Happy Ash Wednesday!

This past weekend I was able to spend some time back in Northern California with family and friends, so grateful to get away for a little bit back to the “Real” California lifestyleJ The stress has piled on so far this week, hence this post a day late, but despite the stress I am enjoying what I am doing.

Saturday night out with my sister!

I am doing things a little different this week as it is Ash Wednesday and I would like to reflect on some changes I plan to make for the next 40 days, hoping that you can hold me to these commitments!  I will make a change in the three areas of my reflection... personal, professional and spiritual.

On A Jet Plane…

When flying home this past week I sat next to a friendly young man and found appreciation for those that are not afraid to spark a conversation with a random person.  It is so many times in life that we just worry about getting from here to there and do not take time to appreciate the travel or process in-between.  I was lucky enough to have the same seatmate on my flight home and made a good friend.

Personally I want to branch out and get uncomfortable for a change.  I want to take some risks, safe and harmless risks of course, but be open to change and be bold! I am also going to ban myself from drinking soda, eating sweets, and make it to the gym at least 5 times a week, with two classes (Yoga/Turbo Kick).

"To get the most success out of life have no agenda other than to give whatever you can in the present moment. A smile, a laugh, a quarter, a helping hand, an introduction or just your listening ear is more powerful than you can imagine.” #TDL

Buckle Down…

Work has been a little overwhelming lately and in order to make it this next month with the Big West Basketball Tournament I am really going to need to crack down and get to work!  The fact that I am a little overwhelmed and stressed, but still manage to enjoy what I do really makes me believe this is where I am suppose to be right now!

I want to start planning ahead and getting things done more in advance so I am not so stressed during crunch time.  This may mean working at least an hour a day on the weekends or at night, but in the end it will pay off both mentally and physically!

"Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." #TDL

Make Time To Take Time…

Being back in Stockton this past weekend I was lucky enough to spend some special time with one of my bestest friends Kimberli.  I ventured back to the church where her and I bonded so much, Vinewood, and had a great Sunday with her and her family.  Despite no one recognizing me, I mean really, it has only been like 2 years… I haven’t changed that much, it was great to talk with those that I hadn’t seen in awhile.

We always say we will spend more time in prayer and meditation with God, but never really MAKE the time to do it. Yep, I am going to be your typical individual and vow to spend some quiet time with God once a day.  I know the amount of time doesn’t matter, as long as I am reflecting on His existence in my life and thanking him for all He has done, only then will I grow closer to him.  To help me focus on this, I will keep a journal of the passage I read that day and post it once a week with the thoughts and reflection that came about during my meditation.

We must remember that growing spiritually means facing our darkness, our shadow and confronting parts of ourselves that we'd rather leave alone. #TDL

I hope that you have decided to make a change in your life too, not just for 40 days, but for good!  The 40 days is a great start, but let’s continue this throughout the whole year!