family

Do More of What You Makes You Happy

"Do more of what makes you happy." Sounds familiar right? But do we all follow that wise old saying? As I laid in bed last night, I had an A-ha! moment. I truly feel that I live a balanced life. I make sure to designate time for my family, boyfriend, friends, and myself. There used to be a time in my life where I consumed myself with only work. Although, I love my job - it definitely was not healthy for me to submerge myself in projects over my head.

Since then, my life has changed. I have one good job and a business. I allow myself to work a certain amount of hours. With the remainder, I make sure I spend a fair amount of quality time with the people who matter most to me plus personal time. Finding a balance between family, work, and personal time has made my quality of life much better and less stressed.

It is okay to LOVE what you do but don't make that the only thing you do. I enjoy working but I also don't want life to fly by without fully "living" it. It is easy to get caught up in the mix of things. Start living in the present. Enjoy every moment. Ultimately, do more of what makes you happy with the people who make you happy. :)

As we approach the holidays, I wanted to wish you all a very merry holiday and a happy New year! Embrace time with your family and friends. Eat big, love big, and laugh bigger :) If you loved this positive post and want more, please follow me on instagram @amatox3 or @byamadesigns <3

Yours truly,

Amanda M. Amato

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Hello from Pleasanton, California! (and it sure is pleasant)

I have everything to be thankful for this year. I am especially grateful that I get to spend my Thanksgiving with my family in California. I have never been on a family vacation before with my parents that I can remember. Twenty-three years later, we are taking one of our first family vacations. Although, later is better than never! I am so grateful to finally have the chance to spend a week with my family and also my cousins, my Aunt, and my Uncle.

Aside from family time, I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system behind me. My boyfriend and my friends are my backbone. I am so grateful to have an awesome circle of friends to laugh with and lean on when I need it. My boyfriend is my bestfriend and my rock. I am not sure where I would be without his continuous support and encouragement! Thank you <3

This year I have definitely noticed growth within myself and my business. AMA Designs was always something I did "on the side" but finally I have launched my business full-time and pursuing my passion. Starting is always difficult. I have realized as long as I keep taking that step forward each day, I can accomplish my dreams. After all, success is a series of small wins and small wins are better than none at all. I am so thankful for all my experiences so far and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!

I am also thankful for all of you!!!! YES, YOU READING THIS! <3 Without you, AMA Designs would nonexistent. Thank you for reading and I appreciate all your feedback. I love hearing from you. It truly brightens my day! I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving.

Sending all my love!!! - Amanda