Lamisha Serf-Walls

Dreams, Goals, and Bucket List Items

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This evening I took some time to review my list of dreams located on my blog as I wanted to see what still fit and what didn’t.  I also planned on adding a few items that I have been thinking about for a few weeks, and I realized something.  The items I listed on my “Dreams” page weren’t all dreams.  In face I found they fit into one of three categories; Dreams, Goals, or Bucket List Items.  I had never really thought about the difference myself, but tonight I was struck by the various “dreams” I had listed, and realized that each had a different feel to me.  So what is the difference?

Dreams

For me dreams come from a place of passion and desire.  There is a spark and a constant inspiration to achieve these items. For me personally my dreams invoke a sense of service to others in an attempt to touch lives and to inspire, motivate, and create positive change, both with my clients and in the world as a whole.  These are the things I don’t go a day without thinking about.  They are the things you can find me talking about to anyone that will listen.  And though they may take longer to achieve, the fire is still burning bright.  They are things I need to do and in some cases are the very things I feel called to do.  My life purpose if you will.

Goals

Goals on the other hand are more checkpoints or markers on my journey.  These are things that aren’t a necessity in my soul, but are more of an accomplishment.  You might even say these are ego driven in how specific they may be. At some point I may have a goal that sets a specific number of clients in a month or amount of money I want to bring in from writing each month.  My goals are things I want to accomplish and are things I strive for, but they are not things I think about daily.

Bucket List Items

My bucket list items are simply that.  Things I want to do or experience to enhance the fun and adventure in my life.  Things I want to try that I have never tried, places I want to visit etc.  They are things that would enhance my experience in this life and are likely to teach me lessons along the way, but are purely for the experience.

Each of these categories of things, accomplishments, and intentions are slightly different from the other, but they are all areas that are important to me.  And though I may not complete all of the items on every list this year, I am sure that by simply having the list, I will accomplish more than I would otherwise.

Please visit my updated list here, and feel free to share your own dreams, goals, or bucket list items.  I would love to hear about them!

Gratitude: Fresh Flowers and Spring Weather

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I forgot how much I love the beauty and smell of fresh flowers until today. Today my partner and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary and I bought her flowers as a gift. I found they were just as much a delight for myself as they were a gift for her. There is something about smelling the wonderful smell of flowers inside the house and bringing a little bit of nature indoors. I love being outside and love the visual beauty that flowers provide, along with distinct, yet subtle aroma as well. And so, today I am so grateful for the beauty and aroma that fresh cut flowers bring.

I am also grateful for spring weather. I am well aware that we are in the midst of winter in various places around the U.S. and many areas have recently experienced blizzard like conditions, however today we were blessed in South Carolina with warmer than normal conditions. As I write this, there is a gentle breeze floating in the window with the distinct smell that reminds me of late spring and early summer. The temperature is just right and reminds me of one of my favorite times of year. For this distinct moment, I am grateful.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy each and every moment. Thanks for reading!

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Flowers for my love!

Gratitude: Time With My Son

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I normally post two things on Fridays that I am thankful for, but today I am sticking to just one.  In light of the horrible tragedy that has happened in Connecticut today, my mind is taken to how grateful I am for my son.

Children are such a blessing and like all parents, I think our little guy is extra special.  He is funny, silly, but at times oh so serious.  He reminds me to enjoy life, to live in the moment, and not worry so much, except now I must worry about him.  Our son is such a gift and I can’t imagine not being able to hear his laugh or hear him say “Momma! What are you doing?” 100 times a day like he does now.

My heart breaks for the parents who lost their children today, but also for the world we live in that has so much violence, children aren’t even safe in schools.  I wish for us all to live in a world of peace, supporting, uplifting, and encouraging one another.  Not one of anger, deceit, and violence.  I want my son to be able to grow up in a world that doesn’t experience such hate and sadness, but instead cooperation and love.  And while I can’t change the world all by myself, I can do my part, little by little, day-by-day.  And in the midst of all the pain and suffering, I can remember to be grateful for the light, joy, and peace that still exists in this world of ours.

So today I am thankful for the time I get with my son.  The sweet moments when he just wants to be close and feel secure.  The hugs, kisses, and nights when he just wants to snuggle up and watch a movie with his mommies.  For the silly dance parties and tickle fights.  For story time, bath time, and play time.  For the songs we sing, the games we play, and the meals we share, I am grateful.  But most of all I am grateful for the little boy we were blessed with almost 3 years ago. May we never forget how precious life is, and how blessed we are to spend time with our children and loved ones each day.

Tell your loved ones you love them today.  Hug them tighter than ever before and pray for peace in the hearts of the parents, teachers, children, and the entire community that was touched by this tragedy today.  It is up to us to make a difference in this world.  Now is the time.

Not My Best

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This week has certainly been a doozy, with much to do at work and home, both leaving me virtually brain-dead at the end of the day.  I must say that I have not been in the best of moods and have found that I have been much more negative than usual.  Everyday annoyances are getting to me and I am presented with so many changes at once I’m afraid I am not at my best.

I considered not posting until I was feeling more positive, but I decided that if I am going to be authentic with my writing and share my journey with you, I can’t just share the good stuff.  Life ebbs and flows and as I move through it constantly learning and growing, there are bound to be down moments.

This is but one.

This week I have been hit with many changes in my work responsibilities (including more work to do), my work schedule, and new opportunities for my writing.  As a person that isn’t best friends with change (especially a lot of change at once), you can imagine the discomfort that I might be feeling.  It’s nothing I can’t handle and I am sure I will find a new flow and routine, but right now it’s all a bit much.  Somehow accepting that fact makes dealing with it a little bit better.

Instead of complaining about how things are or wishing them to be different, I am accepting it for what it is.  Not only that, but I don’t know what these changes could lead to. I am instead allowing the flow of change to occur, (after all there are some things you just can’t change) and instead changing my response.  I am not fighting the current.  And while I have been drained and just plain tired this week, I know it will pass and I will soon be back to my positive, energetic self.

In the meantime I will look at this moment as an opportunity to learn the lessons of patience, acceptance, and faith.  Patience in my journey, acceptance for what is, and faith that all will work out how it is meant to for my highest good (of course not without a bit of action on my part).

That action right now is to take care of my immediate need for rest and relaxation.  It means looking at the bright side of the changes and the possible opportunities that can come out of them.  (I might actually have time to begin my book!)  It means learning to welcome change instead of allowing it to turn my life upside down.  It finding balance with the “new”.

But at this very moment it means taking a hot shower, getting into some comfy clothes, and getting a good night’s rest!