Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no mater how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles.
(Og Mandino)

The middle of 2010 has come and gone, and yet I’m finding it hard to believe that half the year is behind us. For weeks, I’ve been referring to February like it wasn’t that long ago—and I’m still finding myself writing 2009 at the top of my journal.

Time is a tricky creature that I’ve let run wild for the first part of this year. Even though the last 6 months have felt like a whirlwind, I’m proud of my top 6 accomplishments from January to June.

When I sat down to reflect, I came up with the following list:

*Landed a new job that’s better aligned with my core values

*Became a guest blogger and recorded a podcast with Kimberly Wilson

*Celebrated 2 years of love and fun with my mister

*Increased my net worth significantly and took a big chunk out of le debt

*Connected with a rock star mentor, @GwenBell

*Created an inspirational ‘office’ area in a tiny nook of my apartment

The image above is a slice from my journal. I am excited about the goals I set for the 2nd half of 2010. There aren’t a lot of numbers or deadlines (a departure from my typical goal-setting strategy), but more of a focus on how I want to feel when I reflect back on these next 6 months at the conclusion of this year.

What about you? Have you spent some time considering your accomplishments from the last 6 months? This part of the process is often overlooked, but it is just as important as setting goals. Take a moment to praise yourself for all you’ve done!

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:

That the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamt would have come their way.

I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets, ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’

(W.H. Murray)

Hello lovelies! I hope you’re having a wonderful week filled with productivity and happiness. Things have been going really well in my part of the universe. My new job is great—I’m feeling less like a novice and am settling into a groove that feels right. I’m also getting more energized about blogging, tweeting and keeping up with all you creatively gorgeous souls.

This weekend I am planning on catching up on my google reader, responding to emails and dreaming up some goals for the future. It’s time to revisit my intentions for the site and reconnect to the essence of why I love blogging.

When I started this blog last September, I explained it as a journey, “…a venture through creative forests and inspirational waters. A space for us to share our insights and musings on everything from yogic breath to pink toe nails… an opportunity to spread my limbs, to travel through time, to discover my inner artist, to pursue a more authentic life.”

I feel the same way I did 7 months ago when I launched the site, and I’m looking forward to what the future will bring.  I am excited to continue my pursuit to make each day a bit more extraordinary than the last, and I hope you will happily join me!

image credit: vinothchandar(away)

quote via: the goethe society of north america

We realize our dilemma goes deeper than shortage of time;
it is basically a problem of priorities.
We confess, We have left undone those things that ought to have done;
and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.
(Charles E. Hummel)

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals and intentions. Since turning 25, my idle thoughts have drifted towards the future and where I want to be in the next (gasp!) 25 years. For some reason, it’s hard to imagine that far into the future.

That might be because lately I’ve been really concerned with my day-to-day and have been less focused on my long-term dreams. Even though I’ve shared my musings on priorities and perspective, it still feels like I’m stuck in a rut.

This is a positive, inspirational blog meant to shine with love, sparkle and joy. It’s my sacred creative outlet and a piece of our cherished community. A place where we can explore our hearts and do our best to make every day an extraordinary adventure.

Because of this, I have shied away from revealing too many dark or twisty pieces of my life—the negativity and gloomy days that find their way into otherwise beautiful weeks. It can sometimes feel like I’m being dishonest or hiding bits of who I am. I know this is a common struggle amongst bloggers. I’ve been touched by those who have shared similar feelings before.

Like I said, I’ve been thinking a lot about goals and intentions. I have also been wondering why I let being busy become such an easy excuse for blogging less. I truly love blogging, tweeting and connecting with all of you. I’ve had to make small adjustments because of my new job, but there’s another reason why I’ve been quiet that I have been too scared to share with you.

Remember back when I hosted the Good Karma Gift Swap? A truly amazing group of bloggers participated. It seemed as though the swap was going to finish up as planned, with everyone sending a gift and everyone receiving one in return. It was my intention to wrap it all up with a comprehensive post that linked back to all the swappers’ individual blog posts on the experience.

Somehow (snow storms, postal service mishap, indifference, disorganization, life) there were a few participants who sent gifts and received nothing in their mailbox. I fell behind on my answering of emails and management of the project, and eventually let time slip away. It’s been two months since I launched the swap and since then I’ve wondered how to reconcile the situation.

It might sound strange, but I’m embarrassed the swap didn’t turn out as planned and I wish I had dealt with it head-on when things began to slip up. As the weeks crept by, it seemed to make more sense to just carry on without a recap post.

What would you do? Would you be interested in reading a review of the bloggers who swapped good karma gifts back in February? Or would you recommend moving on and learning from the experience?

In my heart, I think it’s time I pick my head up and out of the sand, resurface, reconnect and begin to look towards the future. Dream about what lies beyond today’s to-do list and tomorrow’s agenda. Remember to make every day an extraordinary adventure.

Maybe even work on hosting another swap someday…

image credit: tanakawho

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and
seemingly secure, to embrace the new.
But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,
for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
(Alan Cohen)

Hello fabulous ones. How’s your week going? Mine has been super full! It seems that making a major change (like starting a new job) will do that to someone. Training is going great and I’m finally getting into the groove. Something really cool happened to me on Sunday that I’m dying to share with you…

Kimberly Wilson interviewed me for her podcast!

I’ve literally listened to every single podcast she’s ever put out. I began listening back in college and always wondered what it would be like to be an artsy, creative, blogger chick. I still can’t believe that I’m on the other side of things now. It really is a dream come true.

I will definitely let you know when the podcast goes live. I’m a bit nervous to hear how it turns out, but also very excited to soak it all in.

Kimberly made me feel comfortable and confident during the call. She asked so many great questions! I was honored that she highlighted my Modern Girl’s Manifesta and guest blogging over at Tranquility du Jour. My heart skipped a beat when she asked if I’ve thought about writing a book someday—seriously? I would love to.

edit: The podcast has gone live. Click here to listen to it!

photo credit: kennymatic

Sometimes you have to let go, to stake your claim.
Be still, to move forward. Give, to receive.
Cry, to feel the joy. Pretend, to make it real.
Fake it, before you make it.
And sometimes, oddly enough, you must first decide
to feel their love, to find it was there all along.
(Notes from the Universe)

Hello gorgeous souls. A reminder to those of you who are participating in my Good Karma Gift Swap, today is mail day! Please do your best to send all packages before the post office closes today.

Remember that your package should include 4 gifts—a treat that calms, something that comforts, a bit of celebration and a piece the promotes creativity. If you have any questions, send me an email or message on twitter.

I’ll be connecting with each of you this week via email to make sure everything goes smoothly. I’m so excited to see everyone’s blog posts about the good karma (and gifts) they receive. Thanks again for your participation. Happy swapping!

photo credit: moi – package from stephanie @ heart piercing life

The greatest gift you will ever learn
is just to love, and be loved in return.
(Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge)

Hello sweet souls. I hope you’re having a fantastic start to February! I simply adore this month. It’s full of chocolate, sparkles, hearts and joy—what’s not to like?

In an act of celebration, I am inviting you to join me in my first Good Karma Gift Swap.

If you heart snail mail and want to participate, please leave a comment below with a favorite way to pamper yourself.

This experience is all about sending love and getting love in return. It’s a chance to make a fellow blogger’s day. All you have to do is gather 4 unique gifts that will delight your swap buddy (nothing expensive, just pour your heart into it).

A few juicy details:

Be sure to include 4 gifts—a treat that calms, something that comforts, a bit of celebration and a piece the promotes creativity.

To participate, you must have a blog + need to be willing to ship internationally.

Registration ends Friday at midnight. Leave a comment below to join in on the fun.

Surveys will go out Saturday—please take a moment to respond over the weekend.

Swap buddy details will be emailed early next week.

With the help of your swap buddy’s survey answers, you will be able to send a completely custom and totally thoughtful Good Karma Gift Swap package.

Please mail parcels by Wednesday, February 17.

Open, enjoy and blog about your package when you receive it!

By leaving a comment below, you are agreeing to the details outlined above. If you have any questions or special requests, please send an email to hello AT kaileenelise DOT com.

Are you lovelies ready to start swapping? Let the good karma and snail mail love begin…

photo credit: williams-sonoma

The joy of brightening other lives,
bearing each others’ burdens,
easing other’s loads and
supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts
becomes for us the magic of Christmas.
(WC Jones)

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you are enjoying safe, uneventful travels. I’m writing this from the airport and am looking forward to being home with family for a few days.

Before I leave Raleigh, I wanted to make sure I thanked you for all the holiday wishes and kind words about my exciting news—I couldn’t do any of this without you.

It was my honor to host a small gift swap this holiday season. With the help of Chelsea and Carolyn, a group of creative and inspiring bloggers exchanged gifts of cheer, sparkle, sweets and warmth. Pictures from each swap are included below—the links will take you to their blog posts on the exchange.

Chelsea Bea from Pencil Skirts and Pearls ♥ Kaileen Elise

Chelsea got me the sweetest assortment of goodies—including delicious chai tea, a bright red personal-sized tea pot, a cozy cream scarf, a decadent lavender sachet, yummy homemade caramel popcorn and this gorgeous print. My favorite part of the gift were two notes Chelsea emailed along—one to read before opening and one to read after. It took all the willpower I had to not read the letters before my package arrived! I loved everything, in case you can’t tell. Thanks Chelsea!

Kaileen Elise ♥ Maryam from Pamplemouse

Maryam ♥ Carolyn from Hang On Little Tomato

Carolyn ♥ Kylie from The Ooh La La Life

Kylie ♥ Melita from Gussying Up the Tuttle

Melita ♥ Chelsea from Pencil Skirts and Pearls

My Pretty Pennies ♥ City Girl

photo credits: via weheartit | me | maryam | carolyn | kylie | melita | chelsea | mpp | city girl

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.
Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas,
the way we live, what is happening.
(Coco Chanel)

A few years ago, a friend recommended I check out a podcast called Hip Tranquil Chick. She thought I might like it since we were both taking yoga classes and trying to infuse the things we were learning into our daily lives.

There was no way either one of us could have guessed that a wave of inspiration would break from her simple suggestion.

It’s funny how life works out that way.

As the months passed, I read Kimberly Wilson’s first book and her blog. I listened to every podcast she put out and even worked my way through all the archives on iTunes.

When I started my blog back in September, I thought about Kimberly and all that she has accomplished. I remembered how she broke free from her 9-5 by starting a yoga studio out of her apartment. I wondered if she ever felt like I did—on the brink of something so exciting, yet so scary.

In October I learned that Kimberly was looking for guest bloggers—to help alleviate some of the workload she had taken on since beginning a master’s program in social work. I was excited and scared, but I applied any way and hoped for the best.

Earlier this week, she unveiled the guest blogger team and placed me amongst a group of talented writers, artists and entrepreneurs. It is really quite surprising to be in such inspiring company.

Starting January 6, every Wednesday you can find me over at Tranquility du Jour musing on all things stylish—from trendy accessories and classic must-haves, to apartment decor and sassy stationery. Please visit me over there and let me know if there’s something about your signature style that you’re dying to explore…

photo credit: Coco Before Chanel

PS. Come back tomorrow for a holiday love gift swap wrap up, just in time for Christmas Eve!

The outdoor Christmas lights, green and red and gold and blue and twinkling,
remind me that most people are that way all year round—
kind, generous, friendly and with an occasional moment of ecstasy.
But Christmas is the only time they dare reveal themselves.
(Harlan Miller)

They say that when it rains, it pours—and it seems like life has been raining and pouring down on me this week. Strangely, I am both overwhelmed and overjoyed for this holiday season. A number of wonderful things have happened the last few days and a handful of tricky situations have bubbled up to the surface.

As with all challenging times, I am trying to find the calm within the storm.

I am looking forward to…

quiet time with family and cheerful exclamations of joy
the warmth of the sun on my skin and the chill of snow on my nose
reflections of this year’s accomplishments and contemplations of next year’s goals

It’s a busy time for all of us and I promise to catch up more soon. In the meantime, please know I am thinking of you and sending twinkling holiday thoughts your way.

photo credit: photoinsajd via weheartit

No kind action ever stops with itself.
One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed.
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions,
and the roots spring up and make new trees.
The greatest work that kindness does to others
is that it makes them kind themselves.
(Amelia Earhart)

I have connected with some amazing people through this blog and twitter community. One of those ladies is Micaela over at Dolce Vita. After a confusing series of events we quickly became email buddies—discovering a shared love for the great state of Texas and the idea of “paying it forward.”

Then one day, the most wonderful present found it’s way to my doorstep.

Her blog is an inspiring collection of love, words and images. It was no surprise that the package she sent suited my taste—down to every detail.

Micaela, thank you for sending me a little of your sparkle and for paying it forward. I will repay the favor when you least expect it.

image credit: ScarlethWhite via Flickr