words worth repeating / 43

words worth repeating 43 by ana maria munoz--anamu This week has marked the first time in months that I've been able to glue my ass to a chair and just work work work. You should have seen how giddy I was on Sunday night, sitting at a desk, organizing my to-do's for the week/end of year and scheduling them into my calendar. For the first time in a long time I was able to schedule 100% time for work - not packing, not canceling utilities, not apartment viewings or anything else that's consumed us for the past two months - just good ol' work. I've already booked a few freelance gigs and I'm prepping Ring Cozy for the holiday season and 2014 (check out a few of the site updates!).

I was getting so anxious not having my dedicated time and space but now in our new apartment with a desk, organized supplies, and a kitchen with snacks, I am one happy worker bee.

Have a productive Hump Day!

words worth repeating / 42

words worth repeating 42 by ana maria munoz--anamu Next week will mark our third international move and when I stop to think of what the universe has given us in the past three years, I still can't believe that it's all happened. Moving to London, South East Asia, and all the travels in between - it all began by getting out of my comfort zone.

Leaving that comfort zone of my hometown was the best thing I could have ever done. No matter how hard I may cry at times because I miss my family, or how many things get lost in translation when trying to live in a new environment, every day and moment has absolutely been worth it.

Leaving my comfort zone repeatedly has led to feeling more open and confident to taking news risks and seeking new experiences. Open to making life happen rather than waiting for it to show itself. For example, if you had told me three years ago that I'd be living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I would have said "Kuala wha???" - I had no idea that the city even existed! But once you start opening doors more and more tend to appear. At that point the decision is between turning the doorknob to see what's on the other side or choosing to ignore it and stay in the same hallway you're standing in.

I've been stretched so far out of my comfort zone that it's hard to imagine going back to my original shape. I like the new irregular shape that's been molded by everything I've seen and experienced, both the good and the not-so-great. There's a lot of life to be lived so whenever I start to feel anxious or worried about what's next I remember this: the rewards for letting yourself feel uncomfortable, awkward, or scared are worth gold. Just step out and keep going.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Took a new job, started a new business or hobby, moved homes, or traveled somewhere unfamiliar?

words worth repeating / 41

words worth repeating 41 by ana maria munoz--anamu How often do we worry about the littlest things when in the grand scheme of the world they hardly matter? I can't remember what I fretted over a year ago but I do remember that our KL must-see/do list looked pretty much the same. It's the experiences we have that create the memories we keep, not the spilled milk.

Keeping that in mind, we're squeezing in something not so local just before we leave this part of the world - we're going to Japan!!!

Are we crazy for taking a holiday just two weeks before we pack up our lives for the third time? Maybe. Did Christmas come early? Absolutely. I'm beyond excited but also a little worried. Japan has been top on my list for as long as I can remember and I wonder if I've over-hyped it in my mind. If all else fails (this is what I'm telling myself) there will be plenty of sushi and sake to be had. Can't go wrong with that.

If you've been to Tokyo or Takayama (or live there) I'd love to hear your suggestions for design spots (shops, architecture, etc) and cultural gems. I'll be on Instagram so come along!

 

words worth repeating / 39

words worth repeating 39 by ana maria munoz--anamuIt's been a while since I last shared words worth repeating but this quote has been very present in my thoughts lately.

The Kickstarter project for Ring Cozy didn't make it so I've had to slightly re-strategize my plan of action. Everything from production, sales, orders ... I've had to re-think it all but I'm perfectly at peace with it. Just because something didn't work out it doesn't mean that it wasn't a success in its own way. I learned a lot from the experience and it gave me even more amo to make my product and business happen.

The support I got from you guys, friends and family, and people who were new to Ring Cozy, was awesome (THANK YOU!). In doing Kickstarter I got the word out, made new connections, and set the wheels in motion for a great next couple of months - definitely not a failure in my book!

So now that the pressure of reaching a giant funding goal is off, I can focus on the work to be done while I'm in LA this summer. My to-do list is already a mile long but I like it that way. It means action, progress, trying, failing, trying again, dealing, and DOING. That's the key here, just keep on DOING and eventually something will stick.

Have you ever gone through something that took a few (or a lot of) times to get it right? Personally or professionally?

 

making it hot in the new year

Quote 25 Hey guys, happy new year! I hope that 2012 wrapped up well and that you're off to a great start in 2013.

I didn't expect to take such a long break from the blog but it became necessary in order to focus on work. I had some great moments with Joe, exploring and relaxing but mainly I was busy with a bit of freelance work and A LOT with my new personal venture. I've been mentioning it for a while now but this month will be about making it happen in the physical sense. I'm off to LA today where I'll spend the next month market testing, looking for production options, and checking out the retail side of things.

I will soon share what I've been working on with you, I promise. It may or may it blow your mind but I believe in it and that in itself is worth doing what I can to make the iron hot.

So with that I say cheers to a new year with new adventures, new challenges, new lessons, and new beginnings!

 

 

words worth repeating / 38

words worth repeating 38 by ana maria munoz // anamu Taking chances. That's what life is all about. With a new year right around the corner, there's not better time to take a leap of faith into whatever your latest opportunity may be. A new career path, a move, a new hobby, a new relationship, a new beginning...you will never know what greatness lies ahead unless you step out of your comfort zone to go for it.

My mom always told me "you will either get a 'yes' or a 'no' but you have to ask first". I'm now applying that to starting a new business venture that can either succeed in the way I envision it or it could totally bomb. If the latter were to happen I would take what I learned and move on to the next thing proudly knowing that I took a chance and did everything I could to make it work. And if the former happens, I'll be right where I saw myself (and the business) the moment I said yes to trying something new.

In the grand scheme of things there is so much to gain and not much to lose when saying yes to change or taking a risk. It's not always easy, cheap, or fun, but what comes out of it is invaluable. I was initially scared to move to London from LA and it took a lot of work and sacrifices to make it happen but now, with our second international home under our belts, I can't even imagine what life would be like had I been too scared to change my surroundings and follow my heart. With no regrets, moving has definitely confirmed that taking chances is far better than living with "what ifs" and missed opportunities. Life is too short and awesome to be afraid of change so go stir something up and give that next idea or opportunity a chance!

Now tell me, have you ever taken a chance that proved invaluable to your life today?

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 35

words worth repeating 35 by ana maria munoz--anamu The holiday season has a way of making me feel lazy. All I want to do is cuddle up in a blanket, watch movies, and do anything but work. For those of you who might be falling into the holiday work slump with me, let's remember how good it feels to cross off the day's action items one at a time. A productive today will make the actual holiday tomorrow feel that much sweeter.

Cheers to a good Hump Day!

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 34

words worth repeating 34 by ana maria munoz--anamu No one is upset around here (and I hope you aren't either) but it's often too easy to take what we have for granted. With Thanksgiving happening in the States tomorrow let's all take a minute to give thanks for all of the good people and things in our lives. Because really, when it's all boiled down to the basics there is lots to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, America!

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 33

words worth repeating 33 by ana maria munoz--anamu Having an idea isn't enough and this quote couldn't be more perfect for what I'm going through right now. I'm not talking about anything related to graphic design, photography, blogging, or crafting...I'm talking completely uncharted territory that is equally terrifying and exciting. Though I've been taking steps for the past several months to get my idea off the ground, they weren't big or quick enough. At the rate I was going I was "sitting there" and making excuses for why that was. Not anymore. I want to be proactive and not let the unknown paralyze me from reaching something that I know is totally possible. Will it be easy? No, but something else that wont be easy is living with a "what if" hanging over my head if I don't give it my all and at least really try. Life is too short and awesome to get run over so let's stop sitting!

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 32

quote 32 Last week I mentioned that I'm working on launching a print shop (woo hoo!). I also mentioned that I've been thinking/waiting to do it for nearly one year. What have I been waiting for? I don't know but I sure do love this quote for kicking my butt into action. Let's do this thang!

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 29

quote 29 Hello! I hope you've had a good start to the week. I spent mine traveling across too many timezones and it is so nice to finally be home. I already miss my family and friends but there's nothing like the butterflies I felt last night when Joe got home from work. All I could think was "reunited and it feels so goooood"…. those hugs will go down in history fo sho.

Today is back to reality with unpacking and re-settling in. I realized that I have a laundry list of projects to catch up with (and kick start) so I'm going to take this week off from the blog.  The plan is to be back on Monday feeling fully refreshed because really, there's only so much a girl can do while jet lagged ;)

See ya next week, have a good one!

 

for more quotes visit Howdy Day!, a daily dose of inspiration + motivation via your browser’s homepage, email or rss.

words worth repeating / 26

Quote 26My sister told me that last week my niece, Juliana, was dreaming up rainbows and mentioned that she wanted to see one. My sister replied with "we'll have to wait until the rainy season, it's too hot right now." The next day, it rained and Juliana got her rainbow. At just two years old, Juliana might understand the power of positivity or rather ask and you shall receive.  She's  rarely on the other side of the fence and if slides towards negativity, she immediately picks herself up by saying "all better" or "it's okay". She's one smart and adorable little cookie.