Saturday, January 21, 2012

Making Time to Become

I'm ignoring the fact that I haven't written here in over a month. I could give you all the reasons, but you really don't care. I'm here now, for good, and that's what matters.
I'm also ignoring the fact that I currently hate the design of my blog. Any graphic designers out there looking to do a pro-bono project? Or any anonymous donors wanting to fund the "Re-design From Ainsley, with Love" project? Didn't think so...

Anyway, lets get right to it. It's no secret that I'm addicted to self-improvement, am aggressive in making things happen, and, above all, am slightly cheesy. So brace yourself.
I've been doing some thinking.

Like most enlightening moments in my life, it started during a conversation with Mary Catherine. After discussing busy schedules, current inspirations, and future dreams (most people casually discuss these things every time they talk, right?), we stumbled into discussing time management, which, in case you didn't know, is my absolute worst attribute. We both have things on the agenda that we scheme up together, among other things, but can't seem to find an extra second to take the first step in getting there. Because of this, we both settled whole-heartedly on one statement:

 I can visualize the woman I want to be, but its making time to get there that kills me.

There. I said it out loud. I don't feel like I'm failing, but I'm sure as heck having a hard time amidst the  deadlines, bills, and daily responsibilities remembering who it is I'm trying to turn out to be. Which is, essentially, just someone who is living an inspiring life, discovering inspiring things and sharing them in as many creative outlets possible. We all have a future image of ourselves. People we want to be, ambitions, thing we see ourselves doing. There's the goal, so what to do amidst the crazy days to ensure the outcome is as you like? In true Nike style, just do it.

If you want to be a photographer, take photos.
If you want to be a musician, make music.
If you want to be a writer, write.
If you want to be a runner, run.
And make time to do it.

Invest your time wisely doing things that inspire and nurture what it is you want to be good at. That may mean getting up an hour early to make time for your devotional. Or, turning down happy hour to go for your run. Or, in my case today, devoting your Saturday to getting your blog back on track and lining up your posts for the week. Don't waste time. Commit yourself solely to your responsibilities and your dreams, and get rid of the two hours where Law and Order SVU sucks you in or laying in bed the extra hour just because. Just get up, and do it. Live it.

So I'm putting down the "My days are just so busy. I don't have time" excuse. If I don't make time, I'll look up in a few years and be severely disappointed that I'm not where I want to be. I have to admit, I'm a pretty lucky girl. I live in the most beautiful place on earth, working a dream job, with people that love me and inspiration around me on a daily basis. Focusing on that, I'm now saying No. More. Excuses.

We only get this life once. Regrets don't rest well on the soul, so I'd rather not have any. I saw this quote the other day, and immediately knew it was my new life motto.

"I'm going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life."
Touche' Elsie de Wolfe, I agree.
All photos via my "Everyday Lovely" Pinterest board.

3 comments:

mary-kathryn herrington said...

don't worry... you'll get it all figured out. you are in a time in your life that is crazy- it's fun, exciting and a little scary and strange! i remember thinking how weird it was that all my friends were scattered and doing different things and i was so excited to move on but also wanted to hold on the past too! and figuring out the balance of being a grown up but also in a place where you want to live life to the fullest is fun but tough!

one of my older friends here in oxford gave me a birthday card several years ago that had this quote from lucille ball that said "it's a hell of a start, being able to recognize what makes you happy" and i'd say ainsley that you've got a hell of a start and i know you'll only get better and better! it sounds like your job and life in florida are a perfect fit for you....

Elizabeth said...

I hear ya! I have these exact thoughts every. single. day! I love my life. I love my job. I will challenge your statement on living in the most beautiful, wonderful place, and I love self-improvement, maybe a little too much... Making time to do the things you want is oh so Important... Plus I'm learning to love early mornings!

Whitney Hoy said...

I appreciate you sharing. I think we all go through times like this, and especially being girls. :) Wanted to say thanks and I agree...NO. MORE. EXCUSES. Done. :)

 
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