I am #purplestrong

Many bloggers set aside one post that sort of serves as an "About Me" post. I haven't technically done that for my readers just yet. You've heard a lot about my hobbies, the people I love, facts, and my guardian angel. You've read random things about me, as well as seen my art. I'm sure you've all been learning a lot about who I am through my other blog posts and social media sources! I wanted you to understand where my motivation comes from, as well and my strength. Enjoy!

People ask me all of the time how I do it. I am a mommy, a soulmate, friend, bowling coach, government employee, artist, business owner, student, housekeeper, warrior and often times a personal chef. My two jobs are incredible, yet the schedule I keep is crazy. I work my day job from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (M-F) then my evening job is from (T-F) 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. (sometimes 10 p.m.), then I work on my school work from 10:00 p.m. until midnight (or I am finished). On the weekends, I'll bowl and hang out with family. I also do my best to keep up with the house and cook for my boys (and Hannah). It's exhausting, but I've always been a motivated woman. No matter what I am doing I always do my best at it. Does it become overwhelming? Yes. However, when they ask me why or how I do it? I simply reply, "one day it'll be worth it."

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I always wondered what type of mother I would be. Would I be the example to lead for my baby, or would she be left to find some other hero as her mentor? When I met Hannah for the first time I knew I had to turn my life around. I wanted to show her that she could do anything that she put her mind into. If she believed in her mission and worked hard she could achieve all of her goals. Each night as I put her to sleep, I'm exhausted, but I am very proud of myself. Secretly, I want her to be proud of me too.

In my life, I've watched so many people around me fail. I've witnessed them give up, and quit. I've seen people I went to school with on the news, arrested, and screwing their lives up. Some of my friends my age are still living at home, and not moving forward. I feel sad for them, and hope they will find their way. However, I use their failure as motivation as well? Beyond motivation, I have a few other keys to success:

***If you feel yourself burning out, take a short break.

***Have an amazing support system.

**Give yourself time. (remember, quality is much more important than quality)

***Remind yourself that it won't be easy, and prepare yourself for that.

***Always stay one step ahead in your planning. (my meals are even pre-planned).

***Sometimes saying "no" to someone else, means saying yes to yourself.

***Don't get sidetracked. Your goals are your future.

***When you fail, remind yourself that it's apart of the process and the journey. 

***Stay positive and celebrate even the "Smallest" wins. 

***Don't waste time.

When I start to lose hope and feel like I can't move on, I re-evaluate my goals and my self. I make sure that my mindset hasn't changed. I accept that change is okay. Growth can be painful, as well as change. What is more painful is staying stuck somewhere that you don't belong. Great things never come from comfort zones.

Tonight, as I type this, I can't help but feel accomplished. I know that I have so much more work to do, and I have prepared myself for how hard that is going to be, but "Hard" doesn't mean impossible. Many people ask me what #purplestrong is. For me, it's about strength and thankfulness. I will never take a single breath for granted. I've learned self-acceptance, and that every scar has a story. I have to choose joy and keep choosing it. Even in the midst of chaos, happiness is important. #purplestrong are the warriors and the fighters that NEVER accept defeat. It is the motivation instilled by family and friends to keep going and to never EVER give up. 

The hardest battles are given to the strongest soldiers. I am #purplestrong.

As always,

Artistically Yours

What are some of your goals? hopes? dreams? Leave it in the comments below!

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