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.