Simply just do what you can do!

Well, it's a new year and a new chance to start over in so many areas of my life. Like with LynnMade, we have had some challenges and we have had to rearrange how we are working the whole business. At first I was really upset but realize now that I was going about it all wrong. I really tried to make my business become something that it isn't. I am still not sure exactly what I want LynnMade to be ...but I do know what I don't want it to be.
So for now I will just try to focus on what is most important and then trust that I will make the right direction choices in my life. I love LynnMade, and some day I pray that it will become something known for helping and inspiring others to create something beautiful fro the ones they love!
I am going to try to do more teaching so that people will know who LynnMade is and what we stand for.
I have neglected this blog since I started LynnMade a year ago, it just seemed too much to do 2 blogs and get all the things ready that we needed to start LynnMade. I loved writing this blog, I love sharing what is on my heart. I love sharing the lessons of life that I am learning. I feel like even though I am having fun with LynnMade and making it happen, still I realize that I let some of the important things go.
I haven't been paying enough attention to my health or my personal goals...so I am going to regroup and start this year over...trying hard to keep my priorities in order.
Life teaches you over and over. Sometimes I wonder why I can't learn something the first time...why I have to relearn things over and over?  I guess that is just life... or just me!
So thanks for your patience and for being such a great friends and a great support to me. Thanks for believing in me, that means alot!
Good Night dear friends!
PS I think this quote was written for me!

Stop talking and thinking about getting started...just START!

When I was in Texas, I was talking to my daughter in law about how hard it was to start my video taping. I love teaching, talking and working with people, but just trying to look into that little camera lense seems soooooo hard. I was telling her about what others told me I should try and do. It seems like everyone has a different opinion and so I am trying to do them all. She just laughed and said, "Lynn, you don't have to do everything that everyone tells you, do what you feel is right, just get started and you will learn as you go". This younger generation are wise beyond their years aren't they? Yet someday they too will be in my shoes... a bit older and then maybe a bit timid about starting a brand new adventure at an older age. But then again, everyone's personality is different...I like things that are sure, steady and familiar...that really sums me up!

I now have a young girl who knows something about video taping and she is helping to tutor me in this whole process of mine. In turn I am teaching her to crochet!
 I am shocked at how much better I did when she was here. Maybe because I hadn't shared my fears and anxiety about it all to her. She just got behind the camera, wrote a few notes on the wipe off board for me, and before I knew it she was counting down 3, 2, 1... and I just started. Mostly because I guess I didn't want to let her down. She just believed I could do it, so I finally begun and I am still working at it.

My daughter sent me this article about just getting started on goals that you have had. I have just given you some of it, you can read the whole article HERE:
The reason I took out some parts, is because her language was a bit too colorful for me.
Anyway they were some great tips on how to get started!

Listen, there is no "right way" to start. What's important is that you START.

But starting can be scary, I know. Really scary. And there are a lot of things that might try to hold you back.

You cannot let that happen.

If this is something you want, then grab it by the horns and face it head on. I skirted around my dreams of starting my own blog biz for 3 whole years. Don't waste time like I did.

Today, I'm sharing the 4 main things that held me back, how I overcame them, and how YOU can overcome them too.

1. Focusing on the fear.

I'd always been drawn to the idea of letting my voice be heard, but for an introvert like me, I remained on the sidelines as an observer and nothing more. But I was sick of being an observer. I wanted to be a doer.

But my fear sucked away my energy. I constantly worried about the "what-ifs." 

Try this:

If you're only focusing on the worst case scenario, you're cheating yourself of all the great things that could result instead.

I'll be honest with you, my fear isn't something I've "conquered" or eliminated. It's always there.

Whenever I publish a new post, approach someone new, or push myself out of my comfort zone, I'm always TERRIFIED.

But that's okay. Wanna know why?

Because I do it anyway.

Fear isn't something we can truly eliminate, but it IS something we can overcome.

That's the key. There's no shortcut around it. Accept your fear and acknowledge that it's there, BUT THEN DO IT ANYWAY. Whatever your "it" is.

2. Not knowing where to begin or where to go from there.

I spent hours at a time reading blog post after blog post and book after book trying to learn everything I could. For 3 YEARS.

I'd be a millionaire if I had a penny for every wasted second I spent researching things that wouldn't make a world of a difference in helping me start.

I thought if I could learn more about x, y, or z, THEN I would be ready. THEN I could start. Over and over again I kept thinking like this, all the while not even knowing what "starting" really looked like.

When it came down to it, I was procrastinating.

You learn best by doing. What works for someone else isn't always going to work for you. You have to experiment. The way you create, work, and live is entirely unique to you. Just because you go about things differently doesn't make you wrong.

Try this:

Write out all of your goals.

Take some time to really think about what it is you wish to accomplish, and then WRITE THEM DOWN. Don't just think about them. Make them real. Commit to your goals. Tell your family or friends, create a poster for your wall, or do whatever it is you need to do in order to hold yourself accountable.

I made my goal of starting a blog public when I officially set my launch day. I gave myself a month and a half to get things ready, which might not sound like a lot of time, but it's what got me hustling. I was done with wasting time.

Choose one main goal to focus on and break it down into manageable chunks.

For me, starting a blog was my main goal. Now that's all well and good, but unless I had taken the time to map out exactly what steps I needed to take to get there, I probably wouldn't be writing this post.

I had to do some reverse engineering that looked something like this:

• Start writing blog posts (what do I write about?)
• Topics in my niche (how do I find my niche?)
• Figure out what it is I really want to do and who I want to help (how will I share these things?)
• Develop my brand (how do I raise awareness?)
• Network and form meaningful relationships with others (where do I find people?)
• Become more active on social media (but how do I get over my fear and stick with it?)
• Make a public commitment (what will hold me accountable?)
• Set a launch date (what do I do now?)
• Set up a website (how do I start a website?)
• Find a hosting provider (how do I find out which one is right for me?)
• Start a trial with Squarespace (how do I set it up in time?)
• Set a schedule and stick to it (what if I'm not ready?)
• Launch and learn

By breaking things down one step at a time, it's much easier to visualize where you're headed and what you need to do to get there. From this basic outline, I was able to make a plan that covered the main points I needed to make my goals a reality.

Were there some unexpected surprises? Of course. There always will be. But since I had already carved myself a rough path, I was much better equipped to face them.

3. Fear of networking.

I used to be straight up terrified of anything that could be remotely categorized as networking. Facebook groups were intimidating. Twitter was overwhelming (sending out a tweet was out of the question, let alone tweeting TO someone). And emails? Ohhh man, the thought of sending one of those was a nightmare.

But I knew that if I ever wanted this to become a real thing, I had to start reaching out to others. My blog would not have launched with the same impact it did if I hadn't been actively utilizing social media.

You shouldn't have to run your blog biz alone. You DON'T have to.

Try this:

Share other's content on social media.

Even if your website is not anywhere near launch, start sharing. You can never start sharing too soon. By sharing other's content, you're supporting your fellow bloggers by spreading the word, easing yourself into the flow of social media, and opening doors to future connections and friendships.

One of my favorite tools for this is Buffer, which allows you to schedule updates in advance as well as shorten URLs. It's played a big part in helping me stay active by consistently sharing useful content with my followers.

Comment on other blogs.

I know this is almost like a blogger cliché, but that's because commenting on other blogs is such an essential part to building relationships and extending your outreach.

Be sure your comments offer something of value to the post's author. Don't just say things like "Wow, great post!" or worse "Nice! Come check out my blog now!" 

Show that you actually put in the effort to read through their post. Talk about points that resonated with you most, your experiences, or any questions you might have.

4. Lack of confidence.

Second guessing myself is something I've always struggled with. I'll even second guess the dumbest of things.

In addition to the blog, I also run a music studio business. One time when I was shopping for supplies, I was struggling to decide on which stickers would get me the most for my money while still appealing to my students. Safari animals with 251 stickers or cute little owls with 248? Or maybe springtime flowers with 257??? WHICH DO I CHOOSE?!?!

Did I mention they were only $1 each? ....Yeaaahhhh.

So I'm sure you can imagine how indecisive I was when it came to launching an entire website.

I doubted everything and gave into the excessive amount of worries I had. Not to mention the fact that everyone and their cat seemed like they had already jumped on the blogging bandwagon. Why should I?

But the thing is, every single one of us has something unique to offer. You have your own voice, stories, experiences, personality, and opinions that are unlike those of anyone else. These are the things you need to hold onto.

Try this:

Define your WHY.

This is one of, if not THE most important step of starting your blog biz. I mentioned in last week's newsletter how your WHY is the driving force behind everything you do - every blog post, every product, every service, every single piece of content you create. It's the very core of your entire brand.

• Your WHY defines your purpose.
• Your WHY shapes who you are and what you do.
• Your WHY makes you stand out from the crowd.
• Your WHY connects you with other like-minded people and those you can help most.
• Your WHY prevents you from giving up when things get tough.

Since this is such an essential part of your blog biz no matter what stage you're at with it.

As you can tell, I'm no stranger to the fear that comes along with blogging, starting your own business, and putting yourself out there. It's not easy, but I promise you it's so worth it!

What fears have held you back?
How have you overcome them?

Anyway there were some great points in this article that really made me think!

For all of you who continue to wait and support me in this new adventure...thank you!

Thanks for believing in me!

Good night dear friends

Tough, tough day!

Today started out early when I went to a friend's house for an Estate Sale. I have been to Estate Sales before...only one or two. But never to an Estate Sales of a dear friend, it was tough to watch everyone just go through their things...as if they were just junk! I caught myself wanting to buy it all... so that  their stuff didn't go to strangers but by someone who knew and loved them.

After that I went to my friend's funeral. It was truly a celebration of her life and to hear from her children and grandchildren through a song...was inspiring and touching to say the least.
Here are some of the notes that I took as her children talked, so many of us left the funeral...inspired and wanting to be a better person. That is the life of an amazing person!

First her 3 daughters spoke they said...
...Our Mother had a life of abuse but she broke the cycle and created her home to be a Safe Haven for them. And she also raised a family of children who loved the Lord and knew how to keep covenants to the Lord.
...She was determined to go to college and graduate, she was the first in her family.
...She became an attorney and was one who was adamant on protecting children.
...She taught us to always focus on finding the good in people.
...She was all about service to others!
...She shared with us her love and testimony of the Savior, which was evident in her everyday life.
...She made us who we are...because of her love.
...She was the greatest example to us!

Her son who spoke near the end said that he had a dream over a year ago...where his Mother died. He woke up crying and said it really shook him to the core... to think that anything would happen to his Mom. So he decided to write down 10 Principles and Lessons that his Mom taught him. 
1.HOW TO WRITE...He said when other kids got in trouble they probably got put in time out or got spanked. But in their case, his Mother made them write a paper about whatever it was that they did. He said he remember well writing a 3 page letter on Honesty...but couldn't remember what he did :) He said that his Mom said "it was their OPPORTUNITY " to learn from the mistake they made. And why they shouldn't do it again!
2. RESPECT, CHARITY, GRATITUDE and SERVICE...she made us write Thank You notes for everything and to everyone. Teaching us how important every type of service was.
3. HOW TO COOK... she always took the opportunity to let us cook with her. Dinner time was valuable to her.
4.WHAT CONVERSION REALLY MEANS..she shared how she became to know about the church and what that meant to her. She always told us how grateful she was for the knowlege that she recieved. She also shared her testimony of Forever Families with them.
5.HOW TO SET A TABLE... Mom was particular about how to do that, and through that I learned alot about how important it is to pay attention to detail. Plus, that crossed over to details about being OBEDIENT.
6. HOW TO ARGUE...she was stubborn, but that made her an effective Attorney. It has benefited many children throughout her life.
7. HOW TO TREAT YOUR SPOUSE...because of the hard life she had lived as a child, she was determined not to ever marry. But when she met and fell in love with my Dad, she said it was her greatest gift. She always told us how blessed she was... to be married to him. Their love for each other was a great example to us! In her wedding band Dad had it engraved with the words "You are the perfect one for me "
8. HOW TO FORGIVE..You would have to know the life my Mother before.. to truly understand how teaching us to forgive was such a big deal. But to talk about her life isn't appropriate here... but let me tell you, she taught us all how to overcome things and to forgive not matter what.
9. CHARITY...it was evident in everything she did. She always taught us to serve and give to Others. She taught us by example! She was a Christlike Example to us and others.
10. ALWAYS AND FOREVER... It was a children's book she always read to us, about a Mother's love. And she always ended all of our conversations or her letters or cards to us by saying she loved us always and forever. This principle taught us that she knew we could be a Forever Family if we live a righteous and obedient life. My Mother knew there was life after this, she bore that testimony to us always.
And because of her and my Dad, I know she will ALWAYS AND FOREVER, be my MOM!

One of the hymns we love to hear is... I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES because the words are a testament of our chance to live again too!

"To all who have lost loved ones, we would turn Job’s question to an answer: If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” ²⁰

Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.

With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He died, all shall live again. “Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’” ²¹ May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge..."  ~Thomas S. Monson

I left this sweet friend's funeral with a determination to
... write more letters to my children so that always know that I love them and what I hope for them
... to take more photos with them ( so that we have memories saved together )
...to send more gifts to my chidren and grandchildren ( so that they will have something as a reminder of how much I love them ) a tangable gift of my love!
...to be more forgiving
...to look more for the good in others
...and to tell Jeff and my kids and grandkids more often...just how much I love them!
...and to be a better Mother,Grandmother, Wife, Sister and Friend!

So you can imagine now why my day was so tough. I haven't really accomplised anything and everything makes me cry. It hits too close to home for me, and it makes life seem even more precious.

Good night dear friends! I truly love and appreciate each of you!

Just trying to keep moving forward.

Still working on moving forward and becoming what I want to be!
This quote reminded me of this!
Good Night dear friends!

go

God is in the DETAILS of our life!

Our son Bradley served a mission for our church in the Phillipines after he graduated from High School. He was our first to serve a mission, and sending him clear across the world was some times worriesome for his Mom :) 

I remember well when we would miss a weekly email from him ( it didn't happen often but when it did, it was hard. We waited all week to get his emails and hear about his life. Those letters was something that were priceless to me, they showed me how much he loved the Lord.  And it showed me how selfless he was becoming as he served and loved the people in the Phillipines. 

 So when I read this article HERE:

by Jason F. Wright about his daughter on her mission and how the he believes the Lord is in the details of our life... I totally agree with that. Many times He has answered my small and maybe even silly prayers, but it just reminds me that I matter, my life matters and my family matters to Him! And that is a really blessing in my life! Hope  you enjoy the article.Good Night dear friends!

First Family Night as Empty Nesters!

Well, I guess you can tell that I have been sick, because most of my posts are just quotes that inspire me. I do feel a bit stronger and better each day, however that changes... if I do much of anything. So I am trying to start over again on my New Year's Resolutions!
 Tonight Jeff and I started our Family Night again. We have done them ever since we were married, when we were newly weds we just sat down and went over the weekly calendar and then talked about our goals and what we could do for each other to help accomplish them. Then the next year Amy came along, our Family Night consisted of telling her stories and still doing our calendar but that was fast and easy. As the other 3 children came along, Family Night got to be a really big deal and very important. Aside from Sundays, that sometimes was the only night we were all together because of school activities, sports and music lessons. We almost accomplished Family Dinners each night most of the time and that was such a blessing, to be able to eat together and talk about everyone's day.
Family Night we always knew was very important. Finding time together as a family, working on problems together, organizing our home, chores and calendars together. Having quality time to teach them and learn together, truly was our life blood as a Family. Of course there were many Family Nights in those 30 years that were crazy, unsuccessful and I think we even had a little bloodshed on the really bad ones ( of course that is because someone was wrestling around when they were suppose to be listening and then there was always someone who got a bloody lip or something. Many Family Nights, we were just grateful that everyone was alive! :) Humor, with a  family of 6 you have to have HUMOR!
 I felt like because we took the time to do that each week, that we at least kept in touch with the kids and no matter how bad life got...we always knew we had each other. So here we are again, back to the beginning, just Jeff and I for Family Night...weird...very quite and very short. Still I was glad that we at least started going over our goals again, I need all the help I can get!
Good night dear friends!

Demand More From Ourselves

A friend of mine posted this quote the other day, and I had to share it. We are so much more powerful and strong than we think. Sometimes, in life, it is so easy to just be content with our lives how they are and get to the point that we aren't progressing. Yes, life is good, but couldn't it be so much better? Couldn't pushing ourselves and branching out make life extraordinary?
I think so often we are governed by fear, fear to leave our comfort zone, fear of the unknown. I like how the quote says that not pushing ourselves and not struggling and suffering is a "numb existence" when instead we could be taking an "extraordinary trip." This is a concept that I have tried to live my life by, and am now even more motivated to continue pushing myself and exploring the awesome path that is just waiting for me.
 No one ever accomplished all of their dreams by playing it safe, and no one who has accomplished all of their dreams got there without some pain and roadblocks. We just have to "demand more from ourselves" and take the first step to live life truly to the fullest.
-Krystal

7 Secrets of Success

7 Secrets of Success...
I found the answers in my room.

Roof said: Aim high
Fan said: Be cool
Clock said: Every minute is precious
Mirror said: Reflect...before you act
Window said: See the world
Calendar said: Be up-to-date
Door said: Push hard to achieve your goals!

I finally reached my GOAL!

 Today I received my life time membership at Weight Watchers! I got a gold little key to put on my key chain and a congratulations on staying at my goal for 6 weeks. Plus, I no longer have to pay as I continue to keep my goal weight I know that isn't huge mile marker but....in my mind it really was. I felt empowered to do some things I haven't done in a while. I felt good that I stayed committed to it, I liked the feeling when someone notices it and tells me how nice I look. I like the way my clothes fit and I like probably the most, the good thoughts about myself that comes from it, especially since they seem to push out the bad thoughts more and more each day. I feel healthier and as a cancer survivor, that is huge to me, to make healthy choices. I actually have always been a pretty healthy eater but...now I am more conscience about the amounts and value of the food. So for me to receive my lifer status was big today, and I feel happy and very grateful that I was able to reach my goal.

So thank you Shirley and everyone else who has inspired me, encouraged me along the way! I couldn't have done it without you!

"Success is not a race, be patient.
Success leads to success.
Success is always a work in progress.
Success doesn't come to you--you go to it.
Success is a journey, not a destination. Focus on the process.
Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it.
Success is achieved and maintained by those who try-and keep trying.
Everyday is a good day to SUCCEED!
If at first you don't succeed-try, try again"

" I wake up every day with the realization that this is it, that there's only one shot at this life and I can either enjoy the ride and live it to its fullest and to my highest potential or I can stay the way I am."

Goals must be SMART!

Well, I apologize for ditching my blog last night. For Family Home Evening we worked on the front and back yard, and man was I tired and hurting. I knew I had to head straight to bed or I would be paying for it this morning. I still sorta am.
The reason we are trying to get everything done is because our son Brad, his wife Krystal and our new grandson Kai are coming to visit for FOUR days and we are... sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited. I can't wait to hold my little guy again, I have really missed him. So of course I want my house to look, feel and smell like home!
I have finally been setting and accomplishing some goals and it feels great! I haven't been as specific in the past about my goals and I think like it said below... it is because I just didn't pin myself down and set a date. I am actually feeling so much better, glad that I am finally getting more disciplined. It really is a better way to live! Have a great day!














 Goals must be SMART:

1. S--specific. For example, "I want to lose weight." This is wishful thinking. It becomes a goal when I pin myself down to "I will lose 10 pounds in 90 days."

2. M--must be measurable. If we cannot measure it, we cannot accomplish it. Measurement is a way of monitoring our progress.

3. A--must be achievable. Achievable means that it should be out of reach enough to be challenging but it should not be out of sight, otherwise it becomes disheartening.

4. R--realistic. A person who wants to lose 50 pounds in~30 days is being unrealistic.

5. T--time-bound. There should be a starting date and a finishing date.

 "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. "  ~C. S. Lewis
 
"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.   ~Eleanor Roosevelt

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."   ~Henry Ford

Suggestions to help make this the best New Year ever!

Well, I am still struggling with this Empty Nest syndrome. I know it’s going to get better, but still my heart just aches if I am by myself at all. I have even lost ( to some degree ) my creativity…that sounds almost impossible, but I have. I just come down to my sewing room and instead of making project after project, I just sit here  and do nothing.  I have got to get on top of this feeling. I know it hasn’t been that long but gee, this has been harder than I imagined. So tonight instead of sharing my half empty thoughts with you, I am going to share with you an article I read about making this the best New Year Ever! Some of the questions I don’t really relate to, I guess every one will relate or need some of them. But they do make you think.

Good night dear friends!

THE 10-STEP LIFE RENEWAL PLAN

First ask yourself these questions to figure out what’s working , reject what’s not, and move toward your best decade yet.

1. Does the way you spend your time reflect what’s important to you?

Make a list of your top 5 priorities—marriage, children, volunteer work, and so on – and track how many hours you devote to each in a week. If any numbers are too low, recalculate your time budget so you can live according to who you want to be.

2. Does your Blackberry get more attention then your family and friends?

Resolve to switch off your gadgets during private moments so you can nourish personal connections with complete focus.

3. Are you nursing a grudge or two?

Let bygones be bygones, and free yourself from the emotions that weigh you down.

4. Who should be in your life?

Phase out any so-called friends who offer only criticism and negative energy. Surround yourself with people who you admire, who believe in you and want you to succeed.

5.Have you typecast yourself?

You may cherish your responsibilities  as a Mother, but “ Mom” is not the whole of who you are. Ask yourself if one role is draining all your energy, leaving other expressions of your authentic self unfulfilled.

6. What battle are you fighting?

Is your husband really the one who’s letting you down, or are you blaming him for the pain of a past relationship? Are  you doing what’s best for your kids, or are you parenting with a chip on your shoulder left over from your own childhood? Remember:  You are not a prisoner of your legacy.

7. How can you live greener?

Can you swap your gas guzzler for public transportation? Trade plastic bottles for a thermos? Go meatless for a week? Pinpoint changes you can make now.

8. What are your goals?

Define specific goals with measurable outcomes and assign yourself a timeline. Passion and will power alone won’t cut it – you need a strategy.

9. Who is standing in your way?

The answer may be you . Reject self-loathing and treat yourself with the kindness and respect you would show your best friend.

10. What one thing can you do for yourself every day?

It could be as simple as finding 20 minutes to take a bath. Every day is a new opportunity to pay attention to your own needs and make choices you feel good about. This decade, claim the right to minister to yourself.

~ Phillip C. McGraw, PhD

 

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”
- Will Rogers

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we took so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened up for us”
- Helen Keller

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
- Dr Wayne Dyer

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”
- Muhammad Ali

Out of Balance again!

Life is all about balance. Realizing there is a time and place for everything that you do. As a young Mother, I used to get out of balance a lot. Thinking every day that if I did just a little bit more, then I would be the best Mom in the world to my kids. I am sure that my kids could tell you memories of crazy times in our lives. Most of those are probably when I was trying to do it ALL! As we get older and wiser ( sometimes ) we realize that we can’t do it all, we quit comparing ourselves with others and just do the best we can. We pray daily for guidance and strive to do what needs to be done for today only.

The last couple of days, I have been trying to do it all and have failed miserably. I tried to create something that normally would have taken a month or so, but I tried to do it all in one day! Those of you who know me are smiling right now! I love to get things done, I like not to have to spend a lot of time at it either but…when I do one of those crazy marathon days, I pay for it royally! For the last two days, I have been pretty much down. I have been hurting and not really able to accomplish hardly anything, why do I do that? I guess that is the age old question? Why am I such a slow learner?

So today, I once again had to look at my NEW Goal Chart then recommit myself to slowing down and trying to find BALANCE again! Funny, just a few years ago I was praying that I would feel well enough to do something again. Now look at me, I am doing a lot of things and really enjoying the fact that I am participating in LIFE again. Still there are those days and weeks that I get out of balance. Lucky for me, my body won’t let me get by with that crazy stuff too long before it just stops and I have to lay down and rethink my actions. Still I wonder why in the world it takes me soooooooooooooooooooo long to learn the same thing? I guess that is called LIFE, that is called being HUMAN…that is being reminded that I am NOT SUPER WOMAN… but just a normal woman, once again trying to find my BALANCE!!!

Good night dear friends, this unbalanced woman is going to be early and try to stop my body from hurting. Thank goodness for tomorrow, I get to get up and try again!  I will also remember a quote from one of my favorite movies Anne of Green Gables, where she is told not to worry…. “Tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it! “

 

“Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.”   ~ Thomas Kinkade

“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other.”   ~ Steven R. Covey 

Self Reliance

Today and church we talked about Self Reliance and why that is so important. Not too many people would argue with that, especially after all the natural catastrophes we have been seeing all around the world. I thought it was a great reminder.The teacher then challenged us to pick at least one of these areas that we were going to set a goal about, and strive to really achieve in the near future. Here they are, see for yourself what things you are doing great at and other areas where you ( just like me ) could us a little goal setting at.

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The six areas of self-reliance that can help us prepare to meet challenges in the future:
            Health...we need to take care of their minds and bodies.  We should eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, control their weight, and get adequate sleep. We should shun substances or practices that abuse their bodies or minds and that could lead to addiction. We should practice good sanitation and hygiene and obtain adequate medical and dental care. We should also strive to cultivate good relationships with family members and others.
            Education – Education provides understanding and skills that can help people develop self-reliance.  We should study the scriptures and other good books. We should improve our ability to read, write and do basic mathematics. We should obtain as much education as we can, including formal or technical schooling where possible.  This will help us develop our talents, find suitable employment, and make a valuable contribution to our families, Church and the community.

           Employment – Work is the foundation upon which self-reliance and temporal well-being rest.  We should prepare for and carefully select a suitable occupation or self-employment that will provide for our own and our families’ needs.  We should become skilled at their work, be diligent and trustworthy, and give honest work for the pay and benefits we receive.
            Home Storage – To help care for ourselves and our family, we should build a three-month supply of food that is part of our normal diet. We should also store drinking water in case the water supply becomes polluted or disrupted.
            Finances – To become financially self-reliant, we should avoid, unnecessary debt, use a budget and live within a plan.  We should gradually build a financial reserve by regularly saving a portion of our income.
            Spiritual Strength – Spiritual strength is essential to a person’s temporal and eternal well-being.  We can grow in spiritual strength as we develop our testimonies, exercise faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, obey God’s commandments, pray daily, study the scriptures .

Doing “all we can do” is the essence of self-reliance.  But we cannot do everything all at once.  We need to set some goals to help us on the path of self-reliance. 
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" Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one's own person is its ultimate reward."  ~ Patricia Sampson

"Depend not on another, but lean instead on thyself. True happiness is born of self-reliance'

"There's no one to stop you but yourself"  ~ David Thomas

Life is just hard sometimes!

I got some bad news today...from myself!  Remember, how I said that I had almost been completely healthy for one year? Well, that wasn't true. ( I didn't mean I lied on purpose ) I happened to be going through some of my posts on my blog from last year, and realized that I got pneumonia (once again) in August and it wasn't until Sept 20th that I was back to health. So that means, I was only healthy for 7 months straight! Far cry from a year, I know...I was so disappointed.

But still, I need to remind myself that it has been ages since I have been healthy for even 3 months at a time, so...I guess I am not doing too bad ( I think this is another half empty/half full test here? ). And I was doing too much, pushed my body too far, let my schedule get to full and I was worried about my son ....plus, I didn't honor THE WALL. Shoot when you say it like that, it almost seems like I deserved to be sick or that I was asking to get sick.
Some how all those things don't make me feel better but, I have repented and have committed to try once again to be a bit smarter and simplify my life a bit more. But can I at least be honest with you and say...that it felt great to be out and about, busy, serving, teaching, giving, active, helping and participating in life! When you have had so many down days,months and years as I have, it is hard not to want to be out and about in the world. It is a lonely place to be at home by yourself and only taking care of yourself. Service, makes life sooooooooooooo much more enjoyable!

So with that confession, I am going to bed. I was about 5 % better today, and I can think of a hundred things I am behind on (from being sick for 6 days now) but...I am just going to turn off the lights and go to bed. I hope someone out there is learning something from this blog?  Because I am trying to be very honest, not matter how bad it makes me look. :)

Good night dear friends!

 

“What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning - and some of them many times over - what do you find? That you can swim? Well - life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!”  ~ Alfred Adler

"A man's errors are his portals of discovery."  ~ James Joyce

“The only normal people are the one's you don't know very well.”  ~ Alfred Adler

Just missed my goal!

Can you believe it, I just missed my goal of being healthy for one year straight...by only 13 days!!! I can't say that I am surprised, since I have been so stressed out this week, worrying about Lee. I knew I should go to bed early, but couldn't get my head to stop thinking and wondering. I knew that I should have honored THE WALL, but I just felt if I kept going, I could get a few things I was behind on. I guess no one ever plans for all the doctor appointments and all the things that come up, when someone is sick or hurting. So it is my own fault that I didn't take better care of my body better. I have been trying sooooooooooooo hard to make that goal. :(

I guess the I need to look at it, more on the positive side. I have been well ...COMPLETELY WELL for 352 days! That is great news! Especially considering that I had pneumonia four times, year before last!

I knew very early this morning that I was coming down with something, so the first thing I did when I got up...was put on a big pot of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. For those of us that don't have Mothers here anymore with us...that is what we have to do, make it ourselves!

So even though I am freezing, aching all over, and I am cooking a fever, plus I have a sore throat and an already DEEP cough...life is good and I am thankful for all my blessings!

Good night dear friends!

"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."  ~ Frank A. Clark

" I can't change the directions of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."  ~ Jimmy Dean

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."  ~ C.S. Lewis

 

My story

I have only started reading some of the stories in the new book that I got called... Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul, but I like it so far. I have already found something to not only underline but remember, it is a quote by Ted Sturgeon..."IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU WRITE, WHAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SHOW THROUGH".  I like that. Every time I have even thought about writing a book, I have wondered if what I was writing would be something someone would want to read, or that would interest them? I would often find myself comparing my writing abilities or lack of, with those who had already published books. It is funny how much time can be spent comparing and less time just doing what we know we need to do.

Someone asked me the other day "Lynn, what do you want to do more than anything else?" "Find where your passion is and follow it". I have thought and thought about that a lot lately, let's see I want to...

I want to... have a business for my RECNAC GIFTS. That would include me designing gift for cancer patients and their families. Gifts that would not only help them heal, but ones that would encourage them to have hope. (We are just getting this one started too...http://www.recnacgifts.com/

I  want to... create more cards, for any one out there that is going through tough times, I want these cards to be uplifting and inspirational. ( we have already started this dream too...http://www.biggerthanmedays.blogspot.com/

I want to... do more motivational speaking.

I want to ...work more with the Patient Advocate people at the hospital, to ensure the patients would have the right amount of knowledge that they need about their cancers, and the proper treatments given to them.

I want to... design more gifts for Grandmothers.

I want to... do a blog or write a book on favorite things to do with your grandchildren.

I want to... spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, creating incredible memories.

I want to... be a better wife and companion to Jeff ( I guess that means I need to start riding on his motorcycle with him more? ).

I want to... take yoga, water color and quilting classes.

I want to... volunteer at the Children's Hospital.

I want to... create more gifts for children, one's that would encourage them to not be afraid of things and to help give them courage. ( We have started on this one already...I will be able to give you the blog address on this, soon)

I want to... be able to share my testimony of Christ with everyone, especially those who have none, so they could have more hope and peace in their lives.

I want to... write a book about my life's experiences as a cancer survivor.

I want to... write a book about my life's experiences as a Mother.

I want to... write a book about life's lessons.

I want to... learn more ways to strengthen your immune system so that it will fight off diseases, such as cancer. Then I would love to make sure that information would be available to every person out there, ever diagnosed with cancer.

I want to... continue to counsel and help victims of abuse to help them become survivors.

I want to... work out at a gym and be able to get some of my strength and mobility back.

I want to... able to serve more and be sick less.

I want to... be able to create more things for my family and friends.

Ok, maybe this is why this person asked me this question? I bet he could tell by our conversation that I had way too many things I wanted to do but yet, I needed to pick the one that I really wanted to do and the one that I was most passionate about. I guess I am still struggling with this question? I think I need to remember like I said before ...there is a time and season for everything. I have to take in account what my physical limitations are right now and what I actually have energy to do. I will probably continue to do some of each of them, or at least most of them. But I also realize that my heart keeps coming back to my book. I need to write my book. I would love to do more than that but some of them, I just don't have the health and strength to do right now. I am thankful that I can continue writing my blog and writing my book, I do believe someone out there needs to read my book, it is probably me?. And so I will continue in that direction.

"When you write from the heart, you not only light the dark path of your readers, you light  your own way as well."  ~ Marjorie Holmes

" When you speak, your words echo only across the room or down the hall. But when you write, your words echo down the ages."    ~ Bud Gardner

"Words are clothes that thoughts wear."  ~Samuel Butler

My Book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I belong to a book swap, and today I received in the mail Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. I was excited to get it because my daughter-in-law and I are already making great progress toward my book. I thought getting that book would help give me even more inspiration and desire to keep going toward this dream. How important it is to dream!

During my cancer surgery and treatments, I lost that desire to dream. Who could even think about the future?How did I even know for sure, I would have one? That is a hard and sad place to be... a place where you don't dream or have goals or something to look forward to. Surviving is really what occupies most of your time. So I am very grateful to be hoping, planning and dreaming again. I say that is real progress!

I will mail out my first draft of my book next week so that my daughter-in-law can edit it. Yes, I am on my way!  If any of you are interested in my book, just send me your email address and I will let you know as soon as it is available. Once again, thanks for believing in me and encouraging to go forth with my dreams. It is a wonderful feeling!

"Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning:  I wanted to know what I was going to say."  ~Sharon O'Brien

"Write down the thoughts of the moment.  Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable."  ~Francis Bacon

"Think BIG. There are unseen forces ready to support your dreams." 
- Cheryl Richardson

You are the author!

Today Krystal and I went to the store and copied off the first 5 months of my blog. It was 72 pages long. This is the first step of going toward my book. I have had many people ask me if I am going to put my blog into a book. I have always wanted to write a book, but was always convincing myself that I probably really couldn't accomplish it.  So we have officially started today. Krystal is an editor and so she is coaching me along the way. We realized today that we only have a week or more before they head by to Idaho for school. This is one thing we had talked about doing but I had been so sick, I just kept putting it off. Brad is also working on my web-site and we should have that up and running soon for our RECNAC GIFTS.

I found this article about how we all our authors of our own life story, thought is was perfect for this post.

I do hope that each of us realize that we are in charge of our life. Are we truly living each day to the fullest? And if not....why?

Thanks to each of you for being an important part of my life's story, it wouldn't be the same without you!

"Write down the thoughts of the moment.  Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable."  ~Francis Bacon

The Final Chapter.
By: Audrina Jones Bunton

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Several months ago, I read an article about a 22 year old, successful young lady who died a premature death in a plane crash. The more I read this article, the heavier my heart became because she died in the midst of her formative years. Equally tear-jerking was the fact that she died before completing a book that she was writing - before completing her final chapter.

Right now, your book is being written -- and you are the author. Every moment that passes, every day that appears and vanishes, your pages are being written. Every word you speak, every action you take -- shapes page after page in your book of life. How you live and how you treat others also shape the pages of your book -- from cover to cover.

In retrospect, perhaps the beginning of your book may not have been written well, because of mistakes, or unwise decisions -- but you can finish a bestseller. You can finish a bestseller, because you are the starring character and you, by your present and future actions, control how the final chapters of your book will read. You can finish as the winner by doing the things that you love and not taking your life, or others for granted.

Start a new chapter today - a chapter that would give you and others a delight to read. Enjoy who you are and what you do. Keep writing and live life to the fullest.

How does your book read thus far -- and -- what will your FINAL chapter say?

 

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."   ~Sylvia Plath

"When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing."  ~Enrique Jardiel Poncela

First things first!

I have never really been one for a lot of New Year's Resolutions, but I do try to find ways to improve my life throughout the year. I get a bit frustrated with all the incredible marketing from October on. In October it seems as if all you hear and see is Halloween Candy adds. Then in November every add is about food, the comforts food and everything for the Thanksgiving Feast. Then December adds and commercials are all about the sweets and treats for Christmas, more and more comfort foods. Then in January all you hear is..just look at yourself, don't you want to look better for the New Year? Lose weight so you can enjoy life more? It is quite the marketing scheme. I guess that is why I don't like just January goals.  I do like the idea of evaluating our lives and trying to remember that the important things don't get left out. Here is a wonderful story to remind us of this very thing!

 

Dr. Stephen R. Covey,
First Things First

One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration I’m sure those students will never forget. After I share it with you, you’ll never forget it either.

As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered over-achievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes." Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

Then he smiled and asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was onto him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. And he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good!" Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked up at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "that’s not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all."

What are the big rocks in your life? A project that you want to accomplish? Time with your loved ones? Your faith, your education, your finances? A cause? Teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these Big Rocks in first or you’ll never get them in at all.

"The key is not to prioritize what's on our schedule, but to schedule your priorities."  ~ Stephen R. Covey

"Goals are simply tools to focus your energy in positive directions, these can be changed as your priorities change, new one added, and others dropped"