My Rocky Mountain Heart

I don’t do things half assed. Ever.

My dad always told me that my Great Uncle Ben used to say that “Anything in life worth doing, is worth doing well!” 

Somehow Great Uncle Ben’s sage words of wisdom have become not only my life’s mantra but my personal M.O. You see…for many years I was in a slump.  I was running on the hamster wheel of life but reluctantly, with no enthusiasm, hope or energy. In fact, I was quite negative, bitter and entitled. I felt like I deserved things…like I was entitled to not have to work full-time because I’m smart and “from a good family” and I deserved to be taken care of. The thought of simply revisiting my mindset 10 years ago  almost makes me feel ill.  I literally feel disgusted when I have to reflect on the kind of victimized and entitled brat I was back then. But then I remember that we all have past selves that we aren’t so proud of. Right? 

But as of late, I’ve come to learn the true value of good ol fashioned hard-work. There are no bail outs. There are no short cuts. Your dream life doesn’t fall into your lap. You have to create it. Everyday. You have to make choices of how you spend your time, who you surround yourself with…you have to make sacrifices. You have to stay up late and get up early. You have to use lunch breaks to put in extra work and date nights to discuss your vision and talk about future plans. You have to hustle. Hard. 

<Me before a job interview out in Frisco, Colordo.>

And THEN…you have to also make sure you aren’t burning the candle at both ends. You have to slow down and do some self-care. You have to remember to breathe. Ah yes, breathe. Exhale. Inhale. E X H A L E. You have to make yourself remember to eat meals. Not just Cheerios. You have to take your dogs for walks…even if you are busy and you feel like you can’t stop. You have to remember to leave your phone in the other room and disconnect. Or dare I say…even turn it off? 

And every once in awhile…you need to play. You need to let your wild curls down, pour yourself an adult beverage and let loose. You need to get bottomless mimosas at brunch. You need to stay up late or not get out of your pajamas all day. You need to go out for wings and wine. You need to call your best friend and just shoot the shit. 

Hard work will always pay off…but don’t forget to play hard too. After all, life is short…goals are good but the present is even better.