Day 1,347 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Monday – 7/12/2021

Monday is hot yoga day

Monday is hot yoga day. I love starting my week with this class. A good way to sweat out the weekend and start my week anew.

I’ve been able to get into wheel pose (backbend) for a month now. Though every time we come to that part of practice, there is still a bit of trepidation and fear around wondering if I can do it. As I was getting ready to push into the pose, I found this thought interesting.

It reminded me, it’s not about doing something only one time and becoming comfortable at it. Many times, we need to do something over and over again, until it feels natural. Having been in some aspect of sales my entire career, it reminded me a of picking up the phone, going on a sales call or prospecting someone new. In the beginning, it didn’t feel comfortable. It took me doing it over and over again to become comfortable at it and to become good at it. Just like wheel pose. I just need to push through the fear and trepidation every time until, it becomes something I don’t have to think about.

What are you trying to master? Know that mastery takes time. Know that feeling uncomfortable even after you done it once, twice or a few times is normal. Just keep going!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,346 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Sunday – 7/11/2021

I Was Mesmerized

Out on my walk, I was mesmerized by this butterfly. I was watching it flutter around, land in the dead bushes and then it literally disappeared until it opened its wings again. (Yes, I had to share both photos so you could see how it blended in.)

In life do we blend in with everyone around us or do we show our beauty? I believe our beauty is in our uniqueness and our authenticity. It’s not about fitting into the crowd and being like the Joneses though instead embracing who we really are.

It’s our differences that make us beautiful and unique. I would love us to celebrate the difference and uniqueness in others. Everyone is different. Loving and respecting others means seeing and celebrating what is unique in them. Because where we are the same is, we all want to love and be loved. Isn’t that enough sameness? I think so!

So, let’s spread our wings, flutter, and celebrate the beauty in everyone!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,345 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Saturday – 7/10/2021

Where Our Path Leads

We may not always know where our path leads. Sometimes we believe it will head in one direction and we end up in a whole other place. Part of the joy is taking the path and finding where you end up.

Steve asked me if five years ago, I thought I would be where I am at right now. In some ways, yes. In other ways, no.

Five years ago, my life looked very different than it does today. I was renting an apartment, struggling in my business, and trying to find my way in the world. I was starting to believe in myself again and figuring out what I wanted in life.

Five years ago this month, I walked into OTA and learned about a dive trip to Egypt the following summer. I knew I had to go on that trip. I remember thinking when I booked it, I’m going because five years from now I don’t want to say, “I wish I would have.” I’m so glad I listened as that is the trip where Steve and I met.

And now we are here in Sugar Land together married and enjoying life. Just say yes to your life and see where the path leads. It may surprise you.

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,344 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Friday – 7/9/2021

Perfect Way to End My Week

Perfect way to end my week and start the weekend my pampering myself with a much-needed pedicure! I love Milano Nails where I go. It’s close, they know my name, they do a great job, and the warm neck pillow is fantastic!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,343 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Thursday – 7/8/2021

Time For a Snack

After coming out of my office (aka the fishbowl), as it was time for a snack, I opened the pantry and found this! While I was on Zoom meetings, Steve decided to organize our pantry. I love it! This makes me so happy as it’s organized, and I didn’t have to do it. All is well in my world. Thanks love!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,342 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Wednesday – 7/7/2021

Between Rainstorms.

Between rainstorms this evening, Steve and I were able to get a walk in. I’m a little over the rain though enjoying the cool weather. Growing up in Indiana, I never thought I would say the 80’s were cooler weather.

Growing up in Indiana, we lived on several acres just outside of town and close to the local lake. I loved having land and being able to spread out. Living in the suburbs of Houston is definitely a different place than small town Indiana though I have always loved having space.

As Steve and I were on our walk, I realized that I love the space behind our house with water, lots of nature and a walking path. I may live in subdivision though knowing this is right outside my back fence makes me happy every single day. For me, I feel like I have the best of both worlds – the convenience of a big city though nature and space like my small-town roots!

Yay! Steve passed his driving test and now officially has a Texas Driver’s License. Way to go Steve! So proud of you and so happy I am no longer the only driver and the taxi service. Ha ha ha! I knew you would pass with flying colors. And I’m glad you had to learn to drive on the right and it wasn’t the other way around and I would have to learn to drive on the left!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,341 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Tuesday – 7/6/2021

 Steve passed his driving test

Yay! Steve passed his driving test and now officially has a Texas Driver’s License. Way to go Steve! So proud of you and so happy I am no longer the only driver and the taxi service. Ha ha ha! I knew you would pass with flying colors. And I’m glad you had to learn to drive on the right and it wasn’t the other way around and I would have to learn to drive on the left!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,340 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Monday – 7/5/2021

Mexican food.

Steve and I had date night early this week. A round of golf and dinner at Lupe Tortillas. I am big fan of Mexican food though only have it about once a month! As we were having dinner, it reminded me of our first date. It was in Sugar Land as Steve was in the US for a week staying with mutual friends. As a smart woman, I had invited him over though there was no way I was cooking on our first date. Didn’t want to set that expectation. Lol! So, to go Mexican food was our first meal. I’m so glad he likes fajitas as much as I do!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,339 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Sunday – 7/4/2021

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! I’m so proud to be an American!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.

Day 1,338 – Finding Joy in the Journey – Saturday – 7/3/2021

When the Rain Comes

This is what happens when the rain comes during your golf round! The tunnels under the road come in very handy. A 20-min break and we were back at it and the only people on the course. We weren’t going to let the rain ruin our weekend!

About “Finding Joy”

And I’m off…. the 16-day adventure begins. The timing of this trip is interesting so I’m naming it “Finding Joy in the Journey.” I’ll be doing one dedicated post each day (at the end of the day or next morning). Since I typically post more than once a day, you’ll find it as a black and white photo. I’ll share the joy of the journey (on the trip or through this season), where I’m finding it and what I’m learning. I hope to inspire myself along the way. And if I can inspire others too, that would be a gift. So let the journey begin…

It was November 2017 and I was ready to head off on a sixteen-day trip.  Nine days before leaving, my mom unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. It shook me to my core.  I had always been told the 40’s are the best years of your life.  And in a matter of three years, since turning the age of 40, I had gone through a divorce and lost both parents. 

I contemplated canceling the trip though I knew my mom would not be happy with that decision. She would want me to continue living my life.  My parents did not raise me to sit back and watch life; instead to fully participate in every moment. So I promised my parents to find joy in the journey everyday on my sixteen-day trip and share my experience with others. 

Little did I know what “Finding the Joy in the Journey” would turn into when I acted on the prompting to share my experience on a daily basis.  It helped me see life differently and my wish is that it will inspire others find joy in their journey.