Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Be Our Guest - Kelly Kardos


It is my pleasure today to introduce our guest blogger, Kelly Kardos. Many of you know Kelly as I do, from Instagram where she comes across not only as a great photographer but a fun person, someone I’d love to meet up with ‘for real’ sometime.

Kelly’s style philosophy begins and ends, “where the little things make up the big picture.” This helps her slow down and pay attention to the little things that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether it’s behind her DSLR or her iPhone, Kelly likes her photos to tell a story, as if we didn’t have a written language. You can find her on Instagram  @kellykardos or on her personal blog.

What's In A Word?


[wurd] n. Simply put; one or more spoken sounds or written representations.

But nowhere in the definition does it mention to empower or enlighten. This is my third year choosing a word. Before that it just felt like making a New Years resolution. I was never good at those either, pretty much failing miserably before February.  I believe fate stepped in three years ago.

Before I chose the word “LIVE”, I questioned, researched and read -- a lot -- to try and understand what exactly it was I was trying to do. What I found was choosing a word is more of a philosophy and that seemed much easier to grasp than a bunch of restrictions I had always placed on myself. Then, unknowingly, I set myself up for failure.

I started by writing random words that seemed inspiring. It was like shopping and, hey -- I was good at that! I opened my heart and read each word one by one. Quietly to myself and awkwardly out loud letting each one dance and swirl on each breath I took. I mulled the words over through out my day. I was in a photography rut:  full of self-doubt, hesitant to try new things and forgetting to have fun -- THAT was a biggie. So my word had to have meaning and purpose.

One word kept leaping off the page at me -- LIVE. It felt good and I was excited. So, LIVE it was. I was going to climb out of that box I had put myself into. I hand stamped my new word onto a washer, attached a band and made a bracelet so every time I looked at it I’d be gently reminded to stay the course.

 But Fate was already intervening.

Soon after, tragedy struck … over and over again, the horrible, gut wrenching, life altering kind of tragedy. I learned what I was made of that year. I lived through more than any one person should ever have to in one lifetime, much less in 365 days. But I lived and fate knew I would need to rise above it all.

Last year my chosen word was “Breathe” -- a no brainer really. I needed to mourn my losses and heal my broken heart and soul. My husband, Frankie, ordered a beautiful necklace with my word and I wore it religiously every day. It was something tangible, touchable and oh, so relevant.

My word for 2015 is “Balance” and it seems to marry "Live"and "Breathe" together hand in hand -- especially coming out of a year of no self imposed demands. I will be practicing time management so I can enjoy the day as it’s meant to be enjoyed and still do what is necessary. Jewelry seemed only appropriate to guide me on my new path and failure is not in this year’s vocabulary. 



“Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.
                                                                                                                     ~ Barbara de Angelis

Dotti, and all the beauties here at Focusing on Life, thank you for allowing me to share from my heart in this beautiful and sacred space for women to come and just be … in community and spirit.
                                                                                                                                                            Kelly




34 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful post Kelly! And that quote at the end....wow, so true!!

Dotti said...

Welcome, Kelly! What beautiful photos and great thoughts you've given us this morning. Balance is a constant juggling act for me. Wishing you much success with your new word to guide you in 2015.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

A lovely post Kelly I also have chosen Balance as my word along with Nurture and Grow.

CarolHart said...

Why hello Kelly! The year I "found" you on IG you were stamping out LIVE on that washer. Since then it seems to me you have been on a journey, leading you here. Through this year when I find myself struggling with balance, I will think of you and your heartfelt words. Happy New Year my friend.

terriporter said...

Wonderful post, Kelly! The quote is so true. As women, we give, give, give and we need to put ourselves on that list of people we give to. I am sorry to hear about the bad year you had and am hoping 2015 is kind to you. Thank you so much for sharing your words and photos with us here at FOL. Hope to see more of you here and, of course, I know I'll be seeing you on IG!

Kim Stevens said...

Hello my friend! I've usually already come to the resolution of my word by now, but I'm still tossing them about to and fro. I almost feel as if I need a "phrase" this year, as one word just doesn't seem like enough. Balance is a great word and yes after the last two years it's perfect for you! Love the ring...I may have to make myself something with my word as a reminder too (great idea). Thank you Kelly, for sharing from your heart with us today and a very Happy New Year to you, and everyone else here as well! xo

leigh said...

Thank you so much for your real and beautiful words Kelly! As I think about what my chosen word means to me (focus) I am inspired by you to seek out all meanings. Happy new year!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing, love the photo and your inspirational words. I am still in the process of selecting a word for 2015. Last year one word was not good enough for how I was living my life, my words for 2014 were Unhurried and Balance. Wishing you a Balanced 2015!
Donna Wagner
aka extremely fickle

Carol said...

Welcome Kelly, I havent yet chosen this year's word, but you have inspired me to get going! I hope 2015 treats you and your family well. Happy New Year and thanks for visiting with us here at FOL

Focusing on Life said...

Oh what a delight to see you here on FOL....to read your words, to inspire us to chose that "one" word that will carry us thru the year. I know the tough times you have been thru, the heartaches, but you are a strong woman, Kelly, and I am proud and blessed to call you my friend. Thank you for sharing and I am lovin' that ring!! Happy New Year!!

kelly said...

Kelly I am so glad to have gotten to know you through your blog and instagram. You are such an inspiration to so many...including myself. It is amazing to me the power that words can have in our lives. I hope your word for 2015 brings you such much deserved peace and balance in your life. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Happy New Year friend! xoxo

Sarah Huizenga said...

Perfect word for you dear Kelly.

Anonymous said...

it's kind of awesome the way the words flow one into the other from year to year, isn't it?
wishing you a joyful ease in this new year, dear kelly...
xo

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post, Kelly! You've chosen a beautiful word and written about it so eloquently. I wish you all the best in 2015 and look forward to reading your blog.

Nicki said...

Beautifully written and inspiring. Perhaps I should give picking a word ago. I tried years ago but like you, flunked out by February. I like the idea of a simple piece of jewelry to subtly remind.

Unknown said...

I know a great place!! Thank you Nicki.

Unknown said...

That quote says it all. Thank you Karen.

Unknown said...

I am so happy you nudged me out of my shell Dotti. Loved being here. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I hope your words guide you well. Xo

Unknown said...

That was quite a year and you along with the IG community kept me company and gave me such strength. Thank you Carol xo

Unknown said...

2014 will go down in the history books as a reparative year to which I'm eternally grateful. Thank you Terri. Xo

Unknown said...

Nobody says you can't gave a phrase-if it's what helps you and give u strength-I say go for it-start a new phrase wagon! Xo kim

Unknown said...

Hi Leigh-it's nice to "meet" you. It feels good to open your heart and let that word guide you. Happy new year.

Unknown said...

Hi Carol-I am happy to be here. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Thank you Donna-I hope you find the perfect word.

Unknown said...

Hi Barb. Thank you and Happy New Year. Xo

Unknown said...

My heart is full reading this and seeing everyone who stopped by to read what I've written. It always amazes me that anyone but myself even does!! Loved being your guest.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Kelly and thank you. Xo

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Sarah! Xo

Unknown said...

It is awesome Michelle-open mind and heart sure helps. Happy New Year. Xo

diane said...

You've been through the ringer and back ..... you deserve and WILL have "balance" from now on.
Woot-woot for being a Guest Blogger. I'm so dang proud of you.
Much love XO

Unknown said...

Your the best D!! Thank you. Xo

Roxi H said...

Good word, good words, and I love that last photo. Balance should be mine but I don't think Im ready. It sounds like growing up.

Unknown said...

Lol!

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