Life in 2008

WOW! Another year has passed on. I have mixed feelings when I look back on 2007. It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. I went through some CHANGES, man! SO much has happened in just the last year of my life: getting engaged, moving to another state (UGH), having major surgery (Thank you, Jesus!), putting 2 houses up for sale (Lord, please let them sell soon!), getting married (I's married now!), buying a new house, moving again, spending our first holidays as man and wife, getting a dog.... just adapting has been so crazy. I can't say it's all been a walk in the park but it's all been blessings. I'm thankful that things are settling down and we're getting into a routine.

Every so many years, I seem to go through some major change - whether its of my choice or not. Right now, I'm going through one of those periods so my mind is a bit clouded and I have so much in me wanting to come out but I don't quite know what to write about. There are so many major issues affecting my life right now that I could discuss - marriage, the bad economy, the real estate slump, the presidential candidates, how to potty train a puppy... things my husband and I discuss on a daily basis. But I'm sure you've heard it all before.

Lately, I've been reflecting on my life - where I am, where I'm going. At 34, I look back and am proud of my accomplishments. But I'm still now where I thought I would be. My husband says I'm too hard on myself. We are always our own worst critic. But what would life be if you just stopped and were content where you are? I was not raised to be happy where I am -- I was raised to always strive for better, to continually be learning, to push for the next level. I am a hustler.

Merriam Webster's dictionary has twenty definitions for the word "life." The one I like most is:

#4: spiritual existence transcending physical death

I am still alive -- I am in a state where I am transcending physical death. My mind and spirit is not yet sleeping. So, I can't stop moving forward. I have to motivate myself to push on. This hasn't been easy lately, so I've decided to do something that psychologists, therapists and counselors have said for ages: affirm yourself. So, here I will share with you my affirmations. I wrote these all within about 10 minutes. They are not only beliefs I have of myself, but desires for myself -- goals. I did this many years ago and I believe it does help if you're in the midst of needing a push or a mental nudge to get you going. Try it for yourself for a week or two -- read your list daily, and see if it doesn't make a difference. Feel free to help me add to my list. Happy Belated New Year! Peace & Blessings!

Daily Affirmation

I am…
Intelligent
Brilliant
Artistic
A loving wife
A wonderful designer
A great friend
A good sister and daughter
A great aunt
Fun
Beautiful
Lovable
Happy
Polite
Successful
Healthy
In shape
Stylish
Spiritual
Loving
Generous
Caring
Ambitious
Growing
Learning
Desirable
Witty
Clever
Ingenious
Honest
Faithful
Grateful
Blessed and highly favored
Organized
In balance
At peace
Energetic
Diligent

I want to…
Have a joyous and peaceful family life
Be a highly desired, successful Designer
Live near or on the ocean
Have freedom to work when I want to – to choose my clients instead of them choosing me
Have a safe and healthy family
Have great, true friends
Be out of debt
Be comfortably wealthy
Give back to my community
Help people in need
Make a difference
Continually educate myself
Travel to a new place at least once a year
Live to see the next generation’s children