Chit Chat

Oh, hey there! It's been a while but I guess that's fitting for 2020. Grab some coffee, take a seat, and let's catch up.

I'm not even sure where I left off. A lot has been going on but ironic enough, I feel like for the better considering the year it's been worldwide. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the negativity swirling around us but through it all, I can honestly say that I've been able to stay focused on my family, goals, and future endeavors but I have slacked on blogging. I realized how much my soul thrives on taking my thoughts and jotting them into written/typed words.

As the new year approaches, resolutions began flying through conversations as if being displayed on an airshow banner. Last year I took up the trend of finding a word. Singular. Just one. That's hard for someone who loves to talk and loves words. I chose -No. Sounds negative and a little rude but what significant power that word had. I had allowed myself to get so wrapped up in people-pleasing and putting my career in the first place spot by saying, "yes" to everything that this year, I chose to quit neglecting myself and my family.

Let's rewind to January.....WAIT, WHAT? Who in the world wants to rewind to the beginning of 2020? Well, hold up there Janice.... it's for good reason. In January, if you had asked me what my favorite snack food was or what my favorite song to put on re-play would be, I honestly would have stared at you blankly in absolute astonishment that I couldn't even answer questions about myself. How did I get so lost? Who was I? Who had I become?

For someone full of yeses, the first no was hard. Next to saying,"No", I decided to quit following that word with a reason or excuse. A simple, "No". No explanation. If you were one who crossed my path this year and got caught off guard by my abrupt response, followed by walking away....now you know.

No one tells you how easy it is to lose your identity in your career and by simply being mom or dad. It's effortless to go through the day to day motions with little mindfulness. My word was, "No" until I learned who I was, what I loved, and what motivated me. I discovered a love for non-fiction reading. I learned to love exercising again. I discovered new friendships and invested more in old ones. I found what motivates my kids and found new kindled flames with my husband. I discovered that I genuinely love the outdoors, no matter how hot or how cold. I devoted time to my creator through devotions and prayers.

COVID has been devastating, don't get me wrong. However, in the midst of a global pandemic; I got to snuggle my babies more, learn to love myself, spend quality time with my husband going on outdoor adventures together, and focusing on the things that have molded me into who I have become.

This week, I've tossed words around trying to find the perfect fit for 2021. One word keeps trickling its way onto the list.....intentional.

Insert deep breath here. Earlier this year, a very dear childhood friend of mine, whom I admire for many reasons, had a conversation with me that really just stuck. I've thought about this conversation frequently. Our conversation was in regards to talking with others. She made a statement about surface conversations. OUCH! A part of me froze because I realized how many times when speaking with others it's just 'surface' chat. What would happen if we had meaningful and intentional conversations? What kind of relationships could we build? What could happen if we didn't live a 'surface' level life? I have a BIG personality. I'm not everyone's cup of coffee because I'm a little bolder than what most people want in their cup. That's okay. I'm okay if you're a breakfast blend kind of gal. BUT, I want to live big with intent. I want to change the way I hold conversations, change the way I approach situations, I want to do so intentionally.

This is the part where I want you to trade your cup of coffee for a wine glass. Go girl, go get it, fill it up......

Here's a toast to finding your word. Finding your drive to live that word out this year! I'm holding you accountable to your word and vice versa. Know when I chat with you, I'm not being nosy, I want to have an intentional conversation where you feel at home and safe to be loved and not judged.....I want you to know that no matter your word you chose, you got this. Live BIG!