Their are many moments of life we take for granted. Not because we are ungrateful people, but, because we are people who are always on the go.
There are other moments that we sometimes wish away. The moments we are running late, the moments we get called back to do a task, the moments that are inconvenient. Not all, but some of these "inconvenient moments" are a part of our purpose. I can recall a few times, trying to get into work, leave from work, or get called back in. I can remember times rushing to an event or wanting to leave an event. During these times, I happen to stumble upon strangers who need a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand, simple directions, or even a medical emergency. Have you ever noticed that these things happen when you are usually rushing to "something". In the grand scheme of things that "something" is usually going to be awaiting you no matter when you arrival. The moments you wont get back are the ones where you connect with people.
Sometimes those connections can be life altering.
So the next time you are running late, miss your stop, get ask directions, rushing to go nowhere fast...stop for a minute and see if there may be someone around you that needs something you can offer.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love, and Appreciate the Inconvenient Moments.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Resting in the Present
I was relaxing and looking on Pinterest and came across a common theme. Lose 40 lbs in 3 weeks! I laughed because that is not healthy. Grow hair faster, day 1 (neck length) day 20 (ankle length! I laughed because, really is that a thing? The more I scrolled the more I thought, jeez everything is a quick fix here.
We live in a "now" mentality. Everything has to be quick, immediate results, and let's bypass the process. Yet, life is full of process. We fully understand that we should not drop 35 lbs in 4 weeks, and if we do there are risk. We know taking the time to put the work and energy into changing our lifestyle, will not only keep the weight off, but ultimately will improve our overall health.
There is this odd dichotomy; as we live in the now we are really thinking of the future. Why do you need to drop the weight? For a wedding, birthday, summer is coming etc. So when I break this down at its core, I am worrying about tomorrow instead of resting in today. When I first wake up on my off days, usually I am already thinking about every thing that needs to be done. I usually get halfway through my To Do List, and something that can usually take a backseat sets in my mind. For example, in a few months I want to convert to hardwood floors; now I am on the computer researching companies, floor colors, looking up reviews. Three hours have passed, to do list is incomplete and it's time for dinner, walking dogs, etc. I spent 3 hours of today fixated on a project that is months away. Meanwhile, today's "To Do List" remains undone.
I was reading my daily devotional and the scripture Matt 6:34- So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it's own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. This resonated with me because I am always thinking of what is to come. Not planning, which is different than worry. Just truly sitting in a head space of "what about this, and how is that going to work out" and down the rabbit hole we go.
I will go back to the weight loss example, I remember a trainer saying; Just focus on being successful today, and take everyday like that and before you know it you have a weeks worth of success. Makes totally sense, but somehow it is the hardest thing to execute. We confuse worry with planning. Making a plan consist of a list of actions to be executed, while worry consist of thoughts of "what if".
My challenge, and that it will be, for today and the upcoming week will be to rest in the present. It does us no good to worry about things we cannot change, it adds no years to our lives. It does no good to fast forward through the process, because most of the time we find it actually delays us further.
May you be at peace in this moment and enjoy today.
Live, Laugh, Love, and Rest
P.S After writing this entry I looked back and read through prior entries. This theme and scripture appears in 2 other post. I guess this is a season of recognition and reminder to cast all my cares (worries) on him for he cares for me.
We live in a "now" mentality. Everything has to be quick, immediate results, and let's bypass the process. Yet, life is full of process. We fully understand that we should not drop 35 lbs in 4 weeks, and if we do there are risk. We know taking the time to put the work and energy into changing our lifestyle, will not only keep the weight off, but ultimately will improve our overall health.
There is this odd dichotomy; as we live in the now we are really thinking of the future. Why do you need to drop the weight? For a wedding, birthday, summer is coming etc. So when I break this down at its core, I am worrying about tomorrow instead of resting in today. When I first wake up on my off days, usually I am already thinking about every thing that needs to be done. I usually get halfway through my To Do List, and something that can usually take a backseat sets in my mind. For example, in a few months I want to convert to hardwood floors; now I am on the computer researching companies, floor colors, looking up reviews. Three hours have passed, to do list is incomplete and it's time for dinner, walking dogs, etc. I spent 3 hours of today fixated on a project that is months away. Meanwhile, today's "To Do List" remains undone.
I was reading my daily devotional and the scripture Matt 6:34- So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it's own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. This resonated with me because I am always thinking of what is to come. Not planning, which is different than worry. Just truly sitting in a head space of "what about this, and how is that going to work out" and down the rabbit hole we go.
I will go back to the weight loss example, I remember a trainer saying; Just focus on being successful today, and take everyday like that and before you know it you have a weeks worth of success. Makes totally sense, but somehow it is the hardest thing to execute. We confuse worry with planning. Making a plan consist of a list of actions to be executed, while worry consist of thoughts of "what if".
My challenge, and that it will be, for today and the upcoming week will be to rest in the present. It does us no good to worry about things we cannot change, it adds no years to our lives. It does no good to fast forward through the process, because most of the time we find it actually delays us further.
May you be at peace in this moment and enjoy today.
Live, Laugh, Love, and Rest
P.S After writing this entry I looked back and read through prior entries. This theme and scripture appears in 2 other post. I guess this is a season of recognition and reminder to cast all my cares (worries) on him for he cares for me.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Listen with Intention
For the past 2.5 weeks many things I have read or heard have revolved around having faith. All of my daily scripture readings, many of the post on social media, conversations with my loved ones, Sunday school lesson; etc.. At first I did not pay much attention, however, when the context kept showing up; I opened my ears.
In my prior experiences, I have known God to speak to me in a direct fashion. Many of those times were because I think He knew I needed to know "His" exact plan. There have also been many times where He spoke in signs, and when the story came together, I realized how it all connected. I don't think it is coincidental, this reminder about having faith and being faithful. I do think I almost did not pay attention. I get so caught up in the day to day of life, I forget to see what is right in front of me.
I am in a period of my life where there are many uncertainties both professionally and personally. It is during these time, I would typically begin to worry constantly about the future outcomes. Now, there is a difference between "worrying" and "thinking". I am talking about, true worry and stress over uncertainty. Time and time again over the years I have heard "If you are worrying then you are not trusting God". I always found that difficult, because as humans it is natural for us to "worry". It took me sometime to filter out, true worry vs. being mindful. I am aware that there are changes to come, but the thoughts of the outcomes are not physically and mentally causing me grief; that is me trusting in God vs. I am constantly consumed with these uncertainties and I am fearful of the potential outcomes; that is worry. I have been on both sides of this fence more in the latter direction, to be honest.
So, I think God was just reminding me though all of these changes may want to consume me; trust Me and maintain faith. I have learned to listen and pay attention when God is speaking to me. His way is perfect and I wouldn't want my humanity to screw up my destiny. I know "faith" can be difficult, especially if your world is falling a part; and people saying "keep the faith" doesn't help. I also, without a shadow of a doubt know, that when you are truly in relationship and aligned within God's will; his perfect plan will be revealed. When it is revealed it will be far greater than you could have imagined. My prayer is that I never miss the moments when God is trying to speak to me. Whether it is through the journey of other people via scripture or in this now life. I have watched in the past two weeks two people's world appear to fall a part and in the midst of it they remained strong in their faith. I found myself saying, "wow that is true faith, and I am in awe of their strength". They have no idea how impactful it was to watch them live out some of their greatest fears, with steadfast faith, grace, and trust in God. I want to thank them for reminding me of what it is to truly trust in God. May your worry cease and your burdens ease.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love and Listen
Matt 6vs34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In my prior experiences, I have known God to speak to me in a direct fashion. Many of those times were because I think He knew I needed to know "His" exact plan. There have also been many times where He spoke in signs, and when the story came together, I realized how it all connected. I don't think it is coincidental, this reminder about having faith and being faithful. I do think I almost did not pay attention. I get so caught up in the day to day of life, I forget to see what is right in front of me.
I am in a period of my life where there are many uncertainties both professionally and personally. It is during these time, I would typically begin to worry constantly about the future outcomes. Now, there is a difference between "worrying" and "thinking". I am talking about, true worry and stress over uncertainty. Time and time again over the years I have heard "If you are worrying then you are not trusting God". I always found that difficult, because as humans it is natural for us to "worry". It took me sometime to filter out, true worry vs. being mindful. I am aware that there are changes to come, but the thoughts of the outcomes are not physically and mentally causing me grief; that is me trusting in God vs. I am constantly consumed with these uncertainties and I am fearful of the potential outcomes; that is worry. I have been on both sides of this fence more in the latter direction, to be honest.
So, I think God was just reminding me though all of these changes may want to consume me; trust Me and maintain faith. I have learned to listen and pay attention when God is speaking to me. His way is perfect and I wouldn't want my humanity to screw up my destiny. I know "faith" can be difficult, especially if your world is falling a part; and people saying "keep the faith" doesn't help. I also, without a shadow of a doubt know, that when you are truly in relationship and aligned within God's will; his perfect plan will be revealed. When it is revealed it will be far greater than you could have imagined. My prayer is that I never miss the moments when God is trying to speak to me. Whether it is through the journey of other people via scripture or in this now life. I have watched in the past two weeks two people's world appear to fall a part and in the midst of it they remained strong in their faith. I found myself saying, "wow that is true faith, and I am in awe of their strength". They have no idea how impactful it was to watch them live out some of their greatest fears, with steadfast faith, grace, and trust in God. I want to thank them for reminding me of what it is to truly trust in God. May your worry cease and your burdens ease.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love and Listen
Matt 6vs34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Don't Crash
Twice this week I have been driving and the traffic suddenly came to a stand still. I stop, however, I noticed that the car behind me is coming down so fast they may not be able to stop. I'm trapped, the only thing I can do is press down on my brake, prepare for impact, and say a prayer. Thankfully, none of these incidences resulted in an accident. The first car shifted onto the shoulder and completed his stop, and the second car sharply changed lanes to avoid impact.
Life happens like this sometimes, doesn't it? Sometimes things just come crashing into us over and over and we try to get our bearings. Sometimes we can switch lanes to avoid impact, and other times we just have to bare down and prepare for impact. There are times when we are the ones going too fast. We keep going and going and then, bam, something causes us to stop. Over the past year I have found myself on both ends of these roads. What do you do when you find yourself in this position? For me it is usually prayer, game planning, and more prayer.
It is hard going through the midst of difficulty, turmoil, or what feels like downright bad luck. We acknowledge as humans we are not exempt from tough situations. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning under all the things weighing us down. Then days become weeks, weeks become months, and somehow we have peeled one thing off and then the next and then the next. Other times it is just one big burden that may take months or even years to unload. It is difficult when your going through such things, and I also find it difficult watching my family and friends go through these stages. I naturally would like to find a way to unburden them or make their load a little lighter. However, many times it is out of my hands. I can only offer my ear, a hug, a prayer. Maybe, that is more than enough.
These two near crashing moments were a reminder for me. A reminder of the brevity of life. How quickly it can be taken away. It led me to think of where I am in my personal life, career, and even more importantly my spiritual life. I was reminded to live every day with purpose and on purpose. What can I do better? How can I be impactful? We go on everyday and sometimes we forget we are here for a reason. I believe we all have been destined to fulfill a purpose that is specific to each of us individually. My prayer tonight will be to ensure that my plans are in line with God's plans. That I don't miss out on fulfilling my designated task while here on earth. While I seek to figure that out, or at least ensure that I am on the right path; I hope to touch a life along the way. I hope to impact someone in a way they will always remember. I hope to be a good daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, etc. Lastly, I hope when life comes crashing down, I will remember to hold on to my foundation of love and faith.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Don't Crash
Jer 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Life happens like this sometimes, doesn't it? Sometimes things just come crashing into us over and over and we try to get our bearings. Sometimes we can switch lanes to avoid impact, and other times we just have to bare down and prepare for impact. There are times when we are the ones going too fast. We keep going and going and then, bam, something causes us to stop. Over the past year I have found myself on both ends of these roads. What do you do when you find yourself in this position? For me it is usually prayer, game planning, and more prayer.
It is hard going through the midst of difficulty, turmoil, or what feels like downright bad luck. We acknowledge as humans we are not exempt from tough situations. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning under all the things weighing us down. Then days become weeks, weeks become months, and somehow we have peeled one thing off and then the next and then the next. Other times it is just one big burden that may take months or even years to unload. It is difficult when your going through such things, and I also find it difficult watching my family and friends go through these stages. I naturally would like to find a way to unburden them or make their load a little lighter. However, many times it is out of my hands. I can only offer my ear, a hug, a prayer. Maybe, that is more than enough.
These two near crashing moments were a reminder for me. A reminder of the brevity of life. How quickly it can be taken away. It led me to think of where I am in my personal life, career, and even more importantly my spiritual life. I was reminded to live every day with purpose and on purpose. What can I do better? How can I be impactful? We go on everyday and sometimes we forget we are here for a reason. I believe we all have been destined to fulfill a purpose that is specific to each of us individually. My prayer tonight will be to ensure that my plans are in line with God's plans. That I don't miss out on fulfilling my designated task while here on earth. While I seek to figure that out, or at least ensure that I am on the right path; I hope to touch a life along the way. I hope to impact someone in a way they will always remember. I hope to be a good daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, etc. Lastly, I hope when life comes crashing down, I will remember to hold on to my foundation of love and faith.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Don't Crash
Jer 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Say yes
You ever wonder how people can get up and speak, sing, or perform in crowds? Yea, I am in awe of people who do this comfortably and often. I have always had public speaking anxiety. I know this is a common issue for many people. Unfortunately, I chose a profession where I cannot escape this semi-dreadful activity.
You know the feelings that arise; sweaty palms, stomach in knots; nausea, cramping, etc. Basically, it’s like have a GI bug with the trigger being, “will you present at xyz”. Approximately, 3 months ago I was asked to present at a conference. I had all these feels despite it being so far away. I wanted to say no, however, instead I said...let me check my schedule. Secretly hoping there would be conflict that would give me an excuse to say no. Welp, my schedule was clear. So, I got on the phone with my mentor, who said “Of course you are doing this, this is a great opportunity”. Here is the thing about people you allow in your life, always choose people who allow you and push you toward being the best version of yourself.
That word opportunity stuck with me. How many of us miss great opportunities because we allow fear and insecurities to keep us from saying yes? We talk ourselves out of them, we assume there will be another one. What if you were supposed to meet someone that could change your life? If you could predict this beforehand would this change your no to a yes? Maybe that is a question we should ask ourselves when fear creeps in.
I spoke at the conference and it went great. Usually, it goes very well. However, it’s an inner voice that ask; is it worth the physical stress? Well I guess it depends. It depends on how you view the opportunity. What you don’t want, is to miss out on a great opportunity because of fear.
Many gym trainers say: the exercise you hate the most is the one you need to do the most, because its is the one that will have the greatest results. So, maybe we should use the discomfort we feel when we are offered an opportunity that takes us out of our comfort zone, as the driving force to say yes. Maybe our results will lead to bigger scarier opportunities that will lead into greater success. Maybe, our yes will bring us closer to our life’s purpose.
Today, I am glad I said yes.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Say yes
You know the feelings that arise; sweaty palms, stomach in knots; nausea, cramping, etc. Basically, it’s like have a GI bug with the trigger being, “will you present at xyz”. Approximately, 3 months ago I was asked to present at a conference. I had all these feels despite it being so far away. I wanted to say no, however, instead I said...let me check my schedule. Secretly hoping there would be conflict that would give me an excuse to say no. Welp, my schedule was clear. So, I got on the phone with my mentor, who said “Of course you are doing this, this is a great opportunity”. Here is the thing about people you allow in your life, always choose people who allow you and push you toward being the best version of yourself.
That word opportunity stuck with me. How many of us miss great opportunities because we allow fear and insecurities to keep us from saying yes? We talk ourselves out of them, we assume there will be another one. What if you were supposed to meet someone that could change your life? If you could predict this beforehand would this change your no to a yes? Maybe that is a question we should ask ourselves when fear creeps in.
I spoke at the conference and it went great. Usually, it goes very well. However, it’s an inner voice that ask; is it worth the physical stress? Well I guess it depends. It depends on how you view the opportunity. What you don’t want, is to miss out on a great opportunity because of fear.
Many gym trainers say: the exercise you hate the most is the one you need to do the most, because its is the one that will have the greatest results. So, maybe we should use the discomfort we feel when we are offered an opportunity that takes us out of our comfort zone, as the driving force to say yes. Maybe our results will lead to bigger scarier opportunities that will lead into greater success. Maybe, our yes will bring us closer to our life’s purpose.
Today, I am glad I said yes.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Say yes
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
I Paused
The last time I created a journey entry or even wrote in my nightstand diary (yes I am mid thirties and it is still a diary) was June 2013. Why has it been so long? Life, life happened. Residency came and went. I am currently in my subspecialty fellowship, which will conclude in less than a year and a half.
Time. Where does time go? Ever think so much in the future you completely miss the present? That is me almost every day. Thinking about the next thing on the to do list, planning for life ahead, back up plans, back up plans for back up plans, and on and on and on. What about today? Where has today gone and what have I done? It is over before it begins, every single moment.
Last night, I planned my today...get up, workout, pack, get the dog to families house, go to meetings, leave for conference. Everything timed almost to the exact moment. I woke up (a blessing), made breakfast, worked out, but, something happened after my workout- I paused. A simple word, a difficult action. However, today I paused. I asked myself where are you rushing to? why do you have to do all these things before 11am? What would happen if you did not get it all done? None of these are profound questions, however, they held so much meaning in that very moment. Life is going and going and will keep on going until it stops. I will tell you something, the only time I have stopped to enjoy a sunset or look at stars use to be on vacation. I got a puppy 4 months ago. If you know anything about a puppy, initially its frequent bathroom trips and lots of focus on potty training. In the midst of potty training, one night I looked up at the stars as I waited for her to do her business. One morning in the midst of potty training I looked up and saw the sunset, while I waited for her to do her business. It was beautiful those two moments, I paused. She trained quickly and I haven't looked at the sunset or the stars in 3 months.
In my pause today I decided, I would come back from afternoon meetings, pack and then leave for my conference. You know what? The day went great, I got everything accomplished without a rush. Sometimes I try to maximize time to get so much done in one day. Is it because I have gotten so use to life being a rush? Not having a moment to stop and take a break. I, like many of you all, want to live in the moment, to enjoy beautiful sunsets and gaze at a few stars. Why do we deprive ourselves of these moments of solace, just to check off that last thing on the to do list? Yes, I am quite sure my Type A personality plays a huge roll in this. We also know, the list will get bigger and bigger.
I hope to do better, I hope to remember this moment as I create this entry. To remember how it felt to pause and reflect. To remind myself that today's moments cannot be refunded, once they are gone they are gone forever.
Make every moment count and every now and then take a few moments in the day to pause.
Matt 6:34-So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Pause
Time. Where does time go? Ever think so much in the future you completely miss the present? That is me almost every day. Thinking about the next thing on the to do list, planning for life ahead, back up plans, back up plans for back up plans, and on and on and on. What about today? Where has today gone and what have I done? It is over before it begins, every single moment.
Last night, I planned my today...get up, workout, pack, get the dog to families house, go to meetings, leave for conference. Everything timed almost to the exact moment. I woke up (a blessing), made breakfast, worked out, but, something happened after my workout- I paused. A simple word, a difficult action. However, today I paused. I asked myself where are you rushing to? why do you have to do all these things before 11am? What would happen if you did not get it all done? None of these are profound questions, however, they held so much meaning in that very moment. Life is going and going and will keep on going until it stops. I will tell you something, the only time I have stopped to enjoy a sunset or look at stars use to be on vacation. I got a puppy 4 months ago. If you know anything about a puppy, initially its frequent bathroom trips and lots of focus on potty training. In the midst of potty training, one night I looked up at the stars as I waited for her to do her business. One morning in the midst of potty training I looked up and saw the sunset, while I waited for her to do her business. It was beautiful those two moments, I paused. She trained quickly and I haven't looked at the sunset or the stars in 3 months.
In my pause today I decided, I would come back from afternoon meetings, pack and then leave for my conference. You know what? The day went great, I got everything accomplished without a rush. Sometimes I try to maximize time to get so much done in one day. Is it because I have gotten so use to life being a rush? Not having a moment to stop and take a break. I, like many of you all, want to live in the moment, to enjoy beautiful sunsets and gaze at a few stars. Why do we deprive ourselves of these moments of solace, just to check off that last thing on the to do list? Yes, I am quite sure my Type A personality plays a huge roll in this. We also know, the list will get bigger and bigger.
I hope to do better, I hope to remember this moment as I create this entry. To remember how it felt to pause and reflect. To remind myself that today's moments cannot be refunded, once they are gone they are gone forever.
Make every moment count and every now and then take a few moments in the day to pause.
Matt 6:34-So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Until next time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Pause
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
This is the moment
Ok,
So today is 6/18/13, which means I have begun my orientation for residency, which further means I am only 13 days from July 1st. I AM A DOCTOR! Yes I have to keep telling myself this fact.
I was on the phone today at the hospital and I said yes this is XX you called and the caller says yes Dr. Ceej, Ha! I guess there is no getting around it. It is amazing how, this is the moment I have been awaiting; yet, I find myself oscillating between excitement and complete feelings of terror. I tell myself everyone feels the same way. Misery indeed loves company. I struggle with being adequate, efficient, effective, knowledgeable, and lets face it the Intern who is not the complete idiot. I think setting goals will help me temper down some of those "terror moments". I will be sure to try and write some funny tales of Pediatric Intern year.
So, since it is just orientation week, I will designate my goal as: Get comfortable with the title Doctor :-).
Until Next Time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Accept your title
So today is 6/18/13, which means I have begun my orientation for residency, which further means I am only 13 days from July 1st. I AM A DOCTOR! Yes I have to keep telling myself this fact.
I was on the phone today at the hospital and I said yes this is XX you called and the caller says yes Dr. Ceej, Ha! I guess there is no getting around it. It is amazing how, this is the moment I have been awaiting; yet, I find myself oscillating between excitement and complete feelings of terror. I tell myself everyone feels the same way. Misery indeed loves company. I struggle with being adequate, efficient, effective, knowledgeable, and lets face it the Intern who is not the complete idiot. I think setting goals will help me temper down some of those "terror moments". I will be sure to try and write some funny tales of Pediatric Intern year.
So, since it is just orientation week, I will designate my goal as: Get comfortable with the title Doctor :-).
Until Next Time,
Live, Laugh, Love & Accept your title
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