What's Yours?

I recently shared my plan to live an Inspired 2015. . .  and since this post I've been enjoying reading other's thoughts, hopes and plans for the New Year.  Below are a few of my favorites:

Nina ((Flowers in My Hair)) chose a word for her 2015

Some inspiration from some kick-ass women, thanks to this Huffington Post article

A few things we probably won't be seeing in 2015 ((but at one time, we all thought we would!))

Here are 15 things we should stop doing in the New Year

...and can't we all agree that EVERYONE needs a copy of this book in 2015?!

If you're still unsure about 2015, listen to the wise words of Astronaut Chris Hadfield 

((look him up... he's amazing.))

 Wishing you a Happy and Blessed 2015.

xoxo,

-J

An Inspired 2015

For years, I have resolved NOT to get involved with a New Year's Resolution for a number of reasons; the main two being that I simply have poor will power, and when I do decide I need to make a change for the better, I find it best implementing the appropriate practices immediately.

Last year, I decided to take a monthly approach to resolutions.  So, rather than choosing one or two things to "promise for the entire year," I decided to take on a goal/task/resolution each month. Unfortunately, this didn't last long.   While it seemed completely "doable" I set myself up for failure in the first two months by being overly ambitious with my goals. . . so by March, I was done trying.

As 2014 winds down, I find myself thinking about the past year and everything that I didn't get done, both professionally and personally.  While it wasn't a bad year, it also wasn't a spectacular one, either.  I don't feel like I grew much - and that feeling leaves me very uncomfortable.

I read this article titled "15 Phrases that will Change Your Life in 2015," and I found it pretty thought-provoking.   It got me thinking, not about "what" I want to do in the new year, but "who" I want to be.

I want to be inspiring.

I want to be inspired.

While the idea is only a couple of short sentences, this means quite a few things, all at once.  I will do my best to say "no" when my life is too busy to take on one more thing.  I will not be afraid to try to learn new things.  I will wake up earlier so that I have more time in the day, but when the mood strikes on those days that allow it, I will stay curled up in bed for just a bit longer without guilt.  I will smile more, and strive to worry less.  When I inevitably stress and worry over things I cannot control, I will not beat myself up over this slip up- instead, I will breathe deeper and count to 10 ((or maybe even 20...))  I will look for the good in people.  I will do my best to make the good in me easy for others to find.

I will write more letters, whether they be to friends and family, or simply to myself.  I will send more mail to my friends, "just because."

I will pray more.

So, that's it,  This is what I am resolving for the New Year.  I intend to allow myself to be inspired.  I intend to take the time to let whatever inspires me take action inside my head and my heart.  Rather than push things aside and let life keep me "too busy," I resolve to find time to live an inspired life.   I intend to search for inspiration, beauty and good in everything, and I intend to share those same wonderful nuggets of inspiration, beauty and good with anyone who'll have them.

I will spend 2015 being inspired,

What is your resolution?

I've got a Blank Space, baby. . .

It pains me to admit this. . . but I am addicted to Taylor Swift's latest hit, "Blank Space."

I am not "anti-Taylor," per say...  but I am not exactly a mega-fan, either.  I tend to find her hit-of-the-moment catchy for about a day, and then it becomes annoying.  I admire her talent, but generally don't have any kind of connecting emotion to her "I'm in my early 20's and can't find love" themed tunes.  I am liking her style, I think she's beautiful and don't feel she's undeserving of any of her success. . . but it's Taylor Swift and I just can't fully commit to calling myself a fan. 

 ((I also may still hold a grudge that she dated- and then attempted to shame- my love, John Mayer.))

That said. . . I can't get enough of this song.  When I first heard it on satellite radio, I immediately went to youtube to watch the video and listen again.  And again.  And again.   After about 4 listens, I bought the damn song.   Weeks later, I still crank it up when it comes on my radio and find myself hunting through my iTunes library to listen to it at least once a day.

I may need a T.Swift intervention.  ((And those, my friends, are words I NEVER thought I would say.))

And I Love You Dear. . . ((Monday Music Post))

It sounds rather cliche and generic to say "I love music."  Who doesn't?  I don't know anyone that can claim the opposite.  People don't hate music.  Everyone enjoys it.  But sometimes, I feel as though I enjoy it a little more than most. . . 

I've "loved" music my entire life.  For as long as I can remember, I have felt both connected to and moved by notes, melodies, lyrics and harmonies.   I started piano lessons in kindergarten (unfortunately I don't play very well), joined the school band in the 5th grade (and continued my band nerdy-ness all through high school) and took voice lessons for a couple of years in junior high (unfortunately I don't sing very well).   I wanted to be a rockstar.  I wanted to be a songwriter.  I also wanted to be a music journalist (and actually got a degree for this one that looks fancy on my wall..,).   

I love finding new bands, but my truest music love is devoted to genres from the late 60s and early 70s.  Another thing I absolutely love is a good cover.  I find great joy in hearing a band-especially from another time/genre- put their own twist on an already well-known and established tune.  Good covers just make me smile.

My newest music obsession is the perfect combination of my music loves.  A new collaboration of musicians, singing the lyrics of a classic 60s/70s musician,  If you haven't heard The New Basement Tapes, you must check them out below.    (Also, keep your eyes peeled for Johnny Depp...)

In true "me" fashion, I've been obsessing about this collaboration for a week now- I listen to the album on repeat and am constantly scouring youtube for videos.  I've also got to get my hands on the Showtime documentary. . .

This is a musical collaboration of several fantastic musicians who have put their voices to some of Bob Dylan's lost lyrics- these lyrics were written in the late 60's with the intent of becoming a part of Dylan's famous "Basement Tapes."  These songs didn't make it to the 1975 album, but thank the Lord they've found their place in 2014.