Collecting Failures and Working Towards the Dream

Today is a wonderful celebratory anniversary for me. A year ago to this date I finally parted ways with my long-term job and career and it was a long overdue time for change!

Back in Feb of last year I purchased a "Total Money Makeover Workbook". In this book you complete an exercise of tracking your spending and then figuring out if you did not change a thing how long would you be able to survive if tomorrow you were no longer employed or receiving an income. I was happily surprised to see that I could live for a decent amount of time on the money I had saved and put into investments. Although I completed this exercise and knew in my heart what I wanted to do.... "Take this job and shove it comes to mind" (Okay seriously who here hasn't had one of those days?! Surprise as a creature of comfort and security- I didn't. I continued to go work on a daily basis putting my big fake smile on and spending my day trying to keep busy. Trying not to think of all the other things I would be rather be doing. As time continued things got worse.... the job front hit some turmoil and the job I no longer enjoyed become an even worse situation with working 7 days a week and god only knows how many hours! As a typical human being who kept  ignoring all the signs of what I was suppose to be doing in my journey the Universe kindly stepped in with a little more force and removed the handcuffs that had been holding me back.

As in all good fairy tales the beginning of this journey was amazing. In less than 24 hours my boyfriend and I were on the road and basically spent the following 6 weeks enjoying life. This was something due to our work schedules we had not been able to do previously in our 11 year relationship. Using a trailer we had owned for 3 years for the "first" time. It was amazing! Enjoying life and remembering what the important things are!

Then there is back to reality! This past year hasn't been a bed of roses without a whack of thorns. Redefining and finding yourself is a full time journey! I have taken several courses and headed down several paths and journeys. With most of them leading to disappointment. A comment was made to me recently about going out and collecting failures! What a great way to view trial and error. That vision has helped me to step outside of my comfort zone. Although I know I still leave some stones unturned, I am after all still a work in progress!

I am no where near the fairy tale ending of this story and I am still unclear of what the next steps look like. I am getting up each morning with a smile on my face, looking forward to new opportunities and actively seeking them. I know if I don't keep working on the dream I may have to return to that other life! That truly isn't an option! I have tasted freedom, a passion for work and fun to be combined. I will some how get this all figured out! Then I'm sure once I do well then there will be another journey to be had! For now I am off to go collect some more failures.....

Jessica's Will Do for 2013

Jessica's Will Do for 2013

•  complete my "will do" list
•  read more - tv less
• be kind to myself, both physically and mentally (you know all that negative chatter in your head... stop it!!!) 
• be better to my body - I need to keep it! Drink water, feel the sunshine, yada yada yada
• take time for ME everyday - I can't be a good employee, mother, wife, daughter and friend without first taking care of myself. I don't care if it IS only a 20 minute walk around Town at lunch, the occasional trip to Chapters, or a special coffee... take some time out of the day (everyday) to do something I want to do and not have to do!!!
• don't fall into the meal time rut of the same ol' same ol'. Try something new with the family!
• date night - introduce it, and keep it!!! this means OUT OF THE HOUSE and NO KID TALK... try to remember what it was like before 3 kids!
• pack a lunch - it is only 3 days a week
• sit back and enjoy life... I have it pretty damn good - realize it and enjoy it!
• find a hobby (try something different... maybe I would like knitting, or something)
• make time for friends ---- like a wing night perhaps? :)

Nancy's Will Do for 2013

Nancy's Will Do for 2013

Work
Start a new partnership in 2013.

Health
Make healthy eating and regular exercise part of my every day.
Complete the Nike Women’s Marathon.

Relationships
Cultivate stronger friendships.  Do something unexpected for someone each month.
Continue to strengthen & deepen my relationship.

Self
Read a self-improvement book or attend a workshop then implement a sustainable change each month.
Travel somewhere new.

Community
Find a meaningful & ongoing way to give back to my community.

Mandy's Will Do List for 2013

Mandy's Will Do List for 2013

PERSONAL

- date night 1x/month
- date night in (proper sit down dinner after kids are in bed) AT LEAST 1/m
- be grateful for my life and health, and for the health and happiness of my family
- end of the year caught-up on family photo albums

FINANCIAL

- shop intentionally and not mindlessly
- pay down debt

HEALTH AND FITNESS

- keep up with meal planning and "mostly" clean eating
- Hypothermic 1/2 on 2 March
- Two Oceans 1/2 in Cape Town 30 March (if I get in)
- WG2 If there is space on the team
- underwear affair
- yoga challenge for Jan (every day) - thereafter try to keep up with practising before work and 1 class/wk
- dry February

Kim Lee's Will Do for 2013!

Kim's Will Do for 2013

Find my inner yogi and find peace in my soul.

Complete my learn to run 5k and run several for charity.

Exercise regularly within my abilities so it may improve my health and my disease.

Attempt to get into remission with continual therapies, diet and exercise.

Start a summer garden, with the extras going to the less fortunate.

Cook more meals at home( since that's where I always am)

De-clutter emotionally and physically, drop the toxic relationships in my life and

 focus on the positive ones.

Spend more quality time with my loved ones.

Save more money, spend less on material things that don't define my character

Reduce my carbon footprint and increase my recycling load.

Save more money, spend less on material things that don't define my character

Devote time to a "near and Dear" charity such as the children's unit at the hospital.

Substantially impact a strangers life for the better.

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Yvonne Hill's Will Do for 2013

Yvonne Hill's Will Do List for 2013

I will do a mini workout every weekday before work.

I will run in the Moonlight Run (hopefully 10k).

I will train for a half marathon (location undetermined).

I will instruct two more running clinics.

I will volunteer at two running events and one other community event.

I will work on strengthening my arms and upper body muscles.

I will be more considerate of my patient husband.

I will read my scriptures every day.

I will watch for more opportunities to perform random acts of kindness.

Stephanie's Will Do List for 2013

Stephanie's 2013 Will Do List

✔    I will establish and maintain order in my home

✔    I will begin a gratitude journal and write at least three things I am grateful for every day

✔    I will run and bike 1427 miles, the equivalent of driving to Mesa, AZ. before my birthday

✔    I will do all I can to regain the full use and strength of my right wrist

✔    I will plan meals in advance and shop accordingly

✔    I will strive to maintain a positive energy and outlook on life

✔    I will finish my wolf cross-stitch

✔    I will learn ways to improve my relationships with others

✔    I will continue to read the scriptures every day

✔    I will explore what it means to me to live beautifully