People tell me constantly that I have too much on my plate, that I do way too many things. When do I have time for myself?
And I always answer: ‘This is my time for myself’
They look at me like I’m crazy, and maybe I am. I do wear myself down, but I don’t regret a single thing.
Mark Twain said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
That’s what I try to do in my life. If something interests me I’ll explore it. Knitting, sewing, acting, writing, singing, figure skating, soccer, dancing, photography… I’ve dabbled in it all, and dove deep into some because it makes me happy. A lot of these things were on my own. I even traveled halfway across the country by myself just so I could learn alongside complete strangers about a passion of mine. And it was so worth it.
Through all the experimentation I’ve found out who I am. Where my passions lie and how to take chances. Someday I won’t have the opportunity or ability to be so curious, and I refuse to regret.
I have a safe harbor. My husband and my family who love and support me through all of my mini obsessions and the ones that stick. My husband especially. He’s always there to hold on to those bowlines when he can’t be on board with me. And for that, I love him.
So here I am, my passion for blogging in hand, trying desperately to flag down a ship to Blissdom 2010. A new adventure to a place where I can learn and meet others who share my love for the written word. Others who have stories to tell and talents to share.
Here’s hoping she stops in my port.
Written by Briana Gardell. Briana writes over at Wake Up, Juliet , where she shares her passions for family, pets, photography and other current obsessions. Currently you can follow along as she follows her passion for photography by starting up a part-time business. You can follow the micro-moments in her life on Twitter @wakeupjuliet .
This post is part of Blissdom Conference ticket giveaway.
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{ 41 comments }
I really enjoyed the Mark Twain comment. It did what it was intended to do, make me think, and now to make me act on it. Knowing that “Someone” is finding their passion(s) and acting on them is wonderful! Thank you for the inspiraton you have me today!
Another great post :) “Refuse to Regret” are words to live by – love them!
I love that you’re not afraid of anything. You have no voice in your head telling you you can’t, do you know how lucky you are? So many people DON’T follow their passion because of their own mind. Stay curious, continue to see the wonder in the world.
What a wonderful post! And what a great attitude. You’re young now, no kids, and a supportive husband. What better time to explore your world? You’re making new friends, discovering new talents, finding yourself. Good luck to you, and thanks for letting us tag along on your journey. :)
awesome entry Brie, you sound very much like an author.
So explore, dream and discover! I hope she stops at your port too!
A great way to think, Brie. Too many people sit back saying” I should have”.
Here’s hoping you find that ship, dear! :) While I too am an aspiring crafting blogger, and someone who bounces from passion to passion through life, I fully understand wanting to go to Blissdom and hope you get there!
Nicely written blog post. I love it – and I can totally relate!
I love this post!! I had never heard the Mark Twain quote before so thank you for enlightening me. I am a lot like you in that if I’m curious about something I jump in to explore it. Some of the things stick and others I’ve put behind me. Keep exploring and living life to the fullest! I wish you the best in getting to Blissdom.
GREAT post! I loved every word! so true! I hope you get your ship! :)
Great post Brie. I really enjoyed reading it. You are giving me inspiration to explore my “obsessions” as well.
Wow…you wrote exactly what I feel! I am reading it saying….I could have written that! (although I wouldn’t have stated it as elegantly as you did) .
This is so worth it isn’t it! Hope to meet you at BlissDom.
I love this post and it is exactly how I feel about life!! Those who are not afraid to try new things truly live life to the fullest. You never know your true passions in life, unless you have tried a few things to really know what you love.
The Mark Twain quote is exactly what I’ve been needing and is helping with some of my endeavors. Thank you.
Fantastic entry! Never be afraid to chase your dreams
Awesome! A great read! I loved it :-)
What a great post Brie. I admire your lust for life and how you truly go after things that interest you. I also really enjoyed the Mark Twain quote. I hope you are able to add this adventure to you list.
:)
Love the pictures! They are beautiful!
Fabulous post Brie! I will keep visiting your blog because i love your photography! Keep them coming! And its not an obessession if you take the time to sleep and eat, right?! LOL
Good Luck!
Great post, Briana! This is how we all should approach life, and maybe there wouldn’t be so many crabby people in the world. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good luck to you!
It is good to be yourself!! You should listen to the Audioslave song, “Be Yourself.” Miss You.
Well put! I adored the Twain quote, and I believe it is absolutely true! Love the pictures as well!
Wonderfully written and beautiful photographs. Your blogs are always interesting to read!
What a wonderful ideology to have at the beginning of a new decade! If more people thought like you, dreamt like you and chased as many rainbows as you do, I think the world would be a much nicer place to be in. I’ve always believed that the day you stop dreaming is the day you die…looks to me like you’re going to live forever :)
“I refuse to regret!” That is going to be my new motto, thank you for that!
Thank you for this post and for your blog! You always have such good things to say.
Nice post! Well written, I really enjoyed it and the picture too.
Your flag certainly isn’t a white one! A good read, and good luck!
The only regrets we should have are the chances we didn’t take. A wonderful homage to following your bliss and having the support network so important to realizing our dreams! Thank you for the inspiration and for making me smile today.
Great stuff!!!
What a beautiful photo! And a great sentiment to start out a new year and new decade. May all your days be full of new adventures!
It’s been said that people never regret the things they do, only those they don’t. Follow your passions wherever they take you, cherish the experiences and opportunities, and never be afraid to dive right in (unless it’s the highly-polluted Mississippi River).
But then again it sounds like you already know all that :)
Good luck, hope you get to Blissdom 2010! Keep up the great blog work and fabulous photos!
Excellent! Thank you for reminding me how important it is to chase dreams and pursue passions. :-)
Brie- I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who believes that all the things I dabble in I am doing for myself too! Great post!
Sounds as though you have a fabulous attitude to life ..hopefully your zest for new things will carry on with the next generation too & who knows what your children can acheive with such open minds.. what a legacy you will have given them. xx
Great photo and great quote from one of my favorite authors! Always reminds me of the Einstein quote: Imagination is more important than knowledge.
This was definitely my favorite post. Very eloquent and inspirational.
We the younger generation, in these tough times, need to live daringly. What choice do we have but to shake things up to find our lives? You have the smarts and the connections, girl- here’s to the things that are smart enough to get out of your way! ;)
Great post,everything is so beautifully written! And the picture is really nice!
I wish you the best of luck! :)
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