If I had to name one activity that my daughters enjoyed doing most in 2011, it would be sliding down the hill behind our house.
My children slid down the hill for the first time in February 2011 and haven’t let up for the past 11 months.
Sometimes they spend hours at a time, just sliding down and running back up, a perfect balance of delight and exertion.
The number of times these two sisters have gone down the hill must be in the hundreds, which leads me to believe that each trip down is a unique experience in itself. And each trip contains an element of excitement because they never quite know where they might end up.
And I have just one thing to say about their favorite activity of 2011:
Thank God they didn’t wait for snow to slide down that hill.
Because they never would have gone down.
My children would have missed the chirping of the crickets that surrounded them while they slid down the hill on warm summer nights.
They would have missed the chilly autumn breeze that invigorated their souls as they coasted down the leaf littered terrain.
They would have missed the joy that comes in creating grass stains on their pants, permanent springtime reminders that getting dirty is the best kind of fun.
They would have missed delightful hours of playing in chilly winter air creating puffs of warm breath when they laughed.
They didn’t wait for it to snow to slide down that hill; they just pushed off.
I thought of my disheveled, hill-sliding children when I saw this powerful quote by Karen Lamb:
A Year From Now You Will Wish You Had Started Today - Karen Lamb
It is one of those sentences that requires me to read it several times before I grasp the full meaning.
And from the moment I “got” it, I have felt compelled to share it with you, my faithful companions on this journey to grasp what matters.
How often do we put off our dreams until the perfect time?
How often do we ignore that little voice in our head that keeps urging us to pursue what we were born to do?
How often do we put off our ambitions “until”?
Or put time limitations on our dreams …
When I am not so busy
When I lose 15 pounds
When I have more time
When I get my personal issues sorted out
When things slow down at work
And then suddenly, another year has gone by and we still haven’t started what our heart longs to do.
You’ve heard me say that the cost of distraction is mighty high.
It can cost us our relationships.
But it can also cost us our dreams.
Given this poignant fact, the first message of 2012 from the Hands Free Mama is simple. And it goes like this:
Don’t Wait …
Don’t wait to fill that notebook.
There’s a story to be written. And it starts with one word.
Don’t wait to put on those running shoes.
There’s an open pathway to a healthier life. And it starts with one mile.
Don’t wait to grab the paintbrush.
There’s a masterpiece waiting to be created. And it starts with one stroke.
Don’t wait to open that book.
There’s a discovery to be made. And it starts with one page.
Don’t wait to shed that heavy cloak of self-deprecation.
There’s a beautiful you waiting to emerge. And it starts with “I am worthy.”
Don’t wait to simplify your life.
There’s excess to be purged. And it starts with the word NO.
Don’t wait to go where you have always yearned to go.
There’s a journey to discover. And it starts with the word YES.
Don’t wait to live the life that’s meant for you.
There’s a greater purpose to be found. And it starts with one step.
I hope something on the “Don’t Wait” resonates with you today. I speak from experience when I tell you that the day you start doing something your heart has been calling you to do is the day life truly begins.
One year ago, I wrote the first words to the book I had been yearning to write for five years, but had always put off because I never had “time.”
My first step looked like this:
The first words of my book were scribbled on an envelope.
And now here I am, 122,400 words and a 58-page book proposal later …
This photo was taken on the momentous day I purchased fine quality paper on which to print my book proposal.
How did I do it?
I said NO to the daily distractions that sabotaged the time and energy required to carry out my dream.
For once in my life, I put my dream on the priority list and dedicated ample time and effort to it each and every single day.
Did I ever have moments of uncertainty? Moments of frustration? Did I ever find myself doubting if I could actually do this?
Yes. Yes. Yes. But I quickly identified the negative inner dialogue as a distraction that I did not have time for and forged ahead.
It is impossible to put into words the feeling I had when the last page of my book proposal came out of the printer.
To know I created something using every ounce of my heart, soul, and spirt.
And I am certain of one thing:
I had to let go of distraction in order to do it.
I had to stop waiting for the “perfect time” to start.
I just had to push off.
I am simply the messenger on this journey to grasp what matters. And it is by the grace of God that I have this message to give:
Start living your dream.
Say YES to where your heart yearns to go.
Don’t wait until the snow falls to slide down that hill.
Because that snow may never come.
Just push off.
Enjoy the ride.
And see where you might end up.
Who knows where you might be a year from now?
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What does that little voice in your head say about how you should be living life?
Where does your heart urge to go?
I suggest you write down or print a picture of your dream. Tape it where you can see it and be reminded of it every single day.
Let your dream be known. Tell the people closest to you: “This is what I am going to do in 2012. A year from now, this is where I will be.”
Here is the image going up on my bathroom mirror today:
This is my daughter reading books at the bookstore. My dream for 2012 is for my children to be able to grab my book off the bookstore shelf.
I am dreaming big, but I might as well. I only live once.
“If you stop dreaming, you stop living.” -Arthur Cohn
What is your dream? Declare it right here and now! I would love to hear your thoughts and aspirations.
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The A Year From Now by Hands Free Mama, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Thank you Rachel… as always. When I read the title of this post.. tears filled my eyes.. I knew it was one I needed to hear. Joining your hands free journey has impacted who I am for my daughter and all my relationships now…. I can’t wait to reach for your book on the shelf and read it to my little miss.
In gratitude,
Trish xx
Oh Trish. I will never forget the day your message came into my in-box. I was just starting out on my blog and you were my providential sign (or as you beautifully called it, “divine sign.”) We were brought together for a reason … to encourage. I thank you for sticking by me this year and sharing your Hands Free transformation with me. I am so proud of how far you have come.
Love this Rachel and I can’t wait until I too can pick your book off the shelf! Time waits for no one so we better use the time while we can – before we slow down, before we start telling ourselves it’s too late to try something new. We may think we are too busy now, but when we are older we will have lots of free time, but might not have the ability (physical and mental) to make those dreams happen.
My dream has always been to help as many people as possible live their life on their terms, believe in themselves, let go of past pain, and know they are good enough just as they are. I guess it does not matter whether that comes in book form (my ultimate dream goal as you know), my blog, conversations in random places, connections made one at a time or whatever form it takes in the future.
Thank you, Deb. That is such a lovely and profoundly moving comment. Your dream is beautiful and from an outsiders view, you are already LIVING your dream. I think dreams start with small steps and then one day you suddenly realize you are smack dab in the middle of it. I think it makes it much more manageable to break it down into small, first steps. You have precisely that, Deb. I am so thankful we crossed paths through our blogs. I have learned so much from you and look forward to watching to shine brightly in 2012, my friend.
Live your dream… no time like now. A good reminder to us all.
Thanks for the kind words. Happy New Year!
Oh God…I’ll say it…my own book proposal for “Saving Sara. One family’s journey through twice-giftedness.”
On my mirror…that’s exactly right. I’m going to do it right now. Seriously, how many times will I say that I’m writing it? How many times do I write SOMETHING, OTHER than Saving Sara? How many times must the teachers ask me to write it?
Going now…opening a word document. Thank you. I love you.
Lori
I have chills, Lori. THIS IS YOUR YEAR!!! If I can write a book in a year, Lori Welge can … and then SOME!!! I will be the first to buy your book, along with your other millions of adoring fans. I love you, too!!!!
I’m new here (found you via Home Life Simplified) and wanted to let you know I devoured this post and feel so utterly thrilled and excited for you. Congratulations!!!!
But my problem is somewhat different. It’s not that I’m scared to chase my dreams, it’s that I don’t feel like I have any idea anymore what my dreams are!! There is no question I want to be the best Mum I can be and I am working on that one every day. Ditto wife, daughter, sister, friend etc. And I want to be fit and strong and healthy and all of those things. But beyond that…..
I *think* I want to return to work at the end of my maternity leave, but I’m not sure. I *think* I want to return to the same job, but I’m not sure. I *think* there may be other things I would love to do workwise, but I’m not sure. I *think* there may be new hobbies I want to explore but I’m not sure. Get my gist?
Is it just the sleep deprivation that comes from a 6-month old baby plus a pre-schooler who still doesn’t reliably sleep through the night that is making me so hazy? Or have I really lost touch with myself and what matters to me?
Any thoughts on actually working out what your dreams are gratefully received!!
And thanks again for the great post, look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Jen, for reading my post and asking such great questions. I will be honest. When my children were 6 months and a toddler, I was just trying to get through the day. I was in survival mode. Although I knew I wanted to write a book, there was no way I had the energy, time or effort it took to be able to do it then. It wasn’t until they were ages 4 and 7 that I actually started laying concrete steps toward my dream. However, when they were small, I tried to expose myself to as many different activities, hobbies, people, charitable causes as I could during that time. I knew that by expanding my horizons, I could get a better grasp of what I wanted to do once my children were a little older. That would be my advice to you … just try to be open to what is out there. And by all means, if you can include your children in your searching and adventures, the better. I think that is so healthy for you and also for them. Being a mom to young ones AND working, is tough, so don’t pressure yourself to reach for the moon just yet. I think you are just preparing for that time right now. I would suggest keeping a little notebook in your purse. When an idea comes to mind, jot it down. You will be surprised at how many great ideas come to mind that you think you will remember, but don’t. I kept a notebook when my children were babies and some of my best ideas are in there.
I am so happy to hear you are thinking about what matters to you. Little by little, you will get there, friend! Let me know if I can answer anymore questions. Thank you for your interest.
This is a wonderful post! Congratulations on defining your dream and working hard to make it come true.
In the swirl of every day it is often hard to stay focused on my dream, but here it is: I want my book to inspire and comfort millions of moms as they journey through motherhood; I want it to be a book that moms treasure, and love to give and receive; and I want the stories within to be studied by men and women to create a greater understanding of the challenges of motherhood.
I am looking forward to realizing my dream in 2012. And I am looking forward to hearing that your book is on sale on Amazon
Thank you, Tania, for sharing your beautiful dream, that is truly a gift to every parent who holds it between his/her hands. I can’t wait to receive my very own copy! I have been checking the mail every day! Thank you for not only inspiring me, but believing in me!
I would stand in line to buy your book, and if you came anywhere near Austin for a book tour, I would drive to you and meet you and hug you in person. I adore you and all of your positive, sunny, beautiful outlook. It’s people like you that help the rest of us forget all of the darkness in the world.
xoxo
Beautiful..precious..inspiring..YOUR WRITING and YOU! Love the quotes….love the pictures…..your blog is SO much fun to read! Love you Rach….keep em coming….I look forward to your posts!
Oh, and I will be the first in line for a signed copy of your book…WOO HOO! So proud of you…
Congrats Rachel. Your blog is flooded with loads of boosters and wisdom. Not so common sense in other words.
I am a nurse by trade and also has a degree in linguistics. I am addicted to words and anything that has to do with the written and spoken word. I am working on my first of a series books for kids and teens on health issues that affect that age group. I hope to have two books published in 2012. I am taking writing classes online at the same time to hone my authoring skills.
Curious to know what your book is about. Whatever book you write will be fit for my nook or kindle.
Do you dabble in any poetry at all?
Glad our paths crossed on blogosphere. Continued success to you. Wish you many dreams come true.
Hi Muriel,
Thank you for the comment. Your kind words really gave me a boost! I am intrigued by your background and all the interesting things you are doing this year! How exciting.
My book is about my journey to live a “Hands Free” life. I call it “letting go of distraction to grasp what really matters.” Basically, I began making small changes each day to be more present, more connected, and less distracted. The results were immediate and profound, so I began writing them down. After 6 months, I knew I must share my journey with the world on a blog, which I had planned all along would be become my book.
Funny you should ask about poetry. I LOVE to write poetry. In fact, that is all I wrote for about 20 years. I even owned my own custom poetry writing business where I would interview people and write a poem for a momentous life occasion, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or funeral. It was so rewarding to provide people with this type of gift to give a loved one. Their reactions were priceless. I still write poems for gifts for friends and family, but soon realized I could not make a living in the custom poetry business.
I would love to purchase your book on kids and health issues when that is published. Please keep me posted!
Thanks so much for the lovely comment!
Ack! I don’t know!
I think I’m still processing where I should go next. But now that you’ve asked. I’ll get back to you….
My dream right now is to raise the heck out of my girls, hopefully the end goal being happy, mentally sound, healthy, independent young women. But I guess that dream won’t really have an end.
That is beautiful, Anastasia!
So pleased to meet you. This was not a post, it was an inspirational journey. For my hopes and wishes, check out my brand new Author Blog (linked). Here from linky. Have a great weekend.
X
PS: New follower X
Thank you, Shah! I am so impressed with your hopes and wishes for 2012. I think I could learn a lot from you. I will be following your progress to become a published author! I love your writing resolutions!
Amazing post. Inspirational in terms of career goals and life in general. Hearing the story about your kids sliding down that hill makes me think “Where did that part of my life go?” But it can still be here
What a lovely post – I hope to be inspired, and I hope to inspire my children in that way too!
I can’t wait until I can pick up your published book either, Rachel! And mine, too, for that matter! But let me ask you this … what specific distractions do you daily say “no” to? Because, honestly, sometimes I truly get your message. Other times, I am so stressed with everything that I can’t see straight. Because even though I want to embrace each moment, there is freelance work to be done, laundry to be washed and put away, meals to prepare, bills to pay, groceries to buy. I truly want to be with my kids and enjoying them every moment of the day. But there’s so much to do–just to keep up with the household duties and daily life, much less my “work” that I get paid for. Ya know? What am I not getting? I don’t keep a perfect house already (my hubby will tell you that!)…I don’t fix gourmet meals…and my laundry sits in baskets for days. So I’m not a “perfectionist” trying to make everything perfect. I’m just trying to get it all done each day and keep a smile on my face!
So …. sorry about venting. But I really do want to strive to be at the place you are at!
Thank God for His grace and mercy each day!
Love ya, Rachel…2012 is gonna be a great year!