Remember your Passions

Photo is my electronic drum set, the stool was handmade by my grandfather and it's over 100 years old!

I know I'm behind for talking about New Years Resolutions, but I'm not a fan of making them, therefore I don't.  I prefer to make goals, so I create a list every year for myself.  Some goals are bigger than others.  I try and stay away from material goals and focus more on things that I know will make life throughout this year more enjoyable for myself.

One of my goals this year is to get back to being creative and to not forget all of the things I loved to do growing up.  As a kid I LOVED the outdoors and still do.  I loved having that sense of adventure and freedom to try anything and everything.  As an adult, I've started to forget about that tomboy in me because I get so caught up in every day life and work.

This last week I started to reflect back on the things I loved doing and wanted to make more time for again.  Anything that allows me to be creative and open minded gives me a chance to refocus.  I enjoy music and listening to various instruments and beats and I began to realize how much I miss playing percussion.  (Although I'm sure my family doesn't miss all of the chaos and noise I provided throughout the house growing up).  So I decided that one of the many things I have planned for this year is to pick up those drumsticks and let myself get back into the creative mindset.

It's so easy to forget about that little kid and the spontaneity we all had growing up.  I want to get back to enjoying some of the simple things.  What are some of your passions?

Make No Apologies

The last couple of weeks I've been slacking and not being very productive, especially in the gym. I dealt with the loss of my grandmother last week and took some time for myself. I shut everyone out which may not be the healthiest of ways to handle my loss, but sometimes it's important to let yourself regroup on your own terms.

My grandmother was a big part of my life from day one. She taught me a lot about being strong and independent. She watched me graduate from high school. She sat with me when I was sick or recovering from surgery. She took part in some of my physical therapy lessons. She always kept encouraging me, telling me I could pull through any difficult situation I was given and that I was a "tough cookie."

My grandmother was born in 1911 and went through many historical events that my generation and younger only have heard about in text books. She was supporting two children on her own during The Great Depression, she watched WWI and WWII unfold and remembered when JFK was shot, just to name a few. She didn't complain about anything she had to do to get by in this world. She worked hard and found enjoyment by working with horses and bowling. She made no apologies for who she was or how she lived her life. People loved her for her.

She taught me many, many life lessons throughout my growing up. So make no apologies for being you. Have your beliefs, live your life the way you want and don't listen when people tell you you can't do something.

I'll carry the memories in my heart and continue to remember life lessons that she taught me when situations come up during my life. I'll never forget the time 3 years ago when she told me I drove like an old lady driving her to my parents house for dinner and was actually going the speed limit. :)

Forever and always in my heart....

www.twitter.com/s_laursen