My week of a social media diet proved to be exactly what I expected…I didn’t miss it. Yes I was on social media and did post here and there, but only for the times I allowed myself. I went from checking my phone every 10 minutes to only at lunch and a half hour at night. I realized a couple of things: I was able to enjoy other people and our conversations more without looking at my phone every 5 seconds, and also I realized I didn’t miss anything relevant and actually cleared my mind a bit. It was hard at first not to be checking my phone all the time, but I stuck with it. I read more, focused more, and was actually happier without the drama of Facebook and Instagram. I will not fully cut these things out of my life, but I’m definitely cutting back. It’s about enjoying your life and opening your eyes to the things around you and realizing there are so many things out there to enjoy in this world and those things are very hard to discover when you are glued to social media at all hours of the day. Get out, take a walk, CALL (yes I said call) a family member or friend and actually hear their voice instead of reading a Facebook comment, learn something new, get your eyes off the damn phone or computer and live a life. Sometimes we all try to hide behind a keyboard…I’ve been guilty of this as well. The world is losing the ability to socially interact with each other and I think it’s sad. Trust me, I’m just as guilty as anyone, but I know I want to change that. Try not to let the social media world or internet take over your life. Trust me, you will be better because of it. My life. I choose awesome. Always be you.
Abby
awesome
The reason why I am not thankful today…
I know what you’re thinking, “Oh my god it’s Thanksgiving and this crazy psycho isn’t thankful?!” Now just wait a minute, don’t judge a book by its cover:) I got your attention huh? Let me explain. I AM VERY THANKFUL today, but not just today, each and every day I wake up and take a breath I am thankful. I am thankful for family, a good career, a world of new opportunities and experiences, choosing to be happy, and the list goes on and on. I see so many people only showing and demonstrating thanks on this given holiday and then tomorrow it’s back to complaining about each and everything in their life. From jobs to not making enough money, from being overweight and thinking you’re fat, to flipping off the jack ass who cut you off in traffic then dwelling on it the whole day. From wishing you had a better life to bitching about the fact you didn’t get a $400 60 inch plasma at Best Buy. My career has allowed me to open my eyes to exactly how god damn lucky and blessed I am, this particular job especially. I work with the older population and yesterday it was heart breaking to me how most of them don’t have families that come and see them, or they are medically unable to leave the facility. From the old man in the wheelchair who was ecstatic to take 3 steps after not walking in 6 months, or the young woman who had a stroke and finally was able to stand up for 30 seconds. These people are THANKFUL. Yet today, someone around the world will complain and be pissed off about the fact that the Cowboys lost the game in the last-minute. Four of my co-workers are from the Philippines who have some form of family effected by the typhoon and lost everything. Those people would be thankful for a piece of food or clothing today, or to have that family member they lost. This is the first time in 29 years I will not be with my family for Thanksgiving, and yes I miss them tremendously, but I am so blessed and honored to have an extended family in California whom I can spend this day with because I know many people have nowhere to go. Everyday is not perfect. I have bad days and have to catch myself complaining about stupid shit a lot as well, but the change I’ve made is always thinking how much worse it could be. I don’t have all the money, the looks, or perfection, but I have a damn good life and am grateful today, tomorrow, and everyday moving forward. I love and appreciate everything life has given me as well as my family. So please, tomorrow when Thanksgiving is over, don’t change your thoughts and feelings you have today. I will still be thankful tomorrow for the same things as today. Carry them over to each and everyday of your life. Wake up and live everyday like it’s Thanksgiving and PLEASE choose to be awesome dammit. š
Abby 
One week of no social media…Can you do it?
1 week of no social media. Sounds easy enough right? I will admit that I am somewhat addicted, no not even somewhat, I AM addicted. Facebook and Instagram being the two major culprits.
I am challenging myself to slowly decrease my time on social media to make time for other important things in life. That shit pulls you in people. And let’s be honest, is it really relevant that we check our Facebook’s every 10 minutes because we might miss something important? Come on, tell me that last important, had to die for information you got from Facebook? That your best friend’s brother’s cousin is no longer in a relationship with someone you don’t even know? The more I think about it, I’m not really sure what the last important thing I saw on Facebook that absolutely was glad I didn’t miss! Instagram is even worse for me. I’m not sure why I continue to check that damn thing every half hour only to see another shout out from another account trying to get more followers, or another picture of someone showing me what the hell they are eating, or another ego driven individual taking a half-naked selfie (which they probably took at least 10 times to get the right pose and right lighting). Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done all these things and posted these things but does anyone really care that much? Probably not. I have to ask myself, “Why does this shit intrigue me?” And honestly I cannot give you an answer as to why I continue to be drawn in by all of it. It is now just a habit I’ve formed and I’m wanting to change it. Now, social media definitely has its place. I do enjoy seeing what my family members are up to that I don’t get a chance to see often, and I also think that social media is great for businesses to network and for promotion as well, I’m just saying I have a problem and an addiction to it! I am starting with an hour a day and will slowly decrease time from there to eventually where I can find a balance:) Each week I am trying to break or change a bad habit I have and also to start a new habit, a good one. The first quest is to start limiting my time on social media each day and make room for areas in my life that I feel are much more important. I feel I’ve wasted too many hours of really nothing and now it’s time to change that! If anyone is up for the challenge with me let’s do it! I am challenging myself weekly to be better and improve different areas of my life, and I challenge everyone to do the same. If you feel like you are spending hours on social media but making excuses of why you can’t do other things in your life, let’s change it. I will update you every few days of my challenge to see how things are going:) Here is my first plan of attack and it starts today:
1-I will only check social media during my lunch and allow myself 30 minutes at night.
2-During this time is the only time I can post something on my accounts.
My goal by the end of this week is to have my social media time down to only 1 hour per day. I’m going to find other things to occupy my time and let’s see how productive I can be without as much social media in my life:)
I leave you with this article explaining why Facebook is similar to crack…And remember, this is my life, my choices, and I choose to be awesome. Always be you.
Abby
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-judson-brewer/social-media-addiction_b_4079697.html
Did I just road trip across country again?! Yep…Willie Nelson style
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5 days and 4 states later, I am at my destination of Lancaster, CA. This is my home for the next three months as I fulfill another 13 week assignment. In 5 days I drove through 4 states, saw amazing mountains, deserts, and beaches. There was a lot of IPod shuffle going on and Podcasts for days. Let me tell you, it’s amazing some of the songs I had on my IPod I was totally unaware of. Anyways, my pit stops were no name New Mexico, Tucson, and San Diego. I have been wanting to come to California for a long time now to work, however, in my profession you need a license in each state you work in and let’s just say that Cali was quite the process. But all is good now and I’m here! The opportunity that came up couldn’t have worked out any better. I was able to get a position near one of the cities I wanted to experience (Los Angeles) and am grateful and blessed to be able to stay with family friends right near my job! All things happen for a reason people, I truly am a believer in that concept. So now I yet again am able to experience the California and LA culture, but back to the purpose of this blog, the road trip.
Believe it or not, the 1500 miles it took to get here didn’t seem that long. I had beautiful scenery along the way and even got to spend Ā a few days with a new great friend in San Diego. I have never been even remotely west in my life besides Dallas, TX. The mountains through New Mexico as well as Arizona were breath taking. Also, driving by myself I had a lot of time to reflect and think. I thought about many things on my trip. I came to the conclusion that my life right now is the complete opposite it’s been for the past 28 years. For example, Abby a year ago: Scared, never took chances, boring, non adventurous, wanted to stay in the safe/comfort zone at all times, non social, depressed and letting each day go by without “living.” Abby today: The complete and utter opposite of each and every term I just described me as previously. I’m out to live life and jump at new opportunities, meet amazing people, and have a hell of a good time doing it. Many may ask, “why did you change so much, what happened?” It’s funny because I thought at the time, the thing that happened to me was the worst thing in the world and my life was over, turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. I won’t go into detail, but as I was lying on my couch for who knows how many days in a row from depression, I simply made a decision that I didn’t want that life anymore. I didn’t want to be depressed. I made a decision to get up, get going, start my life over, and never look back. Not looking back has led me to amazing new experiences, amazing new opportunities, amazing new friends, and an amazing life. Not everyday is perfect, I will be honest. However, I still believe I have an amazing life now, even if it’s not all great ALL the time. The days that aren’t great I forget about and move on to the next. Each day I get to experience is a great day in my book, good or not so good.Ā
Sorry about my ramble, I got a little off topic there. Back to the point of this blog, my road trip. FYI, the Prius was the best investment ever….Just saying that if you are traveling across country every few months, getting 48 mpg is a huge money saver. Anyways, the pics at the top are ones I took along the way. Some of them yes I was driving, which probably isn’t the smartest thing to do, but hell I had to get some pictures somehow! I promise I was extremely careful and I didn’t text and drive:) Good night my awesome people, and stay with me on this journey in Cali. I have a good feeling about it….As always, live awesome.
Abby
What happens in Vegas
Ahhhh Vegas….The city that never sleeps…Very true. I stayed up until 5 am the entire weekend when typical me would have been fighting to keep my eyes open at 10 o’clock. They honestly pump that place full of oxygen allowing you to stay up extra late to spend and lose money. I am by no means a “clubber” or whatever you call it, but somehow couldn’t turn down the VIP table along with free drinks all night that were offered to the girls and I. I danced my ass off for 5 hours straight with a group of 30 something wall street/investment banker men on their annual “live it up” weekend away from their girlfriends/wives. It’s true, you really can get married in like a second if you want. I wisely chose not to. The casinos were amazing, as well as the lights, people, and night life in general. As far as money goes, I think I pretty much broke even, and that was thanks to finding a $100 bill on the ground at the casino. The reason I was visiting Vegas was to attend the 2013 Mr. Olympia Expo so I didn’t check out any shows, but I’m saving that for next time. The weekend was crazy! It was unreal to see so many muscles, six pack abs, and spray tanned individuals. The expo was one of a kind, and I actually had to go buy another suitcase to put all the supplements, samples, shaker bottles, and t-shirts I received.
I did not get to experience any shows, but I will be back. I met lots of new people, and finally got to meet a few Facebook friends I have literally known for like 3 years but never met in person. The girls I met were amazing, and I now have lifelong friends. I didn’t get to go to any shows only being there a few days, but definitely next time. Trust me, there will be a next time. In case you’re wondering, yes I saw plenty of Elvis impersonators as well as other “characters.”
If you have never been to Vegas I would highly recommend at least once in your life trying to get there. I will warn you that you will need to plan a second trip because there is too much there to see and do. You possibly can’t do it all at once. So start planning YOUR Vegas vacation, and possibly a second or third….As always, live awesome!
Abby
So much to do, so little time!
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These next few weeks are going to be crazy for me! I get to knock out a few bucket list items as well as start yet ANOTHER journey! I couldnāt be more excited! I leave in a few days to fly to Las Vegas and attend the 2013 Olympia Weekend/Expo. For those that donāt know what that is, you probably live under a rock, just kidding, but really, itās the Olympics of bodybuilding. Itās not everyoneās cup of tea, but I love the sport so this is an exciting thing for me! Iāve always wanted to go experience the Olympia weekend, plus, Iāve never been to Vegas so itās a win win! I will fly to Vegas and back to Dallas late Sunday night, pack Monday, then head on my new adventure to California! I accepted a travel assignment there about a week ago. Northern Los Angeles is where Iām headed. It was a place I had in mind I wanted to go work for an assignment. I somehow keep getting blessed with exact places I want to experience. Iām so excited to start new in Cali, and I feel like I will fit in well there. I have enjoyed my time in Texas, donāt get me wrong, but I feel like my āstyleā is more California. Dallas has been good, but itās just too industrial for me. I want to do outdoor adventures, go to beaches, hike, surf, you get the point. When you live somewhere that is basically just sky scrapers and business suits the only place I can hike around here is the top floor of the Omni hotel. Now who knows, I may get to California and hate it (doubtful), but it could happen. It doesnāt scare me. Try and fail means way more to me then regret. Living awesome is about stepping out of your comfort zone to find out what life has to offer you. Quit being scared and just do it. I love the fact of trying something new all the time. Why not try new things step into the unknown? Thatās where you find the things you want in life. Iām not sure where my place is at in this world, but itās about the journey and not the destinationā¦Let the journey āresume.ā As always, live awesome.
Abby
You donāt have to agree with my choices, but respect them.
Donāt lie. We have all been critical of others. At some point in our lives we have criticized someone because of the way they dress, speak, look, how they live, what they eat, etc. I will admit, Iāve done it. I used to do it all the time. However, when people started to criticize me and the way I live and do things is when I said to myself, āthey donāt even know me or my storyā, and it was then that I decided to not be critical of others anymore. It was then I said I would get to know someone before I made an opinion about them, and even if I didnāt agree with their choices, I would respect them. We all have the right to be who we want to be in this world. Frankly, itās none of my business how someone dresses, eats, and lives. If their choices make them happy, I respect that. Whoās to say that MY opinions are right anyways? They are my thoughts and my preferences. That is what makes life great. We all have the choices to be whoever we want to be. Itās great to be an individual. People are the way they are for a reason. We often judge others based on our own backgrounds and experiences. If you want to know something about someone, ask them. Know someoneās story before you are quick to judge them. You may be judging someone on something they cannot control.
When I did my first figure competition, oh god were people critical. āSheās on steroids, she looks like a man, she must be starving herself, she probably doesnāt eat, blah blah.ā Did it bother me at first? Yes. Does it bother me now? No. In fact, it makes me laugh. I know exactly what I did to get to that day on stage, and most of the criticisms people made were false. Regardless of what you do, you must not care what people think of you. I know this sometimes can be hard, but no matter what, there will ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS someone who will judge you in a negative way. You cannot please everyone in this world, and if you spend your time trying to convince that ONE negative person who criticizes you, youāre missing out on all the people who respect you. Trying to make that ONE person happy is a waste of your time. That one person will always put you down no matter what. Donāt make time for people like that in your life. Living happy means being surrounded by people who are willing to know your story and respect you and your choices. I donāt have time for people who are going to tear me down. Thatās why I donāt pay attention to them. I do a lot of things in my life that people donāt understand. I have plenty of habits that others donāt. But if you are willing to ask me and get to know me, you may be surprised as to why I do the things I do. Instead of talking behind someoneās back, ask them their story. If you still donāt agree, thatās ok, still give them respect. Live as an individual and be different. If things you love are not the ānormā itās ok. Happiness is what everyone strives for in this life, so donāt judge someoneās happiness. That is for them to decide. As always, live awesome.
Abby
1.15 Billion Dollars of pure Awesomeā¦..Jerrasicpark aka AT&T Stadium
Last night I decided to do one of the top things Iāve had on my bucket list for years. Being a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan (donāt judge me) Iāve always wanted to go to a home football game. When I took a contract in Dallas I knew that if I did NOTHING else while I was here, I had to go to a game, and that I did. Now, I donāt care if you are or are not a Dallas Cowboys fan, if you ever have the chance to visit the stadium, take it. In one word. Unbelievable. From the 2,100 inch HD screen, to the site specific artwork, and the various live music throughout the venue, there is much more to see than just the action on the field. Mr. Jerry Jones outdid himself I must say. The venue is like a damn amusement park. An all out party! Iāve never been to any sporting event where each level has a live band playing the ENTIRE game. Not to mention the fans who paid to not even have a seat at the game but a āstanding room onlyā party pass. Truly one for the record books. Here are some of the pics I took before my phone died last night.
Iāve decided that whenever I complete an item on my bucket list, Iām going to share it, review it, and blog about it. I will try to have an exciting life and exciting things to write about, I promise. š Maybe I should do things other people have on their bucket list, you know, in case they never get the chance I can do it for you…sort of kidding but not really. Now thereās an idea! Hmm..may have to ponder on that idea for awhile.
As always, live awesome.
Abby
Just because Iām alone, does not mean Iām lonely
Since I started this travelling gig, I have learned to be alone. I have learned to go into unfamiliar places and to depend on no one but myself. I go into a city not knowing a single person. I have the ability to make friends and talk to people no matter where Iām at. I have the ability to put myself out there and discover new things. But sometimes, I want to just be alone. Am I depressed? Lonely? Sad? Nope..I just want to be alone! At 29 years old, I am finally starting to figure out the person I am, but I will never stop learning or discovering things about myself. Life is always a journey. For those that donāt know about me, I have been divorced over a year now. I basically took a huge leap of faith and completely changed my life. So far, itās been the best decision Iāve ever made. Back to my point, I will put it to you this way, I actually like being alone. It doesnāt scare me and it doesnāt bother me. I honestly think that people donāt spend enough time alone, reflecting and learning to grow as a person. Now, do I think as humans we need interactions with others as well? Of course I do, but I think that there is no shame in wanting to spend time with yourself. I know it has allowed me to become a better person and truly discover what I want in life. I donāt have to be around people all the time. I can go out by myself and experience things without the need of someone else. Sorry, but Iām not missing out on something in life because I donāt have anyone to do anything with. If you truly want to live a happy life, you have to be dependent on yourself, trust yourself, and not look for the dependence or approval of others for things you want to do. Happy Sunday everyone.
Abby
Be a āDOERā dammit
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Reaching and achieving a goal is one of the most awesome feelings in the world. Am I right? Whether itās a weight loss goal, education goal, family goal, career goal, etc. Finally achieving something you have set your mind to and accomplished feels awesome. Many times however, there are dreams and goals we feel like are so far out of our reach. At the first sign of defeat we quit, and never fully see the potential or basically give up on our dream or goal. Iām here to tell you that if you want something bad enough, you will figure out a way to do it. No matter how long it takes. It may be something that will take years to accomplish, but at the end of the day it doesnāt matter how long it takes us to achieve a goal, what matters is that you achieve it. In order to reach a specific goal, there needs to be action that will have to take place. You ABSOLUTELY cannot achieve anything if you donāt put in the work to get shit done. There are a lot of ātalkersā in this world and not enough ādoers.ā Let me explain.
Talkers-The people that have big, beautiful plans to do this and do that. They will tell you their brilliant ideas, and talk about them all day long. Yet you never see them putting forth any effort towards their goals. I know many people like this. I used to be one of them. In fact, I will say that I still portray some traits as a talker, but am slowly coming out of that world. You can talk all day long, but no action means no results. Everything looks good on paper.
Doers-While the talkers are wasting their time just āsayingā their goals out loud and how they will achieve them, the doers are actually putting in the time, effort, and work required to succeed. The doers of the world are on top.
Tips on becoming a doer:
- Come up with a goal and an action plan.
- Write down your goal, read it daily, and visualize achieving it. Writing an action plan (which I will go over on future blog) which includes the steps necessary to achieve the long term goal.
- Make time to achieve your goal.
- Set aside time each day to progress towards the goal you want to achieve. The time spent is up to you, whether itās 2 hours or 30 minutes, make SOME time which is better than no time.
- Come up with reasons of why you can instead of why you canāt.
- Quit making excuses or saying you donāt have time. Remember, if your goal is important, you will make time.
- When you fail at something, think of a different way.
- Doers will fail time and time again. What makes them different from talkers is that they will find a different way instead of quitting. Remember, there are a million ways to skin a cat. Maybe not a million, but you get the idea.
Letās put this into action. One of my goals I have wanted to accomplish for a while is to learn Spanish. I wonāt lie, Iāve been ātalkingā about learning a second language for months now. I bought a beginner course about 2 months ago and it still sits on my desk unopened. Now Iām ready to take action and learn! My action plan to achieve my goal is to set aside 20 minutes per day to study. In my future blogs I will elaborate more on the steps of becoming a doer. I could write all night on goal setting, achievement and steps for success. There is no better feeling than self-fulfillment and accomplishment. With that being said, always be a doer, and always live awesome.
Ā
Abby
Living Awesome Project 