flourishing in a fast-paced world

I am introvert.
I married an introvert.
We are big dreamers.
BUT....
Most of the time, our ambitions seem unobtainable in a world based on speed, money, and dominating personality-types (i.e. unrealistically positive, go-getter, in-your-face types). For the record, I am not saying that it is bad that there are natural personality types like that. I am merely addressing the fact that there are many of us who are not and who desire to succeed in a world where it seems that it is only those extreme go-getter types that get to obtain their goals (particularly because they have "bigger voice" or a more positive, dominating personality). As someone who is more quiet, introverted, and not a particularly big self-motivator, I find myself discouraged before I even begin laying down a solid foundation, which I believe is perfectly natural when starting a venture larger than you can even comprehend. I only really thrive in relationships and environments that teach me to be patient and support me on my toughest days. I am so humbled by the ways that my husband and I complement each other in this area and affirm and build one another in these very places. I am so thankful for this. In my music, writing, and essential oil home-business pursuits, I have been learning a lot about myself - i.e. what motivates me, how quickly I work or get things accomplished, what distracts me from my goals, etc. But, to keep myself from rambling about my woes (haha), I decided to chronicle the 5 things that I am learning along this path. They do not seem like major steps, but I find that they are the keys to blossoming into our dreams.

1. Make small, obtainable goals for each week [but don't find your fulfillment in merely meeting those goals] Even if you fail to meet every one of your goals, learn the art of patience with yourself. I find that I expect too much from myself and based my own level of worth on how many productive things I complete each week.Unfortunately, although I know this about myself, I still catch myself getting frustrated at myself for not being productive. Basing my fulfillment on meeting goals does not bring enjoyment, nor does it boost self-esteem. It just makes you more and more aware that you fail. A lot. I find that I get more done when I am intentional about enjoying the process of meeting goals. I have to enjoy what I am doing on some level, or else it is all about the check-list. I dare say this is true for most people.

2. Read blogs of others who are also venturing on the same path. I find it deeply inspiring to read blogs by others who are also pursuing big goals. For some reason, it jump-starts my day when I do this. Well, I think it is a natural part of being human. We all thrive on mutual support and serving each other in our words and actions. Although I do not personally "know" some of the bloggers from which I obtain fresh inspiration, I love their transparency and vulnerability through sharing their lives via the internet and chronicling their ups and downs and what they are learning from life. Photos are a plus, too. ;) I have a small list of blogs from couples or singles who are journeying through their own business ideas or health/fitness pursuits. I find them via Pinterest, Blogger, and Facebook.

3. Live. This seems pretty simple, but it is a big step. Sometimes, we get tunnel-vision about a particular pursuit and we forget the joys of merely living life and cultivating relationships along the way. There is beauty in the journey. The destination would be nothing without first living to the fullest (the joys and the sorrows). Spend the afternoon with friends/family and listen to their hearts and their lives. Invest in relationships. Go outside. Visit nature and remember how much sweeter it is than staring at a computer screen or listening to your own thoughts go round and round like a broken record all day long {this step is difficult for me considering that I live in the city with one of the hottest summers! Nature isn't as easily accessible, and, if it were, I would be a puddle of sweat by the time I got there}. Do something that requires physical/mental stimulation that you enjoy at home (or with friends/family). For me, this includes writing, cooking, reading, practicing guitar, and walking.

4. Prayer & Meditation. For myself, I am not just talking about general prayer and meditation, but prayer and meditation that is Spirit-breathed from the heart of Christ to us. Drawing near to our Father and resting in what He has accomplished for us in and through His Son. Remembering the indwelling Spirit that grants us strength and courage in all seasons. Personally, this is a major step. Sometimes, I feel like my Father is teaching me to pray in new ways, to be more vulnerable in my relationship with Him and not try to fashion my prayer-life off what I have seen, but in what HE wants to reveal to me. Also, learning my identity in Christ and not limiting myself to my own personality limitations.

5. Learn gratitude. I think this fits in with #3 because to be thankful is to live. Count all the little every day blessings of life and love them to the fullest. I keep a gratitude journal in which I write down things that I am thankful for each week. It helps me remember how rich life is! Gratitude isn't something we naturally know how to do. It is something we learn and cultivate and grown in. 

Here are some lovely graphics and words (from Pinterest, yes! muwaha!) that I find reflect my own heart and how I desire to live out this adventure of life.