26 Things

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

26 Things Update

So yesterday marked exactly 3 months until my birthday, so it's time to evaluate how I'm doing on my list...

#2- last night was my third week co-leading worship at Community Group. This is something I have been wanting to do for a while, and adding it to this list is adding extra motivation. A few more weeks, and Ian is going to have me lead by myself. That's when I'll officially check this one off the list. Progress.

#4- I started my article. Just might post it here when I'm finished.

#5- I have created four cards to sell on Etsy and started my seller's account. I have posted one of the cards here. This was a little more time consuming than I thought, so I have yet to post the others. Soon to come.

#7- My lovely friend Rachel patiently taught me the basics of crocheting the other night. I'm slooooowly figuring out my own rhythm and am planning to make my first project an infinity scarf. I might be 27 by the time I finish it, but at least I learned which equals one completed task :)

#12- A couple weeks ago I met with one of the worship leaders at my church, Reality LA. Her name is Rebecca and she graciously agreed to meet with me (a stranger) and share her experience as a musician, worship leader and woman of God. It was great to learn from her journey and gain insight for my own life. I recommend seeking people out, I've been amazed and blessed by how open people are to making time. We didn't have coffee, but I think it still counts!

#25- My new vocal teacher rocks. We have only met a couple of times, but he is already have a huge impact on me as a vocalist. I felt instantly comfortable with him and he has already spoken into my life big time. I told him that and then some :) He is such a God-send and I'm excited to see how God will use him to continue breaking me out of my shell.

Monday, January 23, 2012

No More Listening

I used to consider myself quite a disciplined person. But lately, motivation has been hard to come by. Laziness trickling into every area of life. I make too many excuses. I want to get back to a place of purpose and victory.

I’ve been learning two lessons.

One.

There is power in making a true commitment to myself. Outloud. Boldly. Not just planning to do things, while secretly knowing that if the time comes to get up for that early morning gym trip, or refrain from eating that cookie, if I don’t feel like it, then who’s going to be there to force me? I have let excuses and justifications rule my life and I’m tired of it. After months of ‘planning’ to go to the gym with my roommate at the crack of dawn, we had a familiar conversation last night about this morning’s aspirations. I realized in that moment that I was verbally committing, but practically already justifying to myself why it will be okay to press the snooze button…again. I stopped myself. Something changed in me in that moment as I decided that I was going to wake up and go to the gym. I said it and I believed it. Guess what? We went to the gym this morning. And it felt great. So this is something that I am going to keep doing. I heard a powerful quote recently and I think it’s a good fit:

“Most of our unhappiness is due to the fact that we’re listening to ourselves instead of speaking to ourselves”

Try it and see what power it can have over your life.

Two.

The other thing I’ve been learning is that there is great momentum in choosing what to feed ourselves and trusting that the cravings will follow, instead of letting the cravings lead the way. So often, I am on a hunt to feed my cravings…junk food, negativity, greed. Pick your poison. It can so easily feel like we are held captive to these cravings. I have been amazed by what happens when I make the simple choice to feed myself the opposite of what I’m craving. Equally knowing it’s good for me and knowing it won’t feel good. One day of healthy, fresh eating and suddenly my body starts craving fruit instead of candy and greens instead of empty carbs. I make the choice to open my bible, despite the lies that are pouring in and I’m captivated and can’t stop reading. So these days, I’m choosing what to put in my body, my heart, my mind and seeing how I begin to crave these things. It is beautiful.

Monday, January 2, 2012

twenty-six

So a very brilliant friend of mine who writes Love, Lindsey decided to do "26 before 26" because she's turning 26 this year. Since I'll be turning 26 in less than 4 months, I was inspired to make my own list...

1. Take a solo road trip
2. Lead worship at community group
3. Take a creative writing class
4. Submit an article to Relevant
5. Sell cards on Etsy (or at least try)
6. Bring treats to work
7. Learn how to crochet
8. Learn to use a sewing machine (again!)
9. See Needtobreathe in concert
10. Go wine tasting (with all the wine I've consumed, can't believe I've never done this)
11. Go on a hike
12. Go to coffee with someone I admire
13. Feed a homeless person
14. Buy lunch for someone
15. Write a song
16. Host a dinner party
17. Donate to a charity I believe in
18. Sing on the sidewalk
19. Spend a whole day with a child exploring the world
20. Write a letter to a sex-trafficking victim via A21 Campaign
21. Walk to work
22. Participate in a marathon for a cause
23. Make a piece of jewelry
24. Bring someone to church
25. Tell someone how they've impacted me
26. Read a classic novel