Note: Due to a request, this is an updated post for “Goals, Dreams and Deadlines {vs. waggin’ around a dead carcass},” a post I published six months ago as a declaration … a post that deserves an update. At the time, I opted to use this spritely-posed wooden figure instead an image of a carcass. And it just so happens to accurately portrays my current state of mind {and heart}! 
As an eternal optimist, I have personally imagined myself going to the next level {of attempting} to resuscitate deadness {dreams, relationships, hopes, etc.} … My default battle-cry: “It could happen!”
At times, it was like I held on — white-knuckled — to the handle of a large wagon full of deadness! Dreaming of the day it would jump back to life. 
That practice was cremated last year — along with that dang wagon — its ashes flung to the wind! {’cause I don’t need a grave site to visit!}.
It was part of my do-or-die deadline for accepting the aspects of my life that I cannot change.
We need to trust ourselves; and allow as much time as we need to get through the hard things {grief, illness, death, loss of relationship, career or dream, etc.}.
It takes as much time as it takes.
One size does not fit all.
But something in me clicked last year: It was time.
Goals are dreams with deadlines. ~Diana Scharf Hunt
So. I did it. I set a deadline: December 31, 2011
That was my deadline for facing, adapting and dealing with the stuff in my proverbial wagon. It was time. It was so-o time! 
Dreams are the eraser dust I blow off my page.
They fade into the emptiness, another dark gray day.
Dreams are only memories of the plans I had back then.
Dreams are eraser dust and now I use a pen.
~Kelli Schmidt*
I stopped erasing, Braveheart. And I started writing in pen — in every color I could find! I collaged and compiled art-full journals and altered books!
It was messy and painful, tedious and overwhelming — and totally worth it! It was time! And since that date, I have:
- consistently invested my time wisely {balance of solitude, relationships and collaborations, ease and work}; undauntedly the midst of vulnerability — and resisted self-loathing over the times I don’t!
- promoted rest and restorative practices to priority status — as in: if nothing else is accomplished, this is! I attribute this to new lessons learned {and applied} regarding balance {and saying “No.” — which is a complete sentence}
- adopted a policy of “let-go” — it is what it is {… instead of trying “one more time”}
Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go. ~Herman Hesse - continually found comfort in the finite {time; living with MS: energy; strength} … while daring to believe in the sparkly possibilities of infinite {blessed with the faithfulness and love of Bravehearts whose glittery presence prompts me to abide in the space between the two; and beautifully inspiring art, like this, to remind me}
- consistently compiled ideas for creative planning {especially useful for people living with chronic illness} as well as art journaling/outlining e-courses {very excited about this!}
- continued to redesign and revamp this web site to better “fit” the goals I have for its purpose {a new page: Start Here} #babystepscount
- partnered with Mandy Steward {aka @messycanvas} to create TheArtJournaler.com {officially launched on April 1, 2012} ♥
- surrendered my plans of restoring my gardens in exchange for mini herb and flower gardens {as in window box size} and a new fountain and outdoor candles to enjoy while sitting on the patio
- launched a subscription service to provide creative planning prompts {art journaling/planning kits; premium content and instruction; launched this month! yay!}
- made a decision to declare “yes” or “no” {regarding commitments of emotion, time and energy} instead of defaulting to “I can’t” {which feels whiny and limits possibilities}
We all want stuff; we all hope and wish for certain things to be different. And we all confuse goals with pipe dreams and half-hearted wishes. Oh! And … we all avoid deadlines.
However, when something clicks within — when we recognize it is time for a period at the end of our “I want … by …” wishes and declarations {instead of question marks and ellipsis} — deadlines are our allies! ♥
We are often afraid to say “Yes!” and to say when … to the goals {and the dreams and wishes} we keep wrapped so tightly within.
The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. ~Ben Stein
And the second: Letting Go {because what we are holding is occupying the space of what we want.}
And the third: Wrap duct tape around your perfectionism {to incapacitate it and keep it quiet}. 
Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent. ~Mignon McLaughlin
☆҉ ——— waving #magicwand {just in case you needed it!}
Is it time for you?
I would love for you to announce to the world what you will say both YES and WHEN to … And I would love for you to write about it in the comments below.
*FYI—I only post quotes that I can confirm origin. This quote is also cited as being by Edgar Allan Poe … Which I have to doubt due to both the prose, and no reputable verification source {and the history of the use of a pencil with an eraser}.
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