2017 ch. 4

This month has been a blur. But if we’re being honest, this year has just flown by. Tell me again how it’s already May?

I feel like April was the month I finally starting practicing the goals/changes I’ve wanted to implement. Which means it’s never too late to start or accomplish a goal.

I’ve been feeling restless and made my theme for the year to live with purpose. It’s hard to start saying yes more and to experience new things when you’re so.dang.busy. And when other people may not want to say yes or have new experiences. Going out of your comfort zone is HARD. But I read this quote, “you weren’t made to just pay bills and die” and it spoke to me so deeply and even though I read it 6+ months ago, I can’t stop thinking about it. Saying yes and trying new things and being brave is so important to me, because I don’t want to be 80 and realize I spent my life working and not living.

And so, this month I stopped making excuses. I took some chances, and just did things. And do you know what? It was liberating. And scary. But exciting. And ultimately, so worth it. I booked a trip to Paris even though it was completely unplanned and I already had/have big trips planned. I decided to follow through on and take a chance on a passion I’ve had for years, but somehow never truly realized. I’ve been reading books that build me up and that make me want to take chances. I’ve been more productive with my time and have made an effort to spend more time doing the things I love.

Honestly, this year is shaping up to be one I won’t soon forget.

So last month I already wrote about buying a camera and seriously, I haven’t looked back for a second. In March I set up an etsy account, but this month, I decided I want to start taking pictures of people too. It terrifies me and I know it will be a lot of work, but I think it will be rewarding and enjoyable as well. That said, I need people to practice on. So if you want free pictures, send me a DM on my Instagram (@bethflintphoto)

This month, I’ve read three books. Traveller's Tales From Heaven and Hell,  Big Magic and The Gifts of Imperfection. Both books are amazing and go right along with self-improvement. I’ve read Big Magic before, but still loved it a second time.

Here are my favorite quotes:

(Big Magic: Elizabeth Gilbert)

 "Fear is a desolate boneyard where our dreams go to desiccate in the hot sun"

 "Let yourself fall in love with your creativity...and see what happens"

 "Begin anywhere. Preferably right now"

 "When it's for love, you will always do it anyhow" 

(The Gifts of Imperfection: Brene Brown)

 "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do"

 "Every time we choose ourage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver"

 "True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world"

 "Staying real is one of the most courageous battles that we'll ever fight"

I’ve continued writing in my journal weekly and it has been a good way for me to reflect back on the week.

I have not been great at scrapbooking. I’m still on January….however, I have been good at printing my pictures out every month.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was able to visit the Las Vegas temple in April. I LOVED it. It was so peaceful and wonderful! I really love going to the temple outside of Utah. I need to visit 4 more new (to me) temples this year. Any suggestions? I have a couple planned, but will for sure need at least 2 more.

Last weekend, I ran the Salt Lake Half Marathon with my dad and sister, Lisa. It was such a good course! I would run it again in a heartbeat. I liked that it was scenic, but also winded through parts of the city. I was worried it would be hard for me as I had been sick prior, but I ended up with a time of 2:06, which is my second fastest race ever. My mileage is still behind, I’m at 269 miles.

And last’s the best of all. Traveling and going new places is my favorite. This month we went to Vegas. You can read all about it on my Vegas post. Long story short, we hadn’t been to Vegas in 10 years. The last time either of us had really been was when we went as friends, nearly 10 years ago. We didn’t do typical Vegas, but had a good time. Next month we’re going to Vernal, UT. Don’t be jealous. Haha. Has anyone been? Any recommendations? We will only be there overnight, as the primary reason is I’m running a race. Gotta love those run-cations.

Guys, I’m serious. In the last few years, making and setting goals, I’ve seen such an improvement. It can be small or large. Write yourself a to-do list for the week and do it. Then set out to do something bigger. All of those goals add up and can make such a difference. What’s stopping you? Just do it.