Lessons from a mentor: LET IT GO

17 Feb

As part of my professional development, I was introduced to an incredible female executive mentor. Every time I meet with her, she gives me the most incredible advice and life changing thoughts. I thought I would share the wealth with anyone who is willing to read. It’s mostly for working mothers, but everyone can benefit from her wisdom.

Here’s the first of many more to come:

LET IT GO

As a working mother, there are many things in our lives that we have to “put on hold” as we delicately balance our priorities: family, work, church, outreach, health & fitness, etc. It’s so much more than just “work/life balance” it’s straight up circus juggling. As I juggle my priorities, there are inevitably some activities that get neglected. I am always telling myself that I will pick those things back up, but regret immediately follows as I just don’t have time to devote to these projects/interests/ideas/fill in the blank. It’s a nasty cycle of feeling bad and guilty about things that no one expects of me – except for me! It’s time to let those things go. This goes against the “just do it” mentality of women today. That we can do and should do anything and everything. The reality is, I have real priorities and I’m not willing to let my priorities suffer so I can pursue some high school dream of playing volleyball or the Pinterest pressure of being the most crafty mom on the block. I have to be honest with myself that I can only devote myself to certain things and everything else will be let go.

I’m closing the door. I’m taking back that mental space. I’m moving forward.

What do you need to let go of?

Emotional Currency

3 Nov

I just attended a fantastic event for the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. The guest speaker was 9-time Wimbledon Champion – Martina Navratilova. Her story is inspirational and challenging, but she said one thing that really stuck with me: FOCUS is emotional currency; you must make sure to spend it wisely.

Even as I type, I am realizing that, like real currency, I only have a limited amount of Focus and I must choose what I spend it on. Does what I am focusing on reflect my values? Does it reflect who I am?

I’m forced to think about the obnoxious amount of time I’ve spent focusing on things that don’t reflect my values and have no lasting impact.

Thanks Martina!

What have you been focusing on?

Waiting for What?

5 Oct

I’ve always been the “young one”. Started kindergarten at 4, always the youngest in my class, graduated at 16, professional career started at 17, married by 18 – and the whole time I was longing and waiting to be older. I imagined if I was older I could magically have success and respect.

Now, at 27, I see 20 year olds with their successful fashion blogs, albums, and creative ideas and I think – what was I waiting for?!?!?

There is a person the same as as me who is a Senior Vice President at our company. It makes me excited to think that I don’t have to wait for anything. It’s time to pursue my dreams right now. It’s time to pursue YOUR dreams right now. It’s not too late and it’s not too early.

So, what are you waiting for?

From Here to There

19 Sep

I’m feeling stuck in neutral lately – my job, my home life, my relationship with God, my attitude…

I keep longing for “there” when I’m stuck “here”. Stuck is really an unfair word to use. I’ve put myself here. I have done certain things to maintain this stagnant pursuit of “what could be”.

Now is the time I ask myself, “what lie have I exchanged for the truth?” And it always come down to believing that there’s something outside of myself that I need. Security, money, approval, promotion, control.

Jesus is enough. He is enough for me now. He is enough for me “there”. He is enough for me “here”. He has already accomplished and given me one thing that I truly need. I should be able to live in the joy that revelation brings. I should be able to lay down those things that so easily ensnare me.

Don’t Forget to Remember

20 Apr

I spent some time reading through old blog posts from 2008 – when my blog was really on fire. I found some incredible inspiration in these blog posts which were seemingly lost in the interwebs.

As I recount my life and the revelations God showed me during that time, I am encouraged and inspired. I am surprised that I was so witty and my writing was so good. Not to toot my own horn, but because I’ve been feeling lousy about my writing skills and my ability to communicate. It’s so refreshing to read these old posts and believe in myself again.

thanks me. your welcome you.

The Danger of Networking

14 Apr

The word “networking” has become a dangerous cover up for me. The idea of networking isn’t dangerous by itself. In fact, many people have benefited from connecting with others. However, networking has ignited a desire to use people for what they can give me and what they can do for me. I hide behind the term in order to create superficial relationships with people so I can promote selfish motives. My initial thoughts when meeting someone has turned to, “What can they do for me?” I find myself only connecting with those who can further my agenda.

Instead of thinking how I can have a genuine relationship with people, my thoughts are filled with self promoting fantasies. I desire to see my name in lights.

I pray I see people as souls, not objects. I pray for deep relationships, not superficial acquaintances. I pray for a heart that genuinely loves people, not notoriety.

What do you pray for?

Art and Soul

11 Apr

In our pursuits for Christ and deep study of theology, we run the risk of becoming serious, legalistic, religious, conservative, dry and judgmental.

One very potent guard against this risk is basking in the beauty of art – music, poetry, animation, and everything made to express an emotion or idea. Don’t forget how to FEEL while searching for Christ. Don’t forget to desire, dream, love, sing, dance, spin, scream and cry. It’s a good thing to be moved and inspired.

Thank you Arcade Fire and Pixar for reminding me of this.

What inspires you?

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