Being Authentic

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What does it mean to be authentic?

It seems the common formula for success online is as follows:

       1) Find your dream

       2) Set goals to reach your dream

       3) Follow through, meet your goals, and achieve your dream

Only it doesn't always work.

Maybe my problem is that I don't know my dream. Maybe I have too many dreams. But I really think my issue is that I don't know how to be ME.

I've spent many dollars and many hours buying and reading all kinds of materials on how to be successful. How to write the best blog post to grab readers. How to create landing pages that encourage customers to sign-up and buy. And over and over, I find myself trying to be someone else, to emulate someone else's method and success.

And the only thing I am now is TIRED. 

So I'm going to try a new experiment. I'm just going to be me and have fun on this blog. I'll write about girly stuff, spiritual stuff, sporty fun and adventures, art and music, home and nurturing, and even some whimsical fun. 

I hope some folks will come along for the ride. I won't be thinking about how to frame my posts to include all the right keywords. I won't be worried about how many subscribers I have. I won't even worry if I get no comments. I just want to be REAL. 

Here's to authenticity!! 

Do you have trouble knowing how to be yourself, or is it easy for you to find your own way? Share in the comments! 

Anna

What It Means to Have Purpose

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Today I had a bit of a crisis. I realized I had no idea what my purpose is.

Purpose. It's a big idea, thrown around by many, especially in the blogosphere. It's treated as if purpose is a big, world-changing reason for being. And if you don't know your purpose, you better find out. Fast.

I didn't feel like I had a big world-changing reason for being. Honestly, the thought of changing the world just makes me tired anyway. I felt like I was stuck in a mundane rut of work, meals, and sleep, with no change in sight. I wanted some kind of lightening bolt: a bold, magnificent, huge purpose to come and strike me and make me feel worthwhile.

As a Christian, I did what I often do in these situations - I prayed. More accurately, I shouted at heaven from my heart. "What is my purpose? Why am I here? Is life just a routine, over and over and over? Isn't there more?" 

I have to admit I felt a bit ashamed. As a Christian, I'm supposed to have all these pat answers, these 'reasons for being' pulled straight from scripture. But it wasn't working for me. I needed something deeper than my memorized catechism. So I prayed. 

And I got an answer. An answer that changed how I felt and how I looked at my world. It will do the same for you.

The Key to Succeeding at Your New Year's Resolutions

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Sorry I haven't posted in so long! I'll be sure to be around more in 2013.

I have a lot of friends that are very jaded about New Year's resolutions. No one keeps them, they're too ambitious, it's silly. Honestly I think one reason folks don't like resolutions is that it's easier to be cynical than it is to change!

I agree, however, that many people are too ambitious in their goals. Someone who hasn't worked out in two years can't just start with a 40 minute workout on Jan 1 and expect it to last. So I've taken a different approach with my New Year's goals. Hearkening to Leo Babauta at Zenhabits.net, I've taken a habit-forming approach to developing a fitness routine.

Keep in mind my starting point - I am easily 45 pound heavier than my previous 'heaviest' weight, and haven't exercised much in the last year and a half. My diet is worse than it was two years ago for a variety of reasons, most of which are emotional. Here's my plan: