Artists Passion

by: Liane Schmidt

“There is no limit to what you can imagine.”
-Ralph Marson

Recently, I have been introduced to Ralph Marson’s exceptional motivational work as well as some of his powerful, extraordinary quotes.

As a continual seeker of any motivational, uplifting material that will keep taking me to the “next” level in my life, Marson’s work left a permanent impression on me immediately. Like one of my other favorite successful role models, Brian Tracy, self-made millionaire, both men know that one of the key elements to being successful is the ability to lift, support, and believe in others as you continue to grow and increase the levels of success in your own life. You must lift others up in order to be successful yourself. You must believe in others to believe in yourself.

It is my belief that this philosophy goes back to the time old adage that, we truly do treat others how we treat ourselves. If we believe in others, we do so because we believe in ourselves. If we put others down, that is because we most assuredly putting ourselves down as well. It is, as simple and as complex as that.

The complexity that comes into play, is what throws all of us the many challenges we face in our lives. And, of course, this level of complexity differs from person to person and background to background. This is why I constantly seek uplifting, inspirational role models and experiences; to keep my spirits high for the moments when they might otherwise fall victim to the doubts and fears many of us deal with on a daily basis. The less negative worries and input I hear and am exposed to the better for me in all aspects of my life.

As Brian Tracy has repeatedly expressed, “everything is important”; from what you watch, to who you surround yourself with, to what values you hold dear to your heart. Never compromise who you are for anyone. Be a completely honest, good person and this will be returned to you a hundred fold.

Or as Deepak Chopra believes, you attract what energy you are giving off. If you want certain things in life you must believe that you can have them, that you deserve them and then they will come to you. These wants and desires will be attracted to your energy; like energy attracts like energy.

Like plants, we all need to be placed in the best conditions possible for our optimal growth, well-being, and ability to be successful. When we are we feel our best, are able to perform at our best, and can strive to do even more than we ever thought possible. Like a plant needs the correct amount of sunlight, not too much for some, and much more for others, we need to figure out what combination of factors are best for us.

Trust the intuitive voice inside yourself to find out what these factors are for you. Make time to sit and get to know yourself better; even if you can only manage a few moments out of every single day, this will improve your life. We make time for friends. We need to because life can get busy, hectic and we may lose track of what their new interests and activities are. These daily changes, change that person forever, just as your experiences change your self-concept forever as well. Without taking time to really reflect and, literally, be a friend to yourself, you can lose track of what has or still is most important to you.

Do not let yourself get swept away in the rushing influx of life without having a clear direction of where and what you want to accomplish. You will only be happiest and feel your very best when you know that your goals and dreams are in alignment with your heart, spirit, mind and body.

Take care of each other and yourself, always.

My best wishes to all.

(Incidentally, I was introduced to Ralph Marson’s work by a wonderful, positive gentleman who is opening a new Nightclub called 24K! It will be the hottest new club in the OC. For more info click the picture below to check out:
)

by: Liane Schmidt

Sayings and quotes that have lasted for generation after generation have staying power for a reason. “Less is more”, “all things in moderation”, and many others ring true year after year because with time, with age, with wisdom one learns more and more, just how very true these simple, yet profound statements are.

When our days are filled with too much - between multiple appointments, locations to stop at, problems to deal with, etc. one can feel as though a whole day has passed them by in “the blink of an eye”. Why does this happen when the same 24 hours prior one might’ve been painfully counting the hours until 12 noon rolled around and a grumbling tummy could be filled with one’s favorite luncheon meal?

It is no wonder that “East meets West” is becoming a popular trend. With ying yang philosophies, meditation, and other such balancing, spiritually healing practices we are being reminded how very important simplicity and quality spent quiet moments are to one’s overall mental and physical nourishment. Yes, nourishment. Our bodies need more than just food nourishment. We need all aspects of ourselves, “body, mind and spirit” to be in peaceful equilibrium in order to be able to function at our very best, peak levels.

If our prized shiny red convertibles (or ‘97 Toyota Tercels - reality check - LOL) have great tires, but haven’t had an oil change in a year, one will for sure begin to notice performance problems and or find that down the line the damaging effects of not maintaining a vehicle properly; it breaks down on the I-5 right before a crucial sales meeting with the top executives of NBC.

Don’t let such avoidable obstacles enter into your life. And obstacles such as these are avoidable. Take the time to do whatever pre-mediatitve steps necessary to eliminate these potential obstacles. Do it now. There is no need to wait. The quality of your life is dependent on it.

Slow down when your body wants you to. Speed up when you know it’s best. Eliminate excess factors that can slow you down, make you feel bad, etc. With simplicity you have more time to focus, to know what’s best for you completely. You also have more time to become an expert in any one given field.

With simplicity you have less places to be and more time to appreciate where you are currently at.

“Less is more.”

My best wishes to all.

Note: Incidentally, author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowlings, was on welfare, with two children while writing the incomparable series and remained focused on her dream. Her friends were telling her to get a “real job”. She wouldn’t listen. She is now the richest author in history: www.thebookstacks.com/trivia-wealthiest-author/. She had “less”, believed in her dreams and now, ironically, she has “more” (to put it lightly).

by: Liane Schmidt

(The following is a poem I wrote about two months ago.)

Tonight…

Stand by me tonight

I am your fireside, purple
Golden

I am your midnight, blackened
Cold

Whisper to me
I don’t care.

Look my way
It doesn’t matter.

Take me in your arms
I can’t feel
Anything
Anymore.

by: Liane Schmidt

When all else fails. When you feel you have nothing else. You have hope. You have always had hope. You can do anything, you can carry on when it feels like everything you have ever wanted is so far away. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how faint or brilliant it is for you, it is always there. In the toughest of times, do not forget this. Always remember this.

With life, with everything, I risk everything. Give all of me in any given moment and at times this can leave my heart aching with hope, with hurt, with disappointment, with indescribable joy. I do this because I know if I give all of me, then and only then, am I truly living. Being me completely I will never have regrets. And, I do this because I don’t know how to live any other way.

This way of living, however, does make for some incredibly painful and trying times. But, I also know that the greater pain one has felt the deeper levels of joy they can experience as well. There have been moments in my life where the joy I have felt is truly beyond anything words could ever describe. And, ironically, this has often occurred when I am going through the toughest times in my life. I believe this is because, there truly is a fine line between pain and pleasure. It is painful sometimes to receive a deep tissue massage, but it can also be one of the most healing, blissful experiences.

Today, I need to remember the ache in my heart is there for a reason and that people will come and go in my life, but love, true love in friendships, relationships, in your career, etc. will remain, will stay a part of your life forever, because that is real and that is, in the end, what will always, always truly matter above all else.

Hold tight to hope. Hold onto it with everything in your heart.

Take care of yourselves, for always.

by: Liane Schmidt

The more I learn everyday, the more the same things that have always held the deepest value for me still ring true, and that is all fundamentally based on simplicity. When I simplify my life, when I worry less, when I focus more on the most important aspects of my life, I experience a greater sense of peace and well-being. The value of everything I already have in my life increases. I realize that everything I am searching for externally can be found within me; if I just take some time to sit back and reflect on the beauty that is already a part of my life.

For example, when I am out rollerblading at the beach, if I have worries on my mind all I have to do is look up and see a child pedaling with all his might down the bike trail, eyes bright, cheeks flushed with excitement while his little sister watches him on her new bright pink bicycle with shiny tassels that flow from her handle bars and sparkle in the sun. Their focus is on the moment, their joy infectious. It inspires me and I blade faster, freer and I learn from them.

But, of course, we cannot always live for the moment. If we did this we would forget about the practical aspects in life and experience the repercussions that living in the moment can often make us learn the hard way.

Thus, to reach our goals, we must find a balance in life.

We must remember that we need such simple moments in life to nourish our spirits and well-being. The moment I stop to watch the sunrays dance along the ocean waves or the sunset fall beneath the horizon to end another day, beauty fills my soul and nothing else matters; how can it when I am witnessing priceless, breathtaking beauty?

But then I also know that I must take the time to really think about what steps I need to take to ensure the success of my dreams. The simple moments refresh my soul so that I am able to dive into my plans with greater energy and focus which in turn gives me a greater sense of pride, self-confidence and quality of life.

So take care, keep your spirits and dreams nourished.

The days in your life, the simple moments, all of it, defines your life.

by: Liane Schmidt

We have all made choices that in the moment we just felt we had to make. Something inside us propelled us to make the decision at the time. Maybe in retrospect we regret the choice; if only we had taken more time to think about it. If only we had listened to such and such or had taken a night to sleep on it. But, I truly believe that we make these choices for a reason. We are trusting that voice inside us that is telling us to do what we need the most at any given moment. And by following this intuitive voice, the choices we end up making act to guide us to where we ultimately want to be in life or where we ultimately believe we deserve to be.

But this is definitely debatable. After all, does the drug user who can’t hold off taking one more hit, who feels an uncontrollable urge to keep using; is he making a choice that will lead to what he wants or needs? Ironically, yes. In the moment for him, maybe the pain he is feeling far outweighs the high he gains. Maybe he is self-medicating himself when he feels he has no other avenue to turn to. But this will only soothe him for the length of his high. In the long run, his intuition knows, deep down inside that such a habit will be the end of him continuing to make his truest dreams seem like impossible far off mirages. And, deep down inside, he knows he needs something else, something that will be better for him, but for some reason he has just not figured out what that is yet.

Everyday, I make decisions that I think about and wonder why I’ve made them. I know there is much that I still need to learn about myself and others. I know. But, I do believe in the long run I had to make the decisions I made to learn, to grow, and understand why I have to make new decisions.

I know that the more I learn, the more I realize how very important the “big picture” is. Yes, instant gratification rewards feel great in the moment, alleviate whatever trouble one was feeling at the time, but more often than naught they leave a person feeling worse than before. A quick shopping spree when you don’t have the money, a hangover that leaves you a few benjamins short of last week’s rent and adds to that beer belly you keep saying you will get rid of tomorrow are reasons enough to stop and take a moment to rethink these sort of “in the moment” decisions.

You don’t have to let these things happen to you. If you are having a bad day or are going through an exceptionally rough time in your life, you can make different choices. Talk to people who are leading a life you admire. Find out how they get through the rough times. Learn things from them that in your heart you know are best for you. If you have pain, anger and hurt, go to the gym and take a boxing class! If you want to lose weight quit talking about it and put down the doritos. Yes, I know they just somehow always end up in your shopping cart…but who’s hand put them there?

Take responsibility for all your actions. Know that you made the choice. But, this is empowering knowledge! You have the control to make all the choices in your life. You and you alone.

And, if you want your dreams to come true, then it’s up to you to make the right decisions. It’s up to you. You can have the life you have always wanted.

It’s up to you.

My best wishes to all.

by: Liane Schmidt

Every day, every morning is a new beginning; a new chance to start again. People often look at the beginning of a new year in such light, but why not every morning? Doesn’t that seem ever more freeing? Or why stop there? Why not “a new beginning” as many times throughout the day as you want?

Life, society and other such factors often dictate to us what life should be, how we should be living it and reminders when we are not “on track” with everyone else. These can be helpful motivating tools, but they can also be restricting, limiting crutches. And, at the end of the day, who really wants to be like everyone else anyhow? Commonality can be comforting, but it can also make one feel like a nameless face in the crowd. No, we are infinitely unique. Each and every one of us. This is why every single moment we live and breathe is precious.

I am a firm believer that when we were children we had “new beginnings” more times in a day than some people end up having from adulthood until the end of their lives. Children get in fights, get hurt and then apologize right away and get on with playing and enjoying their day. They don’t waste time, they know how much they love whatever they are doing and they don’t want to be held down with needless grudges or other such limiting actions. They are genuine in their apologies, in their feelings and their hearts remain unfettered. Their heroes are still fireman, police officers, presidents, etc. Their hopes are idealistic and they still believe in the unending good of mankind.

While some people have been able to retain this hopeful idealism into adulthood, many have lost faith and hope along the way - and with good reason. If you had more than one person lie, cheat, or steal from you - the wise person learns to not trust as quickly, not allow themselves to be so openly vulnerable to the random passerby who could turn out to be their best friend or worst enemy. If you have touched fire once and it burned you, you will no longer touch it. You learn to steer clear of it.

While this seems to be the smartest choice, fire also has its infinite benefits. We need it for cooking, it can keep us warm at night, and so many other life enhancing uses. Though it can hurt us, it can also make our lives better, we just had to learn how it could hurt us and figure out how to prevent that from happening again. We just needed to be careful, keep our eyes open, learn from it and then we could successfully enjoy it as a part our lives again.

In this same vein, there will always be moments in life that will hurt. People do things all the time that they don’t mean to do. A busy day, feeling stressed by a recent break up, a family illness and suddenly you find that they are “stepping on your toes”. They become shorter in conversations, they seem to withdraw and you assume they are angry with you or whatever the case is. These things can feel hurtful, they can feel undeservered, but they do happen; even by our best of friends and family members. But these same people can be there when no one else is, when we need someone there by our side more than anything in the world. These people can become the most important parts of our lives.

I will never stop believing that people do not mean to hurt others intentionally, but there must always be a line that we draw for ourselves. Of course in life, there will always be the risk of getting hurt. Accidents do happen, people do have bad moments, but in the overall picture you know when something just becomes too much. You know when you deserve better. You know when someone just can’t seem to treat you right because they can’t seem to treat themselves good enough. It is not your fault. It is not their fault. People are at different stages in their lives for a reason. All you can do is give everything; give your whole heart and soul and then see what happens. And, when you give all of yourself, you will be surprised to find that you will end up with everything you’ve ever needed and wanted.

Like energy attracts like energy. It’s that simple.

So, allow yourself to learn more everyday. Allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. Let them come to you naturally. But also know that you must participate in life to get what you want. The career of your dreams is great to think about, but if you don’t take the necessary steps to make it happen, it will always just be a dream.

“The only limitations in life are those we place on ourselves.”

Right now - this moment is your “new beginning” - take it. You can have everything your heart has ever dreamed of.

by: Liane Schmidt

I believe there is an intrinsic value in watching television. I watch it often. Though some may disagree arguing that it is a complete waste of time and nothing but garbage is televised, I believe that there is value in “watching” another person doing something you want to do. We are social beings after all and from infants we have learned to “do” by observing behavior and then imitating it. This learning process does not stop as we grow older. In fact, oftentimes it multiplies when we see all that is “out there” in the world; all that we can potentially be participating in! It can be inspiring; it can be exciting! Watching another person can be a means to show you that a particular pursuit is possible, that if he/she can do it, so can you! And, these are all great, rewarding benefits!

But, with any pastime, “too much of a good thing” can often have its drawbacks.

I have often heard people talk about being “addicted” to a particular television program (or programs). They need to watch it every week, every day, etc. For a program or two here and there, that’s fine, but concern comes into play when this weekly or daily habit suddenly becomes one’s biggest activity.

I grew up in a family that watched the television religiously; it was one of the biggest pastimes. Am I blaming them for my continued “habit” and the times that I find myself watching more t.v. than I was planning on doing so? No, I do not want to do that, but I am realizing that this is why I used to watch more t.v. than, I watch now.

I guess I bring this topic up because I cannot count the number of times that I have witnessed or walked around my apartment complex at night and have noticed the familiar blue glow of television screens illuminating white walled apartments. I have seen the vacant, zoned out look that transfixes these audiences and I can’t help but wonder: what if all these people were actually “doing” something rather than “watching” someone else doing something?

The bottom line is: though there can be great value from watching t.v., the television can become a way to escape from the world and it can make you forget about living your life. It is addicting. Marketing geniuses specialize in making commercials and programs as entertaining as possible by changing images quickly, making them slow-mo, and other such skilled techniques that literally hypnotize you into watching their ad, etc. They study what keeps people’s attention. They are masters of grabbing your attention away from whatever you were doing or thinking about doing.

But, your time is more valuable than their products. Your mind is stronger than their craft. Do not let them successfully tell you their product is more valuable than your time, dreams, goals, and desires.

Do not let anyone do this to you.

Your dreams, your goals, your hopes are far too important to ever let anything or anyone compromise them, ever.

Take care and keep working, enjoy what you want to enjoy. You know when something becomes excessive and detrimental. You know what’s best for you.

All my best, do not worry, all your dreams are coming true.

by: Liane Schmidt

It is okay if there are obstacles along the way to reaching your dreams. These are meant to teach you important lessons about who you are and what you truly want in life.

Do not let them slow you down. Do not let them bring you down.

Someone will always be there to accidentally “step on your foot”. Maybe it was intentional on their part, but I will always believe that people do not hurt others intentionally. When people feel good about themselves they will only treat others with the utmost care. When they don’t the opposite is often, unfortunately, true.

And, if people do something to hurt others intentionally, this does not mean they are not good people; it may simply mean that they do not know their worth yet. People who know their worth, value others; and, again, the oppositive is sadly true. Gently, remind yourself that their path is different from yours; that they need to learn things that maybe you have already learned. Wish them well, wish them all the best and continue on your way.

Life is simply too precious to let others hold you down. There is far too much limitless beauty in this world and you deserve to experience it all. You deserve to be surrounded by joy, happiness, and beauty, always. So, let it fill you up. Let it inspire you everyday to search your mind, to activate your creative energy, and make all your dreams a reality.

We have boundless beauty within our hearts, minds and spirits. The reason sunsets, sunrises, and amazing landscapes bestill our hearts so is because this vast infinite beauty resides in all of us. We ache for it because it is a reflection of who each and every one of us are. Why do we ache so much for our best friends in times of need? Because they reflect what we have forgotten about ourselves. They remind us of our beauty. Such is the truth about the ache that drives us to watch the daylight colors come aflame in the evening sky and quell the riotting seas battling in our spirits.

But, throughout the day so many things can make us forget that this beauty resides inside each of us; thus, as I mentioned we often turn to external objects to remind us of this fact — though, this can leave us feeling somewhat satisfied (more so with different people, and different external object), oftentimes we may still feel there is something missing.

This is because we are all on a journey; we are all trying to remember that this infinite beauty never stops within our hearts. And if we are all focusing on this, it is difficult to reflect and give it back to another, to reproduce art that conveys this beauty, if our mind is distracted, if our mind doubts what is in our hearts. Remember, our thoughts shape who we are.

Do not forget. Do not let this happen for you.

Let your thoughts be the sunrise “bursting free all the colors inside your heart”. Let your thoughts be the rushing waterfall oasis. Let your spirit believe in the endless beauty of your dreams.

by: Liane Schmidt

Though we might not realize it, life leads us in the direction of what we need, what our heart aches for the most. Ironically, this might not necessarily be what we think it is we want.

Many times the things we think we want are quick fixes; instant gratification pleasures. Everything from that small can of soda, to that drink after work to just relieve the tension. Though in small doses these things are not too harmful, all the same they are unhealthy habits that can over time work to take away from other, more positive forms of healing and well-being.

Everything we do is important. Everything we say, think and feel. It is all important.

It surprises me everyday how much I have learned. How many new things I realize throughout the day. Though some may not think it, 24 hours is an incredible amount of time. Just think of those moments when you were bored out of your mind or in a situation that you did not want to be in and remember how slowly the seconds ticked by.

Before electricity, before technology, before the influx of information that fills our minds and leaves us sometimes wondering how the day flew by so quickly, time seemed slower because there was more time for reflection. More time to sit back and enjoy and yes, even watch those tumble weeds drift by and wonder where they are going?

So, do take the time to slow down in your day and “smell the flowers”. Take the time to reflect. If you want “more time” you can make it possible. Your days do not have to fly by with you wondering, where did it all go.

Every moment of your life is important. Do not let anyone ever tell you differently.

by: Liane Schmidt

Making mistakes, many. This is a part of life. Wish you could take something back, wish you hadn’t acted so rashly. Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve in retrospect. But, you can’t go back in time, you can’t change what has already been done.

You did the best you could in the given moment. You did what you did for a reason. Try not to beat yourself up about it.

There was a quote I once read that said something like this: “We are all doing the best we can right now given what we know and our experience.”

Take time to listen to those around you who truly care about you. Take time to listen to what you know is best for you. Stop “rubbing salt” in your past mistakes, you will make more. Would you do that to a friend?

No. You would support them, you would tell them everyone makes mistakes. We’re all human.

We are all still learning every single day. Give yourself time, compassion, patience and reason.

by: Liane Schmidt

When going after your dreams, it can sometimes feel like things are not happening fast enough. You see your dreams, you have them perfectly pictured in your mind, but time, circumstances and other such factors seem to always prolong results. You see others around you who seem to have what you want, seem to be living their dreams. You hear their stories. You wonder how you can get through the ache of wanting what you know can’t be yours, at the present moment.

I often find that I get caught up in the moment if something truly interests me. It can sometimes take over everything else I’m dealing with and often make me forget about everything else going on in my life. Though this is sign of passion and being present in the moment (something I love about myself), I do realize with time and experience that it is also something I have to learn how to not let get the better of me. It has oftentimes made me ache painfully for things, I know I cannot realistically have immediately, so much so that it can hinder me from other things. This is when it can become detrimental to my dreams, my hopes, and my goals.

Ultimately, almost everything worth having takes time to develop. From building a home, to building a nest egg, to building a relationship. One needs to make sure the plans for any new endeavor are solid, well thought through, and all the varying factors are taken into account. If one support board is left out of the equation, the first time a natural disaster occurs a home can completely come crashing down. This is why taking one’s time, thoughtful reflection and planning are crucial pieces to the actions you are taking to create your dreams.

It is okay if this takes time. It doesn’t matter if others seem to have it all and you don’t. Use their success to motivate you to realize that those luxuries are achievable and know that you probably also have something these people want as well. Maybe you are more physically fit? Maybe you have the freedom that they always wished they had taken?

The grass is not always greener, though many people feel that it is, it is not. Behind the surface, we are all constantly growing, learning, and self-actualizing. It is a life-long process and we will all continue to learn from one another for the rest of our lives. Try to keep in mind that you are doing the best you can right now and take your time. Work toward your dreams, steadily, patiently, one day at a time you will get there, you will get there.

by: Liane Schmidt

For those struggling to continue forth with a dream sometimes, finding inspiration and finding motivation to keep moving forward on that path can be difficult. Many people get discouraged themselves and unintentionally put their worries and fears on others often making the picture look even more dreary and unattainable. This does not have to be the case for you!

While it is easy to fall into a bad habit, if you can create a habit, you can also break a habit. It is simply a matter of forming a new habit - the choice to stop something that can be harmful to you. It is a choice and you have enough will-power and strength to do anything you really want to do. You always have.

One can look at the world half-empty or half-full. One does not have to focus on the negative “what if” scenarios that often only cause fear and unnecessary worry. There will always be unknown parameters in life, always. This knowledge can actually be confidence building and can give one the opportunity to be prepared for the unknown. For example, if one knows his or her values, then in any given situation, this will dictate his or her actions. Confidence, strong values, and goals will help deter one from those who might unwittingly try to deter one from their path.

Know what you want, what you need and who you are. This will help keep you on the path toward making all your dreams come true. As an artist surrounding yourself with beauty, inspiration, and the positive is of utmost importance (as it is for anyone) to the continuing development and improvement of your craft.

by: Liane Schmidt

The struggle to make a living from one’s craft can sometimes feel futile. Watching BMW’s, Mercedes, and the Golden Globes can either make one feel more discouraged or can propel one to action depending on one’s mood or personality. One might see it as a model of what they can potentially achieve, while another might see it as an indicator of what they do not have yet.

I must admit, I often waffle between the two. And when it’s toward the less optomistic choice, I wonder, what am I doing with my time? Is it all for naught? As I lay my head down to sleep every night on a mattress that has no bed frame in a small studio apartment, with no heater (until just recently!), I think what am I doing?

But then, I hear about stories like J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter, who a billion dollars later is living her dreams and I know in my heart that I am living my life the only way I can. The famous singer Jewel lived out of her car for awhile. These people believed in their dreams and when you do, you will do just about anything to make them come true.

I have also read about freelance writers who make six digits and more from their writing skills. I know that is one of the directions I am heading in. My words, my craft is art. I believe this with all my heart.

by: Liane Schmidt

By this, (I do not necessarily mean a significant other) I mean finding whatever makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning and gives you a reason to live, to be excited to live everyday - like finding the career of your dreams.

At some point in our lives: We have all desired, ached to find the love of our life.

And, when it is found: this is when we are at our best, this is when everything else seems to suddenly come rushing into our lives, including a significant other. This is because like energy attracts like energy. Confidence attracts confidence, etc. I believe this wholeheartedly.

But, if this has not happened for you yet - how do you find the love of your life?

I truly believe that each and every one of us, knows deep inside our hearts what truly gives us that magical feeling, what makes us feel happier than anything else can (again, outside of a significant other). I believe most of us found this out when we were children. When our hearts were completely open to the world. When we were allowed to just take on each day with little care in the world and much time to just live life unfettered.

So, if you are already living the life you have dreamed of, you are blessed and an inspiration to those who are not! And if you are not yet, know that you still can. Maybe you need to take baby steps to reach your dreams. Take them. Each day work toward your dreams, at your pace, but keep moving toward them. You deserve all the dreams you’ve every imagined coming true. And, everyday you try, everyday, they are coming true.