Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.  ~ Madame Marie Curie

I love this quote!  It makes me realize that if I don't believe in not only myself, but also my talent, then I might as well quit now.  How can perseverance, self-confidence, and belief in our craft not equal success?  

If you're like me, you are your own worst critic!  I can sew something up and convince myself that it's not worth giving away let alone selling.  When someone compliments my work, I find it difficult to accept the compliment because it's not THAT good.  Well, gosh darn it.....I AM good at what I do!  I have a talent for sewing and it's ok to say so and more importantly, it's ok to believe it!  If I don't believe in what I do, why should someone else?

This has been a real eye opener for me!  I sincerely hope it inspires you in some way too!  I'm anxious to know what you think about this quote!!!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom...Perseverence

Have you been watching the Olympics?  Have you heard the incredible stories of some of the Olympians?  Have you thought about what it takes to even make it to the Olympics?  I've been watching and hearing the stories and have been so inspired by the athletes.

There's not a single athletic bone in my body, but that's okay because a gold medal isn't one of my goals!  My goal is to have a thriving business doing what I love....sewing.  The athlete and I will go about reaching our goals in completely different ways, but I've learned from them what is needed most to get there.  We need commitment, determination, focus, motivation, self-discipline and perseverence among other things.

I've been surprised at the number of athletes who have been critically injured during training and yet came to the Olympics, competed and won a medal.  Many of them competing despite not being completely healed and still in pain.  There are athletes who have lost loved ones not only last year but during this past week.  Yet they went on to compete.  Like I said, I am so inspired by them.  They didn't give up.  Despite the life changing circumstances, they kept going, they persevered.

I was discouraged this past week but I haven't given up on my dream.  I may get sidetracked along the way sometimes but I know where I'm going and where I want to end up.  Today's words of wisdom are about perseverence.

The rewards for those who persevere far exceed the pain that must precede the victory.  
 ~Ted W. Engstrom

 What or who inspires you?  What will it take for you to reach your goals?