Taylor Swift... here we come!!
Preparing for the big show!
Do you remember your first concert?
Mine was New Kids on the Block and I saw them in 1991 at the Lawlor Event Center in Reno. I will never forget almost passing out from excitement when they all strutted out onto the stage (especially Jordan…….teenage girl sigh). I remember wearing the band t-shirt, ripped jeans, my hair in a side pony tail and singing every word to every song. What a rush – to be in the same building with your favorite band.
Now my daughter, Zoe, is going to her first concert in a few days... – Taylor Swift in Vegas! While I am super excited for her to experience that same moment I felt so many years ago, I’m actually enjoying the lead up to the event. We’ve been listening to Taylor non-stop in the car and trying to guess which songs she’ll play, which ones we can sing at the top of our lungs, which ones we will need to turn our phone on and sway back and forth to. We’ve looked at pictures trying to guess which outfits we might see and how many wardrobe changes she’ll make. A few days ago we went to a friendship bracelet making party as Swifties exchange them at her concerts. Tomorrow we are going shopping so we can have matching outfits (or at least sparkly ones) to wear together. It’s been a really meaningful collection of mother-daughter moments that I don’t want to end after the concert is over.
For me, it’s never about “things” - it’s about “moments and experiences.” When I close my eyes I picture Zoe and I holding hands, singing at the top of our lungs, “Shake it Off.” I see us wearing matching sparkly outfits and having an unforgettable moment together forget. THAT mental picture of shared experiences with those I love is what keeps me going. It keeps my fire lit and inspires me to push onward - driving, fighting and never giving up.
The lesson from all of this is to find what truly makes you happy and use it as your inspiration. I promise you, if you use your true happiness as your inspiration and motivation, you will always find a way to make it happen!!
My daughter, Zoe, and I chasing our happiness in the desert.
It’s time for a happiness inventory!
Take a moment to dig deep and discover your true happiness this month. Create a short list of times you felt your absolute best. What were you doing, thinking, smelling, hearing? Who were you with and where? Paint a detailed picture and write it down. Return back to this when you need some extra motivation or guidance towards the direction that's true for you.