Stop Watching & Waiting - Just DO!

Is it just me or do you ever watch other people do things and wish that you could do them? You waste precious time "living vicariously" through other people, never actually living for yourself?

I know the feeling. Oh, I know it well. And here is my advice to you:

Stop watching. Stop waiting. Just DO.

Watching and learning from others is good, but there comes a point when you need to realize your dreams and actually go for them yourself. Eventually, living vicariously through others is just not enough, and you have to take some action of your own. 

Stop watching others and wishing that your life could be like theirs, or that you could be doing what they are doing. Wishing doesn't get you anywhere. Bite the bullet and at least try to do whatever it is that you really want to do. If it doesn't work out, then so be it, but at least you gave it a shot.

Do you watch your co-workers going out and getting promotions or other job interviews and wish that you could be doing the same? Do you spend time reading other people's blogs and wish that you were the one writing the posts? Do you watch a ton of youtube videos and wish that you could be the one making them? (I was guilty of this for a loooong time!) Stop wishing and do it. Nothing is stopping you except you.

You will always be able to find an excuse for why you didn't do this, or why you can't do that. But now is not the time to be making excuses. Now is the time to go after your dreams, no matter what.

What have you been wishing that you could do? Tell me in the comments, and then go out and DO IT!

My Proudest Accomplishments of 2014

Is it just me or can you do a lot of things in just one year? I had this post saved as a draft as 2015 was approaching, but I never posted it. Even still, as we are already a small ways into 2015, I find myself looking back and reflecting upon 2014, and I am kind of amazed by all of the things that I have accomplished last year. 

I thought it would be kind of fun to list out some of my proudest accomplishments of 2014. So here goes...

• I graduated college with a BA in Music Education! I worked super hard for 4 years, and it all paid off :)

• I became a certified music teacher--this was no easy feat, let me tell you, but I DID IT!!!

• I got my first "real" job!! (I am a music teacher, and I love it!)

• I started working on getting my Master's degree. I just finished my first semester last week!-can't wait to be done!!

• My music channel on youtube (click HERE) reached over 200 subscribers!!! I am so excited, and I'm so proud! This channel has been over 4 years in the making, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for it!

• I started my blog!!! I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while, and late last year, I finally did it. I couldn't be happier!

These are just some of the major accomplishments that stood out to me as being super special in 2014. It was a really great year, and I am realizing more every single day just how truly blessed I am. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me in 2015!

I know I'm a little late for this, but what are some of your proudest accomplishments of 2014?

Quote of the Week - Intentions

Is it just me or do you ever truly plan on doing something for someone, but then it just doesn't happen? 

This happens for me quite often--I plan to help clean the house, or send a letter to my sister away at school, or help my friend tidy her room. But then life gets in the way (or I just get distracted by other things) and it never happens. 

Today's quote hits home:

"The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention."

                                                                                       -John Burroughs

You can have the greatest of intentions, but if you don't actually carry them through, they are meaningless. You may intend to help clean the house, or write a letter, or help a friend do something, but if you don't actually do it, it means nothing.

That is why, in keeping with the quote, even "the smallest deed is better than the greatest intention." Intending to do things is good, but actually doing things is better. 

I think this is a great quote to keep in mind the next time you intend on doing something. Make sure you carry that plan through with an action--it will mean so much more.

What are some of your favorite quotes?

It's Much More Than That - Resolutions

Is it just me or have you ever made a list of New Year's Resolutions that you then gave up on within just a few weeks? With a new year just beginning, I thought it would be the perfect time to discuss resolutions.

According to the dictionary, a 'resolution' is "a firm decision to do or not to do something." 

For once, I actually agree with this definition in regards to the meaning of this word. When you resolve to do something, you make up your mind to do it, no excuses. When you resolve to achieve a certain goal, or to make a certain change in your life, you are making a "firm decision" to do it, no matter what. 

Many times, people take resolutions as an opportunity to change everything they want to change about themselves, their lives, etc. However, just making a resolution is not enough. You cannot simply make a list of everything that you want to change and expect that it will change. Making resolutions are great; Keeping resolutions take work and dedication.

A resolution is more than making "a firm decision to do or not to do something." Making this decision is a good starting point, but making the necessary changes and working towards achieving your goals is the next step.

If you make a resolution to "get more fit," but then you never work out or go to the gym, that resolution is only words written down on paper. Making such a resolution is not a bad thing, but then it is up to you to make time for going to the gym, working out, etc.

Moral of the post here? Creating a resolution and deciding to do (or not do) something is wonderful. Actually taking steps toward your resolution goal is even more wonderful. Make your decision and see it through, no matter how difficult it may be at times. You can do it!

What are some of your resolutions for the new year?

Quote of the Week - Preach With Your Life

Is it just me or do people do a whole lot of talking and not a whole lot of doing? Everyone is so focused on saying the right things that they forget that actually doing those things can have a greater impact than their words ever will.

Today's quote is one that I think is perfect to kick-start this new year:

"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."

                                                                                       -William Ellery Channing

I'm sure you have all heard the saying "Practice what you preach." While this is a great saying, it is not exactly what today's quote is all about. Words are never enough. It is so much more important to let your life do the talking for you.

It is amazing how much more impact one action can have than a hundred words. As we head into this new year, I challenge you to let your life speak for you. Let your life be a testament to what you believe, and let others see, rather than hear, what you are all about.

Will you let your life preach more loudly than your lips?