..:Week5:.. create ..:Project52:..

Letting your creative juices flow can be such a great relief from stress. Painting, sewing, baking, pottery, or whatever it might be just create something. Pour yourself into a project and let everything else fade into the background for a while. The best part is once it is complete you can look back on it and see all of the work that you have put into it and the product that has come from the time that you have put into it. Something pretty and colorful and beautiful to enjoy or give to someone else. 

..:Week4:.. focus ..:Project52:..

Ahhhh... yes the time has come again. Back in the classroom. Not teaching but learning. Homework assignments, notes, and since it is along with a full time teaching job and my life; a never ending to-do list. But what I have realized from all of this continuous stress is that I need to focus. Wherever I am and whatever the task may be, I need to be present in the moment and put my energy into the place that I am at. It is so easy to become distracted in the world that we live in today... Technology surrounding us, information at our fingertips, and of course much more entertaining things than class. Focus on my students while at work, my studies while at school, being there for the people that matter most for the moments that matter to them, and even finding time to focus on myself. That is what is important and focusing on the present is absolutely necessary in times of stress.

..:Week3:.. reflect ..:Project52:..

Even though I am a summer girl... I can appreciate the rain every now and then. This rainy week has brought lots of time for reflections; shiny rocks, puddles, water everywhere, and most of all me wanting to stay inside and really being able to think. Reflections are a vital part to living a fulfilled life... Look back on all you have done, learn from the mistakes, and take pride in the great accomplishments you have made. Rain is not a common occurrence here in sunny California but when it does come around I try to enjoy the fact that it causes me to slow down and think a bit.

..:Week2:.. plan ..:Project52:..

With the vast amount of things I need to get done, both in the classroom and my real life, this is a must. Lesson planning, homework schedule, birthdays, family events, workout plan, and my never-ending to-do list are just a few of the ways that I make an effort to keep on track. With all of the craziness in this worl it is imoortsnt not only to set goals; but, also to set out a path to reach them.
It may seem tedious and boring but once you are all mixed up in the busy world it is such a relief to be able to just go with the plan rather than scrambling. I am incredibly forgetful so if I don't do this I seriously feel like I forget sooooo many important things! The truth is... when I don't plan I usually get all of my responsibilities comoleted but don't have any time left for the fun meaningful parts of life.
Although you will without a doubt toss the plan out the window sometimes, usually it is really helpful. Just remember that the plan is yours and it is completely up to you to decide what is most important... Be sure to involve loved ones, creativity, and a few free days in the plan too!

..:Week1:.. rejuvenate ..:Project52:..

Wow... 2013 already. Last year zoomed right past me and even though my year was filled with some important accomplishments, lots of laughter, and immeasurable amounts of love there were drfinitely some struggles along the way.
In an effort to soak up all of the incredible things surrounding me, which often go unnoticed I am embarking on a project 52! In hopes of collaborating my love of picture taking, blogging, and the simple things that make life beautiful, each week I will take a step back to soak it all in and reflect. Each week will be summed up in one positive word and of course a photo, that really resignates with me and the place that I am at in this adventure called my life... Another specification of this littk e project is that all of the words will be verbs. Either something I am doing, or at least tryingvto do. I hope to make this s year of action and at the end hope thst I will be glad looking back on akl that I have done!  
So let's get it started! First piece of the puzzle... Rejuvenated! As many people hopefully feel this time of year... a new start! Being that this is my first year of teaching saying that I have been overwhelmed this past year is an understatement... but this wonderful the week vacation has been a blessing! After being able to rest, destress, and really get focused I feel ready to get back in my classroom and finish off the year! I also feel ready to take my whole life on... it is time to breathe life into all that makes me who I am; creativity, loved ones, photography, teaching, and spirituality...
This picture to me represents that feeling when you push through all of the ups and downs... make it to the top... look back on your journey... abd reflect upon how far you've come! Looking forward to aun incredible 2013!