Thursday, January 30, 2014

Beyond

Last time I was here (which seems like a long, long time ago), I shared what I wanted to focus on for 2014. Recap: I want to step outside my comfort zone; push myself, regardless of fear. I had a heck of a time coming up with one word that encompassed the direction I wanted to take this year.

I had commented on a post on Melly Sews, and Melissa had e-mailed me some great suggestions. And I choose….

Beyond

Wow, have I stepped beyond my comfort zone.

It all started with Facebook. You see, I am not too hip to social media. I stayed away for so long, trying to protect my time from being lost to the internet. But then Irene from Serger Pepper invited me to be a pattern tester (more about that in a few days). She asked that I was on Facebook and I obliged. (Thank you Irene!)

Next thing you know I had crochet orders coming out the wazoo! Here are a few:

black knitted ear warmer with bling

Crochet Horse HatBlack Slouch HatUniversity of Michigan Ear WarmerBlack Earwarer Silver and Black Flower    University of Michigan Brimmed Hat

This is just a small sampling of the orders I have made in the last month. Add in school and a busy family, and that is why things have been quiet around here. (I do have some super awesome sewing projects to share too, if I can find time to sit and write up a proper post.)

I hope to post a little more frequently (we will see how that goes…). But in the meantime I will be studying my heart out and hooking my hands off. ;)

How is 2014 shaping up for you? Are you working toward any specific goals?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Welcome 2014

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

Ours was great. Although this was actually the boys’ third Christmas, it felt like their first. This year they understood some of the concepts of Christmas. It is so amazing to see the awe and amazement on their faces as they experience ‘firsts’.

Merry Christmas

And now it’s 2014.

Last year I choose a word to focus on for the year instead of a resolution. My word for 2013 was deliberate. Although I didn’t post much about being deliberate, I loved focusing on this word throughout the year. (Hmm, maybe I should have been more deliberate about blogging…)

For the last couple of weeks I have been hunting for a word to take through 2014. I’m still not settled on a word (maybe you can help), so let me share my thoughts. (I am apologizing ahead of time for the rambling you are about to endure.)

In the year 2014 I want to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I want to focus on things that I have been scared to do. I’m not a person that is afraid of trying anything, but instead I am scared of failure and rejection. If I am being honest with myself, I can say failure is my biggest fear (even more than snakes).

I am so lucky to have the best cheerleader ever on my side (my husband). He is always encouraging my to put myself out there and market my skills. (Get your minds out of the gutter people. I’m talking about creative skills.) I often feel like I have failed him, only because I am afraid of putting myself out there.

I also feel that it is our duty as parents to show our children that life isn’t always comfortable or easy. You have to push yourself outside your comfort zone to better yourself and the world around you. I want to teach my children to live up to the awesomeness God intended you to be, to use the skills he planted within you.

So long story short, I want to push myself beyond what is comfortable. In 2014 I will stop making excuses “why I don’t,” and instead do. I will put myself out there in 2014!

Here’s where I need you to chime in: What word best describes ‘getting outside your comfort zone?’ The only word that comes to mind is uncomfortable. That word seems too negative to focus on for a year. (Yet the one word was great last year.)

Have you set any goals or resolutions for 2014? What do you do to get out of your comfort zone?