dreams Archives - Stephanie L. Jones

Goals October 12, 2021

Do This to Gain Momentum for 2022

Friends, can you believe we are in the last quarter of the year? Two and a half months, and we will be ringing in a new year. Yippee!

With Thanksgiving and Christmas, and often all that comes with closing out a new year, we lose sight of our goals, get off track, and may ditch them altogether and say, "I'll just start on January 1^st."

I know the feeling. I've been heading that way with my health goals. I also have my 5^th book that is almost finished, but it's just been hanging out there, waiting for me to open the file and finalize the last few edits.

So how do I get moving? How can you get moving? One action.

Yes, break it down to one action you'll take each day. Not 3, not ten things on your to-do list. Just one activity each day that moves you closer to accomplishing your goal. How do we do this?

It's easy!

In the morning, grab a notecard or sticky note, and think about the next step you need to take. For example, for my book, I need to find some notes I took I my phone. The next day, see notes I wrote in a notebook. The next day, type notes into my draft.

You might think, "Stephanie, couldn't you do all these one days?"

Well, I could. And maybe when I sit down to work on the project, I might, but sometimes I get bogged down by the details. So if I just do one thing, I get a dopamine hit when I accomplish that small task.

And guess what? By the end of the year, in three short months, my book will be done and to the printer!

What goal do you want to work on from now until the end of the year?

And then what action will you take tomorrow?

Consistent actions each day will help you gain momentum going into 2022!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

Dreaming Big March 4, 2018

Sign-Up for a Charity 5k

Sign-up for a Charity 5k

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and greenery is peeking through the dirt giving me hope Spring is around the corner.

Warmer temperatures not only mean a changing of the seasons but charity 5ks are popping up everywhere.

Here are seven reasons you should sign-up for a 5k:

1. Raise funds for a worthy cause.

2. Physically showing support for the nonprofit and/or family.

3. It's fun! Nothing like gathering with hundreds/thousands of people for one purpose.

4. Opportunity to get in shape.

5. A family event that gets you outside, active, and disconnected from technology.

6. You'll learn something about yourself. I've been running 5ks for 25 years and each race I increase my mental toughness.

7. Snap a few pics and share your experience and the charity on social media. Nonprofits love to see their message spread!

I believe in giving to others and to yourself. 5ks are an opportunity to do both!

Which race will you register for today?

P.S. Today's challenge is in memory of Roger Bannister. He was the first person to break the 4-minute mile. He did so much for the sport of running. Today the running community lost a champion.

Blessings,

Stephanie

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About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is the author of The Giving Challenge-40 Days to a More Generous Life (on sale NOW!), a speaker, life success coach, and a daily giver. Stephanie empowers people to change their life through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at Stephanie@GivingGal.com

Dreaming Big March 3, 2018

Support a Small Business and Shop Local

Support Small Businesses and Shop Local

Did you know there are over 28 million small businesses in the United States?

I've found small businesses to be more personable and are what help make a community great. Many small businesses are also involved in philanthropic initiatives in their communities

If you are in Northwest Indiana, I love Extra Mile Fitness Company for my running shoes and Aster + Gray for a gift or home items.

Also local to NWI but available online is my favorite face cream Pelle by Lauren and homemade soaps by BUN’s Soapbox.

I not only love all these products but I made new friends with the owners.

Today if you are out and about, stop and support a local small business! You never know, you may make a new friend!

Blessings,

Stephanie

P.S. Haven't read The Giving Challenge? Purchase Now!

Never miss a post, enter your email address on the right and hit SUBSCRIBE. Thank you!

About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is the author of The Giving Challenge-40 Days to a More Generous Life (on sale NOW!), a speaker, life success coach, and a daily giver. Stephanie empowers people to change their life through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at Stephanie@GivingGal.com

Dreaming Big February 20, 2018

Be a Cheerleader!

Several years ago Joellyn bravely stood up in one of my dream board workshops and shared a dream she'd never shared with anyone.

She wanted to write a book. She had zero experience but it was dream God laid on her heart.

After the workshop, Joellyn signed up for my coaching. As they say, the rest is history.

We've been working together ever since!

After we met, life threw her a curveball when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia. Joellyn didn't just become an advocate for dyslexic children but went on to become a dyslexia specialist.

Months later I was thrown the same curveball, just much later in life. I'd always knew something was different with me, but most times I just thought I was stupid. Why could I not get things others kids got?

At age 39, I discovered I’m dyslexic. The roles reversed and Joellyn was now helping me! Our paths were definitely meant to cross.

We both have dreams of standing on a stage, sharing our incredible journey together. And guess what? We know it will happen!

This morning I sent Joellyn a text, “Good luck today! You’ll do fabulous!”

Several hours after that text, I sat at my desk, tears streaming down my face, watching my client, and friend, Joellyn, testify in front of the Indiana House Education Committee on her experience with dyslexia. What a moment!

I’ve spent years being one of her biggest cheerleaders! Who will you cheer on this week?

Blessings,

Stephanie

P.S. Haven't read The Giving Challenge? Purchase Now!

Never miss a post, enter your email address on the right and hit SUBSCRIBE. Thank you!

About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is the author of The Giving Challenge-40 Days to a More Generous Life (on sale NOW!), a speaker, life success coach, and a daily giver. Stephanie empowers people to change their life through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at Stephanie@GivingGal.com

Dreaming Big October 6, 2016

Cupcake Dreamer

I love cupcakes! I love baking cupcakes. I love eating cupcakes. And I LOVE giving away cupcakes, especially ones I've baked with love in my kitchen. For years I had a big problem. My cupcakes tasted fantastic, but they were...well... ugly. I didn't know how to decorate them. I would grab a can of icing, a spreader and UGLY cupcakes were created.

In 2014 as I was making my annual goals, I thought... I want to make BEAUTIFUL cupcakes! I was tired of giving away awful looking cupcakes. I mean let’s be honest, most children decorated cupcakes probably looked better than mine. I wanted something that when people opened the box, they would be too pretty to eat. Is that too much to ask?

As we approach the new year, what dreams have you been pondering? Which dream do you want to turn into a reality? If you’re not sure, take a moment to think about what you really want to accomplish in 2017.

Once you discover your dream, make a plan. I know, the word plan seems overwhelming, like it's going to take you a ton of time. Well, I'm here to tell you it doesn't take that much time. Here is the simple plan I created to set me on the path of living my dream of decorating dazzling cupcakes. It was seven, attainable steps.

Step 1-Find an expert

Step 2- Contact the expert

Step 3- Schedule cupcake decorating class with expert

Step 4- Buy supplies and ingredients

Step 5- Bake cupcakes and let cool

Step 6- Cupcake decorating class with expert

Step 7- Eat, give and enjoy gorgeous cupcakes!

You see, writing a plan isn't that hard. And even the actions were simple and were crossed off the list in no time.

Here's a little insight into steps 6 & 7, I wrote about several years ago.

Last night my friend Toni from Food. (Just Sayin') came to my house and taught me how to make yummy, fluffy icing and decorate cupcakes. I had so much fun! I think my husband was even excited that I will not be making anymore UGLY cupcakes!

Tonight I had a United Way Community Impact meeting and I thought it would be a nice treat to take my newly decorated cupcakes. Filtering into the room, committee members pick up a cupcake to snack on during the meeting. As I sat down, I opened my portfolio and there in the front left pocket were several of Emily's Pay it Forward cards. I smiled as I know she loved cupcakes.

After the meeting, I approached several of the ladies that had eaten a cupcake and were taking some home for their family. Giving each of them Emily's card, I shared her story and the purpose of Paying it Forward in her memory. I encouraged them to read the card, keep it and then pass her story and the card along. They were all touched by Emily's story and what her family is doing to keep her memory alive. One of the ladies even said, "I'm taking this home and sharing it with my son!"

As I was thinking of what to title this blog I thought about My Cupcake Dream, as it was my dream to learn how to decorate a cupcake. But as I started writing and thinking about all the things I've learned about Emily over the past couple of years I changed it to Cupcake Dreamer. Emily was a dreamer and like a cupcake, her life was colorful, sweet, enjoyed by many and brought a smile to the faces of those in its presence. I think Emily was definitely a Cupcake Dreamer!

I hope this fun little story of how I turned a dream into a reality inspired you to think about your dreams, make a plan and look for ways to take action. If you need a little jump-start, e-mail me at stephanie@GivingGal.com and schedule a complimentary coaching session. It's my gift to you. After all, as a life success coach, I'm here to help you dream, discover and do!

Finally, of you don't know Emily's story, here is what's on the Pay Forward card:

"Emily was 18 years old when she was killed in a single-car accident. She was texting and driving. She was an amazing girl who had everything going for her. Unfortunately, her life was cut short by this seemingly simple act. You can visit her Facebook page...Just Drive. Live. Laugh. Learn to learn more about Em and let us know how you paid it forward."

Please don't Text and Drive and Please Wear your Seatbelt.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Dreaming Big August 8, 2016

Are Dream Lists Cheap and Easy?

Do you love Facebook memories? I love them. They are a reminder of things I've done over the past years, places I've been and friends I've connected with or met. Over the past couple of days, these two memories popped up.

Wow! I couldn't believe it had been six years since my mom and I tackled a big dream list item. I'll be honest; the Susan G. Komen 3-Day had never been on my list until a good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. One will do crazy things when they feel helpless. I swear this walk gets sign-ups on sheer emotion because no sane person would sign up to walk 60 miles in three days. I paid my $70 bucks and committed to raising money. OH MY GOSH...what had I done?

Thinking back to the walk reminded me of a comment I received from fellow blogger Melinda Todd about my recent blog discussing my dream list. She commented on this blog saying, "Easier said than done, especially if you have money to live out your bucket list."

She was right. 100% right. A bucket list is easier talked about. That's why so many people do a lot of talking but never take any action. That is why people have regrets. I love that Melinda brought to my attention something I didn't address. My blog made it sound like my friend passed away and BAM! I was living my list. But that was not the reality at all.

I think back to the 3-Day and I prepped and trained, hours upon hours. The training was not easy. The walk was grueling. We basically walked back to back marathons in two days with little sleep. I knew it wasn't easy because participants were getting picked up, left and right by a van that would take them to the next checkpoint or to the campsite. I was amazed at how people didn't walk the entire 60 miles. Why? Because it wasn't easy. It was hard, both mentally and physically. It was HOT! Hello, it was August in the Midwest. So, I want to be clear, living your dreams is not easy, but that is why I think being able to check something off the list is so enjoyable. It is about the journey, the challenges, the people you meet, the experiences along the way and the finishing.

Melinda also brought up another great point about the cost of a dream list. Yes, your dream list can be expensive, especially exotic or foreign travel. Your dream list shouldn't be based on a dollar amount and whether or not you can currently afford the item. If you look at my list, you'll see there is a range of items from free to thousands of dollars in cost. Nothing is too little or big for your dream list. Some of my favorite list items were free or under $100.

Here are a couple examples of free or cheap items on my list I’ve checked off:

I met Coach K (Duke's basketball coach) while volunteering at the Nike basketball camp. FREE!
I volunteered 100 hours in one year. FREE
I learned to can. I used veggies from my garden and my friend gave me the jars. FREE
I planted a garden. The only cost was the starter plants, but in the long run, it saved me money.
I swam a mile at the local YMCA. I think I paid $35 for six lessons.

Here a couple items still on my dream list that are inexpensive:

Host my own radio show
Read 53 books in one year
Cook a new meal every week for a year
Be an extra in a movie
Knit a scarf

It made me sad the other day when one of my coaching clients mentioned he had never learned to set goals and the power of writing them down. I guess it's a good thing he has a good coach (wink, wink) who is teaching him how to DREAM BIG, write down those dreams and then build a plan to pursue and live out those dreams.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you."

I think Roosevelt was right. No matter where you are in life, no matter your age, gender, race or income level, you always have the ability to dream, to write those dreams down and pursue them. You might have to work hard, and that's okay. You might not be able to afford some things on your list, right now, but that's okay. Your dream list isn't about the cost of the dream, the list is about you living your life to the fullest and leaving this earth with no regrets. And hopefully, along the way, you will bless others and inspire them to live their list.

What are the low-cost items on your list? Are you pursuing them? If not, why? As a certified life coach, I love helping and empowering people to pursue and live their dreams. If I can help you in any way, send me an email at Stephanie@GivingGal.com or comment below.

Blessings,

Stephanie

About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is a writer, speaker, life coach, daily giver and soon to be an author of The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Lifer (pre-order now!). She challenges people to be bold in their actions, accomplish and live their big dreams, and bless others daily through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at stephanie@GivingGal.com

Dreaming Big July 26, 2016

The Day My Life Changed in an Instant

In an instant, our lives can change on a dime. A horrific car crash, a divorce filing, or a sudden job loss. I usually think of “in an instant” as a bad thing. Like eight years ago today, in an instant, my college friend Leslie, was gone after a brave battle with cancer. She was 32 years old. Even though we hadn’t spoken since graduation, I followed her journey through her blog. Each post brought tears, and sometimes sobs, and prayers for Leslie’s healing and comfort her family.

But in an instant, Leslie’s death changed my entire life. Yes, I have lost friends in the past, but for some reason, her death hit me hard. Like a ton of bricks. Maybe it was because she was my age. We went to same the college. We were both married. Our lives looked similar. Her death came at a time when I was transitioning from being a police officer to starting a career in the corporate world. Months after her death I would become a workaholic, making a lot of money and wondering why the money wasn’t making me happy. I was living the same day, every day. Working long hours both weekdays and weekends. Was this what I was meant to do? To be? To work to make money?

Leslie’s death started me questioning everything in my life. What the heck was I doing? How was I living my days? I started thinking, knowing, that in an instant, it could all end. It could all end and what would I have done?

Years earlier I had created my dream list. Things I wanted to do. People I wanted to meet. Places I wanted to go and things I wanted to learn. It was saved in a file on my desk. I only opened it when I had something to add, rarely, if ever, checking anything off. Leslie’s death challenged me to live my list. To be intentional about each day.

My husband and I had a come to Jesus meeting August 2008. It was a heated discussion in our kitchen, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember yelling, “what the hell are we doing with our lives?” I wasn’t angry, I was scared. Scared that the day would come and I would have a ton of regrets. The day would come and I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I wanted to do. The things that had been sitting trapped in an excel file on my desk.

Shortly after that discussion, we decided to take our first step to living our lives. We started planning our dream vacation to Hawaii. It had been five years since we’d been on vacation because we were always “too busy.”

The trip was amazing. I learned to surf. We got up at 2:30a.m. to drive up a mountain to see the sunrise above the clouds and then biked 20 miles down. I thought I was going to die, but I did it. I was living! I took my first helicopter ride and I swam with dolphins. Did I mention a dolphin pooped in my hand? But I didn’t care. I…was… LIVING!

Since Leslie’s death, here are some of the cool things I have experience (click here for full list):

Saw Duke win a NCAA National Championship…LIVE
Learned to kayak and now do so almost every weekend
Ran a marathon with my mom
Planted a garden and learned to make and can my own salsa
Learned to knit (but I need to finish a scarf)
Took ice skating lessons
Swam with sharks
Sat in the audience at an Oprah Show
Walked 60 miles in three days, raising funds for cancer
Took my dad to see Washington D.C. during police week

I think of Leslie almost every day. Every July 26th, her name pops up on my calendar. It’s a day for me to be thankful for her journey changing my life, to remember her family and make sure I’m living the life she can’t.

Friends, right now your life can change in an instant. From here on out you can choose to live a different life. If there is something you are struggling with or going through, don’t let it steal your happiness…your joy. What are your priorities? If you don’t know, sit down and make a list. Do you have a bucket list? If so, are you living it? If not, write out your list and keep adding to it. Then pick one and make a plan to live it!

I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Blessings,

Stephanie

About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is a writer, speaker, life coach, daily giver and soon to be an author of The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Lifer (pre-order now!). She challenges people to be bold in their actions, accomplish and live their big dreams, and bless others daily through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at stephanie@GivingGal.com.

Dreaming Big April 26, 2016

5 Handy Tips to Help Someone Accomplish Their Dreams

Do you know the dreams of your friends? Two years ago I watched my niece construct all sorts of amazing things with Legos. She had music playing and I asked her about the song and artist. She stated it was the Newsboys and how she would love to see them in concert. Memories flooded my mind as I attended several Newsboys concerts some 25 years ago. I love everything concerts offer. Dancing, singing, good energy, fun and memory making with friends. I loved she was showing an interest in live music, as it has been a big part of my life over the years.

After our brief discussion, I could have easily forgotten about the conversation and went on enjoying our time together. But I think we have a duty to help others accomplish their dreams. If we can, we should take action, especially where they may not be able.

Want to support someone's dream? Here are 5 Handy Tips that you will help:

Listen. Sometimes we do a good job of speaking, but often don't listen and hear what others are telling us. People share their dreams with us all the time, but we may let their words go in one ear and out the other.
Make Their Dreams a Priority. Write it down. Put it on your to do list. Keep it in the front of your mind. We all live busy lives and it's hard to remember our own goals and daily tasks in addition to someone else's.
Research. Start researching how you can help your friend accomplish their dream. For the concert, I continually checked Newsboys tour page on their website. I was so excited when a location and date that worked popped up!
Get Your Friend Involved. It's their dream, but for one reason or another, they hadn't been pursuing it. It may be confidence, time, ability, etc. By you doing some of the leg work, it may be enough to jump start them to making progress on accomplishing their dream.
Be an Encourager. Let your friend know you are there to support their journey. From time to time, check in. Ask for next steps and discuss a time frame for accomplishing the steps. Be a cheerleader along the way and before you know it, they'll be accomplishing their dream.

After two years, I was finally able to take my niece (and nephew) to the Newsboys concert. It was an incredible evening. We laughed, sang songs, danced, ate popcorn and enjoyed time together as a family, as I couldn’t leave out my mom and sister. Sure I could have bought Legos, for her birthday, but making a memory that will last a lifetime was so much better. Experience gifts are one of the best gifts you can give. If it helps someone accomplish their dream, even better!

Blessings, Stephanie

About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is a life coach, speaker, daily giver and soon to be author who challenges people to be bold in their actions, accomplish big dreams, and bless others through giving.

You can contact Stephanie by email at stephanie@GivingGal.com.

Dreaming Big April 12, 2016

Today is the Day You Go After What You Want

I’m having surgery tomorrow, it’s scary, but I’m not in control. The scheduler calls to review the operation time, procedure and goes through a series of questions based on information from a prior surgery. The scheduler asked, “Do you have GERD?”

I answer, “No.”

She asks if I’m on any medication for GERD. I say, no.

She then questions, “How did you get rid of GERD?”

I said, “I stopped eating gluten?”

We have a long discussion about it, I tell her I fall off the bandwagon at times, but always revert to restricting gluten.

She says, “I could probably solve a lot of my problems if I could get off caffeine.”

“You CAN get off caffeine,” I said.

No, no I can’t.

Sure you can. Why not?

The questioning goes on for a couple of minutes, and after encouraging her a bit, she gets it and says, “I guess if I were positive I’d have better success.”

It’s a start!

All of that to say, our thoughts dictate many of our actions. They dictate if we not only dream but pursue our dreams and then believe enough in ourselves to accomplish those goals.

There is something you want to do right now, but you’re stuck. Stuck in bad habits. Stuck thinking negatively and you think your situation is never going to change.

I’m here to tell you that’s not true. That’s not true at all.

Change negative thoughts to positive and watch how your life changes.

Two years ago I talked to a group of moms about DREAMING BIG. During the workshop one mom stood up and shared, with a crowd of strangers, she’d always wanted to write a book. She was scared to utter those words. She knew nothing about writing. But guess what? A year after standing up and sharing her dream she submitted her book to a publisher!

She shared her dream, hired me as her coach, we worked on a game plan, she took baby steps and made progress every week, focusing on her goal. She invested time and money into herself, and her life is on an amazing new path. We both have no doubt she’ll be a published author, and we are excited where else God is going to take her.

Today is the day you…

go after what you want.
turn your can’t to can.
stop thinking you’re not worth it. You are!

You were created to do AMAZING things.

Write your dream down. Share it with someone. Write the next three steps you need to take that are going to get you closer to accomplishing your goal. Start taking action!

If I can help, let me know. I’d love to go on the journey with you.

Blessings,

Stephanie

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About the Author:

Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is a writer, speaker, life coach, daily giver and the author of The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life. She challenges people to live their dreams, discover their gifts, and do amazing things.

You can contact Stephanie by email at stephanie@GivingGal.com.

Dreaming Big December 20, 2015

What’s Your Everest?

Sitting on the edge of the tub wincing and talking to myself, turning around from shaving my husband says, "Pull it off quickly."

Yank! Ouch! Jetting up and hopping around I'd done it. I pulled off my toenail and now was in excruciating pain. Sitting back down, I said, "I'm feeling woozy. I may pass out."

I was a little dramatic. But my toe did hurt.

It's been two months since I ran the Chicago Marathon and I'm still feeling the effects. I've lost two toenails in two nights. I'm processing the experience and trying to hold on to my greatest accomplishment of the year, my Everest.

What's that quote by Helen Keller?

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

The quote by Ms. Keller sums ups my training and the marathon. It was not easy and definitely not quiet. Ask my husband. I whined, cried and complained. Every training run came with a trial, from being chased by dogs to jumping in ditches because of distracted drivers. The first couple of months I suffered with every step. I was out of shape and nagging back problems wore on me more mentally than physically.

After crossing the finish line, I knew I had been strengthened, inspired, and success achieved.

Like mile 17, I was still running through a wall. I drew my inspiration for mile 18 from Brian Dickerson, Everest Solo Summiteer, Former USN Air Rescue Swimmer and Author of one of my favorite books, Blind Descent.

Brian and I work at Cisco and I had an opportunity to hear him speak at a company event. After the event, I logged into Amazon and bought his book, Blind Descent. I've been obsessed with Everest for years. A love passed down from my father. I've watched all the movies and read many books on the world's highest peak. If there is an IMAX on Everest I'm there!

My review on GoodReads summed up my feeling for Blind Descent and why Brian was my inspiration for mile 18.

" There are several things in life I’m obsessed with in reading about, Navy Seals and Mt. Everest. I think the draw for me is the understanding of those that are not just physically tough, but extraordinarily mental tough and Brian Dickinson definitely falls into this category. I started the book on a Saturday morning and couldn’t put it down. I’m a slow reader, so I literally did not accomplish anything all weekend except finishing the book. He had my attention in the prologue and never lost it. I might add he had me in tears on page two of the prologue also. This book was written with so much emotion I felt like I was on the journey with him and his family and friends. I’m not sure how one doesn’t believe in God after reading this book. I have ready many books on Everest, the tragedies and stories of survival and this by far is the best I’ve read. Even if you are not into Everest it would still be an excellent read. Anyone going through a struggle or a hurdle they think is impossible needs to read this book. There is always hope."

As I struggled with each step I would think about Brian's journey on Everest. I would think, it's sunny and warm while I'm running. Brian faced subzero temperatures. I had plenty of oxygen and Brian ran out. I was surrounded by thousands of people, cheering and supporting me each step of the marathon. Brian was alone. I could see the path in front of me, read the signs fans created and knew if there was a pothole that needed to be avoided. Brian experienced snow blindness and couldn't see his hand in front of his face.

If Brian could make it off Mt. Everest blind, I was going to make it through mile 18 and I did. No excuses. I suffered through mile 18, but character was developed. I was nearing the peak of my Everest. I ripped off the label with Brian's name etched, gave it a kiss, whispered a thank you and flung it over my shoulder. I was onto #19.

As we approach the New Year, I challenge you to think about what you want to accomplish in 2016? What's your Everest? Here are a couple of steps you can take that will put you on the path to success.

Go read Blind Descent. It will motivate you to Dream Big and pursue those dreams.
Grab a pen and paper, find a cozy, quiet place in your home, and jot down your goals for 2016.
Pick one goal to focus on and write the next three steps you have to take to move towards accomplishing your goal.
Shoot me an email at Stephanie@GivingGal.com or post on my FB wall one thing I can do to help you accomplish your goal. Accountability is key to success!

I'll wrap up with my favorite line from Blind Descent,

"Whatever your mountain is-no matter how impossible it seems at times, no matter how many obstacles you face along the way, and no matter how many people tell you it can't be done- it is possible for you to summit. My parting words are simple: Live life. Create goals, and then chase after them."

Blessings,

Stephanie

If you missed my first 17 miles, you can check out my stories here:

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