Sunday, February 8, 2009

Touch lives - Dare to Dream big

I caught part of Extreme Home Makeover today, and it was a great reminder.

Dream.

And Dream big.

In this episode, a family had lost it's father/husband and an older son in some accident. The father, however, left such an impression on those around him with his love of his childhood, his love of medival times, his love of people in his life, that when it came time to help out this family, no one thought twice.

Moral of the story?
Don't be afraid to dream big and be optomistic. That's why "The Last Lecture" touched so many lives. It was really imparting common sense wisdom, which we all need to be reminded of from time to time, but more importantly, it showed a father's love, and his many dreams acheived in life.

I've never lacked big dreams. Someone once said, "You have big wings." And he was right. I have big dreams and I don't believe they are impossible. Doing a Triathlon was "impossible". But I did it. Writing a song was "impossible", but I've done it.

We all have challenges in life. Big dreams aren't made to be "unreachable". They aren't ment to "cover up" hard times. They don't magically sweep bad times under the rug, but they give us something to aspire to, fantasize about, and remind us of brighter days. They are there to keep hope alive.

Have you ever noticed that when you're around someone who is very happy and passionate about what they do/have/are in life, it's infectious? It's like there is some bubble around them. It's not as if they don't live in the real world and aren't touched by stress or tragedy, but they look forward constantly. It's as if they are devoting so much energy toward these things they don't have time to wallow in the tough stuff life throws their way. They just plow on through!

I've found this to be true in my life. For example, most of my friends understand my Disney fandom by this point in my life. I love nothing more than to share the things I love and am passionate about with the PEOPLE I love. It's hard for that kind of emotion not to be contagious.

So - a new blogging challenge -
This week, I will list a few of my "big dreams" on here. Those acheived, and those I'm still working on. I'd challenge any readers to do this same work in a journal. If you want to share it on your comments here, please do!
One thing people forget - Rose colored glasses don't obscure life. Just color it a little. We can develope whatever color "prescription" for our glasses that we want. What's your color?

Living simply

Tonight is a nearly perfect night. True, the dishes haven't been done, the bed hasn't been made, the laundry hasn't been done, the car needs to be cleaned out badly (it's gotten to the "what's that smell" and "I've been looking for that!" state), my body is sore from yesterday's walk/run/yoga by the lake, and I still have homework due this week to finish but tonight brings me back to the wonders of living simply.

A pair of pillar candles turn on my coffee table. The fireplace is flickering away, and the house is quiet. Even Clydas seems to have gotten the hint. He's curled himself up in a sleeping bag in quite possibly one of the cutest displays ever. (He must be saving his obnoxiously lovable snores for later. ) Dinner was some left overs of my favorite homemade soup (tortellini - yum!), and I'm working on a bottle of decent Spanish wine.

It's just one of those peaceful times where I can take a deep breath and know that life is good.

Admist all this peace, I was given a blip of great news! The 2009 Danskin Women's Triathlon is being held at Disneyland Resort again this year! This year, it's just a little bit longer though. The swim is 1/2 mile. The biking portion is 12 miles and the running portion is 3.1 miles. I am now terribly excited! This weekend, I've discovered that I love working out in the morning. It seems to help me approach my day with less stress, more energy, and more focus. I plan on making that a habit as I prepare for the Danskin SheRox Triathlon, and a general renewed commitment to my own health. For some reason, this always seems to fall on the back burner for so many women.

Between a book report, 4 chapters of history reading, full time work, and triathlon training, I'll be starting Medifast this week and finding time to go to Disneyland so I can top off a couple of gifts I need to send out ASAP. Like Pastor Miles said in the sermon today, "Failure to plan is planning to fail." So, it's time to make some plans!

I'll let you know how it all goes down!

-J. Darling

Saturday, February 7, 2009

The begining

  • What better place to start this blog than with a little background info and some cold hard facts about myself?
    Background info: I'm 29 years old and living in Southern California, where I've lived my entire life. In fact, I'm currently still residing in my home town, scary, eh? I live with a four legged brindle boxer puppy that certainly keeps me on my toes. I'm actively employed as a CPC (Certified Professional Coder - if you don't know what that is, I keep doctors in the black and out of jail basically). I'm also a part time student at my local community college to work towards and English and Theater double major (I know, ambitious...). On top of all that, I am a singer/songwriter (first album in the final stages) and actress in local community theater productions in my "off time". I'm a huge Disney fan, and tend to find the adventure in just about anything in life. Since I'm adopted, I am the youngest, the oldest, and an only child, depending on which family group I'm classified in. (I'm so blessed that all of my family gets along - more or less.)

    A few facts:
  • I'm a hiking boots and sandals kinda gal.
  • I love to Kareoke with friends.
  • I am well aware that some people will look at my Disney fandom and say, "Just HOW much money did you line Disney's pockets with?!" - and I am totally okay with it.
  • I like to put my best foot forward, but also want people to see the real me.
  • I choose to believe the best in people.
  • I have a myriad of bad habits that come back when I'm not happy or feeling overwhelmed.
  • I could care less about most brand names (Disney and Medifast not withstanding).
  • I cherish faith.
  • I love to write about things I love.
  • I still believe that nothing is impossible. Afterall, even flying is only falling and missing the ground. ;)
  • My favorite cereals are complete opposites - Grape Nuts and Lucky Charms (not at the same time, of course).
  • I believe there is great wisdom found in all art, even movies and cartoons. ("There is no try. There is only do and do not." - Yoda, Star Wars "Of course, it's been my experience that when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up." - Joshua Sweet, Atlantis.)
  • I sometimes bite off more than I can chew, thanks to my ambitious nature.
  • I'm a Christ believer.
  • I'm a very passionate person and love to share my passions with those I love.
  • I have an advanced case of PCOS, but I refuse to let my disease define me or my limitations.
  • I am often preoccupied by dreams of my next Disneyland trip or Disneyworld vacation.
  • I believe life is a journey, not a destination.
  • I have a unique view on love.
  • I am forever hopeful.

And now, I have to figure out what to wear to an art exhibition opening... and how to get to Disneyland tomorrow. ;)

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you like! Next post: goals for before 30.