Not For Sale

       Why do we sometimes sell ourselves short?

       

       There are so many common phrases that remind us how many people are guilty of selling themselves short. “You’re your biggest critic”, “you’re your own worst enemy”, “you’re too hard on yourself.” Since when did we become so harsh to our very selves? And how sad is it that we all just accept these things as common and continue on with our lives?!

       There are so many things in our complex brain that make us our own worst enemy. We judge ourselves too much, we compare ourselves to other people, we think too much, we are over-analytical, we don’t let the past go, we’ve been hurt, we have a job that drains the life out of us, we let things make us weak when otherwise your grandma would say you are “one tough cookie”, and the list goes on.

       Listen, we all have our days, but once in a while you have to remember the independent, confident, bad-ass, good-looking motherfucker that you really are. Yes, there will be times we fall down, but we always get back up. And yes, there will be times we look like shit, but we always clean up well, don’t we? 

       I say we have a nice toast to ourselves....I type this as I drink a stiff vodka on the rocks...3 ice cubes.

       Once in a while you need to relieve the stress of your draining job, of your hyperactive kids, your fucked up car that needs fixing, your repetitive household chores, your arguments with people, your “what ifs”, your “ands”, your “buts”, your “maybes”, people in general, your bills, your worries, your problems, and your never ending “to-do” list.

       We can’t always depend on other people to bring us up. So let’s start the habit of taking care of that ourselves. I know I always say this but LIFE IS SHORT. It may not work every time, but once in a while try to remind yourself of this when you had a bad day, are in an argument, angry, upset, crying, or have a stressful issue...and you might surprise yourself in finding that you might change your attitude around.

       Don’t let yourself be your worst enemy, there are plenty of people in the world that will or already have applied for that position. Fuck what people think, forget about how people perceive you, your life, your relationship, or your friends...because you know what value all of it is really holds. Forget everyone’s approval. Those who really love and know you or want to know you won’t judge, so do not worry. 

       Don’t sell yourself short. In fact, don’t sell yourself at all! You’re fun, you’re talented, you’re beautiful, your jokes are great, your outfit looks amazing, you’re good at your job, you’re valuable, you're intelligent, you’re wanted, you’re unique, you’re inspiring, you’re special, you’re powerful, you’re confident, you’re good-hearted, you’re a good friend, you’re a good partner, you’re a good person...and you are not for sale.

       So stand up and toast to yourself. Appreciate YOU, appreciate your journey, appreciate your hard work, your struggles, and your successes. Let’s be the person we really want to be, and the person we really are, and let’s make it a habit! Let’s toast to rebuilding, to withstanding, and preserverance. Because remember, life is not about your setbacks...life is all about your comebacks.

What's on your mind?

The other day I began thinking...when did I get a facebook account? And crazy thing is, I honestly couldn’t remember exactly when I signed on to this amazing/evil thing. But hey, if it wasn’t for facebook, we wouldn’t keep in touch with a lot of our college friends, distant family members, busy co-workers, friends of friends, acquaintances, or hell, we wouldn’t be putting stupid comments on our best friends wall even though we’ll see them in 20 minutes.

Our world is now consumed with facebook. We have applications on our iPhones, it’s our landing page for our internet homepage, we sneak it at work, we are on it waiting at the doctor’s office, you’re updating your status as you almost swerve into traffic driving to work, you’re barely listening to the conversation your mother is having with you because you’re too busy scrolling through your friend’s “Drunk Night Out” photo album...What has happened to us?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hating on it. Although certain things about it can consume your mind for hours with mind-numbing posts, comments, pictures, events, videos, and random irrelevant status updates...the thing is damn entertaining when you’re bored at times. And hell, how would I promote any of my music or this very blog? So hey, I’m all on board.

But I had a epiphany the other day about this intriguing and sometimes addicting Web site. I realized that facebook can help you weed out people who have WAY too much time on their hands. ‘Have you seen this? Have you heard about this?’

Let me clarify. I’m not talking about people who actually have something useful to post, and perhaps it may be on a frequent basis. If your life is that interesting and eventful than I applaud you, but if you’re updating your status to let us know you’re bored, you picked up your dog at the vet, you bought a new sweatshirt at the mall, or you are currently sneezing up a storm....umm, I think I speak for nearly everyone when I say “We don’t care.” These types of people have way too much time on their hands.

Also, facebook helps you realize not only how much people stalk each other but how purely immature certain people are. I’m not talking about the highschool girls looking up that cute kid in their biology class either, I’m talking about people in their mid 20s acting like they are 15 years old. 

I’ve seen and heard it all...we all have. The creepy 40 year old friend requesting you including a message saying “Nice profile pic ;) “, the stalker ex trying to look up all your photo albums, or the immature poor souls who make it a point to use facebook as a “hater” outlet. And I am bringing this to light because way too many have to encounter these people and it’s about time someone called them out.

I’m not opposed to voicing your opinion and speaking out on this social networking medium, I mean that’s what it is there for. But next time you take the energy, time, and effort to post a status bashing someone, comment sarcastically on someone’s photo because someone you don’t like is in it, or support and “like” someone’s comment that basically displays to everyone that their mind hasn’t passed the 2nd grade...please ask yourself “Who’s looking stupid here?” Because the answer is you.

Not only does it make you seem like you have nothing better or more important to do with your time, but it makes the person who you are commenting about seem very very important to you. You look pathetic, immature, and honestly...it’s somewhat sad. We feel bad for you, don’t worry.

Let’s try to use facebook and the other sites alike, for positivity, humor, fun, and for good. And yes, the occasional rant, venting session, and pointless remark is more than welcome, but make sure you’re keeping your dignity and your class. Do you really want to display to the entire world that you’re lacking it? I think not.

If you have issues with someone or something, please address it maturely. Unfortunately for you, we graduated high school many years ago now. Basically, if you can’t fix a problem or insecurity you have within yourself, or with the appropriate people in your life...using facebook as a means to alert people that you’re bothered by something, annoyed at something, or upset, makes you seem weak. Do us all a favor (and more so, yourself a favor) and find a way to boost your confidence and address your needs to the right people, instead of making yourself look immature.

To those of you who are receiving the hate, hearing about and seeing the comments...feel happy, feel blessed, and feel important. These people are taking precious time out of their day to do, say, and post something for you, let’s not be rude and show some appreciation shall we?

And to all those stuck in immaturity, don’t you see we are too busy with our careers, dreams, passions, good relationships, family, friends, and lives to be bothered with your nonsense? Hey, don’t forget to look up, because the adult, mature-minded folks up here shall wave down to you from the pedestal that you put us on.

And first place goes to......the nice guy.

       The old myth that people like “the chase”...Whether it was a friend, a co-worker, your mom, or a stranger at the bar, at one point you all have received the ancient-old advice to “play hard to get.”

       More than likely this “golden” tip was given to you a long time ago and for those who may have just heard his recently, than I am just in time for you.

       The notion is basically, don’t be “too available”, don’t be “too open”, don’t be “too involved”, or “too attached.” Some say this piece of advice is crucial during the beginning stages of a blossoming relationship. Quite frankly I am just not sure how much I find this theory to even be plausible at all. I mean, I can understand not blowing up the guy’s phone 100 times that you just met at the grocery store 2 days ago...but since when does acting like you’re disinterested gain you any rewards?

       This got me thinking...

       Ladies, how many times have you heard guy’s say “Oh, girls love assholes” or “the nice guys always finish last”? About a buzzillion, right? And gentleman, how many times have you heard a women say “Oh, guys need a girl who is a bitch”?

       Who the hell decided any of these statements are truthful? For those of you finding either of these statements as justifiable, let me please bluntly and quickly burst your bubble.

       I doubt anyone “wants” or “loves” an asshole. And excuse me, but any guy who has EVER been an asshole, “Mr. Suave”, too cool, or acted disinterested towards me, not only never got my phone number but more than likely our conversation only lasted just long enough for me to let him know that I’d rather go home and play a video game on my couch than continue speaking with him. And I’ve seen and heard plenty of my guy friends go talk to a girl somewhere with a bitch attitude and come back and say “She was cute, but she was a bitch...forget it.”

       Honestly, women and men...I think we both have some work to do to get ride of this theory that we both love people who basically suck. I will also be candid and say that girl you know still dating the guy who treats her like crap or the guy you know who constantly gets bossed around by his snobby-ass girlfriend have low self-esteem, feel they can’t get anyone else, and sadly enough some people just don’t want to put the risk, time or energy into dating again, being alone, or finding someone worth it. And I’m sure there are many other reasons people allow themselves to remain in an unpleasant situation...but hey, that’s just my thoughts.

       So you meet an interesting girl at the bar and you exchange phone numbers. You immediately like each other. Two days later she texts you to go grab a bite to eat and you sit smirking, staring at your inbox and you decide to “play it cool” and close your phone without responding. The girl doesn’t hear from you until the next day when you decide you’ve played it “cool” long enough and text her back.

       Little do you know the damage you’ve already caused in such a short time. Now she won’t answer you right away either. She knows your little scheme here and she’ll be damned if she appears desperate and decides to ignore you until the next day in return. And the cycle of things of this nature will continue for God knows how long. Yes it sounds petty...but we have ALL been there and seen others partaking in this nonsense, admit it.

       Since when does acting disinterested show you’re interested?...Seems ironic, doesn’t it? And we sit here and wonder why we all treat each other like shit...go figure.

       Now let’s backtrack a bit. So the “playing hard to get” thing, what happens than when you are with someone a long time? Or you live with them? Or you’re married? Or have kids together? Do we really need to still “play” anything?! I mean, when do the games ever really come to a close?

       And a lot of this comes down to plain effort sometimes. Why don’t we all use the effort and energy we spend toward playing hard to get and act how we REALLY feel?

       And while we are on the topic of efforts, let’s dive into that a bit too. So many people complain of or fear the lack of effort from their significant other. Most people have this theory of the “honeymoon” stage. Whether it’s a month, a few months, or as little as a couple weeks, people have a definitive amount of time when this “phase” comes to a close.

       I agree with the honeymoon stage lasting only a specific amount of time but the important difference in my belief is that I have a completely different definition of what the honeymoon stage actual entails.

       Too many people have this general belief that during the honeymoon stage you are so in love, infatuated, giddy and extremely happy. Both of you are fully devoted, displaying effort, you’re going on fun dates, you’re laughing, you’re inspired...and all of a sudden a few months goes by and you “really get to know that person” and all of this happiness and fun comes to an abrupt halt...What the fuck?

       Hey, I’m not saying this doesn’t happen to people. I know it has, it still does, and it will continue to happen, but does that mean we need to pump belief into such a negative message? Just because it happens to some doesn’t mean all of a sudden it is a universal rule of thumb. My belief of a honeymoon stage is going from being scared to eating in front of each other to a few months later eating ribs and having sauce all over your face and not caring. Or being comfortable enough to let out a large belch every once and a while. Not completely giving up on being romantic and caring.

       And I’m going to use this opportunity to call out the lazy people out there as well. Yeah, I’m talking to you, you who did and said all these wonderful things for your significant other and then time passed, or you got married, or you moved in, or you started seeing them every day and you’ve become less of what you used to be. Shame on you.

       Certain people get “too comfortable” after a period of time with someone and forget the importance of those little things. So you charmed someone enough to fall in love with your ass and now you’re going to get lazy?! Pshhh. That is the time to kick everything up a notch and make sure you keep the fire going strong.

       Ladies, surprise your man with his favorite homemade meal and guys don’t let any female convince you that we don’t like receiving those “just because” flowers. Sneak their favorite candy bar in their bag, buy them a card to remind them you care, when you say you’re going to make something up to them...do it. Sound cheesy? Then I’d take an educated guess in concluding that you more than likely get in and out of bed alone most days don’t you? Good luck to you.

       Romance is everything. The little things are everything. Without it, life and relationships can get quickly mundane. Yes, you don’t have to do something overly extravagant every single passing day, but once in a while is nice. And just the little things on a day to day basis truly mean a lot more than people chalk it up to be.

       So I grouped two important topics together. Let’s not get lazy or dull. Let’s not forget the importance of romance, communication, and opening up.  Let’s break the theory, notion, and stereotype that we fall for the ones who act disinterested. Acting disinterested indeed is NOT the “new” interested. It never was or shall be, in my book.

       If you care, act like it. If you want to see someone, tell them. If someone doesn’t like you saying and doing things like that than there’s a pretty good chance that they just don’t like you.

       Life is too short to not spend it wisely and to not spend it with someone you love. So don’t forget to surprise them, make them smile, and ACT INTERESTED. The lesson here is the whole “playing hard to get” bit is outdated. And if you’ve survived playing hard to get, and this so-called honeymoon stage, and you’re lucky enough to still have someone special by your side...please don’t slack on the romance and the little things. Comfortable or not, I don’t care if you’ve been together for decades...stay creative, stay romantic, and stay involved!

       Not only does the asshole not finish last, he doesn’t finish at all. In my book, bitches aint shit and the nice guy finishes FIRST.

      ....See you at the finish line people.

The Ninth Cloud

       It's a bird, it's a plane. . .no, it's me. I have been flying high in the sky lately. Look up and you'll find me.

       There has been a lot of positive changes in my life in the last several months. A little over 2 weeks ago, my boyfriend and I moved in to our very first apartment! The night before the big move, I was putting my procrastination to the test as I sat Indian-style in the center of my room at 10 pm still taping up packed boxes and folding up random clothes. As the clock ticked on, my drawers emptied, and my sleepiness increased, I looked around my room and realized I was actually moving on in my life and I was finally happy.

       My dad stood in my doorway asking me 100 times if I "needed help." I could tell he was a bit sad to see me go. Who am I kidding? He was probably more than a bit sad. But surprisingly, since I even broke the news to my dad, he has not said one negative comment or even had a single reservation about my decision to move out with my boyfriend. No "are you sure?!", no "well, be careful Erika". He legit was just happy for me and spoke positive about it. I truly think that he sees my happiness and he sees the joy in my eyes and he knows it's ok and most importantly, that I am in very good hands.

       So we talked and I packed and at one point or another we finally started loading boxes into all 4 doors of my car. Boxes labeled "winter clothes", "hair stuff", "misc", "shoes", and "more shoes" all were piled high into my backseat and trunk. 

       Once all the boxes were in, I grabbed my dry cleaned Chargers jerseys and Bebe dresses and laid them gently on the tippy top of all the boxes. And with a sigh of relief, I shut my car doors. Walking back toward my front door I clicked 'lock' on my keypad...and with the "beep" noise, I walked back inside to my now emptier room. That night, I slept like a baby.

       The next day I went into work and could not wait to leave (which isn't unusual but even more powerful on this day.) After work, I drove down to my boyfriend's house, helped him load up his car and we began our trip to the new pad with our cars loaded up with things for our new home.

       So you know the drill, we unloaded boxes, we dripped some sweat, we got things together, we unloaded some more boxes and had a living room solely consisting of brown boxes and one fabulous looking couch we purchased.

       So as you may have guessed, a lot was going on with the move. You don't even really realize all the stuff you're really going to have to buy and do until you start the process. Despite large items, like a couch, TV, dining room set, etc. There is an endless list of stuff you will need. Everything from spatulas to cotton balls, household cleaners to bath towels, laundry baskets to extension cords, and trust me, the list can and does go on. But as stressful as it may sound, if it's with the right person it can be a very smooth transition...and actually fun to do.

       And that's the thing, I've never actually wanted to live with someone before. I could hardly stand living with certain people in college! But I will say that I have no reservation, no worry, and no concern about this new chapter in my life. And honestly, my true theory and belief is that I feel this confident because for the first time in my life I absolutely KNOW that I am with the right person for me. 

       Sure, after everything I've been through, I have my little fears...but it's only because I care so much and of course the fact that I've never done this before. And now that I think of it,  I couldn't be more happy that I haven't done this before. I love the fact that this is my first time moving in with someone, and I want nothing more than for it to be my last. <3 

       To find someone who loves you, flaws included, is a very unique and amazing thing. We all have our days, our moments, and our attitudes. If someone can totally understand those things about you and hear you out and never judge you than you should feel blessed. And I sure do.

       I realize that this is a public space, anyone can view it, anyone can read it, and quite frankly that is the appeal of it for me. I didn't start writing this blog to have it be for selected people. So with that being said, there is nothing wrong in celebrating your own successes, accomplishments and happiness! And I'm allowing myself to celebrate mine.

       Not only am I working my full time job and paying my bills, but I have great and supportive friends and family, I'm involved in things I'm passionate about, and I am living and laughing everyday with the best guy I could have ever met. I am finally at this place called "Cloud 9" that people talk about. . . And damn, am I happy to have finally arrived.

       For those of you searching for love or in an unsatisfying relationship...do not settle. Yes, it is a cliche phrase but so many people do not pay attention to the true value and importance in this statement. You shouldn't be wasting time because life is too short. Don't let anyone tell you that you expect too much or that you have too high of expectations. You very well SHOULD have high expectations because someone worth it will easily fill those expectations. 

       I'll be completely honest in saying that I used to be a person who thought my expectations would never be met and that the qualities I really wanted in someone would never be realistic. And I think many people think in this mind set. We look back on our failed relationships and our tug of wars, and look at ourselves and think "God, I don't know if I'll ever find the right person." At one time I was one of these people and my boyfriend proved me wrong. And quite frankly, I think he also had that fear and I proved him wrong as well. I've never been so happy to be proven wrong.

       So my point is this...don't settle. Believe it or not, there IS someone who will be everything you had hoped. Someone who will stand up for you, who will understand you when you're being quiet, who will cheer you up when you had a bad day, who will actually listen to you whine. Someone who will know what to text you to make you smile, who will put you FIRST, who will actually give effort...everyday. Someone who will find you funny and laugh at all your jokes, who will leave you hearts on your facebook wall, who will take pictures with you, and someone who will look you in the eyes and tell you how they feel about you. Someone who will tell you your outfit looks great, who is romantic, who cares, and will let you control the TV remote. Someone who will wash the dishes after you cook a meal...without being asked to, who will remember things you say, and who when they say "I'm sorry" they mean it. Someone who knows when you're mad and will try to make it better, who will give you the last bite of their sandwich, and who will let you take their car to work when yours needs fixing. Someone who holds your hand, who gives you credit, and who supports all your journeys you want to embark on. Someone who will cook for you and enjoy it, who will lift with you at the gym, and who will let you play Call of Duty for 3 hours completely uninterrupted. Someone who does your laundry just to save you the trouble, who kisses you goodnight, who nods as you go on about your favorite football team, and who lets you pick out the movie as you stand in front of the RedBox at Walgreens. Someone who appreciates your quirks, loves you despite your flaws, trusts you, and is honest, trustworthy, and dependable. 

        Seems like a lot to ask for? Absolutely NOT. This is what we all very well deserve and than some. This is what anyone would want, so why settle for less? Don't.

       I am lucky enough to have all of those things and I'll never take it for granted. Once you find it, once you have that perfect "plus one", you too can be on Cloud 9.

       Celebrate your successes, be happy about your accomplishments and milestones in your life, be passionate, love the ones you care about...and remember, do not settle.

       So yeah, we just moved into our first apartment. Our location you ask? A little place people like to call Cloud 9. And let me tell you...the view from up here is unbelievable.

Judgement Day

       Let’s be honest. As much as we say “I don’t care what people think.” We all know deep down we certainly do care what people think. And maybe not every single person, maybe only certain people, but nevertheless, we do care. We all fear what people may think about something we said, something we did, or something we didn’t do or say.

       And I do believe that at times we may be concerned with what people or a certain person may have thought of something we said or did, and in reality that person did not even judge it. Imagine all the times we sat there worried or concerned or debating what this person is thinking when in fact they just took it for what it was. . . Talk about wasted energy!

       And forget about all the hundreds, even thousands of people who we encounter in a month or a year or our entire life-span that may have judged us. Quite a lot probably, right? Now imagine all the times we have judged our very selves. 

       Think of how many times we may have confessed a dark secret to an old friend or had a hissy fit in front of our significant other after a long day at work and said to ourselves “Ugh, shit, why did I say that!?” Or you broke down and cried in front of someone you care about and later felt regret for “opening up too much” or “expressing too much emotion”, or being “too vulnerable.”

       Then there are the thoughts of setting criteria for ourselves. “I should be acting this way.” “I should be happy.” “I should be not bothered by this right now.” “I shouldn’t be this frustrated.” “I should have done this.” “I should have done that.”

       When the hell did we become so critical? What happened to worrying about OTHERS judging us? Now we gotta worry about ourselves too? Christ. We are in trouble here.

       We don’t need to put parameters, limitations, rules, or requirements on any of our actions, emotions, or lives. You over-reacted, you under-reacted, you yelled, you cried, you spoke too much, you didn’t speak at all, you were vulnerable, you stepped out of line, you didn’t step up at all, you were in a funk, you weren’t yourself for a moment, you pulled an attitude....OH WELL.

       Don’t forget the most obvious fact, we are human and no one is perfect. We are all allowed to have our moments. I am giving us permission.

       All we can hope for is that we surround ourselves with people who DO NOT judge us and can love us during our bad days and with our flaws and all. If you have that you’re lucky, if you don’t have that...well I suggest you better get to finding it.

       Embrace your flaws, embrace your “bad” moments, embrace your emotions...and try to embrace them in others as well. Use it as an opportunity to improve yourself, be a better you, and laugh at yourself once in a while. Every day, every moment, every interaction and encounter is a chance to better your life. So don’t judge yourself because on judgement day there will be a line of people ready and willing to do that for you. And remember, there are nearly 7 billion people in the world to judge you...don’t add one more to the bunch.

"Can't Shoot Me Down" -Song

Working on some solo projects. Here is one of my latests.

Do Not Wake Up

       Are we the helpless victims of society’s standards?

       I mean look at us...most of us working jobs that we do not like and some of you are still in college working and studying for a standard corporate job once you graduate.

       Since we are in diapers and K-Swiss light up sneakers we are encouraged to go to college, then maybe grad school, then go get a corporate job, wear a suit, get a salary, 401K, and benefits. And hey, that isn’t bad if the company is great, you love what you do, and you get paid what you feel you’re really worth. But how many of us really feel this way? I think I speak for most people in saying that a majority do not. 

       In our society this is what is expected of us. When did these rules and expectations get put on us? And when in the hell did we wait in line to sign up?

       To not be completely closed minded I’ll say that perhaps there are some people whose goal is to be a successful business person at a prestigious company. Things like a salary, benefits, medical coverage, full-time hours, and a consistent paycheck are all good things, but I have one important question for all of you...What about our dreams? 

       I'm on to you average Americans. I see you with your Sharp alarm clocks waking you up every weekday at 6 AM. I see you at Donkin Donuts in the morning with your iced latte and your everything bagel, toasted with cream cheese. I see you next to me in rush hour morning traffic, half falling asleep. I've probably given you the finger once or twice on my occasional "almost late" route to work. And you know why I'm on to you? Because I am one of you. The only difference is I am not average. I may look like an average American but I am above average. You want to know why? Because I am putting time aside for my dreams and aspirations, and I make sure I keep my passion, creativity, and livelihood alive.

       We get caught up with what is “easy”, “expected”, “mediocre”, and forget about our REAL aspirations in life. Let’s be honest here, most of us are settled in a career situation as I previously described and we fill our minds with endless excuses to justify our normalcy and our “ok” situations that we are currently in.

       “I’m so busy”, “I’m too tired”, “I don’t have enough money to do it”, “That’s a dream...what I do now is more ‘realistic’, and so forth. I love a quote that George Clooney says in one of my favorite movies, “Why do kids admire athletes?....Kids admire athletes because they follow their dreams."

       Why do we belittle our own dreams? And why do most of us think that only “special” people really “live out” their dreams? Well let me tell you, I refuse to think that we, myself included, are not “special” enough.

       And as far as excuses go, excuses are a way to make ourselves comfortable, to justify our fear of stepping out of the “norm”, perhaps a distraction from our fear of failure, or even to justify our laziness in attempting to work toward the things we dream about doing.

       As cliche as it sounds, we only live once. Do you really want to look back on your life later and realize you never followed any of your dreams? ...My guess is no. Don’t settle for the norm if it is not what you truly want. Some people may be okay with the norm, but I sure as hell am not.

      I am very glad I went to college and educated myself. I wouldn't trade that for anything. The experiences I had, the people I met, the things I learned, and the nights we all got to lock away in our box of memories was well worth every minute and every dime (which are many) that I spent.

       If anything...I am smarter, wiser, and more knowledgeable to go do the things I WANT to do. It doesn't mean you have to be stuck doing what is "expected" of you. And I understand we all have bills to pay and we can't all just up and quit our day jobs to go be superstars in the big city. But what I am saying is don't let your dreams just fade and die. And not everyone wants to be a big movie star or a famous painter. Some people's dreams are to own their own restaurant, publish their own cookbook, come out with a makeup line, become a fitness instructor, own a pee wee football league, or even raise a family.

       Whatever your dreams may be, small or large, there is no reason in the one life we are given to not go pursue them. Work your job...but make sure you're making time to work on your craft and reach for the goals you really want to achieve. You'll never "find the time"...so you must MAKE the time. And as corny as it sounds, the time is now. Make the time for your dreams now, so hopefully later you can do what you really love to do. Maybe if you give it enough time here and there when possible, one day you'll be able to do devote your full time hours to what you REALLY want to be doing.

       I will not be hypocritical and I want you to know that I am following this theory myself. What I really love is writing/singing music and writing about life for others to read and find comfort. I have made it a point this year to work on my music more than I ever have. I made a decision months ago to really commit to doing it and believing in it and things are moving along. It involves a lot of hard work and devoted hours alongside my full-time job and the rest that life entails, but I'm MAKING the time to do it. I promise myself that if all goes well, within a year I will have a real CD with my name and picture on it to hand to my friends & family and any open-minded strangers alike. And it may not make it to the Billboard Top 100 but I'll be damn proud and I know for a fact anyone listening to it who appreciates music will enjoy it and will be willing to play it in their car as opposed to the repetitive top 40 songs on the radio. Not to toot my own horn but with the shit I hear on the radio/TV/online that is making it big, I really believe that if my music got in the right hands that I could really be heard... and I have no shame in believing that...if I don't believe in it, who else will?
       Oh, and believe me, there will be haters and "dreamstealers" like my friends and I like to call them. Ignore these people, for they only try to crush your dreams because they do not believe in their own.

       Also, I plan to one day start my own business in something I really enjoy and I've sat and made specific plans on how to go about doing it. And I started this blog because I love to write and that is one of my aspirations...and can you believe people are actually reading this thing!? ;)

       The point is...life is too short to spend years of your life not devoting any of it to something you dream of being or doing. Believe in yourself and don't waste your dreams on sleep. Make a decision today to devote your life to keeping your dreams alive. So, do not stop dreaming...no matter what time schedule you're on, no matter who tries to shake you awake, no matter how many times your alarm goes off...DO. NOT. WAKE. UP.