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Why I Won't Let the Fear of Failure Hold Me Back
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." ~Winston Churchill
Self-Induced Pressure is My Worst Enemy
I put a lot of pressure on myself to be a good mom, a caring and supportive wife, to contribute financially to our household, to be a "success." I have always felt that I don't do enough.
Even though I would wake up early to paint or write, go to my day job, pick up my daughter from school afterward and take her to her extracurricular activities, go home and bake cookies for little league bake sales, cook a nutritious dinner for my family, read to my kiddo before bed time and spend time with my husband after she's all tucked in... I never felt that I was doing enough.
Learning to Have Faith That I Am Doing the Right Thing
In the past I've questioned whether I'm doing the right things, and this has only fueled my anxiety and fear of failure-because failing would just prove that I should have been doing something else.
Now, I choose to believe that I am doing what I what I was put on earth to do. That I was given the gift of art and creativity, and it would be irresponsible for me to not pursue it.
Failure Is Part of the Path to Success
It's tempting to avoid any decision that might result in failure. But the only way to ascertain what works is to try different things. That means facing uncertainty and risking that things might pay off and they might not.
"Failure" Is Just Another Word for "Learning"
I have realized that by even attempting to make a living from my art, I am taking a chance. I may have to get another day job in the future, but I also just may rent out the house and use that income to get in the surf van and take my "artventure" on the road. There are no right or wrong decisions here except the one where I'm constantly beating myself up. I'm getting off that crazy train right here, right now.
Click here to read the full story.
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Free Halloween Paint Party
Join us for a FREE Kids Paint Party.
Free Candy
Free Fun
Costumes are welcomed.
Spots are limited.
Must be
at least
6 years old and accompanied by an adult.
This is a FREE event.
Donations are welcomed.
Sign ups are a MUST to ensure your spot.
Let's have some fun!
Click
here to claim your spot.
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20 Ways to Chill out and Help Stop Stress
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Reclaim Your Commute
Whether you listen to relaxing music or let go of whatever happened at home, making the conscious effort to
make your commute meditative can help you embrace the day - regardless of what pops up.
Meditate in the Morning
Before you start going through your laundry list of obligations, taking a few minutes for yourself can make a big difference in your stress levels.
Hang in the Tub
The next time you're at the market, be sure to buy some Epsom salts. Adding two cups to the tub will help you detox your system and get a better night's sleep.
Fight Stress With Food
Instead of reaching for junk that will leave you feeling unsatisfied and more likely to crash, reach for healthy foods that fight stress like oranges loaded with vitamin C.
Stretch at Your Desk
Take Teatime
Instead of just grabbing your tea on the go, take the time to sit and enjoy a few minutes of solitude. Turning this into a daily ritual will help you keep a relaxed outlook.
Get a Massage
Scheduling a luxurious massage for yourself gives your muscles some love and your head a break. Once you lie down on the table, do your best to stay present in the room instead of worrying about everything you have to do once you leave.
Laugh More
Not only does laughing lead to fun, it soothes tension in your body and relieves your initially stressed-out response on the spot. But the long-term benefits have been proven too:
laughter can improve your immune system
!
Call Your Mom
When you're feeling overwhelmed, phone home. Studies have shown that even over the phone a mother's voice can soothe your stress. If calling mom is not an option or she stresses you out even more, call a close girlfriend for a little TLC.
Click here for the other 10 ways
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Anthem Richmond Marathon
Saturday, November 10th
$30-$135
No matter which distance you choose (full, half or 8k), when you run Richmond, you'll receive VIP treatment! With thousands of volunteers and spectators encouraging you, and more race perks that you can count, you'll see why we've earned our rep as "America's Friendliest Marathon" (thanks, Runner's World)!
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Kids Halloween Howl & Fun
Sat, October 27, 2018
Halloween-themed hour of fun for kids ages 4-10 years old!** Kids will enjoy using their artistry and fine motor skills to make monster masks or keychains for play or their night of trick or treating. A spooktacular story-time will peak your child's imagination, and a special spooky walk-through closet will be fun for kids who might be up for the challenge! Kids will also receive a special goodie bag of Halloween treats! Come and howl for the hour! Tickets $8 Use code FUN50 at checkout to receive 50% off! Discount code limited to two uses per customer.
**Adult must accompany child participants at all times.
Interested in going? Click here to choose your time and buy tickets.
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Produce Going Bad? This Celebrity Cookbook Author Has 7 Tricks To Save It
Whole Wheat Blackberry Pancakes
When blackberries (or any berries) aren't looking too perky, just add them to these easy pancakes. For two generous servings, beat 2 eggs with 1 cup [240 mL] buttermilk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon each salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Stir in ½ cup [70 g] whole wheat flour. Spoon the batter into a hot buttered skillet (or try coconut oil or ghee) to form pancakes, and top with blackberries. Flip when the undersides are browned and then cook until the second sides are browned and the blackberries are lightly caramelized. Serve with whipped cream and crushed blackberries or blackberry jam.
Banana Bread Milkshake
When you have overripe bananas and don't feel like baking, peel them and then freeze them. For each serving, put a frozen banana into the blender with ½ cup [120 mL] milk (any kind), ½ teaspoon each ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, and a small handful of walnuts. Purée until smooth and enjoy immediately for all of the flavors of banana bread without any of the baking.
What to know the other 5 ways? Click
here!
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Don't Settle for Living Half-Alive
"Who you are is what you settle for, you know?" ~Janis Joplin
I spent several years in a state of light
depression
without noticing.
Why was it only "light"? Because I was functional: I went to work every morning, I managed to feed myself (mostly with convenience food, but still). My house was reasonably livable, though far from sparkling clean. And I wasn't particularly sad, nor was I ever even remotely
suicidal
. It was simply like my life had been wrapped in a thick layer of cotton wool, with nothing much ever getting through to me.
Why didn't I notice? Because I told myself I liked it this way. I was honestly convinced that I was happy going to work every day, coming home in the evening. and then sitting down to read or play a computer game.
The Awakening
There was an outward reason for my isolation, and that's a sum of money I was paying back from a near-bankruptcy years earlier. I simply didn't have the cash for a lavish wardrobe or nights out on the town because every cent I earned went into repayments. But that's only half the truth-if I'd wanted to see friends, I could have met them for home-cooked dinners, after all.
Healing Through Passion
It took a lot of time. I needed to heal physically as well as psychologically; my body was in the worst shape it had ever been in, not just because of the pounds I'd piled on from all the junk food, but also from spending the last years in a sitting position, apart from walking to the car and back.
What I've Learned
I wish I could tell you that I lived happily ever after, but that's just not how human lives work (and anyone who tells you differently is usually trying to sell you something). The point is not to be eternally joyful, in any case; it's to experience the full spectrum of human emotions and to show up and sit with them as they occur.
To continue reading, click
here.
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Monster Smoothie Bowls
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Directions
Blend 2 cups spinach, 1 chopped peeled apple, 1 cup ice, 1/2 frozen banana and 1 tablespoon each honey and lemon juice in a blender until smooth and thick. Pour into 2 bowls and top with fruit, nuts and/or seeds to make a face.
- Level: Easy
- Total: 10 min
- Active: 10 min
- Yield: 2 servings
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