 Change is inevitable. It may come as a shock, or as something that's been planned for months, but it'll happen & you'll change with it. Every experience you have - good & bad - is sculpting you... & you get to choose not only a great majority of the paths you end up on, but how they will shape you - simply by how you choose to view what's in front of you.
For optimists, change is exhilarating. It may be powerful & sometimes painful but, with it all, comes that slight feeling of anticipation for that amazing something waiting around the corner. It's exciting & scary & sometimes emotional... but it's what we live for. With change comes possibility & opportunity. Change has become an addiction, leading us to any & all of the places we've ever wanted to go.
Somehow we know that if we accept the changes in our life now, things might just be easier in the future. Instead of panicking about a bad haircut we've just received, we remember that it will grow out; instead of allowing ourselves to criticize ourselves for something we have no control over, we search for & find the things that we do have control over... & get our butts in gear. We look at the bigger picture & decide what's most important to us in the world... & then we fight for it because we can.
If change is inevitable & attitude is everything... If opportunity is knocking & anything is possible... Then why the heck not?
Are you willing to go the distance?
The Complaint
Many do not realize the power of a complaint. Though we may be thankful for what we do have, a complaint can make it seem as though we are not thankful at all. Several can make us seem shallow, and complaints on an hourly basis can make us seem not only unbelievably selfish, but in dire need of attention.
Why do we complain? There are several reasons. One might feel as though they deserve something that they do not have, perhaps be jealous that someone else has it, or even complain because they are simply bored. But what's the point? Although complaining may get you temporary attention, action is the only thing going to possibly fill that void. If you want something, go get it.
Perhaps you're thinking that you don't care how you're viewed by others, and good for you. However, the complaint has more power than just how friends, family, and even employers see you. Below are 5 other ways that complaining can hurt you personally.
- It Can Become Habit: Sometimes it's difficult to stop complaining once you've started and then you simply cannot stop. This is something you'll have to train yourself on, something that will take work.
- It Can Get In The Way Of Goals: Many people get sucked into complaining instead of taking action. They allow themselves to complain about the present, as well as their future, not only giving themselves a bitter outlook on what's to come, but even tainting the things they've planned by convincing themselves it cannot happen.
- It Can Prolong The Stress: The more you complain, the more you hang on to whatever it is that's bothering you. You let it eat away at you, not only making yourself more sensitive to the issue (believe it or not), but giving the other person involved more power. It's time to let go.
- It Can Ruin Relationships: There comes a point when relationships can go sour when one is constantly complaining about their life and the other not only feels as though they can no longer help, but also feels as though the complaining will never stop.
- It Can Hurt Others: ... And thus, you. There are people in this world who want to be supportive, who want to help you through the difficult times. These people care, but they also have lives and goals of their own.
Instead of keeping yourself, and possibly others, from accomplishing the things they've always dreamed of, take time and step forward on your own. Accomplish something, then another - without the help or opinions of others - and see how you feel. You may be pulling yourself out of that complaint pool just yet. :)
Are you willing to go the distance?
*Goal Update*
 Coeur d'Alene Lake One thing I've always been certain of is that accomplishing your goals is all about quality, not quantity. This year, it may seem like I'm moving at a slow pace with my goals, but it's because I'm moving forward on big important ones.
These past few months, I've been working on accomplishing the following long-term goals of mine. They're taking a while but are completely worth the effort. - Whatever it is you're after in life, go for it!
- Be on the Dean's List - I'd previously let this goal go, as I was originally unable to enroll in school full time while working full time. Recently, I've decided to push forward with it anyway.
- Continue to audition - Last Friday & one this Friday. BRING IT ON!
- Win an award - The current auditions will hopefully lead to this.
- Graduate from college - Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts, minor in Marketing. (Set to graduate Spring of 2014).
- Read all Nicholas Sparks books & read Hunger Games Trilogy. - Currently on 2nd Hunger Games book, with 5 Nicholas Sparks books left.
- Write a novel - It's coming together!!!
Are you willing to go the distance?
 There was a time when I used to want to be a celebrity... who am I kidding? There are still days when I want to be a celebrity - to sing in front of millions of people & have albums that go platinum.
What I could never handle is being under a microscope, constantly having everyone bombarding me with questions about my relationship status & whether or not I'm going to see a certain movie. What does that have to do with their singing or acting ability? ... it has nothing to do with it. It doesn't matter.
Then there are those that want their 15 minutes of fame, & are selfish enough to possibly use someone to get it. My thoughts go out to John Travolta at this particular time, an amazing actor & pilot. No, I don't know him personally. I don't know how he feels about men & women; what I do know from the two seconds I got to see him in person, is that he's so shy & so kind. He would give anything for those he loves & as much as he can for those he may not even know.
So John, if you're out there reading this somewhere... by any tiny chance... I want you to know I'm on your side. Don't let these desperate people get to you; don't let them tear down anything that you've built. Stand strong & move forward. Though it's easier said than done, you've been through harder times than this, & you can get through this as well. It's the obstacles that make us stronger.
For everyone else: I once believed that being a celebrity is the best - all the money you could ever want, getting to meet other celebrities, going to award shows every few months... what I didn't realize until I got older is that money really can't buy happiness or love... those things you still have to work for.
Are you willing to go the distance?
47 Things...
I've learned in the past 5 years.
Yes - it's officially been five years since I graduated high school, & it's been quite a ride! While I cannot believe so much time has passed, I'm proud of who I've become so far & am looking forward to so many other learning experiences. Here are 47 things I've learned in the past 5 years, either on my own or through friends & family.
- You CAN survive moving 2,147 Miles away from home on your own.
- Flying in a personal airplane is the most exhilarating experience.
- Love happens unexpectedly.
- Stories you grew up hearing are important & should be recognized, if not recorded.
- Life continues after horrible losses: It's those who somehow stand up & continue on that have stories worth truly telling.
- It can be tough to let something go, but it's horrible to keep hanging on: Relationships, memories, people who you feel need your help... you need to know yourself well enough to realize when something or someone is draining you. It is then time to step back & reevaluate things.
- Not everyone will like you: Who cares?
- Credit card debt is horrible: I am no longer placing myself in debt.
- Life is short: Live in the moment as much as you can.
- Picking your battles can save your relationships: Something that upsets you in the slightest might not be something worth arguing over, let yourself cool down and ask yourself, is this really a big deal?
- A website can change your life.
- When opportunity arises - take it or you'll regret it later.
- Some people never change: There are people who grow & learn from the things that they get to experience, there are others who simply don't.
- ... Some people do: It's your choice whether or not you're willing to give them a second chance.
- You cannot fear the fall: Sometimes it's the very best part. :)
- You CAN survive a road trip across the country & back... twice.
- It's the commitment that makes the paper, not the paper that makes the commitment.
- The more REAL you are, the better your life will be: The more honest & genuine you are, the more relaxing life will be.
- The high road may be the long way, but it gives you better views and it'll get you to better places.
- When you find you're beating yourself down, it's time to prove yourself wrong. It's time to push yourself & see what lengths you can reach.
- Give everything you have when accomplishing any & all of your goals: Goals not completed to your satisfaction aren't getting you anywhere.
- When at first you fail, find something you gained from your experience.
- Every President is human & will make mistakes along the way.
- Hardships are meant to be worked through, not ran from.
- Changing your mind is in no way letting yourself down: In fact, it might be the first step in picking yourself back up.
- Take the opportunities that you're given if you're able: Otherwise, you may always wonder what if...
- Things change: Dwelling in the past will only keep you from enjoying the future.
- Letting the pressures of others change the way you want to live your life will leave you bitter: Find people who deserve your presence & who enjoy spending time with the real you.
- Payback is a bitch - Not you: While you may be upset at someone for something, providing payback is only going to put you down to their level. Why bother when you can just enjoy how good you look compared to them?
- Some people cannot translate: We all think differently, & many may not agree with something you have to say. Again. Who cares? Sometimes there's just no point in arguing.
- It doesn't matter how many goals you've accomplished this year compared to the last: Just keep moving forward!
- All relationships are give & take: If you're doing all of the giving, find a relationship that's 50-50, because it's what you deserve.
- I may not be religious, but a prayer never hurt anyone.
- If you made a mistake, come clean & be the better person: No more blaming things on others.
- Life is about challenging yourself to overcome external obstacles; not about wasting your time playing mind games on or with others.
- There's no easy way to tell someone that things need to change: There's just moving on & hoping that one day they'll find themselves as happy as you'd always wished they could be.
- Never be ashamed of yourself or your interests or beliefs: I like Twilight & I'm not religious. Who cares?!
- Accomplish your goals for you & only you: They are otherwise tainted.
- The knowledge your Grandparents have is priceless.
- They call it a window of opportunity because it will take an effort to get through it: Squeeze your ass through it before it closes.
- Changing who you are so that you can be memorable defeats the purpose: You are not memorable, the fake you is.
- You can learn something from everyone.
- Don't let your thoughts get in the way of the good things that others have to say: Believe it or not, sometimes you're wrong.
- In the real world, procrastination can cost a lot.
- You can make a difference in the lives of others - so Why Not?
- Complaining will get you nowhere: Take action.
- You're never too old to set & accomplish new goals.
Are you willing to go the distance?
When Fear Gets The Best Of Us
| | Our fears play tricks on us constantly. It's not the spider that we're afraid of, it's the bite. It's not the risk we're afraid of, it's the possibility of failure. And why are we afraid of failure? We both know that it's mostly because of what EVERYONE ELSE thinks.
Think about it, if you were alone here on earth, just as you sometimes are in your bedroom or car, your actions would be even in the slightest bit different. You'd talk to yourself, be goofy, and possibly dance around. But the second that someone arrives, you contain yourself.
Do I wish everyone liked me and all of my actions? Sometimes yes, but I'm just so curious as to why we restrain ourselves from being ourselves completely when it could bring us so much closer to what we've always wanted. I've decided to push myself to that point; push myself toward finally being able to let it all out and fight with absolutely everything I have to get myself where I've always wanted to be.
Are you willing to go the distance?
The clocks ticking...
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*The 2147Miles 30 Day Challenge*
 I've seen those 30 Day Facebook Challenges; daily photo posts & memories that last a life time. But what about challenges that have you moving forward, changing you with every step? This is one challenge I'm sure will change you & those around you for the better. Perhaps you'll even be willing to share this challenge on the 2147Miles Facebook Fan Page. Enjoy! :) Day 1: Celebrate May Day (It's tomorrow!) or send someone you care for a gift. - Leave a gift on someone's door step, even if it's just a flower.Day 2: Accomplish two things you've been putting off for a really long time. - Mine would be sanding down the kitchen window & repainting it.Day 3: Pick up five pieces of garbage on the side of the road.Day 4: Learn something new.- Do you know how to tie a neck tie? - How to make a good lasagna?Day 5: Give someone a hand. - Even holding the door open for someone. :) Day 6: Celebrate an odd holiday.- May 3rd was Lumpy Rug Day... I really don't know why.- May 6th is Beverage Day or No Diet Day. - May 7th is National Tourism Day- Check out more here: May, 2012 Bizarre & Special Holidays.Day 7: Tell someone your most embarrassing moment.- We ALL have them! If you'd like, you can even anonymously post it here.Day 8: Meet someone new. Yet to meet a neighbor? - Introduce yourself to someone like you would've in first grade, like it's nothing. Day 9: Eat something you wouldn't normally try, or something you hated as a kid.- Mine was Elvis' Grilled banana & peanut butter sandwich. I then tried black liquorish... I still don't like it but taste buds do change.Day 10: Turn off your phone & go without internet for an entire day.- You heard me. It's time to take a break from technology. :)Day 11: Catch up with an old friend.- Facebook, email, good old fashioned mail... either way, check in.Day 12: Get lost on StumbleUpon or Pinterest.- Spend the day looking through all of your favorite things.Day 13: Give a high five.... just because. Day 14: Safely take a walk alone with your iPod.- Sometimes that long walk on your own can be the most peaceful place.Day 15: Let go of a grudge. - What are you letting go of? - We all hold them. If something's bugging you, today's the day to let it go.Day 16: Write a letter to a soldier - Send your support through A Million Thanks.Day 17: Give a great review.- Know a restaurant you absolutely love? Leave a review - it seems people only leave reviews when they're angry. Lets change it. (This can be done through yahoo, google, local newspaper sites & my favorite: Urbanspoon.com.)Day 18: Contact me! - Tell me something you would like to accomplish this year & why. I'll be sure to respond to everyone on how I might be able to help. :) Day 19: No more complaints! - Post on Facebook what you're thankful for. Day 20: Be proud of your body today.- Eat something you've been avoiding today and be proud! Day 21: Send a thank you note, card, or gift. - Has someone really helped you out lately, even in the slightest? Thank them.Day 22: Give a compliment to someone you don't know.Day 23: Plant something.- A tree, a flower, pumpkin seeds, strawberries. Enjoy!Day 24: Take a stand. Sign a petition on Change.org.- Have something you stand for? Show your support. Worried about spam mail? Don't be. Change.org may send you reminders, but they can be easily taken off of your email by simply hitting the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the email.Day 25: Gimme A Break Day!- Go get a Kitkat bar. :)Day 26:Enter a contest.- Check out CMT.com for some fun ones if you like Country music.Day 27: Learn a random fact. - I've always been curious why pilots say "Mayday." - There are all sorts of random things to learn on the internet. Day 28: Like the 2147Miles' Facebook Fan Page.- Alright, this one isn't mandatory, but I thought you'd still enjoy it.Day 29: Find out how well you know yourself.- Check out Chatterbean.com for a fun 'know yourself' quiz or make a list of your favorites. Eggs? Color? Car Make & Model?Day 30: Find out what makes you happy & take a leap of faith.- Afraid to ask a girl out? Not sure about your career path? Do your research; find out what is going to make you happy for the rest of your life & take that next step. Giving it a shot is better than never knowing what could've been.Are you willing to go the distance?
If you look close enough, you might be able to see some form of beauty in almost everything. Even with all of the horrible things that happen in this world, we can still see the beauty when someone finds the courage to somehow pull themselves forward in moments of despair; inspiring & strengthening all of us in the process.
Beauty is in learning from others, as well as ourselves, in a struggle... & comparing everything that we went through to this great person that we've become because of it. We realize the knowledge that's been gained through all of our experiences, & carry with us a little more power than we carried before. We mature; we evolve; we make changes to adjust & then we continue because that's what we are here to do.
Beauty is also in the small things that we often take for granted. A flower, a sunset, a child learning something new, someone's smile... I could literally go on forever.
Though the beauty within these things is sometimes overlooked, I urge you to take a moment each day to really value what it is that you're getting to experience in your life. Take in your surroundings & learn everything that you can so that you may not only share your knowledge with others, but later with yourself. Let your mistakes along the way guide you - not prevent you from continuing.
You get to decide how this world shapes you; You get to pick & choose what experiences you're going to carry with you; You get to create the way you view the world around you by choosing the person you want to be & the people you want next to you along the way. Find a way to see the beauty in everything & allow it to light every path you decide to follow or build. Life's too short to trudge blindly through the dark - I think it's time to wake up.
Are you willing to go the distance?
 Richard Nixon once said, "If an individual wants to be a leader and isn't controversial, that means he's never stood for anything." And if you think about it, it's true.
There's not a single president who every single person in this country was a fan of. Not everyone agrees on one issue... otherwise it wouldn't be an issue. There's not a single celebrity that every person in the world enjoys. And not everyone you've ever met has liked you.
As frustrating as it all sounds, it's actually inspiring, & allows us to move forward. No - not everyone is going to agree with the way you decorate your house or the way that you cook - but who cares? We're all different. We're free to have our own taste and interests and should be thankful for that. Be thankful that not everyone agrees and don't feel as though you need to convince them. Don't be afraid to tell others that you like the Twilight movies or that you enjoy ketchup on you macaroni and cheese. Just be you. Stop hiding today & start expressing yourself.
A.E.C.
Singin' the Blues
*Rainy days & heartbreak.*
Some days can remind us that life's not fair; whether you're watching the raindrops hitting a window on the weekend or you're hiding in your room trying to pull the pieces of your heart back together. For some, these days may come often; for others they may come seldom, but each and every one of us knows what it means to sing the blues.
We also have our own ways of finding our way back into the sunlight, and I thought I'd share with you mine. Here's a get well package that's bound to bring you back.
| | * Chocolate - (Obviously), but I'm not about to let them go overboard. One Hershey bar would be plenty.
* A Bottle of Wine - (Obviously). Just because.
* Whip It - (The Movie), because these bad ass girls don't need a guy to be as cool as they are.
* A Gift Card- Because they need to get out & enjoy their new world.
* A Night on the Town - A reminder of the things they do have that they should be thankful for.
* A Kelly Clarkson CD - Alright, let's admit it. Kelly Clarkson is one independent girl, she knows how to rock, & she knows her breakup songs. *And she's gotten me through two breakups.*
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Share Your Ideas by commenting below!
Dedicated to a good friend of mine. :)
A.E.C.
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