25 Things I Believe for 2012….

January 3, 2012 by 25 Comments

I believe in bear hugs and belly laughs.

I believe one look into my children’s eyes will always make the world seem brighter.

I believe in ‘yes days’.

I believe in ear-to-ear smiles, giggles that make my cheeks hurt, and friends I can’t live without.

I believe writing is good for my soul.

I believe good posture, drinking water and exercise will make me look younger. But I have to do them: stand up straight, drink the water and get moving.

I believe I should have less and give more.

I believe I deserve time to read for pleasure.

I believe in high heels, red dresses and jeans that make me feel fabulous.

I believe in makeup and glitter, sunsets and chocolate, wine and all things that sparkle.

I believe the sight and sound of the ocean can cure anything that ails me.

I believe the most brilliant color in the world is the shade of raspberry you see when you close your eyes and turn your face to the sun.

I believe I should say ‘outstanding’ when someone says, ‘how are you?’.  They can’t help but smile in response.

I believe in eye contact and strong handshakes.  

I believe in listening.

I believe if I want to be happy, I should.  Be happy.

I believe it is easy to live in fear: afraid of the ‘what ifs’.  But I believe I am stronger than the ‘what ifs’.

I believe I have to ask for what I want.  If I don’t, the answer will always be no.

I believe teaching my children to give of themselves is one of my primary responsibilities as a mom.

I believe that dreaming big is a beautiful and mandatory thing.

I believe I should know my worth.

I believe class and grace are two of the most beautiful words in the English language.

I believe I should never stop wondering what I want to be when I grow up.

I believe juggling a career I love and a family I adore will never be perfect, but it is possible.

I believe, at the end of the day…. at THE END OF THE DAY…. my children will be able to say I DID IT: I showed them it was possible to follow my passion and make them feel loved every moment of every day.

What do YOU BELIEVE?

 

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  • http://twitter.com/AnnHolly Ann Mc

    I believe in the power of inspiration!  What a beautiful post!    …when folks ask how I am, I always say, “Peachy!”.  I like the word and it describes how I feel – and it always brings a smile!

  • Danielle Smith

    Ann – I love that – you simply can’t say ‘Peachy’ and NOT smile.  And smiling?  Simply the best.  Thank you so much!

  • Steve Woodruff

    “I believe I should never stop wondering what I want to be when I grow up.” – perfect. We never really arrive – we’re “becoming” every day. I value the beauty you bring to the world, Danielle!

  • Kelli

    I believe in embracing dreams and turning toward them instead of constantly hiding out of fear. I believe this is going to be a big year. I believe I’m excited to see you in Nashville in a couple of months. :)

  • http://twitter.com/MTDLBlog Nicole H.

    Love this post!!!! SO many of these things are things I believe too. High heels and great jeans, yes please! :-) I always try to convince myself I should still dream big – but I can be self-defeating on that front sometimes. Thanks for the reminder that we should all continue to push for those big dreams. 

  • http://websitesgiveback.com/blog/ Elena Patrice

    I believe you have it soooo right here Danielle! Thank you, thank you!!

  • Danielle Smith

    Steve – you say the most beautiful things.  Thank you so very, very much for this.  I’m truly grateful.

  • Danielle Smith

    Kelli – I believe this is going to be a big year too – AND I am SO excited to see you in Nashville!  xoxo

  • http://www.adayinmollywood.com molly

    These are all great! Thanks for the motivation :) Happy New Year!

  • Danielle Smith

    Nicole – you are wonderful – I so understand how easy it is to be self-defeating.  I have found myself lost under that weight too many times.  Making this list was part of pushing out from underneath it.  Thank you so much!

  • Danielle Smith

    Oh Elena – thank you for that.  It felt ‘right’ as I was writing it….  It is funny how the late-night night posts are the ones that always fill me up. 

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB


    I believe the sight and sound of the ocean can cure anything that ails me.

    Amen to that. Love the beach and the water.

  • Lilloveandluck

    I have been trying to write something like this for some time, but I gave up. Thanks for reminding me why I wanted to do it in the first place. Just lovely.

  • Chanale Fellig-Harrel

    I believe Moms are the most precious commodity on earth and you are a great one! 

  • http://therunamuck.com/ Amber@theRunaMuck

    You, Danielle, there’s just something about you. The Haines people are big fans. :)

  • http://twitter.com/VeraSweeney Vera Sweeney

    beautiful! 

  • Danielle Smith

    Thank you so much, Molly.  I would love to see a list if you decide to do one!

  • Danielle Smith

    I was originally stuck on the idea that I needed to come up with a series of ‘resolutions’ and then it was ‘goals’ and I found myself lost.  Last night I allowed myself to ‘fall down the rabbit hole’ online and stumbled upon one thing after another that inspired me.  I wasn’t sure where it would lead, but this is where I ended up.  Thank you.  Please send me your list if you decide to make one.

  • Danielle Smith

    You, Amber?  Are divine.  I’ve known it since the moment we met.  It has been too long.  I cannot wait to see you. You are good, good people.  So is that husband of yours.

  • Danielle Smith

    You are simply wonderful, Chanale – thank you for this….. I’m grateful.

  • Danielle Smith

    It is my refuge.  The place where my soul heals.  Even your agreement makes me smile.  Thank you.

  • Sarah Delaney Nienaber

    Danielle, the ocean heals my soul too. There’s nothing like the waves and beaches in Destin. Thanks for your inspiration. I didn’t do resolutions this year, but I’m going to do something like this. :)

  • http://www.twocannoli.com/ Kristin S.

    I really enjoyed your list as well – it’s so fun to read these and I think, “Oh yes! I believe that too.”  I did something similar on my blog for my 41st birthday – it’s marvelous to get older and be more and more sure of what it is, exactly, that we believe.

  • http://twitter.com/Skye820 Tania Gail

    I believe there is a light that shines brightly inside each of us. 

    Look forward to meeting you at Blissdom :)

  • Chalie

    I believe moms are the greatest teachers and mentors! I have older kids and I have been given the privilege to always be with them  come homework and school testing times. I believe that moms are the best resource persons for their children’s learning and they have the ability to even surpass the efforts being done in school so that their won children can succeed in life. Moms also get the brunt of bad days when kids get stressed in school, so a wise mom also is someone who knows where to find help during these times.

    For those moms whose child/children are taking standardized tests very soon, there is a free resource/Webinar  about de-stressing the tests. There’s a lot of resources for parents and children to help them in this stressful part of their schooling.

    It’s free, might as well take advantage of it.

    http://www.bigtestsuccess.com/

    Save the date: Feb. 23, 2012 (Thursday)

    8PM Eastern
    7PM Central
    6PM Mountain
    5PM Pacific