Tag: lifestyle

Surprise! I’m a bee!

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So, I did a thing.

And now I have many feelings about it and I’ll write it out for you.

So, several months ago, I decided that I wanted to take my creative endeavors to the next level. For over a decade, I knew what I truly wanted to pursue. I dreamed of having a creative career that could bring me joy, wonder, an added sense of purpose, and enough income so that I could live my best life. For many years, people would tell me to reconsider, or may even joke about my dreams.

So I decided to study healthcare… specifically dental health, and it really wasn’t for me. At that time, I put others’ needs and desires before my own, because I thought that if other people around me were happy (and happy about what I was doing) then I would also, in turn, be happy. I was wrong.

Earlier this year, in January, I met up with one of my fabulous mentors (she basically runs a very impressive design firm, no big deal) and I let her know where I was in life, and that I still missed the creative process and cultivating the artist within (okay, so I didn’t say it like that, but you get the point). She told me that I needed to get back into taking art classes and basically to not let anything stop me from achieving my dreams.

A few months later, in the spring, I decided to do my research on some of the best art schools in the nation. I was so over listening to everyone else’s critiques and dismissive comments because it was doing nothing but holding me back. And besides, I know I can do it, I just have to make it happen! So, I applied for several art schools, but there was one that I really had my eye on… and, can you guess which one it was?

SCAD.

SCAD, aka The Savannah College of Art and Design, is the king of art schools, and their student work is absolutely phenomenal. I really desired to get in, and there were more obstacles in my way, it seemed. I had to get all the paperwork together, write letters, fill out financial aid, the list goes on. Although I had a lot to do, I did not complain because this is where I knew I had to be. I chose the e-learning option, since I also work full-time, so this would give me greater flexibility.

More weeks went by, and I was honestly at the edge of my seat constantly, wondering if I had been accepted or not. I really tried not to be too anxious about it, and had a ‘Let It Be’ mindset about it. What’s meant for me will come to me, and that’s exactly what happened. I got into SCAD (Woooo-hooooooo! *shimmies*) and on top of that, I also received additional financial assistance to help ease the cost of attending.

If you happen to read my other blogs, you’ll realize that I am really all about everyone going for their dreams. Going for your dreams sometimes isn’t easy, people may make fun of it or try to talk you out of it, but in the end, you still have the power to make the choice of whether you actually decide to pursue your dreams or not.

You have the power to make your dreams happen. So, what are you waiting for?

3 Ways To Build Resilience Now

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What is one of the best tools to have in your soft skill arsenal that will catapult you into your even better self and get you to the next phase of your life that you’ve been dreaming of for a long time? Resilience, of course! Resilience is the ability to take a failure and learn from it, and become better, rather than wallow endlessly and pity oneself. Resilience is key if you need to achieve the seemingly impossible, because resilience is that ability to keep going, despite the crazy things that can throw us for a spin, either internally or externally. Resilience is the ability to keep going, and to turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Resilience is a muscle, and it can definitely be honed, and I’ll even give you a few tips that can help you improve your resilience today.

  1. Stop giving into your fears, but keep listening to your gut. Your gut will be the one that can either save or kick your butt, however, your fears only want your butt to stay stagnant and in your “comfort zone.” Deep growth lies outside your comfort zone, beyond what you are used to and familiar with, but is nothing to be afraid of.
  2. After you’ve had a moment to reflect, get back out there. Don’t think about the past too much and get so wrapped up in it that you forget that you’re in the present and can make changes right now that can help you out in the long run. Just get out and keep going.
  3. Remember the bigger picture. What initially got you into this idea, notion, project, activity, etc.? Was it so that you could be recognized in that field? Was it so that you could support yourself while also doing something you enjoyed? Please remember that not every moment will be one that is glamorous or lovely, but every bit of effort you put into overcoming obstacles will manifest itself into awesome experiences and your realities will soon become better than your wildest dreams.

The Importance of an Action Plan

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When was the last time you actually said you were going to do something, and then actually did it within a reasonable time and felt a great sense of accomplishment? If it feels like it has been a while, or maybe you’re a bit less motivated than usual, then you’ve come to the right place.

An action plan is an awesome way to get out of your own head and better organize your thoughts. An action plan is a way to have a better sense of how you can best use your time, and it can be a very effective means of motivating you to accomplishing your work, or at least getting started on it.

In your own head, you may have some really awesome ideas, but you may also have some subconscious fears that you may or may not be aware of that are currently holding you back. Getting all of your thoughts down on paper (what do you want to do, when do you want it done by, what is the best way of tackling this, etc.) is a great start and can make something that seems so daunting actually not so bad after all.

What does a great action plan have?

  1. It lists what you need to do. Even if it’s something that’s not due until a month from now, that is something you need to start working on now. Keep it short and specific.
  2. It has specific due dates. What are the small steps that need to be considered and when should those be done?
  3. It needs to have your absolute commitment. You need to commit yourself to your plan and not let any distractions get in the way.
  4. It needs to have rewards or incentives. If you accomplish X by 2:00pm, maybe you’ll reward yourself by booking that trip.
  5. It helps you kick your own ass. The plan motivates you to get all your work done, while at the same time reminding you of how strong you are and that you are capable, by setting expectations that are do-able for you.

Simply put, a great action plan can be your best friend when it comes to getting sh!t done and making the most out of your time. It can help provide greater clarity and focus since you can have it in front of you, and not just in your own head. YOU GOT THIS.