On...

I have always been the type of person who faces big fears head on - the larger it is, the scarier it seems, I go all-in and just get it over with. But, I have to admit that the less-scary things, the ones where I was unsure of how to proceed - those, I didn't often do. I'd analyze the situation, come to the conclusion that perhaps the risk wasn't worth the reward and I wouldn't do it. And, often, I'd find myself disappointed in my lack of bravery, in missing the experience. This year, though, I am working on being more brave. It isn't that I don't still analyze the situation, because I definitely do. Now though, once I've checked to see that there is actually water in the pool, I'm much more likely to jump in without knowing the exact depth or what could be lurking at the bottom.  For me, this means that things I've thought about doing and have been unsure of - like traveling by myself or learning new things - I'm just going to go ahea...

An idealized version of me: Perfect parent: always patient and kind; always doing things for and with my children Perfect daughter: always making the right choices; succeeding; never argumentative Perfect sister: always there for my brother; helpful and kind; never argumentative or irritated Perfect granddaughter: always visiting, and happy to be doing so; giving of my time; never complaining Perfect friend: always reaching out; always making time; always remembering every important thing in my friends' lives Perfect business-person: always has a good head on my shoulders; makes great decisions that puts my business and the businesses I work with forward and ahead of the game. Perfect in mind and body: always eats well and exercises daily; always works hard to learn and get ahead; always looks good doing it And then here's the real me: Parent: sometimes patient; sometimes I lose my temper and yell; sometimes doing stuff for the kids, and sometimes doing stuff for...

I am not a free spirit. I love traveling and adventure. I love meeting new people and seeing new places. I believe that each new person has a story to tell, worth my ears. I love learning new things and being in new environments. And, I will always have a plan. I will always have a goal to achieve. I am forever driven and ambitious. Through time and experience, I have learned. My plans do not always happen as expected. Other people do not always follow my plans. The path to my goal is not always straight. Sometimes I must adjust: jump over or go around obstacles. And, I will always keep going. I will always  achieve my goals. How I get there doesn't matter, but that I get there, does.