Day 18: Dreams

Abide in the simple and noble regions of thy life, obey thy heart. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down your top three dreams. Now write down what’s holding you back from them.

Top Three Dreams:

#1 To own and run a bakery
#2 To travel the world
#3 To learn to drive a motorcycle

Top Three Things Holding Me Back:

#1 Money and fear of taking a risk
#2 Money and someone to go with
#3 Someone to teach me and a bike

Day 17: Invent the Future

A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My favorite quote of all time is Alan Kay: ‘In order to predict the future, you have to invent it.’ I am all about inventing the future. Decide what you want the future to be and make it happen. Because you can. Write about your future now.

I want to be successful in life. I want to have a loving husband and fabulous children, hopefully the perfect family. I also want to continue to be successful and progress in my career. I want to be able to look at my life every day and be happy with where I am and the decisions I have made. I want to always be surrounded by love and support from my family. To accomplish this I have to be true to myself, stay positive, look for the good in others, and work hard!

Day 16: Wholly Strange and New

When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name;—— the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Can you remember a moment in your life when you had life in yourself and it was wholly strange and new? Can you remember the moment when you stopped walking a path of someone else, and started cutting your own?

Write about that moment. And if you haven’t experienced it yet, let the miracle play out in your mind’s eye and write about that moment in your future.

I have never thought I was walking the path of someone else but I guess as we are growing up we are doing a lot of what our parents would have us do. That being said I guess when I was graduating from W&J and was trying to decide whether to get married or go to graduate school was when I finally made a big decision and started supporting myself and doing what I thought was best for me. Since then I have graduated, moved from PA to MD, and started my career. I sometimes stop and think about what my life would be like if I never left AZ, or went to grad school, or went back home after finishing my degrees. You always wonder if there is something better but for now I am happy and working hard.

Day 15: One Thing

Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a moment, step back from your concerns, and focus on one thing: You have one life to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Sounds simple, but when you really focus on it, let it seep into your consciousness, you realize you only have about 100 years to get every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do. No second chances. This is your only shot. Suddenly, this means you should have started yesterday. No more waiting for permission or resources to start. Today is the day you make the rest of your life happen. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do and how you will achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to be very specific in how you’ll achieve it: once you start achieving, your goals will get bigger and your capability to meet them will grow.


I feel like I have already done this one. Hmmm...today my interest in motorcycles was peaked again. I have always wanted to learn to drive one. I love riding them so wouldn't driving be way better?! I have no idea how to go about learning to ride one. Any ideas? Someone suggested taking lesson or a class. I don't know how I feel about that. I suppose I would rather someone I know teach me.

I am not sure when I will make this goal happen but I will try for sooner rather than later.

Day 14: Alternative Paths

When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name; the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The world buzzes about goals and visions. Focus. Create a vivid picture of exactly where you want to go. Dream big, then don’t let anything or anyone stop you. The problem, as Daniel Gilbert wrote in Stumbling Upon Happiness, is that we’re horrible at forecasting how we’ll really feel 10 or 20 years from now – once we’ve gotten what we dreamed of. Often, we get there only to say, “That’s not what I thought it would be,” and ask, “What now?” Ambition is good. Blind ambition is not. It blocks out not only distraction, but the many opportunities that might take you off course but that may also lead you in a new direction. Consistent daily action is only a virtue when bundled with a willingness to remain open to the unknown. In this exercise, look at your current quest and ask, “What alternative opportunities, interpretations and paths am I not seeing?” They’re always there, but you’ve got to choose to see them.

Not sure what to write...

I am stubborn making it hard for me to look for the other path's I do not easily see. I also like doing things a certain way (my way) and I need to learn to be flexible. It is a problem I have in certain areas of my life. I need to remember to be more open to alternative paths and ways of doing things.

Day 13: Surprise

I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?

When I decided to leave Arizona to go to school in Pennsylvania I really thought I would be back after 1 year, then after 4 years, then after 6. I am now working on my 8th year away from Arizona and I cannot believe that I was able to get through undergrad and grad school, and now starting my career. In the beginning I always thought I would end up back in Yuma and SURPRISINGLY I am still on the East Coast and happy (I know I am suppose to be here).

This week I am going to ACTUALLY go to kickboxing!

Day 12: Fear

These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the answers to the following:

Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? or the love you’ll never venture? or the joy you’ll never feel?

Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes?

Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are?

Now Do. The Thing. You Fear.


YES, fear is always holding me back from living my fullest life and being truly self expressed.

No, of course not. All the silly insecurities I hold on to will never be worth any possible dream, love, or joy. I need to stop letting fear stop me from being who I really am. My biggest fears are rejection and disappointment from those I care about that might not always understand the real me.

Day 11: Divine Idea

Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?

I have been in a constant struggle between "Mormon" life and "normal" life, the whole Joan vs Joann (as Kirsten says). The past year and a half or so I have been trying to do the "Mormon thing" (church, marriage, etc.). Being 24, single, and career oriented I often feel very out of place in "Mormon world". I suppose I have been trying to imitated what I feel is expected of me from such a culture.

The past few weeks I have been trying to find some weird balance between who I think people expect me to be and who I actually am. I suppose I should take my own advice (from previous post) and just be true to myself no matter what anyone thinks.

As for what my divine idea is...I have no idea. I just want to be happy.

Day 10: Your Personal Message

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?

I never really thought I had a personal message or something I would need to tell 1 million people RIGHT NOW. But if I had to give some sort of advice I would say:

Be who you are. Be true to yourself, NO MATTER WHAT. Many of us worry too much about fitting in and not standing out (especially growing up). Instead embrace who you are and don't ever be afraid to be different. My grandmother always said, if someone doesn't like you then screw 'em they aren't important anyways (or something like that, I was very young).

Day 9: Afraid to Do

The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency; a reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson says: “Always do what you are afraid to do.” What is ‘too scary’ to write about? Try doing it now.

Well it took me a few days to work up the courage on this one but I did it this afternoon. It is ALWAYS 'too scary' for me to tell my mother about a new tattoo, but I decided she is going to find out sooner or later and I might as well be on the other side of the country.

It is hard for me to sometimes judge reactions from her over the phone if she doesn't clearly verbalize them. I of course could sense disappointment in her voice and I am sure she isn't very happy about it; however she wasn't angry (or I couldn't tell she was). This may be because after four tattoos its no surprise but still a let down.

She just asked me one question, "Why cherry blossoms?" Well the obvious answer is that I love Asian culture, I want to go to Japan, and they are beautiful. All great answers in my opinion. But after I decided on cherry blossoms I started to look more into their meanings and it just seemed right.

I cannot find the website that I had looked at but here is another one that has a shorter explanation (http://tattoopub.com/cherry-blossom-tattoos.htm).


Outlining


Shading


Color


Today's sentence: The sun is shining and the weather is extremely warm, it is feeling like Yuma today.

Day 8: Five Years

There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?

Oh geez, me at 19 (well almost 20), what would I say?! Where was I even? I was just starting the summer between my sophomore and junior year of college. I was working at YPG and dating John. Hmmm...

I suppose I would tell myself to realize what is important in the long run, what will make me the happiest. Back then I had no idea how much I wanted the church in my life. I also did not realize that I wanted to further my education and go into the cyber/security world. I think everyone would tell themselves to study more, have more fun, love more, and complain less. Just be more passionate about life!

I would have also told myself to love ME more. If I would have loved ME more I would have done things differently, not only health-wise but in many other areas that affected who I am today. I would have probably shown myself more love AND respect.

I guess the only other thing I would tell myself is get plenty of sunshine and exercise or you will get depressed, don't ever settle for someone who can't give you everything, say what you mean and mean what you say, don't let your OCDs get out of hand (because they will), and don't worry two of the cutest little men will come into your life at the end of grad school and they will be a constant source of joy and love as you steer your way through life.

Now to the FUTURE me, where I am 29 and a little over a month till the big 3-0! What to say now?!

I would probably have more questions than answers. Questions like...
Is what you are doing now making you happy?
Did you ever give up something or someone you shouldn't have?

But then I shouldn't waste my time asking questions right? I should be telling myself important things. I would say...

Always remember who you are and what you stand for, let that be what drives your desires and decisions. Be happy. I know by now you have probably made very important decisions that have set you on a path, I hope that it is the right one for you. I hope that you will make sure to always find joy and happiness. To not look back with regrets or sadness, to know that you made the right choices and you are living the life that was meant for you.

Remember you become your mother so embrace the fabulous qualities she has given you but don't forget the good your father has contributed to who you are as well. Love your family unconditionally and be kind to your husband (you are a bear to live with and he is probably a really nice guy to put up with you). And always remember what your grandmother has taught you, she is a strong woman with great knowledge and many talents. If you strive to obtain the qualities she has you will be a remarkable woman one day.


Today's sentence: I am exhausted mentally and physically, I have a big weekend ahead of me but I have amazing friends that will be there to help me get through it and for that I am grateful!

Day 7: Dare To Be Bold

Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.

A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work

The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.

Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.

The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?

One thing I have been afraid to pursue is kickboxing (silly I know). I have been talking about wanting to do it for years now it feels like. I even bought a Groupon for 5 kickboxing classes and I still have yet to take them! One obstacle was finding a place to take the classes but since I bought a Groupon for a specific place that is no longer an obstacle. Another obstacle is time. I always feel like I never have enough time after work to do too much so I let that stop me from doing many things. I also let my insecurities get in the way of me doing more physical things in public, like running (ps another thing I want to do is run a marathon...or half marathon). My plan to over come the obstacles of time and insecurities is to get my name of the schedule for the classes and go! I also need to realize that no one is perfect at these dang classes and I should not be self-conscious.

As for the marathon...I started running more but I need to get a marathon training program from online and start doing it. I think running in a marathon would be quite an accomplishment for myself!


Post-it Question Revisited: It has been well over 48 hours and I have been thinking about how to become more motivated about professional career growth. I realized that when I look at the big picture (where I want to be in say 5 or 10 years) I become overwhelmed with the amount of work it will take. Instead I need to focus on smaller portions of that picture and one day they will add up!

I need to focus on one or two major goals a month and follow them through. I need to stay focused and know what it is I am working towards at that moment (something smaller and specific). Once I have accomplished a goal I need to focus on another, not allowing myself to let significant amounts of time pass (I get lazy).

I also need to make regular meetings with my mentor and career managers to make sure I am on track and that I am setting the correct smaller goals to ultimately meet the BIG ONE!


Today's sentence: I started CISSP training which is one of my smaller goals to help my career growth (promotion); I must stay focus throughout training and then study hard for the next month so that I can pass the exam!

Day 6: Come Alive

Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you had one week left to live, would you still be doing what you’re doing now? In what areas of your life are you preparing to live? Take them off your To Do list and add them to a To Stop list. Resolve to only do what makes you come alive.

Bonus: How can your goals improve the present and not keep you in a perpetual “always something better” spiral?

If I had one week to live I definitely would not be doing what I am doing now (going to work, not with family, etc.). However, I do think my life is going really good right now and I do not have any major regrets.

During my last week I would spend time with my family and close friends. I would also be eating the best food imaginable (mexican, DQ, desserts).

The areas of my life that I am preparing to live is for the future (husband, family, career). I suppose that I do focus too much on the future when I should be enjoying what I have now.

I should set goals now that will make me happy and prepare me to be the person I want to be so that when those "future" things I am waiting for do show up I am ready!


Today's sentence: The weather has been amazing, warm and bright, just like my mood lately; I am thankful for the beautiful world my Heavenly Father has created for me to enjoy.

Day 5: Travel

If we live truly, we shall see truly. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Not everyone wants to travel the world, but most people can identify at least one place in the world they’d like to visit before they die. Where is that place for you, and what will you do to make sure you get there?

I am definitely someone who wants to and LOVES to travel. In recent years I haven't really done much of it but I need to make it a goal now that I am working. Being that type of person I of course want to go EVERYWHERE. I can remember being very young and thinking I want to see everything, go everywhere. I know that is impossible but I sure can get a lot done during my life, right?!?

I want to go to Ireland, Italy, Fiji, Australia, Egypt, China....and the list goes on and on. However the one on the top of the list is JAPAN.



I would love to go to Japan because, as Sabra and I always say, we were Asian in another life. I love Asian themed literature and since I started reading those books I have fallen in love with the culture, the women, and the beautiful pictures of the country. I cannot wait to go!

To make sure I get there I will start putting aside a little money each month. I will want to go before I am married, preferably with my sissy! Start saving your pennies sissy. Let's make this happen!



Today's sentence: Today I worked hard all morning (packing/cleaning) but then I enjoyed an evening among friends (Kerri's party/Shawn, Rennicker's apt); I am blessed to have such great friends that love me and are always there for me!

Day 4: Post-it Question

That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have taught Shakespeare? Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin, or Washington, or Bacon, or Newton? . . . Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Identify one of your biggest challenges at the moment (ie I don’t feel passionate about my work) and turn it into a question (ie How can I do work I’m passionate about?) Write it on a post-it and put it up on your bathroom mirror or the back of your front door. After 48-hours, journal what answers came up for you and be sure to evaluate them.


I have fallen behind. I am moving in less than a week and many things are getting put on the back burner; blogging happens to be one of them. I also have no idea where my post-its are so I will have to write my challenge on this blog and remember to read it everyday.

My post-it should read...

How do I become more motivated about my professional career growth?!


Today's Sentence: Today is the end of a long work week; I am enjoying a quiet night of packing and relaxing in front of the television.

Day 3: One Strong Belief

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?

I believe that the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the Earth. My closest friends and I do not share this belief, some of my friends do not even believe in God. However, we do not let our religious views stand in the way of our friendships and our feelings towards each other.

I always grew up in the church but it wasn't until last year when I started going back to church that my faith grew and became stronger. My faith and the confirming feeling that it is true is what inspires my belief in the church. Although I am continuously struggling I am actively trying to do what is right.


Today's sentence: Today life and loss has been on my mind; I feel for those in pain and hope that one day they will be able to smile, letting the joys of life lift their spirits once again.

Day 2: Today

Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing. The force of character is cumulative. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

If ‘the voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks,’ then it is more genuine to be present today than to recount yesterdays. How would you describe today using only one sentence? Tell today’s sentence to one other person. Repeat each day.

Here is my one sentence...

Today was warm and sunny, a great day for playing ball with the boys and enjoying the pool(exactly what I did).