March 17, 2015

Dreams & Schemes


Well, this post is really more about dreams than schemes but I liked the rhyme. A few weeks ago I shared a post on Melissa Blake's blog. She's been hosting a series of posts from various bloggers featuring our dreams for 2015. My final draft that I sent her was full of very personal and honest emotions - so much so that I wanted to share it here. I truly hope that it inspires you to think about where your life is right now and maybe evaluate and prioritize. I've had many "ah-ha" moments over the past three years and every time I've tried to ignore a sign, God just kept bringing it right back to me.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. As always, I'm forever grateful for those of you who stop by here and read - it means the world to me.
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I've been at this blogging game for over five years and when Melissa asked me to be part of her "My Dream for 2015" series I immediately said YES! When you've been writing a blog for this long, you've had quite a few opportunities to reflect and share your dreams and goals and plans. For 2015, my dreams are a little more personal, and I hope that it will generate some conversation and thought-provoking commentary about the times in which we are living.

My dreams for 2015 are to be more focused on my personal well-being and to devote more time to the people in my life. Now, when you first read that you may be thinking "well, that's cliche" or "that's nothing ground-breaking." Allow me to explain each of those. . . 


In 2014, there were some eye-opening experiences that made me realize that it's time to put myself and my health first. At 28, it's really easy to fall into the "I'm too young for that" trap. But let me be the first to say, you're not too young and it can happen to you. Pay attention to your body and what it's telling you - listen intently and don't ignore anything. Your 68-year-old self is gonna thank you one day.

The second part of my dream for 2015 is to devote more time to the people in my life. This one has been more difficult and it's a goal that I will probably spend most of this year mastering, but it's worth it. I have spent the last five years being fully devoted to (almost a slave to) my blog and the social media linked to it. In January, I decided that just wasn't happening anymore. My personal, everyday relationships are more important to me than the superficial approval of x number of followers or x number of readers. Now, please don't misunderstand what I'm saying here. There are some wonderfully significant relationships that have developed from writing my blog, but rest assured there have also been disappointments and letdowns from people. People who I thought were loyal "friends," people who I was devoted to but didn't return that loyalty. And that, my friends, sucks. So, I've said no more. No more artificial, not more superficial, no more convenient friendships. Because, let's be honest, everyone deserves more than that.


True and genuine - that's my dream for 2015. So, tell me - what are your dreams for 2015?

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3 comments

Anonymous said...

My goals are similar. I want to grow my blog but not at the cost of spending real quality time with my husband, toddler and my friends. I think it's important to be well rounded but not excessive - at least that's my goal!

Girl Meets Bow said...

I love this post girl! As much fun as I have growing my blog and sharing my thoughts with my followers, nothing replaces authentic relationships with my friends and family! Does that mean sometimes I attend a baby shower without taking snaps for social media? Heck yes! But it's worth it to just be present with those I love the most :)

XO,
Gentry
Girl Meets Bow

Anonymous said...

One of my dreams for 2015 is to travel more. I don't want to work so much that I can't enjoy life occassionally. So my mom and I have started planning "running trips", where we pick a half marathon in another city that sounds interesting or we have never been to. As a result, we have been able to visit some cool places and bond together!