Dream Big

It’s a bright and cheerful morning here although still cold.  We’ve been having some beautiful pink sunrises that I really need to get out and capture with the camera. 

It has been a very busy week here.  Monday’s appt. lasted over 3 hours, Tuesday I had an allergy scratch test that lasted about 1 1/2 hours and then went to visit my Grandma at the nursing home.  She wasn’t in her room and when I asked where she was found out she had been sent to the hospital.  She is ok, but I spent a portion of my afternoon sitting with her there.  I’m hoping to stay away from any more doctors offices or hospitals for a good long time!

Today I’d like to share a bit more of my Altered Book of Me.  Again, thanks to Tam for giving away the Art, Heart & Healing class.  I’ve gotten a lot out of the class and have really enjoyed the projects.  This spread was all about not giving up on your dreams, and enjoying all the steps that might be involved with reaching some of your dreams.  I feel that you really can reach your dreams, no matter how big, but they often require a lot more work than one would expect.  I think its important to take pleasure not just in the attainment of your goals, but in all the hard work that helps you meet them.  Think of all the things you’ve learned along the way to each goal.  Its usually much more rewarding and involved than you would have initially thought and the lessons you learn along the way are just as priceless as the satisfaction of reaching the goal itself. 

Most of all its important to believe in yourself and give value your dreams.  Fight for what you believe in.  If you don’t fight for what you want, no one else will.  Be strong, be happy, be you.

Running Love

What kind of dreams do you hold deep down inside? About 3 years ago my hubby and I started doing the Body for Life diet/exercise program. We both lost weight and built muscle by doing the program in its initial time frame-I think it was a 3 month thing. Anyways, after we finished doing those months, I tapered off and eventually went back to my old ways. (I can tell you this now because since then, I have lost the weight and I now exercise regularly and have stayed within my weight "range" for 2 years now.) My hubby however, never stopped exercising and eating well. He started running races. We both did a 5K on Labor day of 2005. It was the first race either of us had ever attempted. He ran it, I walked the majority of it. He tried his first duathalon later that fall (Run 5K, Bike 10K, Run 5K), and has since finished many 5Ks (which I now can run the whole thing), 10Ks, half-marathons, duathalons, triathalons, and his first full marathon. He is truly an inspiration to see progress with better times and longer distances. For valentines day I made him this race record altered book. It is divided into sections for each type of race and I've written in date, race name, and finishing time. Its made on industrial (carpet?) tags I found at a garage sale and "had" to have. By using the tags, I can easily expand the pages as necessary. I used acrylic paints and mulberry paper to embellish it, but not my typical glitter as he just wouldn't of appreciated that. On the reverse of each tag I included a quote about strength, commitment, and other values I see in him. This is one of my favorite things I've done in awhile and watching him open it was so rewarding.

So, what are your dreams and what are you doing to reach them? Nothing is impossible with the right amount of patience and practice. Go for it.