Untitled

I used to be so concerned with what I was doing every day and all the things that used to occupy my time, energy and focus.

I worried about all the tasks I had to get done and I thought to be happy, I needed to get everything accomplished as fast as possible.

Turns out, doing all the things super fast and packing my days with work, projects and things only made me unhappy.

I lived every day just going from one thing to the next and somewhere along the way, I stopped living.

I couldn’t see the beauty all around me because I was rushing to conquer the world..

Only, I never seemed to get everything done, and the more I did, the more that there was left to do.

So I did what I had to do and I stepped back and took a hard look at my life.

I thought I was getting ahead when really, I was just surviving..

Jumping from one task to the next and never coming up for air or slowing down to enjoy my life.

I’m done living moment to moment any more.

I’m putting away the lists, the plans and the drive to get everything done as fast as possible.

Sure, I’m going to keep doing the things that need to get done, that’s just life.

Now, though, I’m going to do what I should have always been doing.

I’m going to live and fall in love with being alive every day.

I’m going to be present in the moments that make up my life.

I’m going to see all the wonder and joy that I’ve been missing as I rushed through my days.

The stress and hurry isn’t making me happier, it’s doing just the opposite.

I don’t need more stuff, I need more beautiful memories..

And I’ll never be able to appreciate those moments that turn into memories if I’m constantly stressed about what I need to do or what’s next on my list.

So, I’m stepping back and taking a deep breath.

I’m going to do what I can, when I can, how I can and let the chips fall where they may.

I’m going to experience all the joys I’ve been overlooking.

Feel the wind on my face, the rain pattering down, the wet nose kisses of a puppy, the hug of a loved one..all the things I should have been immersing myself in all along.

It’s time to stop existing and start living.

I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I do know that now, I’ll soak in the beauty of today..

And I won’t miss a thing of what truly matters:

Life, love and happiness,

You know who you are- the brave ones who march to your own beat, never afraid to stand out and be different.

It’s been a little harder for you because people don’t always understand you.

You’ve been poked at, laughed at and even put down because you choose to be unique.

But you never wavered and stayed true to who you are and what you want.

It hasn’t been the easiest journey, but you refused to compromise who you are..

And that’s simply amazing.

The world needs more of you and your fire-

People willing to stand up and be heard, able to speak up and be heard..

Strong enough to fight for what you want and what’s right.

We never remember the ones who followed the crowd, but we’ll never forget you and your defiant beauty in making your own way.

You’re one of the rebels, the nonconformists and the innovators.

You pave the way for the rest of us to realize it’s okay to be comfortable in our own skin, to be proudly unique and be genuinely honest.

You inspire us to see that there is greatness in all of us, if we have the courage to work for it.

Maybe your journey has been full of heartache and lonely at times..

But I’m here to tell you.. don’t you ever change.

You’re an absolutely beautiful soul with a fierce spirit, big heart and strong will.

You can’t be defeated because you’ll never be the one to give up or step aside.

Keep fighting to make the world better, your voice to be heard and your dreams realized.

We all need you there- out front, leading the way to change and showing us how to evolve.

So, when things get tough and life tries to bring you down, keep doing what you do-

Shining brightly, fighting bravely and loving passionately.