Grace
With Strength & Security
On May 29th, exactly a month ago, I was given a two month notice by my supervisor. I work on a federal grant so it wasn't a complete surprise as the due date for the project had surpassed. Nonetheless, I was being let go and there's a level of fear and uncertainty that comes along with that news. My immediate reaction was relief and panic. Two emotions that don't usually show up together. I was relieved that three reasons, one, I wasn't fired. I mean getting called into your boss's office randomly for a "talk" is a bit unnerving. Two, I was reaching a point where I was ready for a new environment and a new adventure. I love my job and the people I work with, but I wasn't being challenged or advancing. And lastly, I was given a two months notice as oppose to a two weeks, big difference in terms of prepping financially for being unemployed.
I'm sure you can imagined where my panic originated from: uncertainty. Although I knew I wanted to leave I hadn't put much thought into what I was going to do next. Having monthly bills and other financial responsibility really sent my panic to overdrive. My mind immediately went to worse-case scenario, I imagined all the horrors of what would happen to my life, really dramatic stuff people. While calmly freaking out when my boss was giving me the news I knew very well that all would be well. I felt that I should cry and freakout, but I couldn't. I just couldn't. Right at my side through the whole thing was the Holy Spirit. There was a deep calm in my soul. I knew a new adventure, an adventure I was praying and still praying for was awaiting me.
What's this new adventure? I honestly don't know. But I do know that I'm already on the journey. What I know for sure is that it's going to my most adventurous yet. And as the Hillsong lyrics above remind me that I've been through uncertain times before and as before God will be with me. A journey takes on a new perspective when God is involved. His presence gives me the strength to propel forward and knowing He's there makes me feel more secure in my decisions. It brings to mind David's song of praise "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."
With strength and security I will trek this unknown path, pave a new road, and brace for a new frontier. Leggo!
With Love,
Marie
Motivation
With Love,
Efficient Faith
I'm definitely a productivity junkie. You know the kind, you might be one as well. I'm constantly thinking about how I can be more efficient with my goals, finances, habits, you name it. I'm addicted to productivity apps, articles on Lifehack, Forbes, really anything with the word productivity in the title. And even though very few articles offer anything new, I read nonetheless. Why? Because you just never know. Maybe there's some secret that I've yet to discover that's gonna make my life super efficient and I'll get everything done AND have time to leisurely read the basket of books in the corner. Right? We're all looking for the secret to efficiency. I feel like everywhere I turn there's an article, a book, a podcast on the topic. And I'll always read & download, but deeeeeep down I already know what works for me. When I put it to practice I get things done! First...
Lots of Sleep
Never underestimate the power of proper sleep. I'm always telling my best friend that if I could just get enough sleep I would literally conquer the world, [Insert Evil Laugh]. Honestly though, when I make sleep the priority not only am I caring for my physical well-being, but I'm putting my goals, dreams, and hopes first. It's a win-win situation. I get up earlier, more rested, with prime time to do what it is I need to get done. But this is by far the hardest thing for me to do. But it's completely worth it.
Proper Planning
This is the poster habit for productivity, as it should be. Having a plan of action eliminates so much anxiety and wasted time. Every Sunday I sit for about 30 minutes and completely map out my week. I make sure to add play time as well as buffer time for when I just completely zone out or a project has to go beyond its allotted time. To make this process easier I have a list of things I have to do on a weekly and daily basis, so when Sunday comes I just pull out the list and add the items to appropriate time slots in my planner. This way I don't have to worry about what I need to get done.
Follow MY Rules
I have to respect my word. If it's in my planner I need to respect it and get it done. If you say you're gonna do something do it. Simple. You have to respect your boundaries in order to live a life you love.
Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I must believe that I can do this. That I will make it. God is for me and I am blessed.
A New Day
When I do my best and do what matters I can live without getting through my to do list. Tomorrow will come and I'll be back at it. I don't have to be perfect I just need to keep going.
These aren't novel concepts, but they always work for me. What do find works well for you?
With Love,
Marie
Books
Curator
Modern Woman
Reading
There's nothing like being tucked in a little corner with a comfortable chair, tea, and a good book. Like many of you I have a mad addiction to books and reading. Reading is a luxury that I treat myself to everyday. So I'm sharing 9 books I'm looking forward to reading this summer.
Summer 2015 Reading List
There's nothing like being tucked in a little corner with a comfortable chair, tea, and a good book. Like many of you I have a mad addiction to books and reading. Reading is a luxury that I treat myself to everyday. So I'm sharing 9 books I'm looking forward to reading this summer.
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