Category Archives: Erika Beebe
What Little Thing This Week Made You Smile?
Maybe a compliment?
Today, I’m thinking about the little things my life:
One of my girlfriends’ meeting me for dinner Monday, talking to me, coaching me and believing in my dream as much as I do.
My husband wrestling around with the kids in the bed before work until we all laughed so hard our bellies were shaking and couldn’t stop!
My babies begging me to snuggle them just a few minutes longer, and me, putting off getting ready for work because it feels so good to love them.
The message my dad sent me this morning to let me know he loved me.
And all the likes on facebook when I posted some odd quirky daydream about the thunder and the rain.
These little things fill me up and motivate me to move, make me feel good about being exactly where I am this minute. When my dreams seem so far away, and my mood isn’t always the best, the little things somehow get me through—
Thank you world!
Thank you friends!
You’re part of my little things, too.
Make The Moment Yours. Sharing My Baby Steps.
Monday Afternoon.
I walked down the hallway, past my kids bedrooms.
They stirred from their pillows, waking up from their naps.
I looked around me. The house was a disaster—toys in every room—coats, shoes, paper airplanes littered every spot on the floor and on the furniture.
It was time to do something—
I organized a marching parade. Toys in hand, we filed to our rooms singing and stomping, carting our possessions to the places they belonged.
After a few minutes I walked past my son’s room. I heard nothing—no singing—no clatter of falling plastic, so I peeked in and sure enough, distraction had a hold of him on the bed. He sat on his pillow with a couple of ninja turtles in his hands—the blue and the red one; Donatello and Raphael, I think.
At first I frowned—then I laughed. It’s a great reminder of how I cleaned my room as a kid. My mom said she’d send me in to organize the chaos. I didn’t fight her. I went in like a soldier and shoved things around. Two hours later she’d peek in, and in cleaning my room, I found all sorts of lost toys and failed my task. Instead of spending 1 hour and 45 minutes on my room, I maybe spent 15 minutes tops. Distraction grabbed me too, and I secretly played with my toys the entire rest of the time. It was a huge lesson for me. Time. Organization. Taking charge of my life. It hasn’t been easy because it’s not natural to me, but being a student in architecture helped. I learned how to chart my day. To set goals and manage my time so thoroughly the possibility of success every minute became possible.
Today, I don’t have a moment to spare. Between the kids, a full time job, getting stuff done around the house, if I add a dream to my list, some days it feels almost impossible. But I’ve figured out a way to make it work and I thought I’d share what I do to get myself on track.
1. Fix My Outlook. I do this as quickly as I can. I find something great like a photo or a quote or maybe a song. I know if my thoughts are ready for action, I’m more likely to act in ways to get me what I want and hope for.
2. Set a goal. This one is tough. Specifics are helpful. List out resources, a time frame for your accomplishment, and picture the end result when you’re done. Here’s an example.
I strive to be a writer everyday (my dream/vision)
Goal: Complete revisions to my book by the end of February and prepare pdf files to send to my friends for feedback.
Step One: Brainstorm and outline and write each chapter.
Step Two: Review what I wrote the day before and fix it.
3. Schedule a Regular time to complete your goal.
For me? 4:30 a.m. Why? Because my brain works better early. I’m fresh. I don’t have distracting thoughts floating through my mind, threatening to ambush me. It’s quiet. It’s dark. And I can drink my coffee and think.
4. How can you make your goal fun? Spice it up with a little variety?
This blog helps me. I won’t improve if I don’t write every day. It’s the same thing with working out, eating right, and studying for a test or a new profession. I find something inspiring first thing. A quote. A pretty picture. YouTube videos are pretty great too. If I’m trying to write a scene, I search for a video to help paint my picture. I want to stimulate my brain in some way to get me on track. I’m a visual learner and videos stir emotions, which is what I need to make up a character.
5. Reach out to others for support.
I didn’t realize I had a network or a support system out there. People are ready and willing to help me proof and ask questions. Thank you. I am so grateful for your help. This blog is one giant blessing.
And how will I help my son who reminds me so much of myself at times? Let him be silly. Let him be the person he is. Baby steps. We’ll figure it out together and most certainly, let him be a kid.
And don’t forget:
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| sodahead.com |
P.S.
Here’s the link to the article. I think these five things can apply to any goal.
5 ways to stay motivated to exercise from Gaiam.
Today is the Perfect Day to Start Somewhere
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| naturalnews.com |
This is a perfect day to dream big.
Define your wishes.
Think about your goals.
So I’m throwing out a bunch of thoughts at you and I’m answering them for myself, hoping I can help you get the juices flowing in your brain.
What are you good at?
I’m good with my kids. I’m good at talking with them, playing with them, and helping them be the individuals they are. I’m good at commitment. If I say I’ll do it, you can bet I will. I like to set goals. I like to break down the steps. But look out. Once I put it all down, it’s a personal mission to fulfill it. I’m good at writing. Stories swim in my head and if you give me five minutes, I could probably spin something pretty fun with just a couple of trigger words.
What do you want the most?
I want to show my kids what it’s like to dream and go for them. Personally, I strive to be an author someday. To have my work out there and share my ideas with the world.
If you had one word to describe yourself, what would you pick?
For me, Energy. There’s no doubt in my mind if someone waved a magic wand and took it away from me, well, I don’t think I’d ever be the same.
When you were little, what sort of friend were you?
I think I liked to lead. I think I liked to make up the games. I have this memory from recess, waiting in line with my classmates, ready and fidgety not wanting to go back to class. We stood in a messy line thinking the teacher would show any second. I didn’t need another second. I showed everyone how to escape in our minds creating a scene. An ocean. We became a bunch of hungry sharks swimming around in circles, jumping off benches.
And lastly, if money weren’t an option, what would you be doing right this second?
Helping people find their dreams, and writing. I’d volunteer in the schools. I’d volunteer to help people in many capacities. I’d volunteer at the animal shelters with the dogs and the cats, taking in foster animals whenever I could. And I’d take my kiddos. Because I believe in teaching others, there is a bigger world than me.
So what’s my point tonight because, wow, I know, I’m all over the place.
I’m reflecting on the day: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday. His words and actions left a mark behind, changing us forever. He was a man. A man with hopes, and dreams, and fears like the rest. His words will forever stay with me. So I’m wondering, what can I do to leave my mark? It doesn’t have to be a big one. Just one that makes me happy.
And I’m hoping the same for you.
Happy Monday!
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| celineb5 at instagram |
Setbacks can make really great comebacks
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| http://www.fromheretome.com |
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. The flu has been a difficult pest to shake. But It’s also made me think about the importance of speed and goals.
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| http://www.wordstoliveby.com |
Cloud Nine Girl 