Tough Conversations ......

Have you ever had to have a challenging conversation with someone you love? Well, yesterday I had to initiate one of those conversations. My 21 year old daughter, the one whose my even change, hadn't kept up her end of the bargin re: school and it was time for me to address the issue and not allow any excuses. I definately created this monster so I have to deal with her!! We both leaned lessons...... I learned that I was so busy trying to stop my child from making the wrong decisions that I was hindering her from taking accountability for her actions and she learned her mama was crazier than she thought.

Spending time with my son

     Today I went shopping with my son and had a wonderful time.  I cherish the moments that he actually says more than a few words and today was one of those times.  Our conversation flowed, we laughed, and actually entered more than one store to find the perfect vest.  When my son went in the dressing room  I was trying to figure out what was different and realized it was me.  I wasn't focused on the things that didn't get completed, the dishes in the sink, or the other things that needed to be accomplished tomorrow.  I was  simply living in the moment and appreciating the time I was spending with a wonderful young man, my son. 

My "Quiet" place....

     In the midst of life feeling extremely busy, I used to dream of a quiet place, where life would be settled, dreams have become reality, and I would have a perfect resting place. A place that I could go and peace and tranquility follow.  Where could I find that place? I used to envision it to be a place of beauty that was far away from the day to day.  My journey is teaching me that my "quiet" place can be a reality everyday!! The drive home from work can be my quiet place when I allow my mind to recognize the beauty of the scenery that surrounds me, beautiful architecture, tall trees, purple flowers, and the sound of my favorite music playing in the background.  Laying my head on my husband’s chest, not speaking a word and letting the problems of the day fade away because I'm in his loving arms. My "quiet" place is the yoga class that allows my mind to be settled.  It's amazing what happens when you begin to appreciate the beauty that you already have!  I'm glad I have my "quiet" places! 

Where are your "quiet" places?

Ridding myself of Procrastination

   I had class tonight and wasn't fully prepared.  Why????  Can you say PROCRASTINATION!!! On top of not taking the best notes for the reading assignment, I realized I also didn't complete the writing assignment either.  Isn't this just the second week of class???? Usually, I would get in my feelings and be self absorbed -- but really what could I do at this point??  All I could do is take a couple of deep breaths, ask for some favor,  and head to the classroom for the quiz.   Guess what?? Only one question missed on the quiz....class was interesting, and we were given the opportunity to have time in the computer lab!!! Now its time to go home and resolve that procrastination and I will no longer be friends.  Since my grades are important what will I do to earn my A???

Resolution Check List:

* Prioritize.   (Late night studying and tea may become a girls best friend!)
* Create To Do List for assignments and home. (Complete the 2 do list!!)
* Stick to the homework schedule.
* Make time to relax.  (A relaxed mind is better than a scattered brain!)

Balancing my "feelings"

This week has been a bit hectic! A trip to the ER with a loved one, multiple fires to put out at work, homework assignments, family responsibilities, and the list goes on. When I can't accomplish all the tasks I "feel" should be completed, I can become easily irritated with myself, the situation, and other people. When irritated, I want to eat wrong, judge others critically, and complain. The reality is, situations, people, or incomplete tasks should not have so much power that it negatively impacts my demeanor and thoughts.  It's a simple decision, be irritated or be appreciative!  I’m choosing appreciation!  (I have to admit, I must stop, breath and pray for my thought process to change! ) When I take the time to appreciate the situation I’m in, my perception becomes different, my speech and my behavior line up and I'm able to step out of my " feelings", embrace the truth, and resolution comes.  I’m definitely a work in progress!!!

My Journey Begins......

     Have you ever starred in the mirror and saw more than your own reflection?  In my quiet time with God, this week, I was reminded of the first time I looked past my reflection and questioned:  Who am I?  Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  My journey is about finding the authentic answers to these questions and living my life fully. Living beyond the fairytale that I have created, the expectations of others or standards that are viewed as success. I want to appreciate the reality of the life I live while striving to become all that I'm created to be.  For me, this starts with honesty and self reflection.  I have to embrace who I am, my flaws, my strengths, my weaknesses, likes and dislikes. 
    
Who am I?

•  A 42 year old women, who loves the Lord, has been married for 19 years,  has three children that range from 23 to 15 years old, a grandmother of one, works full time in a leadership role, has returned to college to pursue a bachelor's degree, and am active in my church home. 
• A women on a journey to self discovery by renewing herself spiritually, emotionally and physically. 
• A women who is learning who she is, appreciating the roles she's been given: wife, mother, leader, and student but not allowing those roles to completely define her.  
• A women who is seeking answers to get to the heart/soul of Who she is.