How to Dream Just Big Enough in 5 Easy Steps

What does it mean to "Dream Just Big Enough?" If you're a dreamer, like me, you know how challenging it can feel to have many dreams you wish to accomplish. Dreaming Just Big Enough means understanding that your dreams are achievable, and figuring out just how to make them happen. Have you ever taken the time to write down all of your dreams, your passions, your ambitions in life?

Today's challenge is to learn how to Dream Just Big Enough, without putting yourself into a state of overwhelming confusion and anxiety. This is a guide to help you achieve your dreams.

Are you ready?

Step 1. WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR DREAMS.

All of them. What have you longed to do your entire life? Is there a career you've always wanted to pursue, or a trip you've wanted to take? It can be as simple as a sport you've wanted to try, or as intensive as wanting to write a book or change career paths. Maybe it's something you already do, that you're passionate about, but want to do more of or make it your sole source of income. Your dreams are amazing and there are ways to accomplish them.

Step 2. PRIORITIZE.

It seems so simple, right? Now that you have your list of dreams jotted down, take some time to reflect on the things that matter to you most. What are the dreams you want to accomplish over everything else.
Take a second to reflect on a couple of thoughts: Will this make me happy? Will I have fun doing this? Would I do this everyday if I had the opportunity?
These are just a few ideas, but dig deeper. Think about the things that make you, you. Ask yourself, "Will this make me a better person? Do I get a sense of rush when I think about it? Am I truly passionate about my dream(s)?"

Step 3. REFLECT & RESEARCH.

Now that you have a better idea of what your dreams are and the ones that are most important to you, it's time to reflect. Think about your current situation, where you are in life, or maybe where you are in the world. Stay positive! That's what this challenge is all about - helping your confront yourself and DREAM JUST BIG ENOUGH. Take the TOP 3 of the dreams you prioritized in Step 2. This will give you something solid to focus on. Think about things you could do in your life that will help advance you in the right direction - the direction of accomplishing your dreams. If you're anything like me, time and money are always the top two things that tend to stand between me and my dreams. These are challenges, but challenges can be overcome. Write down five ways that you could start moving toward your dreams. For example, if you're in debt, but you want to take that trip of a lifetime, one of your five might be a "get out of debt plan." Start researching strategies to get out of debt, like the Snowball Plan. Learn ways to pay off your credit cards, student loans, medical bills while still saving some money on the side, or paying off everything and then saving money for that dream vacation. Cut back on things like going out to eat, or going out too much. Try a new recipe at home with the things you already have in your cabinets. Watch a different style of movie at home on Netflix.
Start shifting your mindset. It's the little things that can make a significant impact.
Remember, this is just an example, but there is always a way to accomplish your dreams. You just have to find a way to make it happen.

Step 4. SET SOME GOALS.

And hold yourself accountable. It's time to create a timeline! Take the knowledge you learned from your research and apply this to your timeline. Maybe your dream is to be the next top fitness influencer. Are you in shape? Do you eat well and prioritize your health? Do you have social media accounts dedicated to your dream? Or maybe you have all of that and you're wanting to take it a step further, but don't know how to do it. Take a marketing class. Read, read, read. Reach out to others who have already done it, and keep reaching out. Learn from the people around you. Become a real influence to your viewers.
Map out (on a calendar, with dates!) your goals and by when you hope to achieve them. It's okay if they don't 100% align to reality - the goal here is to get you moving in the right direction. You know what your dreams are, you've prioritized them, you've reflected and done research and now you're setting your timeline, you're setting your goals. Be realistic. Dream Just Big Enough so that you can meet and accomplish those goals and move one step closer to achieving your dreams.

Step 5. DO.

You make your dreams happen. No one does it for you. Now go out there are get 'em!



Thoughts from the author: You might be thinking, these dreams are nothing like the dreams I want to achieve. My dreams are so much bigger than this. It doesn't matter how big or how small someone's dreams are, you can make them happen if you want them to happen. It's all about believing in yourself. Reach out to those around you who love you. Ask for their help. Ask for their support. 
My dream - to become a working, professional actor. It's a BIG dream. It's a big goal. In an industry that is so cut throat. Where there are literally millions of people who have the same dream. But it's my passion and it makes me incredibly happy. I followed the above method to understand that it is possible. It won't be easy and it will be a long journey, but I'm ready for the ride! I have an amazing fiance, family and friends who support me and my crazy dreams, but it all comes down to the belief I have in myself. So learn to BELIEVE in YOU. 

Infinity

Having just moved to Sydney, I was sitting by the Harbor drinking a beer and a wave of inspiration took over. There came Infinity.

Wind rustles my sails as I float away into the distant harbor
The open ocean pulls me deep and deeper through the long dark hours
The depth of the sea encompasses the all of me
My soul washes away with the waves that have yet to be
Fire ignites on the shores so far far away
The light fades like the sun fades throughout my day
I am lost in a world that does not belong to me
Yet I am one with the vastness of the misunderstood infinity

Living on a Tiny Balcony - Creating a Garden Masterpiece

London isn't known for its large apartments with over sized balconies that allow for outdoor dining sets, grills and bikes like many places in the United States. Honestly, I'm lucky to be living somewhere with a balcony at all, not to mention facing a beautiful park. The only downfall to this is that we are a prime location for perching pigeons and the balcony is bland. We (and really I mean me) decided that it would be a great idea to spice it up a little and create a garden masterpiece with colorful flowers, herbs, vegetables and even our very own compost!
After doing some online research for the best ways to utilize small balconies for growing these types of plants, we headed off to the gardening store and went wild.

Step 1: Clean the Balcony (from the pigeon poop - uhh)
Step 2: (The fun part) Begin the planting. We purchased one over the balcony hanger for the flowers, one larger planter for the veggies and one smaller planter for the herbs at the local store to get started and I ordered a couple things from Amazon. We also found a crate on the side of the road that I decided to line with plastic from the compost bags and add herbs and chili's.
Step 3: Build a Tower Garden. I went to the local shop to get some PVC pipe and the tools to cut holes. (see in photo)
Step 4: Build a pallet garden. Create a vertical garden by using an old pallet and cutting it to size and lining with landscape mesh. (You can see step by step(ish) below):

Break apart and cut the pallet to size

Re-position the boards for plant space

Attach landscaping mesh and add soil
Cut small holes and insert plants

Voila, the final product.
 Next to my homemade compost made out of trashcans.

Step 5: The design on the garden. We wanted the balcony to be full of green but still have enough space for two chairs and a small little
table.
This is how it all turned out:

Tower Garden on the left

Balcony Garden in the making..

Adding the final touches

Two chairs and a table

Compost looking good
Weird things growing in there...

Enjoying the balcony :)

Even Oeli loves it!

Step 6: Create an Indoor Garden that makes it easier for the most commonly used herbs.

Updates since this was all created:
I was able to grow 3 strawberries, then the plants stopped producing any more. I found the culprit that was eating some of my plants (the entirety of my mixed salad I was trying to grow) and I accidentally killed it instead of letting it go free to turn into a butterfly somewhere else :(. Most of my spinach isn't growing well because it's a cold weather plant. My squash is struggling but I'm hoping the one that's currently growing doesn't die like the last one.
On the plus side:
I have 3 chili's growing, 1 pepper, 4 large tomatoes, and a bunch of cherry tomatoes. All of my herbs are growing pretty strong and the flowers are in full bloom.

I'm proud of my little balcony garden to make our apartment feel more homey :)

Living Life in London-town: Part 2 - "You are the only you"

Imagine a world where life seems simple, life seems easy, life seems (pause for effect) GOOD. Well, for the first time in a very long time, that's my life. London feels comfortable, like curling up in your most cherished sweatshirt and pants, snuggled under a blanket watching your favorite movie, snacking on your favorite snack. Much unlike the loathed City of Washington, D.C. that I was stuck in before, dreading every day, London has welcomed me with open arms.
Of course, I'm living the dream: a wonderful man, the best dog in the world, new and old friends, living in a great location and the world at my fingertips. Oh, did I mention that I get to take my time to find the perfect job? All of this does not go without saying how truly blessed I am (in all meaning of the word) to be where I am. I wouldn't change a thing about who I am, what has shaped me to get here or the life I am currently living. This is where I am supposed to be. This feels right.

...Living Life in London-town: Part 2, photos

Living Life in London-town: Part 1

[Contrary to popular belief, I was welcomed with sunshine and semi-warm weather.]
It's been two weeks since my arrival. I question where the past two weeks have gone, but I do know they have been filled with laughter, adventure, travel and not to mention, settling in to what will be my home for the next... who knows how long.
Warmly welcomed by an incredible man who has been nothing but a huge support from the beginning, Oeli and I quickly fell in love with what would be our new life.

A couple of pictures from the last two weeks of our new lives that include my goodbye, our welcoming, Italy, outings around London-town and domestication.

Xussie wondering why she's being disturbed just for me to say goodbye.

Daddy dropping me off at the airport. Mom and I didn't get a picture before I left (my fault, I forgot). 

A warm and heartfelt goodbye with Aunt Faye and Uncle John.

A wonderful Welcome to London brunch with Adam, Tom (roomie), plus Kate and Rene!!!

Oeli fits right in. 

Being domestic and creating a balcony garden.

Oeli settling in just fine :)

All of the wonderful people I've heard so much about welcoming me to London with a Sunday roast!

We're silly people.

Italian coast...

Piggy backing around Italia 

Adam sneaking in a kiss before the wedding.

The beautiful married couple (Lisa and Gerard)!

EXPLORATION
to an old fortress

Living on that "Natural Homemade Deodorant"

Hi all!
It's been a while but as you may or may not know, I've been moving to all-natural products over the past year and a half. Natural everything: soap, shampoo (which I will touch on later in a different post), etc., but deodorant has been the very last thing... I was a devout "Secret" user mainly because I LOVED the scent of the deodorant and how it made me smell - but of course it's toxic. After my uncle mentioned something the other day about how he believes store made deodorant actually is the increasing cause of breast cancer, I started doing some research and think it's time that I move away from the chemically induced antiperspirant.

 I was a huge skeptic on whether or not the homemade deodorant would work, but after I made my batch (two different styles which I will list below), I was immediately impressed!
I removed the deodorant from my beloved Secret (the one that twists up through the holes and is more "liquid" with still being solid) as well as removing that of a travel Secret solid tube.

I referenced the recipe here (recipe #2) but wanted more of a "Secret" like scent and wanted to make the "sheer-solid" style that would allow me to use that Secret tube.

My recipe to make the "sheer-solid":
Baking Soda (2.5 tbs)
Pure Corn Starch (2.5 tbs) - I used Johnson's Baby Powder pure corn starch with aloe
Vitamin E oil (just a couple drops)
Tangerine essential oil (5-8 drops) - depending on your preference
Lemon essential oil (5-8 drops) - depending on your preference
Thieves essential oil (4-5 drops) - Thieves is strong so be careful not to overpower
Pure Coconut Oil (2 tbs)

I played around a little with the Corn Starch and Baking Soda to create the right consistency. This helped make it almost like a thick batter that easily went into the tube and when turned, came out almost like the Secret did, with a bit of a different consistency but still worked. I wish I could describe the exact consistency, but think of a good thick pancake batter.

For the more solid (regular deodorant stick), I just added more corn starch and baking soda to the mix and packed it in the tube once it became a more solid consistency. *note: it will break apart until pressed together because of the added corn starch and baking soda*

At first, I wasn't sure about the scent, but once it settled, it actually smells quite good, especially under the arms and is subtle and not overpowering. I've noticed less sweating and no odor seeping through so far, so this makes me extremely happy!
So happy I found this recipe and I highly recommend it, with whichever scent you personally choose! But please make sure you're using high quality pure essentials oils. :)

Living as The Average Sized Female

I'm scrolling through endless articles, photos and the "new professional" attire fashion tips as I prepare for my interview in D.C. on Friday, thinking there is NO WAY I would look good in that.
It makes me wonder why everything I've seen lately is still targeted for the Size 2 female. Which I have to admit is an improvement from the Size 0 it used to be. But I have no idea what this outfit would look like on me. How will it fit on a woman with boobs, with curves, with actual thighs instead of chicken legs?
Isn't there a campaign to promote healthy bodies and healthy body image? How are we as females supposed to do that when all we see around us are advertisements that promote Size 2 and under, tall and incredibly skinny women.

This is not me:

Nor is this: 

But this is the average girl:

And it's not because we're not healthy. It's not because we don't exercise. It's not because we overeat. Mostly it's because of our genes, because we don't want to feel starved, or because we enjoy some of the joys of life that include delicious (and starchy) food and beer. Well, at least I do. And as I'm trying to find the perfect interview outfit that looks professional without making me feel like a whale (and no, I'm not fat, I'm just your average sized woman), I find these photos of great fashion styles, but I have no idea what it would look like on ME.
My idea of body image is morphed because of what I've been conditioned to believe is beautiful and I don't know how to break that cycle. As long as I'm active, eat well, feel good about myself and exercise regularly to keep my mind and body healthy, that's really all that should matter, right?

Living Life - Back in America

It wasn't easy knowing I was leaving my beloved Grenoble, the place that had become my home. I was happy there. I enjoyed the culture, lifestyle and people who had become a part of my life. But all good things come to an end; and so, I left my Grenoble apartment at 3:45am on the morning of May 22, 2014, knowing that would be the last time I would see this beautiful city again for a long while.

It was bitter-sweet, the return home. I had some amazing help at the airport, Oeli was the best travel dog ever and I got to drink my sorrows away on board, for free. I was greeted with a friendly smile from one of my great friends at the airport, who so graciously picked me up in D.C., and we drove back to begin another life in the States.

The days were long as jet-lag set in, Memorial Day weekend was in full throttle and thousands of emotions swept over me like a storm of wildfire. I didn't know how to think, act, feel... be. I just knew that I was in a new chapter of my life while still re-reading chapters of my past. Unhappy thoughts and sorrow rushed over me. Dreams of the past haunted me. I had opened a can of worms coming back to the life I had once known, that was no longer the same.

“It's so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
― John Steinbeck

My lights went out when I came home and I'm still fighting to turn them all back on. I don't know how long it will take or how long I will have to fight, but I'll never stop. 

It's my family and friends that make me smile, the memories that I will never forget that push me to make new ones, and knowing that the world has so much to offer that drives me to do my best. I am on just one small branch of my Tree of Life. No matter how much doubt I feel today, I control how I will feel tomorrow... and I am on a mission to make the best out of life! 

Living the "No Shampoo" Do: Part 2

Hello All,

I thought it might be a good idea to give an update on my "No Shampoo" treatment and a couple more things I've discovered since I last posted.

I've been doing this for a while now, and it's going great! And it gets easier the longer I've been doing it.

Keep reading for MY TIPS section.

There are MAJOR perks living the "No Shampoo" do.

And it's been growing so fast!

The best part about all of this, is how simple it is.

MY TIPS

A couple of pointers that I've discovered along the way:

1. Stop using all products. After the one time I used the baking soda (*I don't use the baking soda/vinegar mix*), I found that my hair got clumped together and and had a weird texture at the bottom; although my scalp did feel squeaky clean. That could have been from poor rinsing the ends, however.
Continue if it suits you well though! I personally prefer no product.
2. I rinse my hair only once a week. **USE COLD WATER* - the reason you should use cold water to rinse your hair is because warm or hot water will also warm the natural oils causing them to stick together and create that clumpy/oily feeling in your hair. Using cold water will not do this.
3. Comb the oils through your hair frequently. You want to pull them from your roots through your entire head of hair.
4. I've reduced my baby powder/talc usage. I try to only add in baby powder or talc once a day (although sometimes twice) - *adding this creates BODY! (and static)* Get a great body look but don't use too much that makes your hair stand straight up or look white. Remember the baby powder/talc with help reduce moisture in the hair.
5. Let it fall naturally. It creates a beautiful, natural style.


There are some all-natural/organic (made from plants) hair washing products that I've thought about trying as a cleanser once every month. If I give it a go, I will update you on how it goes!  

How many of you have tried it and quit? What were the reasons you caved? What things have you struggled most with? Have you discovered any good pointers that others could use?

Leave a comment! I'd like to hear about your experience and give any feedback from my own personal experience. :)

Living my last days in France

T-18 days until my visa expires. I wish I could say that I was beyond thrilled to go home, but with little enthusiasm, I will be heading back to the United States.
Although this experience in France has been quite different than my previous, I have to admit, it was everything I had hoped for and needed - and more.

Starting off a little rough, beaten down, heartbroken and lost, my first months in France were not an easy feat. I questioned my decision to move across the vast ocean, yet again, leaving everything I loved behind. I wondered if my decisions were actually what I wanted or just what I thought I wanted. But I had made my choice, accepted the consequences and had to keep living. There is no reliving the past, so focus on the present and let the future come at will.

Once I finally accepted that I could do nothing about the external things that were affecting my spirit, I tried to let the negativity go and surround myself with positive people and energy. I started my #100HappyDays which helped me appreciate, once again, the little things in life that make me happy, and I began moving to a better place within myself. I still struggle, from time to time, as thoughts of the past pop into my head or questions about my decisions or the future storm over me, but overall this experience has helped shape me back into the person I want to be.

Still as the days tick on... I have yet to buy my plane ticket (1. because it is so damn expensive and I can't afford it and 2. I am secretly prolonging my return as much as possible). This is not to say that I can't wait to see my wonderful family and friends back home, but more so because I am slightly worried I will slip back into the dejected emotional state I was experiencing before.

I should probably get on that ticket thing.

I love my life here, the culture, the language, the leisure, the people. The way of living is much more relaxed without the constant stress or hustle and bustle. It makes me feel more alive. I am worried I will be re-caught in the death-trap of 40+ hour work weeks, little to no vacation time, minimal time for self reflection and the constant "go, go, go," lifestyle. I understand why the French love France, and not just for their work ethics *sarcasm* (this could be an entirely new blog post), but for the mellow and agréable ambiance of their lives of which I have become so accustomed.


It takes being forced to go home to realize my heart isn't ready.

Oeli and I have adapted well here and I was hoping to find a job that would allow us to stay at least another year, but things haven't worked out and we have to carry on. I am not ready to leave, but I know wherever the wind takes us next, there is a great ride ahead. Staying positive, staying hopeful, and staying strong to who I am - with a smile.

Living the Hitch-hiking Way

I left with 20 euros in my pocket, a small backpack and no phone. It would take around 5 hours to get to Montpellier from Grenoble, so I had heard, and I was hoping to arrive before nightfall. It was the first time I had hitch-hiked alone. The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and the air was warm - a great day to stand around with my thumb stuck out, waiting for a nice soul to stop and take me to some further destination. As a solo hitch-hiker, you have to learn to follow your instincts, sharpen your wit and trust people more than you normally would. Travelling as a solo girl hitch-hiker, you have to augment all of those at an even higher level.

Fortunately, I had an amazing first experience making my way to the south of France. I have to thank the five people who picked me up along the way and got me safely to Montpellier: the English-speaking dad, the physical eduction high school teacher, the woman en route to visit her family, the semi-truck driver, and the French-islander from (one of those occupied French islands). I know none of their names, just their stories. I made it there before the sky grew dim.

Montpellier (and Courtney - the friend I was visiting who I had met a month earlier when she came to CouchSurf in Grenoble) showed me an amazing time and was a great host.
We laid on the sandy beaches of Montpellier, created catchy names for future inventions, watched five cars burn completely up in the middle of the night after our two hour jam session at a closed bar, bronzed in the sun by the river and mocked the multitude of photographers and their subjects. Our literal "mockage" goes as follows:
 

"Oh, look at me. Oui, take my picture."

(Uh oh! I got caught in the mockery) - notice said girl in white

Just laugh it off.

 My weekend in Montpellier wasn't all fun and games. I did have a terrible interview on Monday morning, where I was told my French sucked and my English grammar sucked even worse. Let's just say I won't be getting that job. Now to thinking differently about the future, yet again.

The adventure back from Montpellier was yet another interesting one when four French-Turks picked me up and dropped me off well further than I needed to go, that left me with difficulty trying to get a ride back to Grenoble. I met another hitch-hiker while hanging out around a toll booth, a very nice toll attendant named Erik and a lady who kindly dropped me off in Lyon. Luckily, I was able to get a hold of a friend that lives in Lyon who fed me and let me crash there for the night. I made my way back to Grenoble the next morning to arrive just in time to teach my first class.
I told my students if any of them could top my weekend, they could all leave. It was a sure shot none of them could, but they all enjoyed the story of my eventful weekend.

I came back with .32 cent in my pocket.

Living as "The Girl Next Door" in the French Alps

For those of you that haven't noticed yet, I have started a "living series." Each post I write for the next couple of months will be tagged, labelled and will be titled with "Living" in some form or another. hashtag #thelivingseries
I thought this would be an interesting way to portray my writing, as I'm currently "living" abroad and "living" life to the fullest possible. So today's topic: Living as "The Girl Next Door."

That's right, I'm the girl next door. Maybe in the traditional sense as well, who knows, but I'm talking literally, "the girl next door." The girl next door to a really attractive, who happens to be pretty awesome, French guy... with a girlfriend. First off, I hope he never reads this because it would be incredibly embarrassing (or funny), depending on how you look at it. However, I am completely attracted to said French man, but not-so-much that he has a girlfriend.

I'm not sure why I tend to want things I can't have - oh wait, I think that comes with life and probably my personality as well. But unfortunately, this one will have to remain friends. I can still look right?

Just kidding. He lives on the 4th floor.

On a side note, Spring is in the air... everywhere I look around. The flowers are in full bloom, the lower mountains have shed their white blankets for a fresh green canvas and the air is warm in the valley. The people are out and about and Oeli is enjoying basking in the sun on a daily basis. You can't beat a long bike right from the city into the French countryside, where horses roam, three mountain ranges surround you in all directions, the air is warm and the sun is shining down on your face. That's how I spent my Sunday afternoon in the beautiful French Alps. I don't think I can give this up any time soon.

Living Abroad with a Dog

Sure, the process of bringing my precious pooch to France was exhausting. I had to make sure he was up-to-date on all of his shots, he was micro-chipped, certified, and not to mention all the dreadful paperwork to complete the process. It took numerous trips to the vet and the final trip to Washington DC to get his USDA certification to permit him to travel out of the country.

Sure, I had to buy a new cage for him to travel in, pay the airline company (a lot of money) to allow him to travel with me and I had to think about his well being on top of it all.

The first time I lived abroad, I was staying in the dorms, which did not allow animals. At the same time, I wanted to experience life as an exchange student, travel and adventure as I pleased. My parents offered to watch Oeli during the year I was abroad. I can't explain how many times I thought about him, wanted his company and missed being able to look into his sweet, sweet eyes. I knew that if I were to ever to go back abroad after that year, I would take him with me. The experience that I had as an exchange student was one of the most, if not the most amazing year of my life to date, and I wouldn't change anything I experienced. But I can recall certain points during the year that having my loving companion would have been just the right thing to get over the home sickness or cure my case of the "Debbie Downer."
After finding out that I would be returning to France this year, there was no doubt in my mind that Oeli would be coming with me. It had been 4 years since the first time I had lived in France; and I knew my experience here this time would be completely different and I was okay with living a more settled life this go-round. 

Sure, now I have to think more about him instead of myself. I can't just leave for a weekend without making multiple arrangements to ensure he's taken care of while I'm gone. I come home during to day to walk him and come home early at night. I've had to deal with annoying neighbours, whimpering because he needs (or wants) to go outside, countless bags of dog food, treats, play toys (that he tears up immediately) and "accidents" in my room.

But there is nothing better than the unconditional love a dog gives. He is selfless, obedient and reassuring. He's always there for me when I need him most and he never lacks in cuddles. He has the cutest ears that flop in the wind and his markings make him unique. He always makes me smile as he cocks his head one way and then another when you speak to him. He knows when he's been bad and he tucks his head and shrinks down, but I can't stay mad for long because he deserves nothing but love. He knows when I'm sad and is always there to comfort me; and he looks at me with those sweet, sweet eyes that say, "Mom, don't worry. Everything is going to be okay."
And it will be, because he is there to make everything better.

I would never give him up for a million dollars, because it is he who helps build my happiness on a daily basis. He isn't just a dog: he's my best friend and companion.

Hi, I'm Oeli.