Just take a second to make sure you're spreading joy, love and peace. It's
hard, I know sometimes. But just try to make a conscious effort. Having a
parent that works retail I have heard some horrific stories that would
literally shock you. However, my mom wears a smile on her face every day and
treats every person with respect and dignity even when they throw things at her
(literally!) Family can be annoying after a while but jut think this could be
one of the last times you are all together. People will push you, cut you off
and not be as thoughtful as you, smile anyway. Forgive. Try making some fun
memories with loved ones during this time. Watch classic movies, wrap gifts
together and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. If you want to escape your long
to do list join me at The Journey for an hour of inspiration and rejuvenation
for your mind and heart.
Here's a list of some fun and easy ways to spread some cheer to
those around you before and after Christmas
*
Merry Christmas!
1. Buy someone who is stuck outside a cup of coffee
2. Pay for the coffee of someone behind you in line
3. Pick up a small gift for someone you wouldn't normally
4. Write a letter to someone who needs to hear how you feel about
them
5. Take some pictures of your favorite things this time of year
and go for a walk or run
6. Watch a favorite movie
7. Have lunch with an old friend
8. Make a craft with your kids
9. Give some change to the men and women standing in the cold
ringing the Christmas bells
10. Sing Christmas carols and give thanks somehow, some way.
4- shopping. I LOVE shopping but not just for myself. I love finding unique and memorable things for people that will make them smile and hopefully feel as wonderful as they help me to feel. I give because I have been given to so graciously.
3- family. Near and far, my family is like no other. We drive each other crAzy but we also make each other laugh like no other. We stick together and are there for each other when it matters most. I am also blessed enough to have my husband's family who have taken me in and are truly the most generous and loving people I've ever met.
2- Traditions. I love the little things. Things like listening to classic Christmas carols, driving 2 hours for a Christmas play every year, enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate, watching Home Alone, wrapping presents and decorating the tree with those I love. It's such a fun time of year and I love not,only the time and spirit that is shared but I love that the holiday is a reminder of the day the greatest blessing of all was born.
1- faith. God has truly blessed me and during the hardest moments of my life he has carried me through. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by some people who pray and encourage me daily. My New official church has made me feel at peace and at home. I literally look forward to going every weekend and am so inspired to be a servant and a vessel for God's love.
There are so many things I love and adore. Enjoy what's around you and have a beautiful holiday season.
8- Another fall favorite is Food! I love
food. I love trying new things and going to my favorite places and NOT trying
new things too :) Some of my favorite conversations have taken place over the
dinner table or over a cup of coffee. I am lucky enough to have a diverse
family that offers a variety of food for special occasions. My mother's family
is Puerto Rican and they make the BEST rice, pork and because my grandmother is
Mexican we also have the best empanadas! Andrew's family is just as gifted and
make the most incredible homemade bread, cakes and pretty much anything else.
Thursday or better yet Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite holidays for I
get to eat in a room of about 30 and hear endless laughter, chatter and love.
Oh and we get to enjoy a loaded plate of wonderful food!
7-Because I like to eat, it is a good thing I also like to work out. In the fall, I still
play field hockey until the middle of October and I have still been trying to
attend Crossfit on Thursdays. I like to run and strength train throughout the
week. I like a challenge but I really like variety. I like pushing myself and finding
new limits. I do some P90x, plyometric work and interval runs also. Sometimes I
look on Pinterest and find a new workout to try! Find something
fun you enjoy and do it. I need that 1-1 1/2 hours to myself each day. It
refreshes me and motivates me to keep going. Find a partner or find your inner
strength and make it happen!
6- I LOVE fun moments at school. This
year my Second Grade team was lucky enough to invite our student's parents in
for a Readers Theater performance. We were blown away by the turnout. We had
about 70 people crammed into the school library which also contained about 60
Second Graders! The students were amazing readers and were so proud of
themselves, as they should have been. Afterward, many of the parents came up to
me and were so impressed by their child's reading and acting. They also were so
appreciative of the teachers for taking time to care enough about allowing them
to be a part of such a special event. Later on last night I was in the hair
salon with my sister and one of the grandparents of a child in my class was so
delighted to hear how much fun he had. She was also awestruck when I told her
how sweet this child was and how proud of him I was. She literally almost
cried. It's these kind of moments that remind me why I'm here and why I do what
I do. Talk about an inspiring birthday!
5- I love my birthday :) I am not sure
how I get so blessed to be surrounded by so many lovely people. From the moment
I woke up I was honestly showered with love. My husband made me breakfast,
wrote a beautiful card and found a thoughtful gift. I received many texts and
over 150 Facebook posts wishing me a happy birthday. I went to work and
received cards and wishes. We went to my favorite restaurant for dinner and
went back to my in-laws for dessert. I got the CUTEST gifts which I can't wait
to wear and use! --I had such a good day. - -It's nice to know how thoughtful
people are. I really don't get too excited about birthdays but I must say it is
a big deal. You should celebrate yourselves a little. Too many people are not
given a life this long and it's our job to enjoy it and to change others lives
through ours. God has blessed me with a strong heart that really does have a
desire to change the world. I am blessed with family and friends who believe in
me and help me, but most importantly they help reflect the love of God. In the
words of Joyce Meyer "Eat the cookie, buy the shoes!"
Celebrate and
be celebrated, there's only one of you.
My life would be
dull without the endless screaming, jumping and cheering that goes along with
watching a team. Whether it be on TV, on the field hockey field or the soccer
pitch, sports offer something quite like nothing else. I am so blessed to be
healthy and able to play so many different sports and activities year round. I
really try not to take that for granted as it is not so easy for many people.
Even though I love playing sports, I like watching them equally as much. I
will watch anything, really. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do
is make my coffee and turn on Sports Center. When I was in college the last 2
years I ate dinner alone every night in the Commons with 20+ dudes and ESPN on
the TV. I was quite all right with it. I think I’m slightly obsessed with these
sweaty, competitive men and women because they inspire me and remind me of how
awesome it is to push yourselves and work with teammates to reach a common
goal. I learned at a young age through sports to be unselfish, humble and that
I was capable of anything. Even now I continue to try new things and reach new
limits. I am inspired when I see athletes using their platform to inspire
others and pass along their knowledge of the game. I love seeing teams overcome
adversity and challenges to become closer on and off the court. I love that a “simple”
game can teach you some of life’s hardest lessons and allow a person to channel
emotions and fears that would otherwise stay built up inside. I have been
blessed to follow my sister’s field hockey career since she was a freshman in
high school. She was always so aggressive but what got her far in her career
was her heart. I have never seen anyone put in more time, effort and sweat than
her. And I’m not talking about during the season- she worked her butt off all
year long. Rain or snow, broken finger/ankle or not she literally never
stopped. Because of her determination she played for a successful college team,
played Center Mid (intense!), made a TON of defensive saves, scored a goal, had
some assists and was part of a team that played in the NCAA National
Championship game. Then, she was asked to stay and coach and was back at the Final
Four this weekend. She is just one example of an athlete that followed her
heart and allowed her love of the game to grow her as a person. She works just
as hard in everything that she does and she has had to overcome A LOT of
challenges within herself and her team at times, but nevertheless, she kept her
faith and one day she will lead her own team to great victory, both on the
field and off of it. I have a lot of
love for the game and I will gladly talk to anyone about any sport, any time,
on any day.
As the month of November is quickly nearing, I am reminded of just how lovely this time of year is. While it is definitely a busy time of year it is always far more exciting. The trees are beautiful, the warmth of a hot chai or coffee is extra soothing and sports are extremely exciting. I loooove this time of year. I am currently blogging while drinking a cup of chai and while watching the Dukies in front of a roaring fire....winning! So over the next -12 days I will share with you my top ten Fall favorites :)
10. Fresh air Even thought its hard to say goodbye to those summer nights, there is something so refreshing about a Fall night. It's chilly and of course you have to break out your favorite boots, jacket and sweatshirt but it's so nice. It's different and reminds you that with all endings, comes something just as rewarding. I do my fair share of sitting outside in this cold weather for soccer games, hockey games, taking my dog on walks, runs and taking my students out for recess and even though I may complain of bring cold I do like it. I like having a cup of hot coffee in my hand as the wind blows my hair. I like finding all of my favorite hate and scarves. Even though playing and running in this change can take its toll on me at the end of a run, I feel invigorated. Watching my husband play in the alumni game on Thanksgiving day is always cold but always refreshing. So is watching my sister and her hockey team at the NCAA final four game. The leaves haven't quite fallen yet which makes the drives back and forth to Salisbury all the better. Thanksgiving I'd just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. Family time, great food, football and faith--a perfect way to start my 26th year. I I know by the time January comes I will be not so fond of the wind and cold weather so for now I'm going to enjoy it and you should too!
