What do you think?

Someday, I think this is what is going to be put on my tombstone.

What do you think?

At what point did I stop believing that my own opinions, likes, and dislikes were all that I needed for a better life?  A happier and more relaxed life.  I am driven my public approval and acceptance, and no, I am not proud of that fact.

And then I came across this quote this morning.

And it's not until recently that I understood that I have years of unfinished projects, writings, and DIY's all because I thought someone might like that I was doing it.  Even on here, I have found myself not wanting to write as much because I'm not entirely sure anyone is reading.  Or writing more because I might have had a lot of views on a particular day.

Yes, I know YOU are reading, but does anyone else really care what I have to say?  And now for the bitter pill.... should it matter what anyone else thinks or says?

I was talking about a situation at the rink yesterday with one of our front desk staff, and at one point she said, "Well, why would you care what she thinks?"  It hit me, that I was worried about the opinion of someone I didn't even respect because of my desperate need to be liked.

Here is how bad it can get...

• I have a hard time relaxing at home because I wonder what so-and-so would think if they knew I was watching Friday Night Lights for the 4th hour in a row.
• I'm not always honest with people for fear that my opinion would lead them to think I was really crazy.  
• I think my depression is sometimes linked to the fact that I'm a people-pleaser and driven by what others need.  That fact alone makes it difficult to get out of bed in the morning.
• I'm never really sure if I love something until I finish it.  If I finish a project, yes... If it's sitting in a documents folder, no.
• Never really trusting your own opinion hold you back from taking chances and trying new things.  Or sending query letters.

I literally could go on and on.  So much of who I am is wrapped up in what I believe others think, and I HATE  it.  Hate is a strong word, but I am using it (with the trifecta of formatting no less), because I feel that at some point I need to break free from caring what others think.

Will this happen over night?  Probably not, but I do know that little changes will add up to a big difference.  I already started this week by choosing to say no to someone and owning what I wanted.

I know I'm not alone in this battle.  Many of us are guilty of this to some extent, but maybe we can start to figure out what is really important to us and roll with that.  Figure out what you love.  Figure out what you hate.  And figure out whose opinion you can really trust... and others, not so much.

Let the bad stuff go.  It can't effect you if you don't let it.

Happy Friday!

#100happydays

This might not be a word to live by, but it's certainly a hashtag to live by.

Can one live by a hashtag?

Either way, I have officially jumped on the bandwagon and started my #100happydays adventure on Instagram.

Day 1

Now I'm not completely sure if this project will create actual happiness, but I do think it will force anyone taking the challenge to start looking and being open to it.  

Besides, after I posted this picture I found myself looking around for more happy things, so any hashtag that induces a search for happy things is okay in my book. 

So whether or not you're looking to find more happiness in your days, what can it hurt?  You don't even need to take the challenge to participate.  Pay attention to what is going on around you during your day and see if you can't find something to be happy about.  You don't have to post or hashtag... just notice.

I hope you have a #happymonday and have a chance to watch or read something good tonight.

Amazing

Hello!

I tweeted this to a friend today but thought we could all use a boost now and then.  I even printed it to hang above my desk.

 

Have an amazing day!

Additions

I have an addition to my family... my blog family, that is.

It's been a struggle to write here lately (yes, I know you've noticed), and I just have found myself reading more than anything else.

It's only natural that I would want to have a blog dedicated to what I love most.  I'm hoping to maintain both blogs, as well as start a new book of my own, and want to keep you along for the ride.  Yes, I have high hopes for myself.

So, if you're looking for the next book, or just want to see what I'm reading, head on over to So Many Books and let me know what you think.

I always love to hear from you...

Friday Reads

Well... did you read something this week?

Did you love it?  Or hate it?  Or not really care if you finished it?

I read Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen last weekend, and even though I finished it in only a couple days, it wasn't my favorite book of hers.  Don't get me wrong... it's a great book, but her earlier work, especially Skipping a Beat, was exceptional.  If you haven't read that one yet, you MUST.  It's still in my top 10 favorite books of all time.

So, this week I have two things for you to read.

The first one comes to me by way of Marcy, my book guru.  If Marcy says to read something, you read it.  You don't ask questions.  You don't inquire what it's about.

You just buy the book and read it.

And that's what I did.  I bought the book, and will spend a leisurely weekend reading it.

Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell (yes, that's for real) is the book, and I was told that it would remind you why you love to read.  I can't wait to start it and let you know all about it.

Now, the next thing I want you to read isn't a book but a website.  Not sure how I found this one, but I  started off following it on Instagram and just find myself drawn to her website all the time (it might have something to do with her monthly 30 day challenges).  The Everygirl website has a little bit of everything, and I could spend hours going through all of the articles on there.  

Trust me, you'll love it.

Start by following it on Instagram and you'll see what I mean.  Beautiful pictures every day.

Well, that's it... my #fridayreads list for you.

I hope you're reading something good this week.

Happy Friday!

Sorry (not sorry)

Sorry.

I am guilty of this - saying sorry for every little thing - even things that I have no need to be sorry for!

It's as if I am apologizing to everyone for even existing.

Sorry I'm talking.
Sorry, I have an opinion.
Sorry, I have a question.
Sorry, I'm good at what I do.
Sorry, I don't agree with you.
Sorry, I'm sick of that bullish*t.
Sorry, I really don't have time for that right now.

When I first saw this commercial, I nearly cried.

For real.

I have never really thought about it before, but what are we all sorry for?  I know I'm not the only one apologizing their days away.   Are we so worried about what everyone else thinks, that we feel the need to right something before it's even wrong?

Or is it just the worst case of insecurity ever?

I'm not sure when it started, but you better believe I'm going to stop myself from apologizing for things that aren't necessary.  

It's okay to have an opinion.

It's okay to disagree with someone.

It's okay to be exactly who you are.

Own it.

Live it. 

Be strong and shine.

Thanks, Pantene.  I love your commercial.

Happy FIRST day of Summer!

Inspired

Inspired... that's my word of the day.

I'm hoping it lasts for more than just a day though.

I've been looking everywhere for it.  High and low.  In desk drawers.  In file folders.  Even in the cookie jar.

It couldn't be found anywhere.  At least not where I was looking.

Then a friend of mine said she was doing a speaking engagement today for a teacher's conference, so I decided to leave work early and go see her.

Truth be told, I would pretty much cross state lines to watch her read the phone book.  She's that good.

And it's not so much what she's saying all the time... it's how she says it and the meaning behind the words.  She is a children's book author, a teacher, wife and mother, daughter, and friend.  So many things to so many people.  In fact she has inspired me to write another top ten list :)

Top Ten things Allison has taught me:

1. Being real and honest about who you truly are is a beautiful thing.  So many people out there are trying to fit into a mold of who they think they should be (myself included), so its amazing to be around someone who is 100% completely owning who they are.  
2. Beauty can be found everywhere.
3. Public speaking doesn't have to be scary or boring.  She is brilliant.
4. Real people attract real friends who are really nice.
5. It's okay to have issues, and if you can share them in a way to make someone else feel like they're not alone... well, that's just brilliant.
6. She is funny, wise, and likes to curse as much as I do.
7. Be nice to everyone (even the people you might not like).
8. Home is where your heart is.
9. Taking chances in necessary to growing.  
10. It's the little things in life that truly make a difference.  How you treat people and live your life will come back to you every time.  Be kind.

So you can see why my inspiration jumping off the page now?  I hope you can all find something to be inspired about this weekend.

Happy Friday!