Project 28

Tuesday was my 28th birthday. I previously shared some of my anxiety about getting older. I'm relieved to say that my anxiety is now gone. I woke up an hour early on my birthday. Our air conditioner was out on our entire main floor. Since it was 81 degrees at bedtime the night before, I decided to sleep on an air mattress in the bonus room because we have a separate unit upstairs. I surprisingly had an overall great night’s sleep but awoke to an aching back (that part was not a surprise).  I went downstairs to get ready and prepare for my 12 hour workday ahead. I decided I was going to use some of my extra time to meditate. I'm not very good at meditating. My mind tends to wonder very quickly and often. I decided I would try to focus my prayers on all my blessings over the 28 years of my life and not so much my requests. I praised God for so many loved ones and named them individually. I gave God all the glory for my successes and where I am in life. When I was finished praying, the phrase smell the roses came to mind. I then thought, there's no need of worrying about what the future holds or what it is going to look like but I need to stop and smell the roses every day. I just imagined how much fuller my life would feel if I consciously took time to look for something new to be thankful for. I've decided to do just that. I'm going to thank God for something new and different for each day of my 28th year on earth. I am going to share them on here as well. I know it's going to be hard to post everyday and I certainly don't want to bore my surprisingly growing followers to tears. However, I do plan to journal something every day and share my list periodically.  I'm beyond excited now about being 28. It's funny how quickly your prospective can change. I know one day I will look back and laugh at myself for my fear of getting older when I was only 28. For those who know me well, you know I'm not a naturally positive person.  It is going to take some effort and disciple on my part to focus on the blessings.  I hope in this year that I can change the way I see the world. I also hope that my relationship with God will deepen and that my praises do nothing but glorify His name.

Funny thing after I decided on doing this, a friend posted this on Instagram. I'm hoping project 28 will do just that.

Also, my devotion on day 2 was this. I think God is reaffirming with me that this is a good plan.

And here's my items of thankfulness so far…
1.  All the love I was surrounded with on my birthday.
2. This gorgeous sunset. This sunset actually gave me chills. It's beyond humbling to me to know that the God that created the universe loves me.

3.  A supportive group of family and friends that prays for me. 

Another Crazy Fall

Oh I wish I could say I am looking forward to fall but just thinking about the next couple of months brings me nothing but anxiety. I have a full plate. I realize having a full plate means I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a job where I am in demand. However, just looking at my schedule gives me an ulcer. No kidding, I really think I’ve developed a stomach ulcer. When I think about my upcoming week this week makes me want to run to my momma’s house. You know because running to your momma’s house means no responsibilities and no real worries. First off, this work week is going to be like 60 hours! And it is my birthday. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun? Oh my birthday…. That brings another load of anxiety to me. If I skip the presents and cake can I skip getting older? It’s a deal so don’t worry about writing on my Facebook wall on Tuesday because I am skipping it this year. I do not know why I am having such a hard time as I inch closer and closer to the big 3-0, especially when my friends who have already reached that milestone birthday take it in stride and make it look not so bad after all. Each year just goes faster than the one before. I need things to sllllooooowwwww down a little. I cannot believe how fast the months fly by.

I am also very grateful that in the midst of my crazy fall schedule that we have some really fun things planned.  In ten days (if I survive hosting Business After Hours and a football team) we leave for the beach.  And just not to any beach. I am going to my happy, happy, happy place which is Saint Simons Island, Georgia. I must keep my eye on the goal. I am so excited that our friends Trina and Marshall will be joining us. While we are there Trina will turn 30 (which adds to my own anxiety about getting older but this is the part where I am supposed to focus on the positive… ha ha). We are also planning to attend the UT vs. Auburn game in November. Plus my best friend is getting married at the end of this month. I cannot wait! I must keep focused on all the good and exciting stuff and not how overwhelming and almost impossible my schedule seems. I would appreciate any prayers and support.