Growth amongst the thorns

I have always found great inspiration in plants, especially since adopting two (2) ZZ plants over a year ago at work. One was placed in the kitchen and the other I took with me when I changed offices after a promotion. Both plants have flourished so beautifully over time and I have done my best to take care of them daily. After my 5 day business trip, days off and sick leave, I returned to find the once short new sprout that emerged from a stunted/previously cut stem, had grown higher than the highest older stem. It rose and sprung so high, proudly standing tall amongst its predecessors. Seeing this instantly filled my heart with joy and optimism. i know that the plant was not truly cared for in my absence,(the soil and lower roots were notably dry, however, despite this, the plant continued to grow, unwavered by the lack of moisture and nutrients that it needed. this spoke to me by displaying that in times of desperation and when we feel as though we are lacking in what we need, when we are being tested; our strength, determination and persistence we can still succeed! Life continues on, progress is made and we can soar higher than those before us; and keep growing! It did not allow what it had, to decide to stagger or cause it to falter. It used what little it had. We can all be greater and wiser than those before us. We should not fear this, but embrace it as a gift. I take these small lessons and apply it to my life and to gain a new, refreshing perspective.

The newest sprout continues to grows beautifully, higher than the others and every moment that I see it, I smile. Feeling instantly inspired and not worried about the trials I will face, I know that I will emerge courageous, strong and better than before.

- May 10, 15

The 'Ah Ha' moment!

This week has been enlightening.  It's the final few days of my extended vacation and it's really been filled with alot of enjoyment, food (a MUST have) and quality time with my hubby.  He has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and pushed to explore and conquer the professional world outside of the typical 9 - 5.  He's always had that thirst to establish his own and do 'me.'  I was always one for the safe, stability of what guarantees me a predictable pay check at the end of the month and just plan my life around that: clean and simple.  But my friends/former colleagues either leaving the company for a better job or because they've chosen to follow their passions,  really impacted me and made me questions myself.  "What am I doing?"  I admittedly got so caught up in my passions last year that I was burnt out by late November and this year I've found myself on go slow.  I got lost in the team power struggle and worrying about the opinions of others.  It.Was.A.Disaster. and has led me to questioning alot of things.  Following my more expressive, adventurous and risk taking friends , I asked them about how they first began along this solo path of breaking the boxed career mold.  Everything they said was inspiring and relateable:

"I was scared and worried about my family's approval."
"I wanted to be a working mom, but also one who spent time with her kids.  I want to be there for all their special moments."
"Why do what everyone else expects?"

At the end of the day, why not truly do what makes you happen and ignites your spirit?  The tip of the iceberg was a Facebook post where a man details the crumbling of his hopes and dreams through seeking stability for his family but ultimately lost himself without even realizing it (found here/)  It was eye opening for me, like Wake up Girl!  Even little girls who dreamed of romantic weddings and a handsome husband had the right idea: you've gotta dream it and write it down to make it real.  All the clippings of dresses, food, flowers, decorations, made them ready for that big day , years later.  Since then I've found myself taking an online course on time management, sharing motivational videos about being focused and finally understanding what my husband has been so motivated by all these years.  I understand now the value of a vision, knowing and following your passions, living a full life that you enjoy even if it's risky. 'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.' - Albert Einstein

Today I had my 'Ah Ha' moment and I encourage you all today to take that first step towards an unforgettable, amazing life.  No excuses, no regrets.

My next step is to purchase a canvas and flip board, create my vision board, take a photo of me next to it and as time goes by, I achieve everything on that board.  This is my life now.