Dreams don't work if you don't work!

Jess Lively had this “friendly reminder” posted on her blog today, as well as in January of 2012.
I really like it, and it got me thinking about my own personal goals, dreams and aspirations for the new year. 2013 was a really, really great year for me. I did a lot of personal growth this year, and feel more comfortable in my skin than ever! My relationships- personal & professional grew stronger than ever, and that is something I am very thankful for and to have going into 2014. 

A coworker of mine, who is also a minister outside of his already full-time teaching job, comes and talks to me just about every morning before my 1st class arrives. I am soo thankful for this, as he always helps me get my mind straight with a little word from the big guy before I have 28 kids in front of me for the next 7 hours. Our morning conversations aren’t always pulled from scripture but whatever we talk about it is usually pretty insightful and something we finish talking about at lunch duty ;)  

The reason I am sharing all of this is because last year, we often had these same talks, but they did resonate with me- or mean as much. I am always talking/thinking/dreaming about "what I want to be when I grow up”. Yes, I know I am 24 and going into my 3rd year of my “career” but I don’t always think of it that way, and it seems like this is my stepping stone to whatever is next. 

I talk with my coworker(s) about this- as generally I am at least 10 years younger than most of them and truly do value their insights. I remember last year this one particular coworker telling me that I just need to keep doing what I am doing. That I have figured out my God given gifts and I am using them to contribute to the lives of others and as long as I continue to walk in my faith, using my gifts, the desires of my heart will be herd and God will deliver, and show me the paths I need to take. 

Hind sight is always 20/20, but when I look back on my life, especially when I think about the hard times. Even the time when I didn’t have much faith in anything, I started thinking about how I handle those situations and got myself through. And it was with a lot of old fashion HARDWORK HONESTY (with myself & others), and using the gifts that I had been given naturally to get myself by. I believe that regardless of your faith handwork, honesty, and using the talents you have been naturally blessed with is where everyone can find their true success, fulfillment, and happiness in life. However, I personally believe God has a lot to do with it :) 

I share this all with you to encourage you to be realistic with yourself as you make these hefty goals & todo list for 2014. DON’T set yourself up for failure to just be disappointed. Don’t get soo focused on all those things you Pinned and ‘the new you’. Just focus on YOU(pampering yourself, mediating, sleeping & eating properly), what YOUR good at (hobbies, talents…), the things YOU love about YOURSELF (how will you make these areas shine in 2014?!), and the areas you have room to grow in (we ALL can grow somehow). I will be sharing my goals, to do list, and rules for living in 2014 later on this week! 

But do not make the new year all about you. Teaching has taught me ALOT about myself, because serving others (500 + kids breakfast Mon.- Fri.), teaching others, helping others grow (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically) will show you more about yourself and what your made of than you ever knew. So make plans on how you will use your gifts and talents to serve others this year. No matter what you do, I promise you there is someone out there is wants to pick your brain, so even if it is time you can offer- do something to make 2014 a better year for everyone! 

Happy New Year every body!!! 

xo,
Court

P.s. : and remember “ DREAMS DON”T WORK IF YOU DONT WORK!” 

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