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.
Friday, February 23, 2018
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
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