Choices & the Courage to Fly

Today I am joining the Courage to Fly blog hop over at Stephey Baker's blog, Marked by the Muse. I am so honored to be joining this amazing group of women. So much wisdom and inspiration has been shared and I thank my lucky stars that I get to be a part of this. Be sure to check out past posts as well as future posts here.

What message is your heart eager to share?

Recently I have found myself on a journey of self discovery. I suppose in life we are always learning more about ourselves, but lately it's been different for me. It's been more than that. My discoveries have been more meaningful and powerful. My life has become clearer. Even though life itself has essentially remained the same, the way I look at it and the way I approach it has changed. And this is what my heart is eager to share......

I have a choice.

For too long I had focused on the aspects of my life that I wanted to change. The things that made me unhappy. The stuff that made me feel trapped. Things like not having enough time or money. I had spent nine years in college and beyond only to "find myself" after the fact. At that point real world responsibilities and student loans had already locked me into my "chosen" career path. It kept me from doing what my heart truly wanted, being home with my daughters and making art. Or at least that's how I felt.

"Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens." ~Andy Rooney

But then one afternoon I was sitting at a bookstore flipping through a book and I read the words "happiness is a choice." Hmmm? Is it really that simple? Everything suddenly became clear to me. All the information life had given me over the years--inspiring quotes, favorite books, wise words, etc--it all fell into place like a giant puzzle. I realized that I was in control. I had the pieces necessary to live a life I loved--right now! Why wait? I had always been waiting for the "perfect" time to start living a life I loved. I had been living my life focused on a "perfect" future. But now was the time. And it didn't require big changes like quitting my job. All it required was a shift in my thinking.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." ~Theodore Roosevelt

This shift in thought presented me with a cascade of choices. I can choose to enjoy life--right now! I can choose to appreciate my life--right now! I can choose to be the best me--right now! I can choose to live the life I want--right now! If I want to spend more time with my daughters, then spend more time with them. If I want to be an artist, then make art. If I want to be happy, then be happy.

I must admit that some days its not as easy to make these choices. I'm really not the cheerleader type that I've always associated with eternal bliss and optimism. Life can sometimes take it out out of me. I can get bogged down by the everyday stuff like laundry, dishes, the bills, etc.. But everyday I try my best to focus on being grateful for all that I have. And that makes my heart swell. I love my life. I have so much to be thankful for and I see that now. I may not be living my "perfect" life right now but I am enjoying and loving my life right now.

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." ~Ella Fitzgerald

And as much as I focus on living in the moment and loving right now, I do still dream. I realize dreaming is looking to the future. But I now focus on enjoying the act of reaching for my dreams. Life is just as much about enjoying the steps necessary to reach for your dreams, as it is about dreaming and achieving your dreams.

So join me as I choose happiness. Don't wait for the "right" time. Today is that time. It is time to live the life you want. Choose to dream. Choose to believe in yourself. Choose to be grateful for today. Choose to fly. Even if it's bit by tiny bit.