Reverb10 - Day 30, Gift

Okay, can I just point out that I actually accomplished this challenge?

I know, there's still one day left, and I'll be sure to do so tomorrow, but c'mon, how awesome has this whole thing been? I love reflecting on the past and making plans for the future, so this was right up my alley (shouldn't it be right down my alley...think about it).

Anyway, here we go!

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Day 30

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)

I love giving gifts, getting them has always felt weird. Bragging about them has felt stranger.

Aside from things like my engagement ring and the beautiful Om symbol necklace my fiance bought me for Christmas, I'm going to have to say that the gift of support is the best one I received this year.

This came from a number of different people in my life, friends, co-workers, family members. But what hit me the most was the support I received from my fiance with some life-changing opportunities. Not only was he completely on board about moving to Chicago, but he found a way to make it work for him in the long run as well.

Since then, opportunities of all shapes and sizes have been thrown at me, and he's been there for me through every decision, 100% - even when the impact isn't so positive for him.

That's true partnership right there, and I am so grateful to have someone like him in my life. So really, that's been the best gift this year.

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 29, Defining Moment

December 29 – Defining Moment Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)

There was a moment one day in November where a lot of things took place and I realized the potential of my emotional strength.

It was the moment when I realized that I'd not only been lying to myself, but to everyone else around me, for years. I hadn't been honest about the things I want, the things I need. And in this moment, I realized just what I needed to do for me.

It felt good, empowering, and a bit scary all at the same time. It was a moment I'll never forget.

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 28, Achieve

Today's prompt is a good one, it's about something tangible, it's about seeing results.

I absolutely love learning, it allows me to find ways to make the things in life that I want to happen, happen.

So for 2010 being the year of learning, as noted on day 1, this prompt is perfect for 2011.

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Day 28

December 28 – Achieve

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

There are lots of things I'd like to accomplish in 2011, but if I have to narrow it down, I'd have to say I want yoga to become a focal point in my life again.

I chose this achievement mostly because it's not too specific. Such, I'd love to get my 200 hour certification and start teaching, but there might be factors outside of my control, like time constraints, money, you name it.

I also think this goal encompasses more than just attending yoga classes. It's about spirit and taking care of myself and continuing that learning process in a more hands-on way. It's about taking care of myself and being better to my body and my mind. It's about doing something for me that will ultimately benefit those around me. Trust me, I'm a much happier person when I'm practicing regularly.

Plus, this can be a new challenge for me. Even though I've been practicing fairly regularly for the past 7 years, working toward certification means that I've really gotta learn how to stretch my practice, soak in everything that's going on, attend more power and Bikram classes...you get the idea.

So I guess, if I had to pick how it'd make me feel emotionally, I'd have to say peacefully happy. I know that's two emotions, but I can't just choose one.

Ten ways to get there now?

1) Start practicing today.

2) Read up on yoga practices every chance I get.

3) Try something new and challenging.

4) Focus on an area where I'm struggling, physically, to help me get through a spot I'm struggling emotionally.

5) Eat a healthy yoga diet.

6) Stretch.

7) Meditate.

8) Travel.

9) Drink enough water and get enough rest.

10) Channel negative energy into my writing; positive energy into the people around me.

I'm not really sure if I did that last part right...some of these prompts confuse me.

So tell me dear readers, what do you hope to achieve in 2011?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb 10 - Catch up 24-27

Time for a little catch up on the Reverb10 Challenge this morning. Oh c'mon now, you didn't really expect me to be blogging from the middle of nowhere Michigan while I was visiting my family for the holidays, did you?

Oh. You did. Well, too bad.

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Day 24

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK

What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

I think for me that moment was the one where I first met with my new supervisor after moving to Chicago. This was the moment where I sat back and said to myself, "hey, I can have what I want in my career."

For so long I've felt as if I've been trapped in a position, going no where aside from being this tool for my "team" to use however they please. No one seemed to care about what I wanted, where I saw my career going. So I pushed my way into an account that I love, and now into an office that I love.

Moving here was proof to me that everything was going to be alright.

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Day 25

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself

Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

I'm definitely going to have to go with this photo.

It was taken at the Jump for Diabetes, a fundraiser that my fiance and I put together last year to raise funds for diabetes research. Nearly $10,000 went to the ADA from this one-weekend event.

The photo was taken by my friend Matt, who came to Pennsylvania (where the event was held) from Michigan to support the cause. There were a number of people who traveled long distances for this. Heart warming.

I'd say this best describes my year for a number of reasons:

• Skydiving
• Charity (helping others is definitely something I want to do more)
• Me and my boyfriend (who got engaged this year)
• Spending time with friends (also a priority, as you've noticed)

So, yeah, it should speak for itself, but I helped a little.

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Day 26

December 26 – Soul Food

What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

This is difficult. I've had a lot of really great food this year. Between travel and moving to Chicago there have been a lot of amazing places to eat.

Though what currently stands out in my mind is the food we had at our office Christmas party. It was just appetizers, but these mini ranch burgers were to die for. So was the tomato bisque with mini grilled cheese.

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Day 27

December 27 – Ordinary Joy

Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

I think I'd have to say the day I got my hair done here in Chicago for the first time. Why? Because in the process I was able to reconnect with a friend from high school.

It was so great to know that I had people here in the area who I grew up with. But of course, this is stuff you've already heard about, so I'll spare you the repeat details :).

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Travel !!!

Okay, so as most of you know, I'm a huge lover of travel. Even if I can't physically go somewhere, I love reading about travel (in blogs and magazines) seeing pictures of exotic places and planning future trips.

Travel has become a huge part of my life with this whole skydiving thing I've been into the past couple years.

It all started in Sept 09 with my first ever skydiving "boogie" with my fiance. It's been a hell of a ride ever since.

Needless to say, today's prompt was right up my alley.

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

I traveled in a number of ways this year. In January, we took a 9 day trip to Florida, flying from Cleveland to Fort Myers, going to the beach and relaxing for day 1. Then we rented a car and drove out to Clewiston for one of those boogies I was talking about. We camped in our car and stayed in a crappy hotel one night.

Then we drove to the east side of the state, up the coast through Fort Lauderdale, Sabastian, DeLand, and landing in Zephyrhills / Tampa for some more skydiving and meeting up with friends.

Then, it was driving back down to Fort Myers to fly back home.

Then in April we took a trip down to South Carolina, driving, stayed with my fiance's aunt and went skydiving there.

Then in May we drove to New York for my birthday and grabbed a hotel, skydived and played around for the weekend.

In the summer we took a trip to Chicago, driving out from Cleveland for a long weekend of skydiving and hanging out with friends. We were gonna just sleep in the car, but the DZO let us crash at his house...we were hooked on this dropzone by then.

Before moving, we took a trip out to Los Angeles (this time we flew, thankfully) and stayed with my aunt, uncle and cousins for a few days, attended the Chick's Rock boogie and had an all around great time.

Then, we came back for 4 days and it was time to make the big move.

Since then, travel has slowed, but we're going to be headed up to Michigan for a brief moment to celebrate the holidays with my family.

In 2011, I really would love to do some more traveling. There are a couple boogies that I have my eye on (Carolinafest is a big one), and I really want to visit Seattle as I've never been to that part of the United States (Napa was as far north as of gone on that coast).

What are some of the favorite places you've traveled this year?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Letter from my future self

Okay, so this prompt was difficult. Because of that, I'm just going to type what comes to mind. Maybe that's the best way to do it anyhow...some of my best work happens that way.

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

So let's start with the letter from my future self:

Hey Ashley,

What are you doing? I know you're only 26 and hardly have it figured out, so let me help you here a bit. First thing is first, I know you're well on your way, but the faster you get this whole "living the life you want to lead" thing figured out the better.

You really need to start being more honest with the people in your life. I'm not really sure what you're afraid of, but pussy footing around like this is only going to make you more miserable in the end. Sure, being honest and upfront has it's risks, but at least you can walk away knowing you did what was right for you.

If you don't look out for you no one else will!

You do this so well when it comes to your career right now, start getting it together in your personal life. You'll be thankful you did that sooner rather than later.

Just remember, no one can read your mind, not even your husband (er, I guess it's still fiance huh). You can tell it how it is without being a dick. Just do it. Even if you need to come to a compromise about something then at least by putting the honest truth out there you're making the first step toward that compromise.

Food for thought.

Keep working on those friendships that you've been strengthening...they're going to be critical over the next few years. Hold them tight.

Do everything you can to continue living your life with passion. You're starting to fall out of that, and it'll come to bite you if you're not careful.

Yoga will become a huge part of your life again, be sure to get out there and practice. Take different classes, at different studios, before settling on a place to practice. Get yourself back into that community.

Okay, enough demanding. Take these suggestions for what you will. You've learned a lot about yourself, now is the time to start applying these lessons and making a difference in your own life. You owe it to yourself.

Cheers!

-A (from the future)

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And now....a letter to myself as a 16-year-old.

Ashley -

I know you're really into being a punk kid right now, going to concerts, trying to get the hot boys to notice you, but trust me, it's not worth all the effort you're putting in.

Don't compromise who you are for someone else - otherwise you're going to have a very long road of self-exploration ahead of you that could have been avoided if you'd just stood up for yourself in your teens/early 20s.

Remember to listen to the lessons your parents have to show you. Sometimes they are subtle, but you're observant, so be sure to pay attention when you sense they might be trying to show you something. They're smart...they know.

If there's one thing I can tell you, make sure that when you get up every day, you've got something to live for, something you're truly passionate about. Even if it's your friends, your family, your career, a hobby, school, whatever it is. Make sure you live each day with passion. Make it a day to be proud of.

And never, ever quit writing. You're going to appreciate that skill one day.

Cheers!

-A

Reverb 10 Challenge - catching up 18, 19, 20

Yes, I'm still in the catch up process with this Reverb10 Challenge. I have to admit, it's been a bit of a challenge just keeping up - but like I said, even if I don't blog every day, I will acknowledge each of the prompts in some say shape or form this month.

I'll stop talking now so we can get started, as we've got three days to cover...

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Day 18

December 18 – Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

This is a fun one, mostly because I've been shopping around for this experience and came across a program that is perfect - when time and money finally allow, that is.

Next year, I want to get my 200 hour yoga instructor certification. I fell out of yoga this past year, and in all the self-exploration I've been doing, I realize now just how critical this practice is to my happiness and well-being.

I think a lot of people do yoga cuz it makes them feel good, it's low impact exercise that includes a relaxation component...who wouldn't feel good about that, right?

Well in the time that I've spent not focusing on my practice I realized just how much more yoga is to me. It's much more than a workout. The meditation, self-reflection, the ability to take this practice and make it a self-exploration and self-improvement venture, that's what it's all about.

And the more I practice, the more I want to live a healthier lifestyle in general.

A couple years back, when my life was all about fitness and nutrition (you know, with the whole competitive distance running thing) yoga helped me to stay loose, but I didn't realize at the time how much of a difference it made on my life as a whole. Though, I also didn't have much spare time to focus on that outside of the studio. Now, I feel like it's something I really want to spend more time focusing on...so, hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and find the time and $$ to get certified :).

Unfortunately, the one thing that I wanted to try this year was SCUBA...and that was a big fail. Between the travel and skydiving and getting engaged/wedding planning and moving to a new city, I just didn't have the resources to dive into this (pun intended). But maybe I'll add that to my list for next year?

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Day 19

December 19 – Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

I feel like what really healed me this year was my friendships. I made it a point to make my friends a priority, especially in the last few months. And between the phone conversations with friends in far away places, to hanging out with old friends, and even meeting and keeping in touch with new ones, I've really felt like I have people I can turn to.

This is especially true with the female bonds that I've been able to strengthen. So big hugs out to Jennie, Sydney, Brandye, Mel, Alissa, Lindsey, Betsy and I'm sure I'm missing some - but you know who you are :).

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Day 20

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

I'm sure there's a lot, honestly. There's a tattoo I wanted to get that I didn't get because I'm nervous about sitting for that long. I'd planned to make my first BASE jump in 2010, but the more I think about it the more I'm not so sure I really want to put myself in that kind of (potential) danger. I can think of a handful of skydives that I didn't participate in for fear of the unknown. There are even (multiple) times where I should have stood up for myself and didn't, either because I didn't want to create a scene or it just didn't seem like it was worth the fight.

The latter is definitely something I'm intending to work on. Of course, there will be plenty of tact involved, but that's just because that's how I am...or at least, how I try to be. There's going to be a learning curve there.

Alright, so aside from Day 15, we're all caught up!

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 16 and 17

Okay, so I'm now getting around to day 16 and 17 of the Reverb10 challenge. Yes, I know, I skipped day 15. It's coming I promise - but Blogger isn't being nice about letting me upload the rather lengthy video I prepared...

And yes, I've been falling a bit behind. Although I do have to say last week was different and bizarre, so I'll blame that.

Anyhow, both of these looked like great vlog posts as well, but truth is, I just didn't feel like getting all mushy on camera - cuz both of these kinda are...

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Day 16

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

Again, I don't like this because it's making me choose only one friend. But again, as far as friendships go this year, this one was easy to decide on.

Let me introduce my friend Sydney. Seriously, from day 1 this girl and I clicked. We're in the same industry, we're bloggers and twitterers and just all around fabulous people ;). Not to mention the fact that she started skydiving this year - which makes her pretty bad ass in my book.

I'm going to say that the change that took place in my life after befriending Sydney was definitely not gradual. She showed me, after some toxic friendship situations that there are good people out there who are willing to welcome you into their lives with open arms. She's impulsive, and very much tell-it-how-it-is. She gets me. She keeps me in check. She introduced me to a fabulous new dropzone which ultimately influenced the decision to move to Chicago (among other things, but that was a huge perk, I must say).

More than anything, she helps me look at things differently than I normally would. Who wouldn't want a friendship like this? BESPSL girl.

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Day 17

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

I LOVE this prompt, mostly because, as I mentioned way back on Dec 1, this has been the year of lessons for me. I'm also all about self-improvement, so double yay.

Anyway, I'd say the biggest lesson I learned about myself this year is that I'm strong than I think, and I need to act on it.

I've come to see that I have a tendency to let people walk on me, and it's through no fault of theirs, it's because I'm not honest with them in the first place. I need to be better about standing up for myself, my needs, my wants - in every area of my life - before it gets to the point where I'm so aggravated I just want out of the situation.

I've learned that if I'm not upfront from the beginning I'm going to end up ruining relationships, on top of not getting what I want.

Along with that I've learned that strength is needed to live the type of life you want to live. Sometimes you just need to walk away - from bad friendships, from stressful situations, whatever the case may be so that you can move on to better places. But it may also mean reevaluating and changing things within yourself so that you can hold on to those things in your life that matter - career, relationships, the list goes on.

Sometimes I gotta dig deep to find it, but I've learned that the strength is there - now it's time to stand up for me, and the people who matter in my life. Suck it up - time to be a big girl.

Cheers!

-A