Do you remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books from when we were kids that allowed you to choose which way the story would go? If you’re not familiar with these little books, the concept is simple. At the end of a chapter–usually right at a cliffhanger moment– it would tell you to skip over to page 69 if you wanted ABC to happen or 96 if you wanted XYZ to be the result. They promised something like 40 different possible endings to the story, although I never read all the various scenarios to see if that was actually true. But the point was, you got to guide the characters and decide the way the story ended. YOU were in control (or at least that’s what the author wanted us to believe.) Reading these books as a kid gave me sheer joy to have that much control over the characters of a book. I don’t remember a single storyline, but I do remember the joy of having a choice.
These days I feel like I am living inside a real life version of one of those book, except that joy has been turned into anxiety/excitement mixed with a little bit of vomit-inducing roller coaster ride. I am standing on the edge of a cliffhanger chapter ending right now, trying to decide if I am going to have to rappel down the cliff or jump out of airplane to get safely to the bottom. But in real-life grown-up world there are not any parachutes. There are no guaranteed successes or happy endings. It is up to us to look at all the paths that God has laid out before us, think about where each one could lead, pray hard, and forge ahead. The end result could be a bountiful reward, or a big fat fail. There is just no way to know. So far in my life, trusting my gut has been the right thing to do, even if it is really scary at times. Figuring out what my gut is telling me is the hard part.
In January of this year I wrote a post called “Where do we go from here” where I poured out my heart and tried to figure out which way to go with my life, my blog and my posts. That post was SO cathartic for me, and all of your comments were exactly what I needed to carry me through this stressful year. To say that I am in a bit of turmoil right now would be a bit of an understatement. Maybe this is what a midlife crisis feels like?? This has been a year of reflection, introspection, and discovering not only who I am but who I want to be. Along the way, I’ve continued plugging along, working my full time job and blogging as a hobby. (Oh, and I also built a booming essential oil business somewhere in the middle of all that….) But somewhere along the way, after many, many, many late night conversations with my friends and husband and God, my inner voice finally screamed loud enough for me to want to shut her up. The voice inside made it clear which path I needed to take.
Ready to find out which path I’ve chosen? Watch this:
(Click here to watch it if you have trouble getting video to load)
Awwww… can you feel the love tonight? I meant it when I said that I love you all, and I’m grateful for each and every reader I have gained since becoming a mama blogger all those years ago.
Since I’ve made that decision to quit my job, the floodgates have opened up and more opportunities than I could have ever imagined have been coming my way… including this Adobe Voice Ambassador agreement that you are reading right now! For this first post, I was asked to share about the #VoiceYourThanks contest that Adobe Voice iPad app is offering through December the 9th. The contest rules are simple:
- Download the free Adobe Voice app on your iPad
- Create a story about what you are thankful for. Get creative. Use the free icons, text, and your photos to tell your story. Add themes, change the layout and add music. Trust me, it’s very simple to use. I can think of about a million different ways to use this app. (Free custom Christmas card, anyone??)
- Share your video on social media ( facebook, twitter, pinterest, G+ or submit it online) using the custom hashtags #VoiceYourThanks and #VoiceItYall so that we can find your posts!
- Follow @adobevoice on twitter, and you’re all set!
Once you create an Adobe Voice video sharing what you’re thankful for, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $5,000 for yourself, and $5,000 for the nonprofit or educational institution of your choice! You could also be one of 30 entrants to win a $50 Visa gift card! I don’t know about y’all, but those are some pretty SWEET prizes up for grabs simple for creating a short little video with my iPad. Amiright?
The Voice app was SO super simple to use, and you can check out lots of tutorials to get you started on the Adobe Voice blog. I SO SO SO hope one of my lucky readers wins this huge $5,000 prize! Then you can buy us all some milkshakes and we can toast to your thankful success! I’ve got my entry in… how about you?
Feel free to pin this post to remind yourself about the contest rules. Get those entries in by December 9th! You’ve got all weekend to get this done. I know you can do this! Good luck everyone.
As a pinnable reminder, I will leave you with this photo of Baby G, who was the inspiration for this whole blooming blog where I call home today:
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Adobe Voice. As an Ambassador for Adobe Voice I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as writing about my experience. As with every sponsored post on this blog, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.
My fist went up in the air with a Wahoooooo! Seriously what you have done with a full time Job and a family is amazing just imagine how you will soar now!
HA! I can so totally picture that fist pump!!! Thanks Kelley! I’m excited!
I loved it Beth and I am so excited for you and your choice. You are so super talented and I am so glad that you get to pursue your passion and talent FULL TIME! Yay! Lesley
Thanks sweet Lesley! I’m SO glad we got to hang out in Nashville and get to know each other better! 🙂 Let’s do that again!
This is awesome!!! I’ve been following you since the old d&r days and I can’t even imagine how excited you must be. Best of luck to you 🙂
Awesome, Tiffany!! Those were the days, huh?? 😉 Thanks for all your support over the years!
Congratulations on your choice! Wonderful things await you!
Thanks Kimberly! 🙂
Oh honey, you’ve got me in TEARS! I could do a whole Adobe Voice video (or 20) on how proud I am of you and how blessed, honored, and thankful I am to call you a friend! Remember that string thing Tiffany was doing on IG a while ago? Man, we should have done that, because I feel such a strong tie to you every single day stretching from you in Alabama to me in Wisconsin. Goodness, I love you so much. Congratulations, my dear sweet friend. You deserve everything your beautiful, loving, giving heart desires, and I’mma be right here cheering you on the whole way. <3
Awwwwww D, I love you too!! If you make 20 video with Adobe Voice about me I would fall out on the ground. And YES. String me up, baby. Me and you are connected for life! And right back atchu with ALLL of that.
Beth that’s so amazing and I’m so very happy for you! Way to go!
Thanks so much Jill! 🙂 I appreciate it!
Congrats to you!! You are an inspiration!!
Thank you so much Jennifer!
So thrilled for you & proud of you. <3
Thanks chick. Love you!
You have no idea, Beth, how inspiring your post is to me. Thanks for reminding me to believe!
YES! Always, always believe! 🙂 Keep the faith, Kerry! 🙂
AHHHH! Could not love this more. Especially the last line, that’s the Beth I know and love! #VoiceItYall
Ha! Right? Next time I’ll make sure the Honey Boo Boo in me shines through in my video. 😉
best of luck with your new opportunities!
Thanks Laura! Wish me luck!
Congrats, Beth, and best wishes for much success!
Thanks so much Rita! 🙂
Thanks Rita!!
You made me cry. So proud of you and for you. Love you girl.
Xoxo
Cindy
Awwww sweet Cindy I appreciate that so much! 🙂
It’s wonderful to finally hear your voice and to know that you are taking the path in life that won your heart. Congrats and Good Luck! I will be here cheering you on.
Awww thank you so much Terry!
Best wishes on your new path, Beth!
Thanks Laurel!
Hi, Beth
That is awesome! Your steps are ordered and ordained so I am happy you listened to that small voice and following the steps God has for you. Blessing in your new adventure.
Vanessa
Ah, such a sweet comment Vanessa. I appreciate it so much!
It was so nice to hear your voice Beth. I enjoy your posts. They are refreshing and inspiring part of my week. Keep up the great job!
Thanks SO much Dawn!! I appreciate your comments!
Love this idea. I am clicking over to watch your video now. Am I gonna cry? I have a feeling I am gonna cry.