis, and then finally made it back to DC at 10:15PM. That said, I was exhausted by the time I got home.

Anyway, on to today's Journey Forward post. It's all about positive affirmations. I think some days we all just need to take a deep breath and tell ourselves it is i going to work out. Everything will be okay. So, here are my personal affirmations. Feel free to use them for yourself as well :)

+ I am strong and capable of anything.

+ I live my life with purpose and good intention.

+ I will overcome any obstacle that comes my way, bettering myself in the process.

+ I am the captain of my ship; the sailor of my own sea.

+ I can find happiness in any situation.

+ I will leave this world a better place than when I entered it.

+ I am creating opportunities for success.

+ Today I release fear and open up my heart to love.

+ I am in control of my actions and reactions.

I might even write these on little note cards and leave them sitting around where I'll see them throughout the day. On my bathroom mirror, on the visor in my car, in my wallet, on my phone, etc. I hope you find a way to incorporate your own positive affirmations into your everyday routine. Do share!


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Next week for Journey Forward:

It's time to go to our happy place. We've written about where we go to unwind/recharge. Now, I want you to visually show what makes you happy. What images take you to your happy place? Pin those images to your Journey Forward Pinterest board and share them in your post next week!

Journey Forward {10}

As I sit and think about what holds me back from reaching my true potential, there is one thing that almost automatically comes to mind. Comparing myself to others. Whether strangers, acquaintances, or friends I've known for years, it's difficult to always shut out what other people have or do.

Sure, there's the occasional time where I see something on Facebook {the one time a month when I login} and I'm like, "What the heck? They just bought an Audi?!" And my immediate thought is, 'what do they do for a living?' In reality, I would personally never want to spend that much money on a brand new car. I've seen how people park next to you and how people drive. That thing would be dented up in a matter of weeks. But even more importantly, I would rather put that money into something more valuable in my life - such as travel. Luckily, I've never been one to do much spending. I'd rather hold out for what's really important to me.

Entering the blog world less than a year ago has certainly had an effect on me comparing myself to others. If you read blogs regularly, although you probably don't know the person in real life, after a while you grow to "know" them through reading and perhaps communicating via email/Twitter, etc. Well, I would see pictures of people's homes, and I would start longing for a home of my own. I'd see these beautiful skirts people were sewing and wished I knew how to do that too.

That's when I start to compare. The truth is, those things don't match up and they never will. It's not fair to myself to compare my life to the lives of others.

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At the end of the day, I know in my heart that God/The Universe wrote my story differently. In the moments where I compare myself, I'm surrounded by doubt and uncertainty. But, in the moments where I can say, "It's okay. This is my story and I trust that it's being written this way for a reason," I find peace and hope. We each have our own strengths and I know it's more important to focus on the talents I was given rather than what I don't have.

And for those of you who DO write about your love stories or your latest projects around the house, don't stop. I enjoy reading those blogs. They keep me inspired and hopeful and the good part is, you're writing your story and that's all that matters! :) We can learn from others and their experiences, but comparing can be harmful. There's a difference between being inspired to learn how to sew and getting upset because you don't know how.

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I think the most dangerous part of comparing is that it can mess with the deepest desires of your heart. Our focus can easily be shifted away from what truly matters most to us. Just because someone else has something or does something, does not mean you have to do or have the same thing. It's a lesson I'm sure we were taught when we were younger but it's something I can most definitely still apply to life today. As I strive to become, I want to get in touch with the things I truly need. In order to do that, I must not compare :)

Here's to becoming what I'm meant to become. Here's to having the things that have been placed in my life - the events, the people, the opportunities, the disappointments, the talents.

What things set you back in accomplishing what you want to accomplish?



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Next week for Journey Forward:

Write several positive affirmations for yourself and your journey. Take this week's post into consideration when writing them. Lift yourself. Think happy and good thoughts that will fill you with positivity. And most importantly, believe them.

Also, today is the final day to enter the $50 Shabby Apple gift card giveaway! Enter here!

Journey Forward {9}

It's time for a check-up, a check-in. Today for Journey Forward, we are taking a moment to assess our progress thus far toward our word. I figured I'd start off by reviewing my goals that I set about one month ago.

1. Career Goals - I can proudly say that my main career goal is now very much underway and I'm putting a great deal of time and energy into it almost daily to really accomplish what I have been wanting to do! More to come soon!
2. Decide where I want to live - I have also been spending a lot of time thinking about this one and have an idea or two :)
3. Treat myself to a MacBook - check!
4. Build my savings - While my actual savings account hasn't been growing YET, I have been working to build my checking account which to me, is still a great thing! Once I've built that a little more, I'll start budgeting some of my money into savings.
5. Continue finding the positive - Absolutely! This is something I strive for everyday. Last night, I was tempted to tweet, "There just aren't enough hours in the day" but I knew that would exude the negative energy that I don't want to surround myself with. So, I changed my thoughts and said, "I can accomplish anything."
6. Grow in the areas of my life where I have a lot of potential - Still working on this one. Once I create more free time, I'll be able to focus more energy on this.
7. Stop planning. Start doing - I'm actually surprised at how well I've been doing with this. I think the passing of my mom has really pushed me to just get out there and make things happen while choosing what to do wisely.

I love this quote from the Southwest Airlines founder.

So, that said, I feel like I'm well on the way to becoming. I'm really learning what works for me and what doesn't and to really not let the opinions and judgments of others affect me. As Gwen Stefani would say, 

"It's my life. Don't you forget."

I've got the reigns now and I'm not letting go.

It's onward and upward from here.


<center><a href="http://lifeisasunset.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/f2vx1s.png"/></a></center>
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Next week for Journey Forward:

Now that we've reflected back on the past nine weeks or so and taken a look at our progress, here's my challenge for you - To write about an obstacle, a shortcoming, a [temporary] roadblock that may be standing in your way, keeping you from fully reaching and accomplishing your word. Maybe it's one thing in particular, or it could be a bunch of little things. Come link-up again with us next Thursday!

Journey Forward {8}

The past two days have been insanely busy. More on that later. I've felt pretty disconnected to my blog and the bloggy world, though. I can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs and be social again :)

Today's prompt for Journey Forward was to a share some Pinterest pins that exemplify our "word." With the word "become," this was harder for me than I anticipated. As I perused Pinterest, I just pinned whatever image resonated with me and the idea of becoming. Here are my pins, followed by the link to my Pinterest boards. I'd love for us to follow each other and spread the Journey love!

1. Embrace my natural beauty and unique talents like that of a field of flowers.
2. Let go of my fears and limitations from the past that have held me back like that of a timid kitten. [Can't find the source for this!]
3. Though I've learned a lot through experience and growing older, find the confidence, curiosity, and dreams within me like that of a little girl.
4. Ask myself everyday what it is going to take to live the life I've dreamt of like that of a message in random wall art.
5. Find the peace and serenity that comes with love like that of a couple in love.
6. Become what I know I am like that of a beautiful swan.
7. Enjoy the little moments in life and feel constant joy and blessings in every moment like that of a girl dancing in the rain.

<center><a href="http://lifeisasunset.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/f2vx1s.png"/></a></center>

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Next Week for Journey Forward:

Quarterly Check-up! Can you believe we're about a quarter of a way through the year? Let's take a moment this coming week to reflect on our progress with our word. If you've been participating since the start, go back and look at your list of goals you set for yourself. How are they coming along? Are you on track? Ahead of the game? Falling behind? If you're just joining us, take a look back on this year so far. Have you seen growth toward your word/goal?

Take the time now to assess where you stand and how you feel about your progress and write about it! Be sure to come back here next Thursday to link-up! All are welcome :)

Journey Forward {7}

I thought I knew exactly who I was going to write about for this post. Today's Journey Forward post is about the person who is our role model or, better yet, the spokesperson for our "word" of the year. 

Become

I thought about Marilyn Monroe because she's always been an inspiration to me. She lived a tough childhood without a father and with a barely existent mother, all the while never giving up on her dream to become an actress. But, Marilyn's life was cut short. I don't think she truly ever got to become the woman she wanted to be. It's sad.

Then, I thought about Sandra Bullock, another inspiration to me. It's always motivating to see someone from your hometown area become so successful at what they do. She's one of the leading ladies of Hollywood and a favorite of many. Yet, she stayed grounded and strong and persevered. 

But, as far as the things I want to accomplish in this life go, I have chosen one person who encompasses many of the aspects I want to become [although not all of them will be during this year in particular.] Tori Spelling.

That's right. I've been a fan of hers since the days when I was young and my mom didn't let me watch Beverly Hills: 90210 [but I'd sneak a peek anyway!] I've read all of her books and just love her little series on Oxygen. I even named my cat after her first daughter, Stella. [My husband wouldn't let me name our future daughter that. Shucks.]

Tori always talks about her childhood and knew how lucky and blessed she was to live such a lavish life. But, when it came to becoming who and what she wanted to be, she still had to work hard. I look at her now and read her stories and see the spunk and the passion, the drive and the down-to-earth nature of her. She has never lost sight on her dreams despite the personal hardships she's been faced with.

She doesn't let her age hold her back from being a wonderful mother of three [and a fourth on the way!] She doesn't let the career disappointments of her past hold her back from accomplishing all her current business goals.

Tori somehow finds time to do it all and she does it well. I don't think the world gives her enough credit. She's a total family girl with a real zest for life! Do I even need to mention the obvious other things I love about her? [Her beautifully styled home and the fact that we share the same love for big, chunky jewelry?]

So, at the end of the day, Tori is my girl. She has truly "become" a woman who has it all. Not because it was handed to her but because she worked for it and never gave up on her dreams. She heard "no" a thousand times but said "yes" a thousand and one.

It's only appropriate to end with a Tori quote:

“Everybody knows there is no such thing as normal. There is no black-and-white definition of normal. Normal is subjective. There's only a messy, inconsistent, silly, hopeful version of how we feel most at home in our lives.” 

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Next week for Journey Forward:
Several weeks ago, I asked you to create a "Journey Forward" board on Pinterest, full of anything that inspires you to move toward your "word." If you haven't yet, go do so now!
Well, this next week go find pictures that exemplify your "word." I'm not talking about quotes or a picture with your word on it. Save those for later. Whether your word is growth, love, beauty, faith, etc. find pictures that relay that message, that word to us. This might require some imagination, depending on our words. Have fun with it, keep your mind open. Pin those images, and in your post next week, share them with us. Be sure to share your link to Pinterest as well so that we can all Journey together :)

Journey Forward {6}

Today for Journey Forward, let's talk about our happy place. Okay, so maybe not our happy place but where we go and what we do when we need to unwind/re-charge. A couple months ago, I was asked this very question and I responded with a shrug and an, "I don't know..." I didn't even know where I went to re-charge my own internal battery!! Which meant one thing - It sure hadn't been re-charged in quite a while.

So, I started to think. And think. And think some more.

Barnes & Noble.
This probably sounds weird if you know that I'm not much of a reader. At least, not a fiction reader. Hunger Games? Nope. I think I read the first page of the very first Harry Potter and just couldn't do it.

But, when I go into Barnes & Noble, not just any bookstore, I feel untouchable. I feel safe. I wander aimlessly through the store, browsing the bookshelves, paging through the books written on Europe, or how to care for your new dog, or ways to surround yourself with happiness.
I sit down at a table, maybe grab an Italian soda, and just trickle through the pages, often taking notes in my phone. Or pictures.

 
[I love Joel. What can I say?]

I can stay there for hours. Again, it's like the world seems to stop spinning for those moments and it's just me, the books, and my learning. It's refreshing and soothing. It's an escape.

Oftentimes I turn to music as well. It’s another escape for me. I get lost in the lyrics and the beats and find myself choreographing in my mind. It’s so easy to drift away into music. Whether I’m at the beach or I’m in the car, I’m always listening to something.

My favorite “thinking” artist would have to be A Fine Frenzy. Pretty much every song by her gets me thinking and feeling. “Elements” and “Swan Song” especially. Go listen to them. You know a song is really special when it moves you every time you listen to it, regardless of how many times you’ve heard it.

Whether I’m sitting in Barnes & Noble or listening to a special song, it’s in those moments that I become inspired. My mind can be clear and I can focus on what’s important; to become.

 

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Next week for Journey Forward:

 

Who is the “spokesperson” for your word? Someone who lives your word and inspires you to do the same. It can be a celebrity, family member, blogger, etc. Tell us about them, why you look up to them, what makes them such a great example.

As always, link up below and go check out some of the other Journeyers! Also, spread the love on Twitter by sharing your link and using #JourneyForward :)

Journey Forward {5}

Friends, I am writing this blog post via my brand new MacBook PRO! My original plan was to wait until Friday [pay day] to make the purchase but after making my second trip to decide exactly which MacBook to buy, I didn't want to walk away empty-handed. So, here I am. And, here I was:

Now, on to this week's post for Journey Forward. This week the prompt was to simply describe yourself. I say "simply" but really, describing myself has always been a little tough for me. So, here we go.

I'm Chelsea and up until about a month or two ago, I would have had no idea what to write here. Lately, I've been really taking the time to find myself. To find out who I really am, not who others think I am or want me to be.

I'm constantly growing and evolving. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe in God and His Plan. I wear my heart on my sleeve and no matter how many times I've gotten hurt, that will never stop. I'm quiet when I first meet you but could spend every hour of my day on stage either dancing or acting and be perfectly happy.

I have a deep love for homeless animals and animals needing to be rescued. I feel it is a calling of mine while here on Earth to speak for those animals and help them when often times they can't help themselves. That said, I adopted the sweetest, most fun little cat named Stella just over a year ago and look forward to the day when I can welcome some doggies into my life.

I am passionate. Motivated. And have learned to find hope in the hard times. Through the sudden and recent passing of my Mother, I have been able to reevaluate my life. I have reassessed my goals and dreams and have started manifesting the things I want to have and accomplish in this life. After experiencing some dark moments and numbing spans of time, I believe without a doubt that we are responsible for creating our own happiness. I believe in the Law of Attraction.

I love animal print, chocolate, 2-door cars, the ocean, driving across the United States, asymmetry, non-fiction books, palm trees, and big chunky jewelry.

My family means the world to me. My dreams guide me. My faith centers me me. Music lifts me. Writing makes me come alive. And the color blue puts a smile on my face.

And always, always when I get to the end of things like this, I get anxious over the possibility of having left something out. But, you know what? That's life. I'm okay with it.

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Next week's prompt:

What helps you to clear your mind? Where do you go/what do you do to re-center and re-focus yourself?

Be sure to link-up below! As always, feel free to join in on any week! :)

Journey Forward {4}

[Before we get started, today I am guest posting over on my dear bloggy friend’s blog Keep Calm & Carry On. Katie asked me to write about something that is very near and dear to both of our hearts and it would mean the world to have your support over there today.]

Today for Journey Forward, we'll be making a list of goals for this year - Goals that will help us get closer to and eventually achieve our word. For me, since my word is "become," my goals revolve around what I want to become during this year. There are certainly things that I want to accomplish in order to be that woman.

Here are my goals for 2012, in no particular order:

1. I have two particular career goals that I want to accomplish. One of them is already underway and the second one is in its early stages. These career goals are quite personal to me so, until they're more developed, I'll be keeping them on the down-low :)

2. Decide where I want to live. Just over two years ago, I packed everything into my car and moved to Salt Lake City. Now, here I am, back in the DC area. While this will always be home, the longer I stay here, the more I realize it's just not for me. I know... everyone who was so glad to have me back in the area probably has steam coming out of their ears now. I've been researching new areas that would encompass many of the things I look for in a home and place to settle down. My goal now is to decide.

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3. Treat myself to a MacBook. This is probably the first goal to be checked off the list. As of next weekend, I will be the proud owner of a MacBook Pro. This is something I've been wanting for years and, finally, I'm making it happen!

4. Build my savings. I love my savings accounts. I really do. However, for the past year or so they've been a bit stagnant so, this is the year to watch them grow! Budget & discipline :)

5. Continue finding the positive. Throughout the past few months, I’ve really been making a point to see the positive instead of focusing on the negative. Not only has it helped me get through the tough moments, but it’s also helped me grow as a person. I want to keep that positivity with me everywhere I go from now on.

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6. Grow in the areas of my life where I have a lot of potential. There are a number of things that I think I could be really good at and succeed in doing if I put more time/energy/learning into them. Examples: Decorating, cooking, photography, video editing. In a sense, I’ve kind of cut myself short of really developing a talent for those things. It’s time to turn that around.

7. Stop planning. Start doing. With my background in event planning, I am certainly a planner [almost to a fault.] I get so wrapped up and consumed in the planning stages that the actually execution of something scares me. It’s time to start doing.

Those are seven of my goals thus far. As I get deeper into my journey, I might add a few more or fine-tune some of the above.
These goals mean even more to me now than when I started this link-up just over a month ago because now, I can accomplish these goals not only for myself but in honor of my Mom.
I’m excited. I’m excited to see these goals start getting checked off the list. Better yet, I’m excited to start feeling the joy when I accomplish them!

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Prompt for next week:

Describe yourself.
While, we’re still in the early stages of this link-up and it would obviously be fun to learn more about each other, I want this prompt to be something you benefit from. So, take some time. Think about yourself. Really think and, in your own words, describe who you are.

Journey Forward {3}

Dear Chelsea,

This is, without a doubt, going to be the hardest year of your life. Your heart is going to break twice. The first time will be after you get married. You won't be able to prepare yourself for the pain after deciding to part ways. However, you’re going to learn and grow and transition into a better person because of it. He’ll come back into your life later down the road. Continue to keep an open mind. Continue to grow.

After leaving and moving home, hold on to those who let you fall into their arms. There are going to be a lot of bumps along the way of mending your broken heart. You're going to be lost for a while. Take the time to find yourself. Figure out what you believe; what you want; what you need. Most importantly, let all of this strengthen you. Remember that God has given you these trials to make you stronger and better and, as long as you work hard, you will see the positive changes in your life.

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Once your heart has finally started to heal and you have started to see the big changes and improvements taking place, your heart will be broken again. It will be a different kind of heart break this time. One you've never felt before. You can't prepare yourself for the death of your Mom. You won't have much warning. God is going to take her quickly. It's going to hurt worse than anything before. Find your strength in family, prayer, and in her spirit. While you plan her funeral, you will feel a power within you that you've never felt before. That is your true potential. Embrace that and remind yourself of it constantly because that is the woman you are meant to be. Surround yourself with people who bring that out of you and do away with the rest.

Looking back on that past year will be tough. It will be full of hardships and trials that you never imagined you'd be facing this early in life. But, look... you made it. Look back on the positive memories: The way it felt to drive across the country; away from heartbreak and toward a safe, loving home. Remember what it felt like to drive through West Virginia and feel that sticky, Summer humidity on your skin again. Remember those mother-daughter moments and all the time you shared running errands together in the Fall. Remember the way it felt to link arms with her and the way her keys jingled when you'd look for her in a store. Remember the good.

It's going to be okay. The hardest year is over. Continue to learn and grow and be inspired. The best is yet to come.

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The prompt this week was to write a letter to yourself one year ago. Not only do I think it’s important to look back and reflect on how far we’ve come from where we used to be, but I think it’s important to remember the lessons life has taught us thus far and to continue to apply them today. However you chose to interpret this prompt, I’m excited to read your posts so, link up below :)

Next Week’s Prompt:

Set some goals for yourself – Goals that you want to achieve in 2012 that will bring you closer to your word. Be as specific as you’d like.

Share those goals with us next week. Keep them in mind each day and don’t lose sight of them.

Journey Forward {2}

After the last two posts and a week full of pain, please know that my heart just isn’t ready to write yet. However, I’ve made the commitment to this link-up and those of you participating so I will still be publishing this post to give you the opportunity to link up about your journeys. After today, I am unsure when I will return to this blog. When the time feels right, I will. Maybe in the next week or so. Your emails, texts, and tweets have touched my heart and family so deeply and the gratitude I have for each and every one of you can truly not be described. I love you all.

This week’s Journey Forward challenge was to create a Journey Forward pinboard on Pinterest and fill it with anything and everything that reminds you and inspires you to work toward your word. Then, feel free to share some of those pins with us. To continue being inspired and sharing the love, I’d love for everyone to visit some of the other pinboards mentioned in the posts linked below and follow along.

You can start following my Journey Forward pinboard here.

 

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Next Week’s Prompt:

Write a letter to yourself one year ago. I will leave it at that.

I have disabled comments for this post. Please take that time to visit the other links. Again, I love you all and will see you back here in the near future.

Journey Forward {1}

First of all, I'm so BEYOND excited to start this journey! I'm thrilled not only to document my own progress and be able to look back on it later, but to read about your journeys as well!

This is the first week of Journey Forward – a link up I have created to get us writing, thinking, and making the change toward a goal we have chosen for this year. After reading about My One Word, I decided to make the commitment for 2012 to focus my energy toward one word. Each week I’m coming up with a new question, challenge, or exercise to get us thinking and writing about our word/goal!

 As I’ve said before, my word this year is “become.” Each day, "become" grows more and more important to me.
The first challenge for Journey Forward was to define our word through the dictionary and through our own words.

 

According to Merriam-Webster, “become” means:

To come into existence
To undergo change or development

I think both of those definitions perfectly explain what it means to become. "Become" is really a pretty simple word with a simple meaning when you think about it.
To me, "become" means to transition; transform; develop into something greater than before. I think of the caterpillar during its transformation into the beautiful butterfly.
I think "become" is a process that takes time. The amount of time can depend on the situation, however, truly becoming is not something that can be done overnight or at the snap of a finger.
”Become” is the process of truly being.

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Challenge for next week:

Create a Journey Forward pinboard on Pinterest. On this pinboard, pin anything that reminds you, inspires you, or motivates you to keep moving toward your word. It can be pictures that make you happy, quotes that keep you going, anything related to your journey forward!
In your post next week, share the link to your pinboard so that we can all follow each other's boards and spread the love on Pinterest. Then, share a few of your pins! {Just not ALL of them - I have some future challenges we'll need to save those for!}

If you need an invite to Pinterest, just leave a comment below and give me your email address :)

I’ll be keeping this link-up open until next Wednesday night. Now, let the linking up begin!