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:

   

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!

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’.

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?

365 Days of Creating for Cash

Remember that one of my 30 by 30 goals is to do a 365 project? I have been ruminating about this project for a while now. I want a project that I will feel fulfilled with. I need a project that I can actually do, not one that I fail at within the first week. I would like it if my project also met some of my other 30 by 30 goals, and put a big dent in my craft stash.
The hubby is really pushing me to sell my creations. He loves everything I make, and wants the rest of the world to enjoy it too. He can often be heard bragging (while toting around our boys), “Oh you like that, Theresa made it.”
It feels so good to have someone who believes in your talents and passions. It also makes me feel like crap that I have not made an effort in this area. I have this horrible habit of talking myself down before I even begin.
2013 is going to be different (I hope).
We are so fortunate that the boys take a 2 1/2 to 3 hour nap every day. Usually I use this time for housework, a shower, cooking, and wasting time on the computer. I have been working on revamping my routine. (Being deliberate.)
Cleaning: Most of the cleaning now takes place at night, after the boys go to bed. This has been a habit I have tried and tried to implement in the past. In the past I would convince myself that I was too tired for housework, leaving it for naptime. Now, I remind myself of the great feeling of waking up to a (semi) clean house.
Shower: This is the next area I need to work on. I want to get up earlier, and shower before hubby leaves for work. Lately the boys have been waking up (and partying) in the middle of the night, so I may find I have to add this to my nightly routine during this season of life.
Cooking: This may still be done during naptime. Although I am being more deliberate about prepping food ahead of time.
Computer: Whew…does anyone else have a problem with this time waster? I know I do! This is going to be a trial and error project for me, hopefully I can find an appropriate schedule.
What a list! On top of this I am committing to Creating for Cash. I am committing a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I would love to commit 2 hours, but I know me. I have to start small. Thirty minutes (minimum) of naptime will be devoted to making items for my (hopeful) etsy shop and summertime craft fairs.
So that’s it. (In a long post version.) 365 days of Creating for Cash. I will spare you the boring daily updates. I am shooting to post my progress once a week, ‘cuz I need the accountability.
How about you? Have you ever tried a 365 project? If so, what was it, and how long did you last?

Welcome 2013!!

 

I hope you all had a happy holiday season! Ours was wonderful, busy, but wonderful. Seasons like these make me crave our routine.

I have been contemplating my goals for this year. One recurring theme seems to be routine. I am ready for a better daily routine, a regular cleaning routine, more routine family time, a crafting routine, I think you get it.

The last couple years I have read of New Year’s ‘words.’ The individual chooses a word to focus on for the year. This sounds much less intimidating than a resolution.

I have chosen a word. This word will be my focus for my time, my routine, how I use my resources.
My word is

DELIBERATE

Not a beautiful word, but a word that describes what I want to focus on this year. I want to be purposeful with my family, intentional with my time, slow to decide, and less uptight. I want to waste less. Waste less time. Waste less food. Waste less resources. I want to be deliberate.

Did you make resolutions, set goals, or choose a word for the new year? What are your tips for sticking to the plan?