What is Your Mantra?

A Google search of the definition of "mantra" shows: 1. A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. 2. A statement that is frequently repeated; a characteristic formula or refrain. Mantras are a tool that, at the very basic level serve as a reminder and at a philosophical level, can be used to channel energy. Read More.

I recently decided that I needed something to look at and repeat to myself when I needed a little kick in the pants; a phrase to remind me to kick some butt and get off my duff and JUST DO IT! My mantra? BE UNSTOPPABLE.

I am the type of person who needs someone to check up on my progress and hold me accountable. When there isn't anyone to motivate me, my mantra will be my own little way of telling myself that there will be a payoff later if I can work hard now. Specifically, when I find myself getting bogged down in the dreaded and tedious parts of my job search (like making phone calls or crafting the "perfect" cover letter).

Do you have a mantra? What is it and how does it help you?

What is your Passion?

Lately I've been reading a lot of books about success and how to achieve it, hoping to kick start my life as an independent adult. Something that keeps coming up again and again is the notion that passion is the key element in a person's success. The book I have yet to find is the one that tells me how to identify my passion! It feels kind of stupid to admit that, but I feel like these books are all missing a chapter in front about to hone in on the key to my future happiness.

I think it makes sense that behind every millionaire, mogul or entrepreneur is a driving force, something that lights their fire, makes them get up every morning, work hard all day long and go to bed late, ready for it to be morning again so they can keep doing their thing. I get it. I know that when I find whatever it is that I can talk about all day, the thing that I love, my passion, once I find that my life will have the potential to go where ever I want to take it.

I'm jealous of the people who were born knowing what it is they are meant to do in life. They've got that something inside of them that just makes sense for them to work for or to strive after. As for me, I just followed the unspoken plan of what was expected of me; I went to school and had perfect attendance. I joined clubs, became a leader, applied for college and attended my state university. There, things got a little more vague. I remained undeclared for as long as possible, trying out every major I thought I might be interested in. I finally chose one, but I slogged thru my classes, clearly not passionate about it. I graduated uncertain of what to do next and no one told me what to do!

I went home and sat by the mailbox waiting for my life road map to appear or for divine inspiration to strike me. The next park of my life's plan was simply "get a job." But... what? how? where??? I wish there was a formula that said, here fill in the blanks, do this, this and this, calculate this and KABLAMO: here is your passion. I almost wish there was just someone who would say to me, "you know X is what you should do, you really want to do X with your life." And that would take all the mystery, confusion and uncertainty out of the next step.

Right now, all I really don't want to do is fail. I'm terrified to choose wrong and be a big fat failure, destitute, alone, sad and unable to recover. So tell me this and maybe it will help me: What is YOUR passion?

Things I Make

Forever 21 has a lot of skirts.... their measurements are about 14" to 18" long (from waist to hem) with the waistband measurement ranging from 20" to 30". The skirts I make look like this.

I also make scarves...

I've made some earrings before and some other jewelry (necklaces and a few bracelets). I've got some of that clear stretchy thread for more bracelets... and you know I have a TON of buttons from work.

What kind of crafts do you like to make?