29 Years Old

It occurred to me that I have a "double whammy" of new beginnings at the start of the new year, since my birthday is just a few days after New Years. 

I used to focus on the fact that everyone either missed my birthday completely (it was always over Xmas break), or that people would give me a "combo" present for Xmas/Birthday. 

I realized that in my past, I depended far too much on others being responsible for my happiness.

This is my last year of being in my '20's', and I intend to make the most of it.

I am responsible for my happiness, and for satisfying my own desires.

Any kindness that I receive from others is a beautiful, wonderful, supplemental bonus.

I am filled with warmth and light that comes from within me

It is my hope that we can all have the intention to depend on ourselves for our own happiness.

Be A Failure

In my (almost) 29 short years of life, I've quickly learned how much pressure and disappointment I can put on myself by creating new year resolutions. A resolution is so daunting/intimidating/looming. Instead, I have intentions.

(It's funny how changing one word can make such a difference.)

I don't just create intentions at the new year, this is something I like to think about year round. But still, there is something renewing about the idea of a fresh start with a new number; 2015.

I've been holding myself back. Big time.

In the past, I've been such a perfectionist, that I'd rather not do something at all than to do it, and have it be "sub-standard." This has been incredibly limiting for me, because that only leaves the things I'm super-duper good at! Granted, I think I'm a very talented individual, and that I happen to be good at a lot of things. But how will I grow, become more well-rounded, or discover new interests if I only do what I know I won't fail at?

Failure is scary. Not many people enjoy the feeling of screwing up on something.

Here's the kicker: It is especially painful if you attach your sense of worth to the success of an endeavor. If your value is based solely on how well you do something, a mistake can seem catastrophic.

Here's my truth:

Regardless of if I fail or succeed, I have value. My value doesn't change with the quality of my work our output. Failure or mistakes don't mean I'm less of a person. To try, knowing there's a significant chance for failure, is brave and admirable.

So this is my intention for 2015:

 I intend to step out of my comfort zone a little each day. If something inspires or intrigues me, may I take action to pursue this inspiration, with bravery and zeal. I intend to make friends with failure. I plan on spending a lot more time with my new friend this year.

How do you feel about failure? Is it this daunting, negative concept you avoid at all costs? What would happen if you let yourself fail? Remember, your worth is not dependent on the outcome. You have worth no matter what. I truly believe that you have something beautiful and meaningful to contribute to the world, even if you don't know what that is yet. It is inside of you, and each of us. Maybe we just need to let our new friend Failure lead us to the truth.

P.S.Do you like my inspirational hipster art at the top of the post? My "Hipspiration" if you will. :D

♥ Emily

Eco-Chic in 2012

Now's a great time to start fresh with the new year. I've been examining my lifestyle, and I've realized that a lot of things get thrown away that needn't be. Here are some ideas for reusable items that you can either make yourself (if you're crafty), or buy.

Instead of:

Disposable Cotton Rounds

Try:

Reusable Cotton Rounds

Buy them here:

Or make them here:

Leandra George

Instead of:

Plastic Grocery Bags

Try:

Cloth Totes

Buy them here:

Or make them here:

Tipnut

Instead of:



Disposable Plastic Straws

Try:

Glass Straws

Buy them here:

If you can make them:

I'm impressed!

Instead of:

Plastic Sandwich Bags

Try:

Reusable Snack Bags

Buy them here:

Or make them here:

Craft Buds

These are just a few ideas to start your new year greener! Your wallet will be happier, and your Mother Earth will be happier as well!

♥Emily