Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Dreams Don't Expire

It's Never Too Late
For more than the last week I have been watching bits and pieces of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Like anyone else, I have my favorite events to watch; snowboarding, skating, and downhill skiing. Some events I pass on; not because they aren't interesting, but because I just don't get them, lol. I don't understand the logic or the thrill the athletes get. But that's the thing. Who am I to judge whether something is good or bad, when my ONLY expertise is that I know nothing about it? I would never say it's stupid or a waste of their time, just because it isn't something I would want to do. If they have the talent and the desire I would encourage them to keep going.

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and they don't come with an expiration date. Is there something you've always wanted to do or accomplish, but it hasn't come to fruition yet? What is holding you back? Is it timing? Is it not having enough time? Is it financial backing? Is it motivation? Is it because you have other responsibilities to take care of?

Are there people who try discourage you? Do you they give you comments like, 'You're crazy to do that at your age? 'Why would you want to do that?' or 'You know, 9 out of 10 people fail at that so why would you even bother?'

To succeed at anything we need to push ourselves and not give up. We need people to support and encourage us (even if they think we're crazy for trying). Don't let other people determine your successes and failures; it's YOUR future. What's the worst thing that can happen? You try to achieve your dream and it doesn't pan out quite the way you always imagined? But guess what? Succeed or not, YOU have to live with your own conscience. YOU will be the one that knows whether you gave up because it was easier not to try. YOU are the one that will need to live with your choices. 

Yes, whether you succeed or not isn't the real issue; the issue is that you shouldn't give up on yourself. You shouldn't let society dictate to you what is an acceptable goal and when we are allowed to pursue it. If you're married or single, have kids or not, have a job or are currently unemployed, you still have every right to pursue your dreams. Sure, there are times in our lives when we're younger that perhaps we may have more energy to try something super athletic, but in 2010 I attempted to walk in a 3 day 60-mile fundraising walk. I was in my middle 40s at the time, did months and months of training, and was passed up many times by people on the route who were 30 years older than me. The didn't give up. They inspired me to push harder and instead of thinking, 'Can I do this?' I started to think,  'I CAN DO THIS!'.

What is your dream? Are you still trying to grasp it? How can we help you get there?

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

For The Love of Valentine's Day

My husband and I have a tradition of buying each other a card on Valentine's Day. Some years the cards have been more serious, some have been mushy, and some are silly. After 35 years of cards it can be difficult to find something unique. Going out on Valentine's Day for dinner was one of our first dates (I think it was actually our third). It turned out to be a make or break kind of date. I was overwhelmed; fancy restaurant, charming guy, falling snow, cool music, etc. He thought I wasn't interested and wasn't going to call me afterward. So what did I do? I waited a week and I called him! Needless to say, we had a fourth date and a fifth.

Valentine's Day for us can be pretty casual. We don't need to buy each other fancy gifts or go out for an expensive dinner. For us, we usually end up with a pizza and kicking back to just enjoy each other's company.

Don't get caught up in the Hallmark and candy side of the holiday. If you plan to celebrate at all, make a card (or buy one without all the bling), go for a walk, hold hands, and just enjoy the moment. Do something that feels special for you.

Yesterday I was looking at cards and came upon two other shoppers doing the same. We all took turns reading the cards and then flipping them over to look at the price. When did a good Valentine's card go up to $7.99? Oh my! One gentleman looked and looked and finally chose THE CARD he wanted and then grinned and proudly said, 'I'm getting the $8.00 card! You ladies have a nice night.'

I laughed and told the other lady that after 35 years it was getting more and more difficult to get the right card. She said, 'Wow! 35 years? That's awesome. I've only been married for four years. I think that's great you still buy each other cards.'

Who knew that standing in a store looking at an aisle of over-priced pink and red greeting cards could be an opportunity for three strangers to bond and have a real conversation?

In the end I picked out my perfect card (never mind what I paid for it, lol) and will tell my sweetie tomorrow that I love him, like I do every morning and every evening.

What will your Valentine's Day look like?