Goal Setting

Setting a goal is not always easy, but this video really breaks down the three core elements of a worthwhile goal. Vishen Lakhiani uses a three part exercise to discover the motivation and meaning in what you believe you can do. He also explains that there are different types of goals, means goals and end goals. We often confuse the two.
Goals are usually broken down logically, but Lakhiani explains that the meaning behind a goal is just as important. If you're going after something, chances are that you care about it, and once you find what experiences, lessons and contributions you can make, you can do anything you set your mind to.
I found this video really helpful in creating a worthwhile goal.

A Talk for Generation Y

So I have to be honest. This is my generation: the one born between 1983- 2002. And I'm currently at a point in my life where I have the power to choose what to do next. And I'm lucky enough to have the ability to choose between several options.
I have met several people from my generation throughout the world, and most of them, including me are terrified of the future. Student loans, the economy and so many other social and political topics have made this generation feel like they have no way to follow their passion.
I remember a talk I had, with several expats around my age, where we spoke of how doomed our generation was.
I was very surprised that my perspective of our situation was not the norm.
You see, I believe that this generation has the ability to prove all the naysayers, critics and the people that turn their nose up at our generation wrong. We have the challenge before us, and if we conquer that challenge, we will amaze the world!
Because it is so difficult, it's easy to see the meaning in facing it. 

Once again, it won't be easy, and yes things have become more difficult, but if we give up before we begin, what can the world say about us? 

After voicing my opinion to several other people my age, there was a stunned silence. 

"I've never thought of it that way." one person said, and "Maybe that's not so farfetched." another person said. But I was shocked. I had no idea that this perspective was so rare. 

Maybe it's because, I'm stubborn and I will face a challenge. Some might say I'm foolish and I watch too much Disney, but really? Is it so difficult? Is it really that tough to reach out to the world and find your calling? 

We have the technology, resources and the connections to find our way in the world. And I know that failure is possible, but it's never the end. 

I think Eunice Hii has a point. We can still follow our passion and find the motivation to discover that great career, and the thing is, passions change, goals change, and there's nothing wrong with that. 

What truly matters is to find the meaning in what you love to do, and to decide what it's worth to risk. 

I refuse to give up. And while my passion is to work for Disney, my purpose is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find the courage to be who they are. 

These facts took a long time to learn, but now that I know them, I'm one step closer to my goal. 

I agree with Eunice Hii. Even if it's not your job, you can be passionate about something and work toward it. You don't have to know your passion by a certain age, and it's okay if you haven't found it. 

My experience, both in identifying and pursuing what I love to do, is that life is really about meaning. If your hobbies, dream job and goals mean something to you, you will find a way to make them happen. 

An Inspirational Presentation

I know that everyone is excited about the Final Fantasy VII remake and Kingdom Hearts 3. Believe me, I am too ^_^ 

But the introduction to Unravel caught my attention. It is very heartfelt and inspirational. It's a small studio, debuting their work in the form of a creative and clever video game. 

It's an honest presentation, and you can tell that Martin Sahlin is so excited to share his work with the world. 

He's nervous, because who wouldn't be? But, he's also excited to be there, presenting his ideas. 

It's a beautiful reminder to never give up on your dreams. 

Tomorrowland: This one's for the dreamers

I saw this film as a going away gift from my friends in South Korea. 

It was the perfect story to encounter before I start a new chapter. 

Tomorrowland is one of my favorite areas of Disneyland. Space Mountain is my favorite ride, and the entire premise of the "great big beautiful tomorrow" is very inspirational. 

The main characters are well rounded and easy to relate to. The action was a bit too much at times ( a lot of trippy camera effects) but it was an exciting ride. The Walt Disney World and Star Wars cameos, along with other SciFi flicks were an added bonus to the nostalgic and futuristic atmosphere of Tommorowland itself.  

It would be difficult to describe the story of this film without giving spoilers, so instead, I will share my favorite quote (and an old Cherokee saying). 

"There are two wolves who are always fighting. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. Which wolf wins? The one you feed." 

This quote, this message, is the core of the film Tomorrowland. And it is beautiful. The power of positive thinking can do amazing things. Positivity creates confidence, and confidence creates motivation. 

This is the life of an artist, engineer, writer and just about anyone who has dreams. 

I would say that this is the most inspirational Disney film that I've seen in a long time. And it's perfect for the new generations, going out into the world, whether from High School or College. 

With that said, Tomorrowland goes deep into a dark theme than you would expect in a Disney film, but there is a reason for it, and once the story comes together by the end of the film, it all makes sense. 

The film Tomorrowland asks a question of its audience, and it is up to us to provide the answer. There are so many ways to contribute and create an amazing future, as long as we believe that it is possible.

 This going to sound cheesy but: if you have given up on anything, watch this movie. If you've encountered failure recently, watch this movie. It is a creative and bold kick in the pants. I ate it up like a chocolate eclaire. 

5 out of 5 pin invitations. 

Happy 60th Anniversary Disneyland!

"To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." - Walt Disney 

Disneyland will always hold a special place in my heart. 

My first job was working for Walt Disney World, and I can honestly say that that experience changed my life! Disney movies and characters have always inspired me. The overall themes of bravery, hope, love and courage have inspired me through writing, and in moments of every day life. 

I worked for Disneyland, and I miss it. The creative and happy environment, the imagination and diversity of the parks, and the incredible people who made it all happen helped me find my purpose. At Disneyland, I felt at home, and I loved making magical moments on a daily basis. 

I gave free ice-cream to newly weds. I handed out disney pins to princesses and pirates. I helped a little girl see Cinderella, during one of the few last weeks of her life. These are memories that I will treasure. 

I enjoyed working there, and I will carry on Walt's legacy once again, in the form of writing. 

Walt Disney is one of my role models, and his story from a dreamer to a sucessful artist is a powerful one.  

My dream is to be a story writer, inspiring others to face their fears, conquer their challenges, and to enjoy every page of their story. But I didn't gain the courage, or the motivation to do so until I worked for Disney, and I discovered all that I was capable of. 

Disneyland truly is a magical place, and I believe that my purpose is to spread that hope and joy to others. 

Thank you Walt Disney, for going after your dreams, and creating the happiest place on Earth. 

The Power of Choices

Choices, especially difficult ones often seem to be daunting and stressful. Especially when we put them in a certain perspective. Because I am going through a difficult choice, I have been doing research on what would be the best outcome, and the best decision.
But sometimes, there is no better outcome or even the correct decision. It's just a fork in the road, and you can either go left or right.
Regardless of which direction you choose, the pressure is on. Did I make the right choice? Is life choosing for me? Fear of choices and change can often seem like a huge burden, but it can also be a valuable gift.
By facing a crossroads, you are at one of the most powerful points in your life. You decide where to go, what to do, who to be. No one can make this decision for you, which is why a hard choice is a valuable challenge in your life.
It is an opportunity to create who you are. It is a moment in your life where you can discover your values, your priorities and decide what kind of person you want to be.
Often when faced with hard choices, it is tempting to take the easy way. Maybe it's the one everyone wants you to take, or the one with the most financial comfort. But when faced with hard choices, it is  important to ask: Who am I? What do I stand for? What do I want?
And it is these questions that help you write your own story. It is these questions that allow you to create your purpose and motivation for your life journey.
During hard choices, we create our own destiny. And that is scary, because all of a sudden, we are in a position where we must decide for ourselves. But this scary situation is an opportunity to discover who we truly are and create who we want to be.

Expectations

About a week ago, I thought I had a plan for this year and the next all figured out, but that went up in smoke, and now I'm back to square one. It was jarring to say the least, because well, I like to plan and have that plan follow through. Especially when it comes to career, jobs and long term goals. But life doesn't work that way. It almost never happens the way you expect it. And that is a lesson I have to learn over and over again. 

But just because things didn't happen the way I expected, it doesn't mean I've lost my way. Life isn't a straight path, it's a winding road with failures, obstacles and even mountains standing in the way. 

I thought I was going to be brave, deal with it and move on, but instead I broke down. I was angry and sad for a whole day, feeling sorry for myself, and I was even bitter about my situation. Around 10 o'clock after work, I sat down and wrote everything that I want, long term, and I realized that despite the road block before me, I still hadn't given up, and that has always been my strength in adversity. 

I told a friend a week ago, adversity is my motivator, when things get tough, I get serious and my determination and persistence grows until that mountain is a mole hill, or that tower is a bridge. 

There's a great saying that "things fall apart so better things can fall together." and I still believe that as I type with a lame finger, sore from being broken, and prepare for the next chapter as my time in South Korea draws to a close. Despite all that I faced this year, I was still able to  have fun, do some things on my bucket list, and learn from every mistake I made. That alone is a blessing, and I believe that these moments happened for a reason. 

Maybe there was a reason the job I wanted didn't work out, because now I can make another choice, and choose another path. This path may be better in the long run, and it may lead to the same dream I've had since elementary, to become a writer for Disney. 

I remember a conversation my dad and I had when things didn't work out the way I wanted them too. I was about to graduate College, and a friend had decided she didn't want to be friends anymore, and I was hurt at her sudden outburst over the phone, on my birthday where she told me she hated me and I would never see her again. 

"You need to let go of expectations." my Dad said, "and then you will be a lot happier." 

Expectations are normal, in certain situations, but given all the change and adveristy my family and friends encountered this year, those words echoed in my head. 

Expectations are tricky, and they can get in the way of the journey. That's why traveling is so exciting, because you don't know what you will do next, and if you wing it, you'll be surprised at what you can discover. 

So I'm starting this new chapter with no expectations. Just the hope and faith that things will work out. 

I didn't expect for a job offer to be cancelled after I signed a contract. I didn't expect to get my finger broken while traveling alone. I didn't expect to feel so out of place in my work enviornment, but I am  still standing, and I haven't given up on my dreams. I will find my way if I just keep going. 

Nothing in life is ever guaranteed, but if you keep moving forward, who knows what you'll find. 

 

On figuring things out

A few years ago, I believed that I always had to have a plan, and a set goal to get anywhere in life. 

Of course, these goals are important: they give you something to work for, and a way to find purpose in the world. But the plan is not everything. 

I thought I understood the meaning of the quote that Chong tells Sokka in Avatar the Last Aribender: "I hope you learned a little something about not letting the plans get in the way of the journey." 

But I think I understand his quote better now than a few years ago.

Of course, a plan isn't a bad thing, but it can't be concrete. Life is confusing and crazy. Nothing is set in stone. It's a constant flowing current moving from one moment to the next. Things change. People change. Plans change. 

I learned this through the situations that much of my friends and family went through because of the economy. I even had a deep conversation of that never ending debate money over happiness with my best friend. 

Yes, it is important to be responsible, and it is important to make a living, but it is also important to do the things that replenish our souls. Things that we create, and that we can be proud of when we look back on our accomplishments. 

Because I think way too much, and because I'm way too hard on myself. I focused on the goal, and forgot about the path to get there. 

There will be failures. There will be places you feel like you don't belong. There will be people who don't like you, or who judge you negatively about your dreams. There will be people who say you can't do the thing you've set your heart on. People will be out there, and they will tell you that you can't, but it is up to you to listen to them or continue pursuing what you love to do. 

To be honest, I still don't have it figured out. I'm currently in South Korea teaching English, and I'm torn between going back to the USA to pursue my dream of publishing a novel, and becoming a script writer, or staying here one more year, moving to a different city and allowing myself to try again. 

It's not that I've failed, but it's difficult for me, where I am currently, and while I'm grateful that things have gotten better, I still don't feel like I belong. 

Happiness, according to every book I've rea and every movie I've seen is the key to a healthy and meaningful life. 

No, it doesn't buy you anything, pay off your student loans, or even set up your retirement fund, but it does give you the satisfaction that you did your best at the end of the day. The feeling that life offers you just a little more than you were expecting. 

Happiness is the key. 

And, to be honest, I have a few more months to decide what my next step will be, but I have been so stressed out about this that I've asked everyone around me for advice. 

Sometimes I forget. Life is not a straight path. There are forks in the road, hills to climb, giant boulders that you have to learn how to walk around or over. There are even ruts, and sticky patches of mud and tar that you have to push through at a snail's pace. 

Life in a word is unpredictable. 

But if I choose one path, it doesn't mean I can never choose the other later, or even a better path that could be waiting around the corner. 

As long as you balance your responsibility and your happiness, you will be successful. It is one of the mysterious truths of life. 

So both elements are important. Taking responsibility and finding happiness. But they're not as easy as they seem.

Because we change, what we want can change too, and those wants can leads us down different paths. But regardless of what we choose, it is very important to think of our own health and happiness. 

For me, if I can write, and if I can make a difference (even a small one) then I'll be happy. Disney is the environment I loved in the working world, and the bookstore that I worked at echoed that atmosphere. I like helping others, but I also like the ability and freedom to express myself through writing and using the imagination. 

This is more of a personal entry than a public one, but I wanted to share what I have learned from weighing the options. 

Happiness is very important. So while the months roll by, I will try to decide which path to take, but this time, unlike a lot of decisions I have made, I will focus on what makes me happy.  

Reviews and Resolutions

It's that time again. Time to reflect on the year past and create goals for the year to come. 

2015 was a year of change for me. Change on so many levels. A change in how I viewed the world. And a change in how I viewed myself.

January I stared the New Year with new friends, and I talked with many people about stories, writing and the power of stories.

February I said goodbye to a beloved grandma and I learned this in a very unexpected and humbling way. But I believe that ties are never completely severed, even between worlds. I cared for her, and that's what mattered.

March I worked hard on my plans to teach English in South Korea, and I faced many obstacles.

April was a creative month, where I focused on my novel, and I met many other artists working on their own projects ^_^

May I went to a convention (which I hadn't done in a long time), fixed up my Yuna costume and finally did an epic photoshoot (with help from my family :)

June I began a new life in South Korea and adapted to life on my own in a different country.

July I visited Japan and finally celebrated Tanabata, scratching that off my bucket list.

I also made friends with so many people from all over the world including Spain, Australia, South Africa and Ireland.

August was a busy month with lots of traveling- from places around South Korea to another visit to Japan including Harajuku, Akihabara and Artina cafe.

September I celebrated my 26th birthday with some amazing Californians and did some hiking.

October was an eventful Halloween bash with the Halloween cruise, where I dressed as a sugar skull, and had two parties at the school where I dressed as the Tardis, and then a Cat ^_^

November was incredible :) Not only did I start and actually finish NANOWRIMO, but I met some incredible writers and did many fun write-ins with them. I also was able to go home for a bit and see my family, and hang out with my friends for Thanksgiving. 

I also met more amazing people from America and New Zealand. I even went caving ^_^

December I saw The Nutcracker Ballet live for Christmas, and Norebanged the New Year. 

Hopes for the new year: 

To work for Disney again. I miss that environment, and I'm going to try my best to become a Disney script writer. 

To travel, and scratch places off my travel list

To care for myself more. To give myself more credit when I stand my ground and expect to be treated better. 

To finish writing my Starlight trilogy. I can't wait to finish the most epic story I've written so far. I'm still in the creative process, but soon it will be time to edit and work on marketing. I'm pretty excited to get my work out there and focus on the marketing aspects of it. 

To be a little braver. One step at a time, one day at a time, I am going to conquer and move on from my worst and deepest fear. 

New Years Resolutions: 

Accomplish my goals

Write every day: at least two hours

Listen to my heart

To be the author of my own story- Nothing wrong with taking charge.

To overcome my deepest fear- It's possible, as long as I work on it and believe that it can be conquered.

So I'm going to reach for the stars and stop worrying.

The Beauty of Pain

At the very beginning of this year, I met a friend's parents, and they asked me what I was doing, and what were my goals and dreams. I told them that I loved writing, but I hadn't written anything in months. 

"You're not suffering enough." My friend's father said. And those words stuck with me. I agreed at the moment, but I still didn't quite understand what he meant. Now I do. 

I just watched the Doctor Who episode that features the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh, and the struggles he went through in his life. To be honest, I don't know much about Van Gogh, except that I've loved Starry Night since I first saw it, and my Dad and I both agree that it's one of our favorite works of art. But I had no idea what kind of life he lived, or what obstacles he went through to become the famous artist we all know today. Whenever I heard about someone who was sucessful, especially when I was a child, I assumed that they went through life creating art, writing stories and sharing works that were so amazing they were never rejected. But once I grew older, about sixteen, I no longer believed that was true. I learned about the struggles, and pain that many great novelists, artists and historical figures faced, but I had no idea they used their struggles to achieve great things. 

I'm beginning to learn that our struggles, and our pain can become tools to create incredible things in our lives. Many successful people have dealt with the doubters, the critics and of course their own depression and self doubt. But, as my Dad told me, the difference between successful people and unsuccesful people is that they never gave up. No matter what, they pushed on. They wrote, painted, sung, acted, filmed and just lived following their passion and dream. They lived day to day, taking small steps to achieve greatness, and they believed that one day they would make a difference. 

But that kind of mentality is not easy, and even the most famous and inspiring people have had their doubts, their slumps and their failures. 

Being human is a crazy and complicated experience. One moment you're on top of the world, everything's great, then all of sudden a storm rolls in, or you slip and fall down the mountain, only to land right where you started. 

When this happens, there are two ways to respond to it. You can complain, and use those events as excuses to stop moving, or you can observe the situation, and use your current situation to your advantage. Is there a branch? Do you see a better way to climb that mountain?

The truth about life is that no one really knows what they're doing. Sure they have a basic idea, but everything changes and life doesn't really have a fair system. Knowing that fact can be really scary, but it can also be comforting. Because if you're stuck currently in a situation you don't want or need, it will change.

So if you have a dream, if you have a wish, never give up! You never know how much of a difference you could make if you don't keep going, keep believing and just push through that wall or break down that boulder! This is the challenge of living life, but it's also the beauty of it.  All those moments that made you happy. All the things that inspired you and motivated you to share your own gift with the world. These things matter, and they can guide you to become succesful. 

You never know what path you're on, but you have a basic idea of where you want to be. That idea drives you to eventually arrive at your destination and look back with pride. 

I have been suffering a lot lately, on many levels, and I have let those obstacles drag me down. But if I look at them as challenges. If I stare uncertainity in the face, who knows what I could accomplish! 

It's so simple, and yet so difficult. Never give up! Keep moving forward!

"No successful person has ever known how his or her dream would happen. They simply believed that it would happen, and they did not give up until it had." - Rhonda Byrne

The Lego Movie: A Movie Review (Possible Spoilers)

I wanted to see this movie the minute I saw the trailer. The film looked fun, creative and brought back memories of Lego building when I was a kid. 

First of all, I want to say that you should go see this movie. I don't care how old you are, or what you even think of Legos or children's films. This movie has so many good qualities and it's just a fun story. 

Emmet, the main character is someone that I believe we all can relate to. He's the archtypal underdog, trying to fit in and be noticed. He wants to be special, to be remembered and to make a difference. He follows the instructions and does what everyone else does. But he is meant to be more than that, because he is the hero of a prophecy that will save all of Lego world. Once he is brought to the Master Builders, the creative heros of the lego world, Emmet begins his journey on discovering what he is capable of. But Emmet isn't the hero that everyone's expecting, and he begins to realize that not only is he different from the crowd that he tried to fit in with, he's different from the Master Builders and what the Master Builders expected him to be. He begins to doubt himself, and he tells himself that he doesn't have the ability that they do, to be creative. Even when the wizard Vitruvius tells him to believe in himself, he doesn't. So through the first act of the movie, he watches the other master builders, but once he creates something, and it works, his confidence in himself and his abilities steadily grows until he becomes a leader. 

Now I want to talk about the antagonist of the movie, Mr. Business. He wants everything to be perfect, and his idea of perfection is order. He brainwashes his citizens through television, keeping them distracted from any originality, and he wants total and ultimate control over everything and everyone. His obssesion becomes a madness that doesn't paint him in a good light. 

But this movie is more than it seems. It's not just a story about Emmet becoming a hero. It's not just a story about Legos. Once the movie takes a quite dramatic, and yet familar turn, you will understand what is really going on, and why Mr. Business is obssesed with perfection and order. 

In fact it was the final act of this movie that moved me the most, because it all made sense: Emmet feeling like he didn't fit in, The corporate versus the creative and the reason behind the prophecy. 

This movie is fun, inspirational and has a wonderful message. 

"The only thing anyone needs to be special is to believe they're special." - Vitruvius

From that belief alone, a web of ideas grows and you discover who you truly are, and what you are capable of. Sometimes we forget this when we focus on a goal or a dream. We compare ourselves to others, tell ourselves that we're not good enough, and we get wrapped up in what we believe is reality. This film has something for everyone. With character cameos, clever jokes, great voice acting and a wonderful story, The Lego Movie is a film worth watching. 

I give it five out of five Unikitties. 

The Journey

There is never a wrong time

to leave it all behind.

To find your courage

and discover your strength.

To walk your own path

no matter its length.

Be the one

who rises above

the naysayers,

the bullies,

the hypocrites,

and the jerks

Don't bully yourself.

Appreciate the quirks.

Accept your good.

Accept your bad.

Allow yourself to be happy.

Allow yourself to be sad.

It's human to want.

It's human to fear.

It's human to get the hell out of here.

It's a declaration

and a pact with yourself. 

Stop ignoring 

those dreams you put on the shelf.

What's holding you back?

Can you answer this true?

You know that it's all about

how you treat you.

Don't wait.

Don't just wish.

Get out there

Follow your bliss.

This year has only just begun. 

Stop waiting for life.

Journey and have fun. 

Who knows what you'll learn.

Who knows where you'll go.

But if you never try,

then you will never know. 

GO!

Keep Moving Forward

So I found this jem on Pinterest, and it relates to a conversation that Dad and I had about the difference between successful people, and people. Ultimately, sucessful people press on, even after rejection. When they are tired, when they are stressed and when they are on the brink of giving up, they don't let those things stop them from pursuing their dreams. They press on, and continue to work, even if they aren't satisfied with what they have. 

They are constantly in motion. One step at a time, they climb that towering mountain, and before you know it, they are there, standing at the peak and smiling at their accomplishment. 

This is what I aspire to be. If I have any resolution this year, it is to be constantly moving forward. No more drama. No more excuses. No more laziness. 

My resolution this year and maybe every year after that is to keep moving forward. To press on, even after a rejection letter. To keep working, even when I want to give up. To write and write and write. 

But more than that. I want to live. To surround myself with positive and encourgaing people. To avoid negativity and anyone who talks down on me. 

I'm going to focus on one goal, and that goal will be completed by the end of this year. One goal. One Year. One simple step forward. 

For the new year . . .

Courage- to follow my dreams

                to believe in myself

                to try new things

                to listen to my heart

Forgiveness- to accept my mistakes

                     to accept my faults

                     to put the past behind me

Success- to find a door to my dream

                to set realistic goals 

                to understand the steps I have to take

                to create my own path

Confidence- to know what I can do

                    to understand my talents

                    to take pride in my accomplishments

                    to be who I want to be

Patience- to understand that things change

                to recognize an opportunity 

                to accept the ways of the world

                to be sastisfied with the present moment

Love- to trust my heart

          to understand what I want

          to recognise my weaknesses

          to praise my strengths

My goals are simple:

             Never give up on my dream

             Write!

             Live in the present

             Focus on things one step at a time

             Be more confident

             Listen to my heart

             Learn to let go

             Be grateful for what I have

             Enjoy things while I can

             Stay true to who I am

             Keep moving forward

             

Dream

Follow that dream. 

Surround yourself with people

who support your dream. 

Never tell yourself that you shouldn't dream.

Act on that dream.

Get rid of doubt.

Face your fear. 

Stop worrying about the future. 

Focus on here and now,

always.

Don't let anyone talk your dream down. 

Don't let anyone tell you that you won't make it. 

You are the only one who can make your dreams a reality. 

Make your dream a fixed point, 

and then make decisions based on that dream. 

Set your priorities. 

Set realitic goals. 

Respect yourself enough 

to accept your obstacles. 

Allow yourself the time

to focus on what makes you happy. 

Focus on that dream. 

Take steps toward that dream

and you will be there before you know it. 

And until you reach your dream,

allow yourself to enjoy the journey;

the ups and downs,

the tears and laughter,

the steps forward,

and the steps back

are just moments 

in the saga of your life. 

Never forget your dream.

Don't sweat the small stuff

What does "Don't sweat the small stuff" mean?

While I worked at Disney World we had a saying: "Don't let one guest ruin the magic for everyone else." 

In other words: don't allow one customer to get under your skin and make you bitter, irritable and angry for the rest of the day. 

No one is perfect, and it's difficult to avoid letting someone get under your skin, but it is worth it in the long run. 

One way to think about this is to look at the sucessful people in the world. The writers who were turned down by many publishers until their story became a sucess. The actors who went to audition after audition, hearing harsh crictism and being told they wouldn't break into acting until they recieve an oscar. 

The truth is that if those people had sweated the small stuff, let that director's doubt get to their head, gave up on publishers after the tenth try, and allowed one small event to determine the course of their future, they wouldn't be successful. And this is how easily the way you think determines the way you live. 

I speak through personal experience, because I have let many events in my life effect the course of my future. I have allowed bad memories, harsh remarks and at times true fear decide my fate. And now I regret those decisions. Some decisions I didn't even realize I made. 

Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't let the meanest customer ruin your day. Don't let failed auditions, rejections and harsh remarks effect who you are and what you want to do. 

Don't give life the ability to control you. Instead, create your own path, despite the obstacles you will face. 

Don't let a family or friend feud ruin a vacation. Don't give the nay sayers any reason to be right about you. Don't beat yourself up over mistakes, accidents and over all failures. 

Worrying is a waste of time and energy. Dwelling on the past is pointless. 

Life is a series of moments, and we choose which moments to focus on. To focus on the negative is a waste of time. To focus on the positive is a step forward. 

Choices and Courage

Choices are unavoidable in life. Even when you decide not to do anything, you are making a choice. It took awhile for me to learn this. But the thing is, when you avoid a decision, it becomes bigger until it drives you crazy. The choice hovers, undecided, especially if it is a choice that involves something you want to do. But if you choose to act against what you feel, you will pay for it. Regret will follow you, and create a new type of conflict. 

So choices are something that are unavoidable in life. And when you must make a big choice, you reach a kind of turning point in your life. Where to go? What to do? Suddenly your actions become much more powerful to you. 

Sure little things, like what to have for breakfast or what to wear to work, won't make too much of a difference. But other choices: career, friends and relationships will affect who you will become and how you will view others in your life. 

These choices, in a way, define who you are. How you talk to people, and how you treat people will reflect you and your perspective. 

So, the point of this post? Choices are tough, but they are tough for a reason. Obstacles don't define you, but the way you react to them will impact your life. 

So you may make choices that you don't even realize how they impact your life. 

For me, it was fear. I was afraid. I'm still afraid. But I no longer want to feel trapped by that fear. To constantly worry about obstacles far into my future. To be afraid can be useful, but if you let fear define your choices, can you truly be honest with yourself?

So choices are important, and some choices are scary, but courage is extremely important, and honesty even more so. 

Maybe courage is the ability to understand fear. To recognize when and why you are scared. But if you let fear define your choices, you won't have the ability to change or control some important parts of your life. So I choose to use my fear. To not let fear control my actions, and to enjoy life the best I can. 

Writing Prompt 59: Changes

Prompt: What changes would you like to make in the next 5 years?

I want to change my attitude. It's better, but not as great as it could be. I'm no longer completely negative about everything, but I'm still cynical about many things that may get in the way of my goals and dreams. 

I want to change my perspective. I guess this goes along with attitude. Perspective can help you see things in a positive light. Knowing what's happening around you can help you see your situation in a different way. 

I want to change my social life. I want to get out there, meet more people. The more people you meet, the more interesting your life becomes. Everyone has a story, and I want to swap stories with other people and collaborate ideas, goals and of course, dreams. 

I want to change my confidence. Or lack there of self confidence. I don't want to be stuck up or selfish, but I want to find that balance between being proud of who you are and being aware of those around you. 

I want to change my habits. Thinking habits. Writing habits (or lack of). Venting habits. Eating habits. Coping habits. I don't want to worry, slack off and be disappointed in myself all the time. It's not fun. At all. 

I want to change my living situation. I am grateful to live at home, but I'm ready to start a life of my own. I want to find a place to call my own. A sanctuary. 

Most of what I want to change lies within. Thoughts that haunt me. Worries that pester me to no end. Habits that hold me back from getting out there and living life. I have big wishes and dreams, but with these internal obstacles, they will be difficult to achieve. 

I guess the thing I want to change the most is how I treat myself. I'm holding myself back, and I want to change that. It's time to leave the nest. It's time to go after what I want. It's time to actually live my life.  

Discovering who you are

The human being is no simple thing. No matter how old or young, we are all on our own personal journey. The journey to discover who we are. 

The journey to find yourself is very difficult, but it is one of the meanings of life, and reflected in countless stories across the world. 

Life is about change. If you think about stories, the main character usually changes between the beginning and the end. This is no coincidence, because change is an inevitable and an important element in the course of the world. 

The other part of life is struggle. The more you struggle, the sweeter the reward will be. Rewards mean more, and they aren't rewards unless you've done something to earn them. Without struggle there is no reward. (Why do you think heroes fight dragons in stories?) 

So what's the point of all this? Well, even though discovering who you are is difficult, it is worth it. Once you know yourself, you will be at peace with yourself and the world. This makes the struggle you go through even more powerful and important in your life. 

But, to be honest, because it is difficult to learn who you are, many people never do.

It's easier to follow the latest trend, complain about small things and hold grudges against others. 

So here's the truth: To discover who you are, you must spend time with yourself. Sound's simple right? Well, simple is not easy. 

To discover who you are, you must accept your past, your faults and your weaknesses. You must make difficult choices. Choices that determine your future. You must listen to yourself. Your feelings, your dreams and your attitude. You must also decide this: Am I going to start taking charge of my life? Or will I let life take charge of me?

Most people, when asked who they are, will respond with titles, labels, and favorites. But you must look deeper to understand who you are. 

Although we consider the self to be one whole thing, it is fluid. It changes all the time, because life changes and we change. The self can reflect on the past, look to the future, and adapt to situations. 

So what really determines who you are?

What are your values? What are your priorities? What are your actions? What are your reactions? 

These things determine who we are far more than an icon or a label. 

Here's another important fact. Not everyone will accept who you are. Here's an even more important one: that's okay. 

Another interesting fact: No one cares about who you are except you. So this is why people pleasing never does any good for anyone. Think about it. Do you care who anyone else is? No, and here's why: it's none of your concern. Your concern is to focus on who you are, and act on it. That's it! Whether anyone likes what you do, or supports what you do, do things because you love doing them. Because the amazing thing is, once you accept and know who you are, no one can make you do anything.

Dreams, Wishes and Goals

(Inspired by the Emma Approved blog)

What is your dream? What do you wish? 

Did you know that they aren't the same thing?

A wish is a longing for something you don't have. It's a powerful want that is usually driven by the way you view the world. Some people wish for little or don't wish for anything. Other people wish for the most dramatic and life changing events to occur in their life. Regardless of what you wish for, it's important to know that wishing is one thing, and working toward what you want is another. 

That's where dreams come in. Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten? What are you doing currently to get there. That's right! Dreams are goals that you set and begin working toward. But dreams are not predictable or constant. 

People change. And, as a result, what they want and where they want to be changes. 

So how do you recognize what's a dream and what's a wish?

Easy. Which are you willing to work toward? 

You can wish for a perfect life, but are you willing to work for it? What do you believe you can do to get there? And let's be honest. There is no such thing as a perfect life. 

So the first step to discovering your dream, is to look at what you want, and decide what you are willing to do to get it. 

Once you recognize your dream, the next thing to do is set a goal. 

This could be a daily goal (like mine of writing every day) or a goal over months or years at a time. 

I know most of us don't want to remember school, but what did you have to get the work done? A deadline. Setting a certain amount of time is an important structure to check your progress and feel accomplished once the goal is met. 

Now here's the tricky part.

Once you have your goals, you have to stick to them, and this can be difficult. 

There will be days you want to avoid it. Days you may even want to give up will test your patience, expectations and overall view of your life. 

So once you set goals, you have to make sure that they are realistic. Can you write a book in a day? Probably not. A week? Maybe a short story? How about a month? (There is a contest to do this in November) 

So before you set your goals, check your motivation, time and realistic expectations. 

Once you have a goal, it's time to give yourself a pep talk. Don't Give Up! Keep Moving Forward! 

This has been (hopefully) an inspirational post.