Ten Reasons Why You Don't See Progress

You know, there is this cool picture circling around the internet (not the one above, I see it popping on my Instagram feed now and then) with the saying "Progress not perfection" scribbled on it. In it's all simplicity, it has an impact when you first see it. I had plenty of moments thinking of the truth it holds. On this one particularly cloudy day, a while back, I was thinking "ok, ok, I get it. It's about the steps you take to grow, to know more, etc not necessarily to be perfect. But what about if I haven't seen any progress in the last month? Or the last year?". I had those thoughts on my mind when someone in my group of friends touched on the subject. At that point, I knew I wanted to write down a list of things that have held me back from progressing. After some research and introspection, I came up with the list below. I don't say it's the ultimate list.

1. You're far ahead compared with those around you. While some you cannot change (family, coworkers, etc), I suggest that you surround yourself with people that will teach you new skills. Or that will push you to try new challenges.

2. You're afraid to go out of your comfort zone. That is understandable. I bet no one likes to do it. But, usually, the magic happens out of your comfort zone. Take heart!

3. You're afraid to fail. So, what's the worst that can happen?.. Try again! Fail better. Try again, until you succeed. Every new day is a new chance to start over.

4. You're a procrastinator. 'Nuff said!

5. You don't plan. In modern world, if you don't have it on your schedule, it won't happen. Everyone knows that.

6. You don't want it bad enough. We get bombarded with tons of information, decisions making moments every day. Chances are, if you don't want it bad enough, you don't pursue it.

7. You don't realize how hard you need to work for it. Our social media feeds are filled with cute #iwokeuplikethis photos (which everyone knows they are not true). However, our subconscious can be tricked into believing you don't need to work to get something. Reality is, you need to work hard to succeed.

8. You are easily distracted. Again, we live in a society of right now, right here, right my way. It's easy to slip into the wrong perception that having to work for something is unimaginable. But ask all the grand people of all times and see what they say about progress, success and a life well lived. Here's a personal favorite: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela)

9. You're stuck on planning. You know what you want, you want it bad, you're willing to work hard for it, but you like to have everything mapped out before starting. Enjoy the journey. Things may will change along the road. It will be fine, you'll see. One step at a time. Remember, progress, not perfection.

10. You're not consistent. Zig Ziglar said "people often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.". Taking one step and expecting the final outcome is quite irrelevant. Consistency is the key to persevere.

Some of the points listed were, at some point, reasons why I didn't progress. Some are current battles. What does hold you back nowadays?

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taking the leap of faith...

 

          While life lately has been worse then a roller coaster, I am happy to say I've felt an everlasting peace in my heart. It was so comforting through these endless nights and long days. Today, I feel like I don't have anything to say, but in the same time, my heart bursts with words that can't wait to be said. Words of encouragement, of hope, excitement and great news!.. 

          After some "grown up" thinking, I have decided to re-list some of my cards in my etsy shop. I've decided to give it one more try. A better try. I am scared to put myself out there, and I'm oscillating between the fear that no one will like my cards, and the fear that I don't have good enough SEO and people won't find my shop. It might sound stupid and silly, but that's on my heart... I woke up this morning and decided to be brutally honest on today's post, and here I am. I know the road is long, and there are so many things I need to improve (like shop's banner, photos, maybe even description of the items, polices & procedures, card making techniques, marketing strategies, more items listed), so I ask for your patience and support. In the same time, I'd love to hear your honest opinions. 

I'm thanking you in advance, and I'll give you a hint: this "je t'aime" heart is part of a new design I'm working on. 

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Celebrating August

        

        This month is full of meaning for me. There are quite a few (important) moments to celebrate. Looking back, I can only see God's hand making all things work for the better, just as He promised.   

          Five years ago, on August 9th, I landed with a heavy heart on JFK. I was in a country that everyone rushed to remind me I was going to call it my home. Forever (or at least till I die). And while my heart was longing to go back, my only prayer was "God, I trust You do the best of my life!". At times, the prayer was certain, then angry, other times even doubtful. But I have heard people saying to not trust your heart, so my only refuge was to rely on God. 

          Two years later, and too many hard moments to count after, on August 6th 2010, I left US to "go home"! For 6 months. To get married. It was an epic moment for me. I thought the trip from 2 years ago was rough. I guess my limit was not reached yet. Besides the fact that I was getting married, everything was not as I thought so. I've never admitted it until now. It got to the point that even getting married was hard(don't get me wrong, I don't regret it, in contrary I love my hubby and our life together). It was then when I started to understand why God says "Your home is in Heaven, live accordingly!". 

          Today, August 23rd, 2013 marks 6 years and 8 months since we started dating. Six years of growing together, getting to know each other, and loving each other. It was great, and sweet and bitter and tough but it is worth every minute. There are moments when we thrive, and times when we struggle, but  knowing that no matter what happens, at the end of the day, I go to bed next to the person who loves me the best beyond all of my imperfections, that's what I call awesomeness!

          In the spirit of celebration, I have decided to bring back some cards in my shop later tonight. So, keep an eye open on instagram and facebook, because I'll post when the cards will be available. 

Do you have any reasons to celebrate this month?...

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Rear view mirror

I was speeding way too fast on the highway of life, looking only 2 feet in front of me, and more often looking in my rear view mirror to see if my past is still chasing me. It was a cold, foggy morning... when suddenly, a river of rays of sun shone right in front of me. Suddenly, it’s warm and fuzzy, and cozy and I can't stop a smile. That was the moment I realized the rear view mirror is stopping me from seeing the great things that are ahead of me.

This happened to me way too many mornings while driving to work. I get so caught up to look in the rear view mirror, that sometimes I don't even realize what gorgeous views I miss.

You know what? We do that in our everyday lives, too. We don't see the happiness of our kids because we're too worried about job related issues. We can’t see the happiness of a great relationship because we keep looking back scared of our past. We can't reach for hope when looking in rear view mirror.

God had taught me this year through my morning drives more than I could've imagined.


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Investing the right way

{source: Google}

        Two of my teachers from high school had the most influence in my life even now after years of not seeing them anymore. I remember one morning, I wasn't paying attention in the class (it was 7:00am, for God's sake I wasn't awake yet!), but I heard my teacher saying "the best way to invest is to invest in people". I thought it was a very interesting remark. Over the years, I've come to understand better what she meant that foggy, cold morning. Recently I read Ecclesiastes 11:1. The NIV version (which I usually read), didn't make too much sense in my head, so I searched for another interpretation. The Message version said

 "Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns." 

          Merriam-Webster Dictionary's definition of  "charity" is "benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity". To love the human kind, means to care not only for people’s present, but their future, too. And what’s better than caring for their eternal future? Because, investing in people is investing in people’s souls and investing in their souls, is to invest in eternity. And here comes the vice-versa: "But those who invested in the no-gods are bankrupt - dead broken." Isaiah 42:17

          What was your best investment in the last year?...   

          

I'm Diving In

I was going to write today about faith, because Abraham’s faith amazes me. However, on Sunday I realized I am far from being ready to talk about such a vast subject. And the sermon I listened to inspired me to talk about digging deeper. Or studying. How many times do I spend time really searching the Bible for new meanings, new food for my soul? How many books did I read that helped my spiritual growth or taught me to be a disciple of Jesus? How many times did we read a passage and took only what’s obvious, easy to get to and basic? The sermon I heard was from Acts 5: the story of Ananias and Sapphira - they die after lying about their offering. It’s very known this passage, since I was little I remember people talking about how God punished them for lying. But, if you dig deeper, is so much more to learn from it: they not only lied, they wanted to look better by deceiving everybody to think they gave everything they had. They wanted a good reputation based on a lie. That’s hypocrisy (that’s what the preacher underlined the most). I won’t talk about hypocrisy now, otherwise this article will turn into a sermon (and being a pastor’s kid, that’d be too easy), but it seems God challenges me to dive in his word, not just play next to the shore. Like it was last time (read here), He proved me wonderful things are waiting for me once I dive in.

What was your recent discovery about God that took you by surprise?

Shadowing

{photo via}

       
          This week I've been shadowing respiratory technicians and nurses at York Hospital.  I never knew what "shadowing" is until now, so I don't know if you know. Briefly, shadowing is when you follow around a person who is working on a job you'd like to start a career in, but you're not sure you like it. So, you want to get an idea of exactly what that job is. You're that person's shadow for a certain amount of time.
          I'll tell you from the start: it was ah-mazing!!! I've seen babies that fight for their lives, and people so sick they have no hope of living a normal life again. I've seen a baby coming into this world through a c-section, and forgot all about my anxiety of seeing blood. When you're there, watching things happening, or even much better, doing things, the last thought is "how much blood", or "that's gross" so on so forth. I can't wait to go to school and be a part of this.
          However, now that I'm home, I keep thinking of the similarity of what I did for two days and our relationship with Jesus. Of course, we are not as fortunate as the Apostles to actually follow Jesus around, but we can definitely spend time reading the Bible, trying to understand better and better what He wants from us.
          Are you willing to shadow Jesus?
          

Friday's Letters

            Recently I found Ashley's sweet blog and I fell in love with her warm style and the Friday's Letters link party. Since I love letter, here's my first try!

Dear Journal,
      I know I haven't spent some time with you in a while, but you're always on my mind. I love to read you minnie me from time to time, so don't worry, I'll fill you up.

Dear Stamps,
      So sorry I didn't clean you earlier. I will take time for you and don't worry, even stained, you are very precious to me!

Dear Dishes,
      Please grow up and wash yourselves!

Dear Cosmin & Dana,
     I'm working hard at your wedding decorations and praying a lot for your life together. Only God knows how much I would love to be there with you on your happy day!

My beloved Hubby,
     The last 2 years were the best of my life! I'm so grateful I can have you by my side and be your best friend. You rock!!

Dear TO DO list,
     Please shorten yourself up!

for my dear husband

"Two things are impossible: to see God with your eyes and to narrate the love."

Adrian Paunescu (Romanian poet)

          I read this on the Internet yesterday. Partially, I agree with it. No, you can't see God, but you can see Him through His creation. Take a second and look around: you'll be surprised. Who taught the birds to fly? Who taught the ocean to roar? Who made the flower grow and smell so nice? Who taught people to love?

          Yes, it's impossible to narrate the love. You tell people you love them through your actions, your words, your smile, your attention to them, making them feel important, telling them they're cute (and meaning it), hugging them, kissing them. And yes, sometimes I fail miserably at "loving" people. Not that I actually stop loving them, I just forget to show them my love. However, I'm grateful it takes a lifetime to tell love and that words are optional.

My love is written on your heart, my dear!...

God speaks my language

       "But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

                                                                                                                                                       (Romans 5:8)

          These last two days I thought a lot of my purple sweater. Not about the endless possibilities how to style it, but the lessons I've learned through it.

          On Monday, while working on my sweater, a thought started to create in my head. A thought about the similarities of this sweater and my life. I was poor, sank in my sins and miseries without any hope of escaping, and "while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me". I often sold myself so cheap, but God, took me in His love and invested in me. Even though there was no potential in me. Yes, there were times of poking and cutting, and sewing, tears, discourage, questions, but in the end, He will transform me in more than just a pretty sweater, I will be His masterpiece. Can you imagine? From nothing to a masterpiece? I've learned to stop complaining if it hurts, or if there is no answer, I've learned to just wait for Him to do His work in me. I've also learned the importance of not only reading the Bible, but learning verses, chapters, even books ( if you can). As soon as the thought about the similarity between my purple sweater and I, it reminded me there is a verse in the Bible that talks about how God showed His love for us that while we still didn't know Him, Christ died for us. I looked in the Bible, and there it was: Romans 5:8. Now I'll never forget this verse ever again.
       
          I am so thankful that God choses to talk to us in our language. He is so mighty that created everything and He keeps us together, yet in the same time He knows us so intimate, that He knows how to get us closer to Him.

This is on repeat today:

Rediscovering myself

          Couple days ago, my sister was telling me how she shared this story of mine with somebody from her church and they were very impressed and so psyched to hear the shoe boxes they make really do have an impact on children's lives. Which, made me curious of what I wrote (yes, to be honest I don't always remember what I write) and by the time I was finishing reading it, I was crying so bad. And then, I started scrolling through my other blog posts. I remember how surprised was my hubby when I wrote this story; he could not believe I just made up three stories - on the other hand, I was so frustrated on people who don't know how to manage the things really matter and then, they are the ones who complain they are unhappy. I remember the confusion I was facing when I kept wondering for days what do we have to fight so we can get more time to spend with our families? Or why should it be this way? The miracles I just witnessed this summer when I discovered the secret of asking and seeking before knocking on the wrong door.

          It was like I was getting acquainted with me again. It made me feel proud of how deep I can think, how good I am at expressing myself and in a way, I re-discovered myself. I think I spent the best 20 minutes that day reading "myself".

      Do you ever go back and read your old posts? Or read your journal since you were 15? 

Everything has its 1st

I have to be honest: every year would pass and I've never thought of resolutions or plans or what I want from the year that lies ahead of me.

This year, I've already set my priorities and I'm curious how this will affect my life.

This year, I'm dreaming of quiet mornings, long walks for inspiration, much more reading and new adventures.

This will be the year when I'll make Eddie a very special birthday; and read at least 3 books. I'll run a 5k and sell my first card(already did, btw!!!yuppiiee!!!). I'll keep learning to play at the guitar and hopefully, visit Florida. I'll (re)start keeping a journal(for the years to come) and blog several times a week( I have so many ideas for new posts, just didn't make the time to actually put them together).

I'll keep in touch more with my family.
and make a new good, real friend.

I'll start learning more about design and start working on some interior design projects.

Last, but not least, I want to save enough money to buy Eddie the photography equipment he needs. He's such a good photographer, it's a shame not to be able to work because of that...

So, bring it on 2012!!! I know we can handle you!!!

2011 Recap

NYC, a photo by v.sch23 on Flickr

It was a great year. Long and short in the same time. Filled with wonders and tears... happiness and moments of silence. It couldn't have been more beautiful. Now that is over, I want to share with you 12 highlights of the 2011... 

It started with an unforgettable party at our house in Romania. Friends, family and good cheer...

An odd "good bye" with hopes and incredible faith in what's to come. A good bye with smiles and encouragements instead of tears and "why do we have to do this?"

A lonely, unnoticeable Valentine's Day. No harm at all.

Work, and missing more than ever. Still, not desperate. The hope in me was stronger than anything. And trust in God's plan.

An uneventful birthday, a lot of praying - and prayers answered; we saw how God is holding us in His hands.

A trip to JFK to bring home my Honey!!! (our miracle)

Met my cousin's daughters - first trip to NYC with Eddie.

Got a new job (as a bookkeeper at Hotels Unlimited). I got what I was asking for - a job where to use my brain!

Starting to think more and more about card making, decorating, arts and crafts, wedding decorations and so on...

The best way to celebrate first anniversary - Pocono Mountains. I've seen it with my eyes how God can transform your plans - I would've never had the courage to dream to be with Eddie on our first anniversary. Still, the power of prayer and the faith in the Lord.

More ways God was showing us He is in control - Eddie finding a job. We just need to stay with Him, and the rest, He’s in control of everything.

And, there was a first time when Eddie said it. He finally talked about how hard it is for him to be so far from his family. And I understood him; completely. I prayed and am still praying for him, I know it’s not easy.

Last, but not least, we had a quiet Christmas with the family, we went to NYC the day after Christmas, and spent our New Years with family.

We had a very blessed year. I’m so very thankful for God’s guidance in our lives. I’m so excited about the year that just started, I know we have a great adventure before us. And as long as I’m with Eddie, everything else can just work out!

Happy New Year!! :)

Never alone

God gave us the need of friends so we can fulfill somebody's else needs.

the day my life started to work out.

picture via

             Today I decided to wear my ankle / wrist weights I just bought. So I geared up, weights on my ankles, shoes on, music... and I started my warm up. Boy, what a difference! When I started to run, I felt those weights so heavy. After 5 minutes I had to stop and take them out. I was too tired to continue with them on. After taking them out, oh man, what a feeling!!! I was flying!...

             And that was the moment I've seen the picture!!! The real life picture... how many times we "gear up" with weights more or less useful and assume we are Hercules and start wrestling with life? It was then when I understood better why Jesus said to leave our burden at the cross. And, started to think about those "weights" in my life that hold me back. Like fear of making new friends and than to be hurt again if/when we'll move, or not to be able to do my work better because I keep thinking I got the job I always said I would not work as. Or, how the fear of what the others will say about my crafty projects. Or, how I don't show my poems just to 2-3 people for the same reason I just wrote. 

             So, take that life! From now on, I'll gear up with weights only when working out so I can be healthy. Because tonight I've learnt these all other kind of weights just keep me from being me. 

what are the fears that hold you back?!

for brothers and sisters... with love!

       I've seen this video because of my sister, Mary. It reminds me of how us, the sisters, would gather in the bedroom and sing and have a good time. It brings up tons of memories, and because these days I missed my sisters and brother so much, I thought I'd post this.
      This is for all those good old times together!!!

Limitless???...

   It's that time when you actually knew all those things all your life but you didn't really know them. And than, there's a moment and it hits you. It hits you hard.

   How many times did you pray "God, help me push my limits.". In this way, you ask God to do amazing things with yourself. For others, and for you. To help you improve your relationship with your family. Have more patience. Risk more. Think more. Learn more. Do something that frightens you. Courage is not the lack of fear. Courage is the overcome of the fear. To be afraid and still do it. You're going to laugh at this, but I'm terrified of making phone calls at my new job. What if I don't understand at all what the other person is talking about? I used to write tons of e-mails and wait half a day for an answer I could've got in 10 seconds. Until couple of weeks ago I started to overcome my groundless fear and start making phone calls. That's magic: people are actually so friendly and ready to help you any time with any problem. What a shock, right?! (not really... sometimes, even I laugh at myself!!.. that's helpless)

{photo via}

    The idea of push your limits is very common among athletes in particular, but yesterday while trying to run more than I usually do, I realized how important is to know how to push your limits. 

    Firstly, stay focused. Never forget your goal. Repeat it frequently to yourself, write it down on a piece of paper and hang it on fridge or make a background picture with it and set it as a wallpaper on your computer. 

   Secondly, Do not lose your faith, either. You can do it! Not because you have an expensive equipment to help with your projects (that could be helpful, but not enough). You can do it because you can do everything through Christ who strengthens you.

  And last, but not least, stay steadfast. Make small steady steps. It won't be easy, and sometimes people around you will discourage you, but never forget your goal. And never forget you didn't grow up in 10 hours or 10 days. It took years and years until you finally were a grown up. The same with pushing your limits. Sometimes, it just takes a while. You just continue reaching for new limits. Because, in the end, if we never push our limits, we'll never know where our limit is!

   

Proud

I am proud to be a romanian.I always was and I'll always be.I don't need any justification, because this is who I am.I was born there, grew up there, love the culture, the country is wonderful, people are smart and friendly.Of course, Romania is not perfect place on earth.It couldn't be.But it is my country and I am romanian, even if I live here..Some days ago I found this video and that made me much more happier to call Romania "my home country".

ganduri ce nu se pot spune..

Sunt anumite momente in viata cand iti doresti atat de mult sa spui ce iti trece prin minte, oricui, numai sa le scoti de acolo, pt ca ai acelasi feeling ca atunci cand deschizi sertarul cu sosete..intotdeauna gasesti sosete desperecheate, intotdeauna sertarul e prea mic, si niciodata nu'l mai poti inchide cum trebuie..in special cand te grabesti.Ei, dc ai inteles descrierea, cam asta imi e starea..ma gasesc din ce in ce mai des punand o fatza si o atitudine de 'happy-very optimistic person' si uneori imi joc rolul atat d bine incat ma pacalesc si p mine..partea sad este ca atunci cand incerc sa arat celor din jur adevaratele mele sentimente si anumite pareri despre anume domenii, toti au reactii aiurea si m'am saturat ca in loc sa primesc un pic de sprijin, sa fac fatza unui "atac" de lectii primare.e ciudat cum oamenii mari cam totdeauna termina prin a face sau a spune ceea ce nu vor sa spuna sau sa faca..ma intreb cate solutii sunt pt fiecare pb si dc chiar vreau sa fac fatza provocarii fiecarei solutii si sa'mi asum responsabilitatea d a lua o noua decizie gresita.uneori viatza imi lasa impresia ca este un lant de incercari esuate, decizii luate gresit, imbinate cu disperarea de a ajunge intr'un loc linistit, in care sa te poti regasi si readuna dupa bataliile zilnice care le duci..si in general, te simti k un invingator, dar nu esti chiar unul in sensul propriu al cuvantului.ca si cum fat-frumos in realitate n'a omorat nici macar o viespe, dar atunci ce sa mai amintesc de zmeii infricosatori?..stiu ca nu oricine ar pricepe imbulzeala cu care mazgalesc pur si simplu cuvintele, si recunosc ca scriu cu ceva riscuri, dar mi le asum.
gandurile ce nu le pot spune sunt scrise pe nori, pe lacrimi de ploaie, pe zambet sincer, in imbratisarea calda si in sarutul pasionat.