New Year, Same You––Evolved.

I’m giving up.
Not on life, or my creative path, or my family, or anything wild like that;
I’m using this year to surrender.
Letting go of the need to do––well, anything.
I know what you’re thinking, “You say you’re giving up, yet you sit in front of your computer typing away on a blog post.”
Okay, to be fair––it’s true––I have a hard time with inactivity.
But that’s not why I keep a blog.
This daily experiment started in 2010, after the passing of my grandfather.
I set a goal to write every day for a year––and in doing so––I discovered that my outlook on life changed for the better.
My ability to write about almost anything evolved, too, (which is good if you’re trying to be a writer and “find your voice”) and here I sit 7 years later, a published author.
I have no idea what’s around the corner for me in 2017, and I’m completely comfortable with that.
I learned how to be present last year––truly present in every moment––which lead to soaring victories for me personally and professionally; and the strangest thing is that the more that I let go and accepted the path that was in front of me, the more brilliant the opportunities that followed.
So here I am looking a fresh new year directly in the eyes, and I see hope, joy, creativity, and even more growth as a person and artist.
A very wise man (my husband) said that he wanted to greet the first day of the new year with the same tone and intentions that he plans on proceeding with for the rest of the year, and that’s precisely what we did.
I had no agenda today; I spent my time with loved ones, doing what we love––without expectation.
I’m ready for you 2017, and I promise to do my best to be present in every moment, live fully, take action––and yes––surrender when that is the clear choice.

Early Holiday

Despite my best attempt to stay motivated;
I’ve surrendered to my fate.
Ironically, I’ve spent the past two weeks meditating and deliberating on my mantra for 2017; the word I chose, surrender.
I spent last year developing the tools to stay present––regardless of circumstance––and I’m delighted that I found that peace almost every day.
It occurred to me that through the same presence of mind, I could release my need to overachieve, too.
It’s an ongoing struggle; but it appears I’m giving myself the rest of the year to begin implementation.
Cheers to surrender.

Hello 2016

There is nothing more intoxicating than a blank page in a fresh new journal.
For some, especially writers, that empty space is overwhelming;
I see it as an opportunity to reinvent my story.
An empty canvas––the only expectation, to imagine the possibilities.
I’ve always been that guy who sets goals, both attainable and lofty dreams that seem impossible, which provide a brilliant challenge for me.
In my twenties I spent too much time focusing on hitting the target, and didn’t appreciate the path through the woods––with unexpected obstacles; at the time I considered them roadblocks, now I realize they were challenges that helped me fine-tune my shot.
In my early thirties I refined my approach.  I focused my energy and harnessed my efforts in order to soak in the sunlight that beams down along the trail.
Now, I’m expanding my ideas.
I’m less concerned with hitting specific career goals, and more determined to seek happiness in the daily journey.
Human nature tells me to continue wanting; no matter how out of reach the goal might be, once I’ve accomplished it––like a junkie looking for the next fix, I need more!
I’m ready to break that cycle.  Not that I believe there’s anything wrong with aspiring to achieve new heights, but I’d rather splendor in the moment rather than constantly fight to feel happiness through achievements.
I have never defined my success based on a job or dollar amount, still I fall victim to the mindset that “it” will never be enough.
“If I could just sell this book, then I’ll be happy.”
So as I face the bright empty glow of cotton card-stock, I set in motion a new plan.  I will embrace each day with light and fearlessness, and as I work to accomplish new goals––I will stay present and be thankful for the challenge each new day brings; without stress or doubt.  Every roadblock is conditioning me for the next adventure.

Find The Light

Mesmerized by the glowing ambers;
The flame dances,
Reminding me to see my passion everywhere.
Ignited and ready to blaze in the new year!

Six Word Essay on 2015

Five days in, I'm gonna win!

...and scene!

The day Christmas ends;
Decorations are boxed up!
Clean palate, New Year.

Getting Fresh on Mondays.

Some people hate Mondays.
I love them -
A fresh start to a week full of opportunity and adventure!
Of course, this is my positively annoying 2014 outlook speaking.
But I think it's working for me!
I've already achieved most of my goals that I set for this week and it's not even 10 AM.
That means my affirmative energy is working...
Or I need to set BIGGER goals.
Either way, I'm happy!

Stand Back 2014!

Approaching the end of another year-
They come and go faster as I get older. (Just like grandpa said!)
I'm proud of my accomplishments, and accept that I can still do more!
I'm an over-achiever, that will try to find happiness in the goals that I'm able to conquer.
Still I want to do more!
So look out 2014, I'm coming for you Fearlessly and FULL OUT!