Adapting to Life’s Constant Changes

In February while I was planning several vacations and gainfully employed, I found out that my job was going to be ending in March.

Since I wasn’t expecting this change, I felt both depressed and despondent at the same time. I had no desire to do many of the activities that were keeping me sane and focused just weeks before.

I stopped writing, but I didn’t stop exercising or cooking—things I previously enjoyed. I worried about getting a new job and having to take so much time off. My youngest daughter was graduating from college. We were planning a beach trip, graduation trip to Cabo San Lucas, going to Greece, and Ireland—all things that were significantly paid for—but not fully.

I thought that my new job search would yield more and better opportunities. I’d had several promising interviews including referrals and with others with whom I’ve worked with previously.

It’s July now, three of my five trips have passed. I’m still unemployed along with a large number of people in my area who have been DOGED or had government contracts canceled. The result—many more qualified people in search of the same jobs. I’ve talked to recruiters who have received upwards of 400 resumes for one position.

I started out thinking quantity of submissions would help me get noticed, but learned that quality submissions with intention and true interest works best. I am actively looking, but with quality and intention. This has greatly improved my overall experience and wellbeing. I’ll let you know when this lands the right opportunity!

Lent and Spring: A Season of Renewal

As winter starts to give way to spring, I can’t help but feel the energy of renewal all around me. The longer days, the budding flowers, the fresh air—it’s as if the world itself is waking up and starting over. For me, spring isn’t just a seasonal change; it’s also deeply connected to Lent, a time of reflection, sacrifice, and transformation. Together, they offer a powerful opportunity to reset, refocus, and recommit to the life I want to build.

Lenten Renewal: A Spiritual Reset

Lent is traditionally a season of sacrifice and spiritual discipline, but I see it as much more than that. It’s a time to examine my habits, my mindset, and my relationship with God. I’ve set a few Lenten goals this year, and they aren’t just about giving things up—they’re about making intentional changes that bring me closer to my faith and help me live a more meaningful life.

Some of my Lenten commitments include:

Wasting Less – Whether it’s food, time, or money, I want to be more mindful of what I consume and what I discard. Waste is often a sign of excess, and I want to be more conscious of appreciating what I have.

Curbing Impulse Buying – It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and buy things I don’t truly need. This season, I want to focus on intentional spending and resisting the urge to make unnecessary purchases.

Strengthening My Faith – Through prayer, scripture, and personal reflection, I hope to deepen my connection with God and develop a stronger sense of purpose in my daily life.

Spring: A Time for Growth and Change

As the earth renews itself, I feel called to do the same. Spring is the perfect reminder that growth is always possible. Just as trees shed their winter dormancy and flowers push through the soil, I, too, can embrace positive change.

For me, spring is a season to:

Declutter My Life – Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Letting go of what no longer serves me—whether it’s physical clutter, bad habits, or negative thoughts—creates space for what truly matters.

Embrace Simplicity – The beauty of spring is in its simplicity: fresh air, blooming flowers, and longer days. I want to take that lesson into my own life, focusing on gratitude and appreciating the small joys that each day brings.

Make Lasting Changes– Lent may be a temporary season, but the changes I make now can have a lasting impact. The renewal I seek isn’t just for these forty days—it’s for a lifetime.

A Season of Purposeful Living

Lent and spring are both reminders that transformation is possible. This is my chance to step back, reassess, and move forward with intention. By wasting less, consuming less, and deepening my faith, I hope to emerge from this season feeling more aligned with my values and more connected to God.

This journey of renewal isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And just like the first buds of spring, even small changes can grow into something beautiful.

How are you using this season for renewal?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The Challenge of Work-Life Balance: Why Your Workout Routine Keeps You Focused

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a work-life balance can feel like an impossible task. Between demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and social commitments, it’s easy to let personal well-being take a backseat. One of the first things many people sacrifice is their workout routine. However, maintaining regular exercise isn’t just about staying in shape—it plays a crucial role in keeping your focus, managing stress, and maintaining overall productivity.

The Struggle: When Work Takes Over

Many professionals find themselves caught in an endless cycle of long hours, late-night emails, and back-to-back meetings. The expectation to be “always on” can make it difficult to carve out time for exercise. Common excuses include:

• “I’m too busy with work.”

• “I’m too tired after a long day.”

• “I’ll get back to it when things calm down.”

Unfortunately, things rarely “calm down,” and without conscious effort, skipping workouts can become the norm rather than the exception.

Why Exercise is Essential for Focus and Productivity

The irony is that neglecting your fitness routine in the name of productivity often has the opposite effect. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to:

• Boost mental clarity: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and decision-making skills.

• Reduce stress: Exercise helps lower cortisol levels and releases endorphins, which improve mood and resilience.

• Increase energy levels: Contrary to popular belief, working out doesn’t drain your energy—it boosts it by improving circulation and oxygen flow.

• Enhance focus and discipline: Sticking to a workout schedule strengthens self-discipline, which translates into other areas of life, including work.

Finding the Right Balance: Practical Strategies

So, how do you maintain your workout routine without compromising work responsibilities? Here are some strategies:

1. Schedule It Like a Meeting

Treat your workouts as non-negotiable appointments. Block time on your calendar just as you would for an important meeting.

2. Prioritize Efficiency

You don’t need to spend hours in the gym. A 30-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session, a quick run, or even a brisk walk can make a difference.

3. Make It Convenient

Find a gym near your office, invest in home workout equipment, or follow online fitness programs to eliminate commute time as a barrier.

4. Use Workouts as a Break

If your job is mentally demanding, use exercise as a way to recharge. A lunchtime walk or a quick yoga session can help reset your focus for the rest of the day.

5. Combine Fitness with Social Time

Instead of meeting friends for dinner or drinks, consider an active outing like hiking, cycling, or a fitness class.

6. Start Small and Stay Consistent

If you’re struggling to get back into a routine, start with short, manageable workouts and build from there. Consistency is more important than intensity.

The Bottom Line

Work-life balance isn’t about perfectly dividing your time between work and personal life—it’s about making conscious choices that support your overall well-being. Prioritizing exercise helps you stay focused, energized, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Instead of seeing your workout routine as an extra task, view it as a necessary tool for maintaining both productivity and peace of mind.

The next time you’re tempted to skip your workout because of a busy schedule, remember: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Balancing Goals: Progress in Fitness and Life

This week felt like a whirlwind of activity as I worked through a full schedule. Despite my best intentions, I’ll admit I haven’t done a great job managing my start-of-year plan. Life has a way of getting busy, and while I’m not exactly on track, I’m proud to say that I’ve been making progress where it counts.

One area where I’ve really stayed consistent is my fitness routine. This week, I managed to work out six days in a row, and it’s been a mix that’s kept things interesting. I balanced weightlifting sessions to build strength, cardio to get my heart rate up, and yoga to help with flexibility and mindfulness. It feels good to know that even when other parts of my plan aren’t going as smoothly, my commitment to staying active hasn’t wavered. I even sent my adult daughters an exercise challenge–only one accepted. 🙂

Today marked the start of something new: a four-week Peloton bootcamp. I’m excited about this challenge and the opportunity to push myself in a structured way. There’s something motivating about having a plan to follow and goals to strive for, and I’m eager to see how I progress over the next month.

It’s easy to get caught up in what isn’t going perfectly, but I’m choosing to celebrate the wins. Showing up for myself through fitness is a victory, and I’m confident that as I keep building momentum, other parts of my start-of-year plan will fall into place. Here’s to progress, persistence, and finding balance one step at a time.

A Fresh Start: Snow, Simplicity, and Savoring Life

January 8, 2025

The new year is off to a quiet yet reflective start. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to the office for the first time this year, and snow is in the forecast—a fitting backdrop for new beginnings. Snow, with its blanketing hush and pristine beauty, always feels symbolic to me. It wipes the slate clean, giving everything a chance to feel fresh, unblemished, and full of possibility.

This past week, our house was full of life as my daughters and family visited for the holidays. Today, they started packing up and returning to their homes and school, leaving the familiar ache of an empty house. While I miss them already, I’m learning to embrace the rhythm of this stage of life. There’s a certain peace in quiet moments and a chance to appreciate what’s here in front of me.

One of my goals this year is to lean into contentment—to truly savor what I have instead of chasing what I don’t. Part of this is about gratitude, but it’s also practical. I’ve been inspired to waste less, especially when it comes to food. Over the holidays, I noticed how easy it is to let leftovers languish in the fridge or buy more than we really need. So, I’m trying something new: exploring recipes that make use of what’s already in my kitchen.

Cooking has become a creative outlet and a challenge in portion control. With just two of us at home now, I’m learning how to cook for two instead of a crowd. It’s not always easy; old habits die hard. But there’s something satisfying about adapting recipes, ensuring nothing goes to waste, and enjoying meals that are just enough for us. As I prepare for the year ahead, I feel a quiet determination. The snow, the slower pace, and the thoughtful changes in how I approach daily life all feel like part of a bigger shift. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly mine. Here’s to finding joy in simplicity, cherishing loved ones, and making the most of what we have—one recipe, one day, one snowy morning at a time.

Living My Best Life: A Weekly Plan for Health and Creativity

January 1, 2025

As we step into a new year, I’m embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes personal growth, health, and creativity. Living my best life means making time for what I love—working out with Peloton, diving into HIIT training, exploring new recipes, cooking to create, reading, and learning Spanish. These hobbies not only enrich my daily routine but also nurture my mind, body, and spirit. To make this vision a reality, I’ve outlined a weekly plan that ensures I stay consistent while enjoying every step of the journey.

The Importance of Hobbies in a Fulfilling Life

Hobbies are more than just activities; they’re pathways to joy, self-expression, and growth. For me, they provide balance, helping me stay grounded and energized. Whether it’s the thrill of a challenging Peloton workout, the creativity in crafting a new dish, or the satisfaction of learning a new language, these hobbies remind me that life is about the journey, not just the destination.

My Weekly Plan for Living My Best Life

To bring structure to my goals, I’ve created a weekly outline that incorporates my favorite hobbies while allowing flexibility for life’s unpredictability.

Monday: Start Strong

• Morning: Peloton cycling session (45 minutes). Starting the week with an intense workout sets the tone for productivity and energy.

• Evening: Spend 30 minutes reading a new book. This time helps me wind down while feeding my mind with fresh perspectives.

Tuesday: Creative Exploration

• Morning: HIIT training (60 minutes). A quick, high-intensity workout to boost metabolism and strength.

• Evening: Experiment with a new recipe. I’ll try a dish that challenges my culinary skills, letting creativity flow in the kitchen.

Wednesday: Midweek Reset

• Morning: A restorative Peloton yoga or stretching class (20–30 minutes). It’s essential to incorporate recovery into my routine.

• Evening: Study Spanish for 30 minutes. Learning a language keeps my brain sharp and opens the door to new cultural experiences.

Thursday: Challenge and Growth

• Morning: HIIT session (60 minutes). Consistency is key to staying fit and focused.

• Evening: Read for an hour. Diving deeper into a novel or nonfiction book enhances my knowledge and perspective.

Friday: Creative Wind-Down

• Evening: Dedicate an hour to cooking to create. I’ll improvise in the kitchen, combining ingredients without a recipe to see what delicious meals I can craft.

Saturday: Full Engagement

• Morning: A longer Peloton ride or scenic outdoor run (60 minutes). Saturdays are perfect for a more immersive workout.

• Afternoon: Spanish practice (1 hour). This extended session includes vocabulary, speaking exercises, and exploring Spanish culture.

Sunday: Reflect and Recharge

• Morning: Gentle yoga or meditation (20 minutes). A mindful start to prepare for the week ahead.

• Afternoon: Meal prep using recipes I’ve mastered or want to try, setting myself up for a healthy and productive week.

Finding Joy in the Process

This routine allows me to stay consistent while savoring each moment. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up for myself and finding joy in every step. Whether I’m sweating through a Peloton climb, savoring a homemade dish, or learning a new Spanish phrase, these hobbies remind me that living my best life is about embracing what makes me happy.

By dedicating time to these passions, I’m cultivating a lifestyle that aligns with my values, bringing balance and fulfillment to every day. Here’s to living intentionally and embracing the hobbies that make life extraordinary!