Category: Goals

Bravery, Goals, Roadmap to My Dreams, Spring, Strength, Wisdom

Spring Renewal

Mona Alvarado Frazier




Three days ago the sun shone brightly enough to push me outside and set myself to weeding, mulching, and pinching my potted geraniums. 

I wanted to plant the freesia that is getting too big for its britches, but I couldn’t bear to move it from my patio table to a place where I wouldn’t be able to see it from my bedroom window.

Today the gray and gloom of impending rain waits outside my patio door.That’s typical Southern California coastal weather for you. 
That’s spring here in my hometown.

This had me thinking of the winter months, renewal, the new season, new beginnings and the possibilities that await. 

From the pinned postcards, papers, calendars, and inspirational quotes littering my bulletin board, I unpinned the 8×11 sky blue Roadmap to My Dreams that I filled out in January. 

I had answered all of the questions under the “Where My Heart is” and “The Real Me”: 

Love is the strongest power on Earth. I will show and share love by…
What makes me happy…
My dreams… 
My talent and Skills…
and Friends to call on when the road gets bumpy…

Hmm, I’ve managed to remember the answers to these 75% of the time and take the appropriate action to get to these goals. That’s progress. 

But I noticed I procrastinated on two questions. Well, procrastinated isn’t the right word. I didn’t even fill in the blanks. 

The blank spaces await my response. Both questions are in the “Bravery” department:

Bravery is a matter of belief, and I believe I can…

Something new I will do…

These are areas to ponder on as the new season begins. 



What will I be brave about, how can I be brave, what fear can I let go of, how will I feel when I attempt bravery. 

Lots of questions and the chance for lots of new beginnings.




Dreams, Encouragement, Go For Your Dreams, Goals, Visualization

Roadmap To Your Dreams

Mona Alvarado Frazier

Last year my pre New Year’s word of intention was Create. This year I didn’t plan on a new word. The last week of the year was kind of fuzzy because of illness, so I decided to forget about it. 

But there is no forgetting, I found my phrase-it found me- during the first hours on New Year’s Day.

After the NYE party I slept for four hours before my boyfriend and I drove to Pasadena to spend the morning at the Rose Parade. 

Attending the parade, an hour and fifteen minutes away, was one of those last minute “Go for it,” moments when you really go for it, whatever the cost. Oh, it was worth it even at a chilly (for Southern Cal residents) 42^ morning.

The first float was “Follow Your Dreams.” A multi-island 5,000 rose festooned float, using features inspired by Dr. Seuss, illustrated a child’s imagination and dreams. 

An island, a bridge, a castle, 16 foot slide, pinwheels and planes fashioned from 20,000 flowers gave me my inspiration for the new year: Go For My Dreams.   

This is not to say that one clicks the red sparkly shoes repeating “Follow your dreams,” ad nauseum.
The theme is a reminder to keep dreaming, to never give up, to remember that one step back can be followed by a step forward, like  in a great little cha-cha dance: side step, back step, forward. 

When following your dreams a roadmap is wise-you might get there quicker. And it can’t be any old map-it has to be your map.

Instead of cities along the road, visualize landmarks or stepping stones working towards small and larger goals. Make a collage or use an old road map and draw on it. Or try this free printable from Living Locurto.  Now put it somewhere you can frequently view it.


                                                                  Your map=Your dream

Now, name your goals/dreams, draw them, and/or find a symbol for the dream to feel it. Look at the details of your dreams in your mind’s eye. Keep a hold of that vivid image, refer to your drawing, or symbol for it whenever you need a reminder of your dream. 

Okay, got the picture? 
Now, go for your dreams, one step at a time, enjoy the scenery, include rest stops and may you have a creative, loving, and peaceful New Year.