My Goals

I've been trying to figure out what to write on here for the past several days. Yet, every time I come to this part, I draw a blank. Alas, let's try this again.

Here are some goals I have for the next month.

1.) A daily, regular quiet time with God.
2.) Less time checking my phone for text messages/emails/etc.
3.) Weekly time writing poetry.
4.) Weekly time for leisure reading.
5.) Regular time journaling.
6.) Fruitfully using this season of singleness for good - to use my testimony to help other women and, to use what I've learned to help me set clear expectations for what I look for in a man.
7.) Continuing to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
8.) Caring for those around me in a tangible and giving way.

For those who have never set short-term or long-term goals, I encourage you to try. Share your thoughts with the people who hold you accountable. And, feel free to post your goals here.

Happy Saturday!

The Intersection Between Leisure and Work

Today was absolutely wonderful!

I learned about the intersection between leisure and work. I was able to set aside time for a friend (that during my regular work week, would be challenging for me to do) and was able to complete some school work. I wasn't worried about the "next thing" to go to or being on a set time schedule. In fact, one of the main things that I learned about life today is that I am able to accomplish required work while at the same time, doing things for myself. 

For example, this morning I went to the gym. I was able to relax while working out, without having to think about the next meeting to go to or tutoring session to attend. It is an activity that is both enjoyable and beneficial for me to partake in. And I really think that each and every one of us needs at least one activity to participate in on a daily basis. Whether it is reading one or two chapters of a favorite book, listening to some music, writing, playing a musical instrument, doing a sport, drawing, the possibilities are endless. Schedule this time in your agenda each day with one day completely free from work and intentionally set aside for rest.  

Try it - and share your comments here. 

The Fifth Day

Day five without any social media.

I'm learning about the importance of filling my life with things that matter:

friends,
home cooked meals,
laughter,
pancakes,
long conversations,
happiness,
accountability,
community,
rest.

May you be encouraged to invest in a friend's life this week. May your activities know no time, be intentional, and truly life-giving.

Springtime in my Soul

"Springtime in my Soul."

That's what was spoken by a friend at the Ash Wednesday Service I attended last night. This really stayed with me - that a person's soul is capable of having life even when something (like a habit) is taken away. The "springtime" aspect gives me the hope that this separation won't last forever. There is an end in sight but it is the process, or the things that we learn along the way, that truly matter the most.

Today, I didn't really miss being connected to social media. In all honesty, the ability to "disconnect" and focus on a desire deep within that mattered (teaching, family, rest) - that was/is the key. There were times where I looked at my phone and wondered about what was going on with my friends, but then I was gently reminded that I can call them, talk to them, or schedule a coffee date with them. Ahh, the essence of being personal! Granted, not every day I will feel focused to participate in something completely opposite of my habits that I've called my own for such a long period of time. I do know, however, that our society lacks that person-ability in a world so dominated by tweets, texts, status updates, and pictures. Every time I look to snap a picture of the latest beautiful sunrise or sunset, I think to myself: "Just enjoy it." Historically, cameras were a luxury that captured significant moments in people's lives. What's the point of documenting every little bit of my life in pictures and broadcasting it to a world that I forget to acknowledge the beauty and creativity behind it all?

My hope is that you would see the "springtime" in your soul - whether you've called the cold wintry climate your home for years or have seen snippets of spring frolic in your life. Be open to the blossoming and buds, and allow the warm sunshine heat up your soul in the days ahead.

A Lenten Journey 2013

Hi Friends,

On Wednesday, February 13, I will be taking a break from all social media. This type of break is commonly referred to as "fasting" in Christian circles. In today's society, fasting is often thought of as not eating - and in some cases, this is true. However, I believe that fasting, or "taking a break" from things that cause us distraction or deter us further away from who we are (our identity) applies to everyone, regardless of your spiritual background. The Lenten season (the period from Feb. 13 through the beginning of April) reminds me of Christmas. On the one hand, the waiting part - looking towards the end result- is extremely hard. On the other hand, the expectation leaves one with joyful hope and eager anticipation of what is to come.

With that said, I invite you all to come with me on my Lenten Journey, and perhaps, start one of your own. Think about what you might "give up," knowing that in about 8 weeks, you will get "it" (whatever that "it" is for you) back. Is it texting? Movies? Coffee? Chocolate? Chips? Work avoidance? Lack of spending time with your family and closest friends?

For me, I need to give up social media, specifically Instagram and Facebook. I often find myself more concerned about my friend's pictures, and crafting the perfect status updates; things that really have no weight and little meaning in our world. I navigate to these technological resources when I am bored or should be doing something else. And over time, I've learned that such tools that were originally created for something good, have been distorted because of our views and use of them. I also have observed that these types of social media put a damper in the time that I spend with God, my family, and my leisure times. I see myself in a relationship of sorts - waiting for the next "notification" and in that, comparing myself and my accomplishments to the larger world. It's an unhealthy relationship that I've felt has needed some significant change for quite some time.

So this series of daily posts, is my commitment to you, my readers, and myself that I will follow through. I like to think of this "fast" as a healthy and better alternative to channel my thoughts, use my time, and develop my talents. From this experience, I expect to learn, to love, to make mistakes, to fall down, to pick myself back up, and most of all, to grow. I hope that together, you and I can use this space to share the lessons we've learned along the way.

Cheers!

P.S. Here's a Lenten Calendar I've held onto for 3 years. May it inspire you :)