Y.I. Wednesday on Monday: Why I'm Quitting Blogging

To Blog or Not to Blog...

?

In October of 2010 I started Yellow Inspiration.
Since then, I've blogged two more projects, begun a column, been working on a book and started a business.

Life is good.

I Started Yellow for a reason and that reason has grown and blossomed into the most amazing writing experience and visions I could have ever hoped for...

Even though writing a blog is free and easy...
it still takes time...

And, writing a book and running a business 
takes more time.

This Year, My One Word is:

 GOAL

The decision to not add new posts to Yellow Inspiration is supporting my goals.

For the past two years I have treated my blog like a business; which I suggest you do, if you have one.

People invest time in you, in your words and thoughts. They expect you to deliver quality content and consistency...

I think I have done that here.

And those are exactly the reasons Y.I. will not be blogging on Y.I. anymore.

But, I will promoting Y.I. Wednesday's  on my Family Matters with Amber Blog 

because I believe readers should all have a chance to get to know the person behind the blog.

If this is your first Visit to Yellow Inspiration, don't miss the 

279 Awesome Yellow Inspiration Archives 

to get motivation, rejuvenation and laughs.

Otherwise, 
Followers can still journey with me at:
www.FamilyMatterswithAmber.blogspot.com 
www.FamilyMatterswithAmber.com
@AmberInspiration on Twitter


I will ALWAYS BE TALKING 
& WRITING WHAT I TALK ABOUT!!

What are your goals?

What do you need to let go of to accomplish them???

OK- ONE LAST LAUGH:

THE TOP 10 REASONS PEOPLE QUIT BLOGGING
(but not my reasons)
~
'Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams; Live the Life You Have Imagined.' 
~ Henry David Thoreau

Fun Friday: Say this Word and Be Happy!

HAVE YOU EVER JUST SAID, "BUUUUUUUUUUUUUYAAAAHHH!!!!"

The actual spelling is actually: Booyah

But, seriously, have you ever just said it?

Think about a moment you were completely relieved that you reached a goal you were striving hard to hit or landed the job you always dreamed of?

I've said this phrase a few times in my life...

AND IT'S AWESOME!

I totally recommend it; it's a super release, and from what I can figure out, it has a whole lot to do with the way you are breathing and the shape of your mouth...not just the word.

Just do it....see for yourself.

Try it with different emphasis on the beginning or end...

It's guaranteed to crack a smile.

Happy Friday!

Where did Booyah come from?

I wonder what they say to themselves when they are initially accepted into the Olympics.

I wonder what the Olympians say when they win a medal?

Quote: What's Now Got To Do With It?

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” -Ghandi

What Really Matters While Your Alive?

               There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em, 

But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em... - Kevin Welch

Why I Wednesday: Y.I. Think Goals Are Easier Said Than Done

Anything worth having is worth sacrificing for.

'Goal' 

is an easy word to say, 

but not always an easy one to use.

With 'Goal' as My One Word for 2012
I know that at some point I would realize that I'd have to say 'No' to certain things...

A new PTA meeting

Another Volunteer spot
My Favorite T.V. Show

Sleeping in...

So I could say yes to others:

Spending time with my family

Relaxing with a good book

Getting quality work done
Going on a Field Trip with My Child's Class

I'm happy to say, I never regret good decisions.

What do you give up so you can accomplish your goals?

What's most difficult about this for you?

Feel the Fear and Dive Into Your Dreams Anyway!

wallpaperweb.org

I'm signed up to get these daily motivational emails

and sometimes I just love what they say! 

This one I just had to share:

"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. 

So what the hell, leap."

 ~ Cynthia Heimel ~

Playwright, Television Writer, and Author

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Think This Motivational Video from The Pursuit of Happyness Will Help You

Just watch this video clip and you'll see why...

Motivational Magnet Monday: Persevere

A favorite quote of mine which reminds me that no matter what is standing in front of you,
 or what is behind you, you and/will be what you were meant to be!

Motivational Magnet Monday: Impossible!

DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU....

....THAT YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING!

Motivational Magnet Project

Since they were invented, refrigerators have been the most visited place in the home for us to get nourishment.

Though some of us go there to feed our minds as well.

At least I do.

You see, my fridge has a bunch of motivational magnets on it, so on any given day, not only do I gravitate towards my ice box for food, but I also visit it for inspiration.

I feel like on my worst days, my fridge talks to me, not for real of course, because if it did, it would  probably say, 'Do you really think no one knows about the stash of chocolate you keep in the hidden cubby on the door?', or, 'Choose the carrots over the ice cream!', but it does have many words on it that speak to my soul.

So, I thought that for the 7 weeks I will be dedicating Monday's to My Magnet Project...
I plan on sharing all of the motivational and inspirational words on my fridge.

If you have a favorite quote from yours, please share it with me and I will post them. I can be emailed a picture, or you can comment at the bottom of this post with the quote.

Here's The First for 

Magnet Monday's

This one is an oldy, but goody...

The magnet is about 15 years old...

and it's one quote that everyone should have on their fridge

 and in their mind.

Believe

To accomplish great things

we must not only act but also dream

not only plan, but also believe.

-Anatole France

Test Drive #3: The One!

After Test Drive # 1 and 2, I wasn't sure what to pick next for a word.

I have wanted to accomplish so many things and every day feel as if I am spinning my wheels.

Why?

I wasn't sure...

I took a few days to think about the next word... 

Then it came to me...

I needed Goals!

There it was! 

My One Word for 2012!

G O A L S !!!!

There was no doubt in my mind that this test drive was going to go very well.

With Goals 

I could accomplish more...

Act with purpose,

And measure results.

I'd always had dreams, but not many detailed plans to get there. With practicing One Word, I knew it could help me get all of my dreams in order and help break them down into specific plans.

So, would you like to know how it's been going since January 1st?

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

I've always wanted to spend more time on my book, more time with my kids and get more done in my business and GOALS is helping me with that!

With GOALS as my word, I am always reminded of where I want to be and what I am trying to accomplish! I have dedicated certain days and times to completing my parenting book,
created work hours for my home business, have organized the finances, the family calendar, and blogging time into specific time slots and now I always know where I am and where I'm going and no longer waste time doing what isn't helping me reach my goals.

Using GOAL as My One Word for 2012

has made me stop and think a lot about the end result I want...

and encourages me to eliminate things off my schedule which aren't contributing to the things that are important to me...

I am also utilizing time better and seeing results!

If you are looking for more focus in your life, write down some things that are important to you, then only do things that resonate with those priorities.

Make some goals, 

pick one word 

and 

Go For It!

Test Drive #2: Choice

Will this one be for me?

In December I test drove 3 words before choosing My One Word for 2012....This is my second test drive.

~

I might be the type who, at times, can make a mountain out of a molehill; make a problem bigger (or more important) than it really has to be. Not because I want to, but because I tend to perceive something to matter when it really shouldn't.

In tough situations, we sometimes just have to make a choice to let things go, be happy or sad, irritated or not... and maybe just move on....

With that being said, I wanted to work on encouraging myself to see I had those OPTIONS, and could, if I wanted to, just 'Let it Go'.

That sounded good to me...

NO-

that sounded GREAT!!!

This would be a PERFECT Word for 2012!

CHOICE!
This would help me decipher the trivial from the not so trivial,
and move on to a happier more relaxed life.

Choice worked. 'Letting go' was a great thought!
And while it works, I found myself letting go too much!
At times, not worrying or making a stand for enough of the things which were important to me...

I soon realized that much like the Hummer pictured above...'Let it Go' (or Choice) was definitely not for me.

This is what I already knew:

• I have choices and several of them I've made are because of things that were important to me.

• I was already capable of letting things go because often I refrained from getting upset over insignificant things

• I make a habit of choosing my battles wisely and actually tend to be passive enough already

On to Test Drive #3...

Read last week's Faith Test Drive

~

Plan Ahead to Stay in the Present

These days so many people are encouraging us to stay in the present.

I support this, though can rarely do it. Like most people, my attention is often directed in so many different directions due to busy schedules and multiple media influence.

But, my inability to sit still and be in the now, isn't always because of that....

It's also my own lack of time management.

In the beginning of the year I chose my new One Word for 2012. Very quickly I realized that to be successful with it, I would have to get better organzied.

And, one of the best ways for me to do this was to plan ahead.

Doing this might sound a bit counterproductive to 'staying in the present', but it's not actually.

Why?

Because, getting your to-do list out of the way as soon as you think of it (or know about it):

A) Gives you more time to do what you want to later.
B) Allows you to be more relaxed, less hectic and less overwhelmed.
C) Gives you an opportunity to pick a Plan B (or C) in case Plan A doesn't work out.
D) Affords you more sleep (because you won't be so stressed about tomorrow, since it's already been taken care of!
E) Gives you a longer time period to save for things (or find them on sale).
F) Helps you avoid late fees.
G) Gives you the gift of time: time to relax, enjoy the moment and make a decision without pressure.

Doesn't all of that sound incredible!

 I know you are thinking though, it sounds good, but seems like it's the opposite of procrastination...

It is.

Sorry.

I did say that I was someone who wouldn't tell you what you want to hear.

And I won't....

Don't put off today  tomorrow what you can do today....

Plan ahead, so you can actually enjoy tomorrow.

The other option?

Still having to get done what's on the to-do list, except having to do it in a hurry.

I'd rather have Plan A.

Did You Know (Dr. Seuss)?

Did you know Dr. Seuss' first book 'And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street'  was rejected?

Not once, not twice, but twenty-seven times?

Listen to this story on NPR.org

What if you really wanted something?

What if you were the only one who believed in your dream?

What if no one supported you?

Would you still push?

or

Would you give up?

What if  Dr. Seuss quit?

A whole bunch of kids might not have enjoyed reading...or wouldn't have even learned to read as soon as they did.

Including my own child.

When my ten year old was a little girl, she hated books. Her older sister was an avid reader at two years old, but at eighteen months old my second darling daughter wanted nothing to do with books.

I thought she'd never read...all she wanted to do was run around and scream.

The truth, she needed speech therapy and was more of a tactile and emotional child.

To sit still and listen to a story was nearly impossible, never mind learn to read it.

Finally, after years of continuing to try to read to her, introducing book after book, she finally began to read!

 Hop on Pop and The Foot Book were her first, and she remembers them fondly to this very day!

After conquering those two books, she was off  and running with more:

Dr. Seuss's ABC and Green Eggs and Ham were next!

Sadly, the famous author died ten years ago...ironically, just a few days after my daughter's birth.

You just never know what you could do for someone if you believe in yourself!

Even if it's seventy years later....and for someone you never meet.

Thank you, Dr. Seuss for your stick-to-itiveness!

Strive for More

Idearcanvas.com

"Never stop until your good becomes better, 

and your better becomes the best."

~ Frank Zappa Singer-Songwriter

One Simple Quote

In lieu of this week's Y.I.

I thought I'd tip my hat to the Donald one more time:

'As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, 

think big.' 

-Donald Trump

Has Your Life Worked Out the Way You Planned?

About 3 1/2  years ago, I felt like I had hit a brick wall.

I sensed that maybe I was in the wrong place, or maybe I was in the right place, but that the wrong things were happening.

Regardless, I definitely knew life was not exactly as I wanted it to be.

So, after an entire month of reflection and evaluation, I realized I had put myself there, and I had to ask whether or not it was what I wanted.

Indeed, I knew I was in the correct place in life. There wasn't anything I did, or didn't do, which I regretted.
I was still relieved about divorcing my 'X', I was still thrilled with my decision to relocate, and I was quite content being a single mom ....but the rest hadn't fallen into place yet.

I wasn't writing, I was stuck in a dead end job, and I still hadn't gotten that book started.

Around that time, I came across this quote:

"You are where you are because you want to be." 


It seemed simple enough, but hit me so hard. 


I realized at that moment, my situation, good or bad, had to do with me and only me...and that to get out of it and make anything happen I had to take charge.


I cannot even remember where I saw or heard that phrase, but it saved my life.

That very day, I stopped the pity party.

Then, I took a  bright colored marker and wrote that exact quote on a sheet of paper...

I taped it to the wall across from my bed. That way, every morning, when I opened my eyes, I was sure to wake up.


Today, I am happy to say that I write three blogs, have a monthly family column which circulates in a local newspaper and I am working on my parenting book every day. I also started my own copywriting and editing business after my hours got cut at my day job...and I have plenty more in my sights.

The future is ours, if only we seize it.

Y.I. Ditched My New Year's Resolution List

Because I always seemed to either forget about them or give up on them....I have left my long standing New Year's Resolutions at the door.

I mean, yes, I believe in change (oh, do I) but, I truly think it's too easy to get overwhelmed working on a whole bunch of things at once...

Hence Why I ditched my New Year's Resolution list last year and replaced it with One Word.

Recently, I posted a few things about this One Word approach and I hope you will check it out.

Easy, but not too easy. Simplified, but not simple...I find it to be just right.

During the year, I feel that I work on the things I need to work on, you know, make adjustments as I go.
So, when New Year's comes around I usually over-do-it by making a big long list of things and get overloaded. Then,  I'm discouraged after just a short time...like by February 1st (Ugh).

So, last year, I decided to just stick to one word all year long that helped me focus better on almost anything I was doing.

Read about 2011's word: Grace

This time I chose Goals for 2012!

Last Year I chose Grace.

Read how I did:

Bad with Grace

Good with Grace

The trick will be, keeping Grace in action, 

while incorporating Goals...

It's both exciting and scary!

Yikes! 

Sounds tricky...

But, I think I'm up for the challenge.

No pain, no gain, right?

Throughout 2012, I will post updates and follow up stories about how I'm doing with my Goals.
Come back next week to find out how I plan on using this word!


I have already begun  my Goal list for the year...
and that's just the beginning.

Have you ditched New Year's resolutions? Why?

Or...

Will you be trying One Word instead?

Think you might like to try 

My One Word? 

visit MyOneWord.com 

or 

Test a New Year's Resolution? click here to read more

How to Be Mindful in the New Year

Ah, a new year 

and a clean slate.

I think everyone looks forward to this time of year, when we all get an opportunity to wipe out the last twelve months and start fresh. On January 1st I almost feel as if someone has breathed new life into me. My lungs are open, my eyes are focused and my body is full of energy. 

What is it about the first day of the New Year that makes us feel this way?

Is it because we now have a new list of things we are hopeful for? Is it that we can associate the new year with a new date, and so now we're able to leave the past behind us? Is it because the New Year really does promise us something special?

It's interesting that we think tomorrow into a different day than it was today...make ourselves believe we will be different than we were yesterday, just because the date changed.

Our minds are very powerful things.

Our mind is strong enough to make us do what I just mentioned and just about anything else we think about. But yet our brains can also discourage us enough to actually procrastinate and fail.

Our brain can be our best friend or our worst enemy.

And oddly enough, we have control over which one it is.

Ever hear these quotes: 

"Don't believe everything you think" or "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right"?

A profound book that goes into more detail on this subject is, 'Think & Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill. 

It may sound as if the title suggests the only reason you ought to read it is because you want money. 

Well not entirely, because quoting from his first chapter:

Thoughts are Things:"The object of this book is to help all who seek it to learn the art of changing their minds from failure consciousness to success consciousness."

In the book, he describes how powerful the mind is and if we harness that knowledge, and power, we can succeed at anything. 

Or fail at anything. 

Towards the end of that chapter Hill makes this statement,  'we are the masters of our fate..." and that our brains become magnetized with the dominating thoughts which we hold in our minds...."

In his book, he describes things like:

•  Auto-suggestion and it's power over your success
•  The 31 major causes of failure
•  How decision plays a large part in your wealth

So, if you are looking at your New Year in a positive light, and are only expecting good things, you most presumably will have them. But, if you cannot envision happiness and success, determine whether or not your mind is on your side.

If it's not, tell your brain to get on board and check these out!

Amazon Books: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

LA Times: Does Your Brain Have A Mind of It's Own?

What Difference Does the Mind Make?

Good luck with your New Year's Goals and Resolutions-

 You can do anything you put your mind to!

Visit Y. I. on Wednesday to see which One Word I chose for 2012! 

How To Test Drive Your New Year's Resolution

There are many of us who would be more than happy to skip New Year's Resolutions and who would prefer to simply countdown to the ball dropping and enter 2012 accepting things the way they were the year before.

Then there's others who look forward to a new challenge, or a renewed sense of accomplishment, so they set their sites on an item, or weakness, which they plan on tackling in the New Year.

Choosing a New Year's Resolution isn't easy. No one is perfect, and so at any given time we could likely find a dozen things which could use a bit of tweaking.

So, how do you know which one do you choose? 
And...
Which one is more important than the others?
And...
How can you guarantee success with the one you pick?

Well, the first two questions are very personal, and the one making the resolution would be the only person able to answer them.

But the third one depends on the why and if you've tested it or not.

How do you test your chosen New Year's Resolution?

Give it a trial run today!

If your resolution might be to follow a better fitness regimen, add it 'mini-size' to your day for a couple of days.

If you are completely disinterested and unmotivated trying to follow it, than you might want to choose something else. (It's possible that you aren't ready or your 'why', right now, is not great enough.)

We all want to succeed. 


'Try, try again,' is the often muttered motto when we fail, and it can leave us completely discouraged.

I believe that to feel motivated to accomplish something, and be excited to move on to another challenge, it is imperative that we are successful, even if it's only in the littlest increments.

That is a reason to test-drive a resolution. 


If you are not ready, it will be nearly impossible to stick with it.
So, include it today in small doses....then tomorrow try it again....if it is going well and you are excited about it and it is benefiting you, than keep it as your New Years Resolution on January 1st!

If not... go back to the drawing board.

Another reason you should test-drive a resolution: 


To find out if the one you chose will make a large enough impact.

Suppose you make a goal to wake up a half hour earlier every day. The reason you want to do this is so that you get things done around the house... though when hear your alarm, you wake up, but spend the next hour lying there, or you find yourself surfing the net or updating your Facebook status with coffee in hand.  While I enjoy doing all of these things, if my goal is to get up to 'get things done' I have defeated the resolution of getting up earlier.

It may be, that this is not a strong enough resolution.

Last year, I chose to incorporate the One Word approach to my New Year's Resolutions.

This week, I picked a few words to try....

• Faith
• Let it Go (I know that's three but I like it and could could consider it- My One Phrase.)
• Goals

I will let you know how it goes...

What New Year's Resolutions will you choose to test-drive?