It's finally happening. My fleeting 20's have fleeted and tomorrow I turn 30. I am not as bothered as I thought I would be. It's a milestone birthday, but I am ready to embrace it. I am more patient, more confident, and a better listener than I was at 20. I know what people say...need to be married by 30, have your first kid, buy a house, etc. But I block out the noise...we all have our own timeline and who's to say that we need to reach a certain point by a certain age? I know my life will unfold exactly how it's supposed to, on God's timing. In the spirit of self-reflection, here are three things I am grateful for as I leave one season of life and start the next: 1. Family My family does not live near me, but I am grateful for family reunions when we can connect and catch up. When we see each other, even after several years, it's as if no time as passed. Thank God for technology that allows us to connect via email and social media. 2. Friends In recent years, I've discovered who my true friends are and those who are more of acquaintences. I am grateful for my true friends who I can count on to be there even when it's not convenient. I'm grateful for my college friends who live halfway around the world but still take the time to call me just to say hello. 3. Love "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." I'm grateful for my love who makes every day brighter and supports me every step of the way. Cheers to another year wiser! |
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How can money be such a powerful enabler, yet create so much pain and destruction? How can money bring immense happiness to some but sadness and despair to others? The richest celebrities are also the most miserable. Money doesn't fulfill you yet it is impossible to live without it. We work hard to earn it but there never seems to be enough.
I am not rich by any means, but I have what I need- a roof over my head and all my basic needs are met. I was fortunate to learn at a young age about personal finances, how to save more than I spend and never carry a credit card balance. I recently had an argument with a loved one about money and it made me feel about 2 inches tall. I would never take advantage of anyone's generosity and the mere suggestion of such was a blow to my heart and self-worth. I am independent. I am fair and practical, in all areas of my life including money. I am not stingy, but I am not reckless. I am saving for my goals (the first goal should be complete by this summer, so stay tuned!). I am content with what I have and I don't need to keep up with the Joneses or anyone else. "Anyone have a New Year's resolution?" my boss calls out at the recent office party. Silence. The only response is from someone who has "resolved to not make resolutions," followed by nervous laughter. For whatever reason, most of us have trouble keeping our resolutions past January 15th. I know a practical alternative if you appreciate the art of goal-setting but the time frame of an entire year seems daunting. It's called 6x6. What it means is, make a list of 6 things you plan to do over the next 6 weeks. They can be small or large, but they should be specific and attainable. For example, "Pack home lunch 3 days a week" instead of "Eat healthier lunch." They can be personal or professional. Put them into your smart phone or on paper and put the paper somewhere you will see it. Out of sight, out of mind. I still have trouble even with the 6 week goals, but the change of me reaching them is exponentially more than if I made a new year's resolution. If I don't complete everything in 6 weeks, I simply roll it over to the next 6 week period. As I am writing this, I just thought of something that would make this more foolproof. Unless they are really personal, share your 6x6 with a loved one so you can keep each other on track.
That's it, my first blog post :). This year, 2015, I will use the 6x6 to achieve greater peace of mind, be closer to my dreams, and love life more. xo |