DelaneyGates.com

What People Say

Has anyone ever said something like "Wow, you should do that for a living!", "Wow, you should write a book!" or "Wow, you should make those to sell!" to you?

Maybe you should listen to them. Because, if one person thinks that, with a little networking, marketing and [tactful] self-promotion, I bet other people would think the same thing! You are blessed with your talents for a reason. Share them. Don't let them go to waste.

Did you need to hear that today? Were you looking for a sign about what to do? Well, you just got it.

Have a lovely and creative day, friends.

If you're interested in purchasing the print at the top of this post, click on the image to be taken to the Etsy shop!

Happy Weekend

A lovely photo for a lovely weekend.

Be proactive.

Think happy thoughts.

Do that thing you've been meaning to for ages. 

Try to not worry about what doesn't concern you.

It's much too draining, I'd think.

For you have your own path to walk on.

It may have bumps.

And, twists and turns.

It may not seem as scenic or as straight as someone else's path.

But, it's your path. Your life.

Focus on it.

And, on Him.

He can make your path just as lovely as someone else's.

And, good things can happen for you.

I promise.

Your Path

Recently, the concept of "My Path" has been rolling around in my head. Finding it. Creating it. Navigating it. Actually staying on it. So, today, it really hit home when I found these prints by Small Talk Studio on Etsy! I can't decide which one is my favorite, because each message is equally important: Choose your own path. Never stop. Fortune favors the brave.

Powerful stuff, right?

And, I love the on-trend icons, especially the arrow and the dream catcher. And oh, the colors....understated and very now.

Which one is your favorite?

Have a wonderful weekend. Our family has some fun things ahead. If you follow me on Twitter (@delaneygates) or Instagram (delaneygates), you can get a peek into our plans. :)

Subtract to Add: A Post on Obligations and Time

 Does your life look like this? A lot of amazing things strewn about, but arranged in such a half-hazard manner that you can hardly make sense of anything? Read on.

I've encountered a theme throughout several of the online articles I've read as of late. When this happens, I always assume it's for a reason. And, more often than not, I share my life lesson right here on my blog. After reading what I did in these articles, I've learned that even though we're usually reluctant to give up responsibilities to which we feel obligated, it is okay. Do you know why? (This next sentence really hit home with me.)

 It's because when we remove the "seemingly important" obligations from our life, we create even more time for the things we want to spend time on, like our family. So, what do you want more of? Can you remove something else from your life to achieve that? Is it worth letting someone else take over a task so you can focus on what truly matters? You choose what you spend your time on. Never let society or anyone else choose it for you. Never feel guilty for letting something go because it brings you more time for what you'd rather focus on: school, family, creative time, etc. It's your life! Do what you want.

Note, I could not find the source to the image above, so if you know of it, please let me know and I'll edit to credit properly.

Past the Past

A good verse to take to heart:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past." -Isaiah 43:18 NIV

What does this mean? It means that your life is probably pretty darn amazing. (Well, I truly hope it is!) Focus on yourself. On your present...that one that you've created for youself. Focus on the positive things. On loved ones. On activities that fulfill you. On the many blessings that are so easy to take for granted. It's pretty easy to stop worrying (or obsessing, in some cases) about the former things when one focuses on the positive, present things. You should try it sometime. :)

Tonight, I'm looking forward to an evening spent with Jason and the kiddos at the Cub Scout fall festival. Bobbing for apples, a doughnut-eating contest (Yes, you read that right. I'm going to have to scrape Connor off the ceiling before bedtime!), a chili supper, and Halloween costumes, galore! Priscilla is going to be a pink poodle this year. Connor is going to be a "Master Chief" from the Halo video game series. Last night, we all worked together and made a "Spartan energy sword" to accompany his costume. I'll post photos once it is painted!

Have a lovely afternoon!

Photograph is from dearmachine on Etsy. Click on the photo to see her shop filled with other prints!