{Spark}

There are a lot of "firsts", "lasts" and "onlys" over the course of our lives. As I pack up eight years of my Seattle life in brown boxes, I find that it's hard to pack up eight years of memories. With every tape rip, my heart breaks a little as I realize that over the next week and a half more "lasts" will occur than "firsts," and dinner and coffee dates are more "good-byes" than just conversation and food.  I've tried to convince myself that we'll be back after I graduate grad school, but it will never be the same again, and it's so hard for me to accept. I often wonder why it's so tempting for me to feel so sorry for myself--I've been given this huge opportunity to further my education and career. I've been gifted a chance to change the course of my future--for me and my family. Yet, I'm crying in my coffee, because I'm going to leave a city that has become my home and that I've grown to love. Time seems to be more against me as I try to drink in all this city has to offer, and as I look at the city through new eyes, I truly see  the beauty it has to offer, and for me, that's a first. I have spent time complaining about the weather, traffic and what I think is a horrific number of Prius drivers, but the reality is that every little thing about Seattle is what makes it so great, and I'm really going to miss it.
As I begin the end of my time in Seattle, I've realized that with every opportunity we are blessed with, we need to run with it and trust ourselves that we've made the right decision. Yes, we will have to say good-bye to people and places we love, and yes, we'll have a little part of who we are be left behind, but we need to be thankful for what we're given. More thankful than we are. We spend so much time wishing things were different or that our lives were going somewhere other than where we are, but we're given a chance to live and a chance to make our own choices, so we need to embrace it all, and learn to see every opportunity as a blessing rather than a wrench in our lives. So I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you. Thank you tomorrow for promising to come. Thank you grad school for giving me an opportunity to change my life. Thank you Seattle friends for giving me eight years of memories to pack. Thank you Seattle for teaching me how to grow up. Thank you moving boxes for making my life easier to move. Thank you tears for reminding me of memories that will move with me no matter where life takes me. It's been a great run, but here's to another city to conquer, love and grow.

Love, Jyl

{SPARK}

"Have you heard that So and So is moving to South Africa?!"
No way!
"Did you know that Blah Blah just quit his job and is backpacking across Europe for little to no money?"
What?!
"What about You Know Who that just got married and landed this total corporate job in New York City?"
Seriously? That's awesome!
"I know. And, Blah Blah's twin sister just had a baby and is living in the new house that she and her husband built themselves last year."
Wow. I can't believe how fast things are happening.
"And, get this. Mamba Jamba just broke up with his girlfriend--the one that he dated all through college and moved in with him last year. I heard he's now dating this other girl and it's pretty serious."
Crazy.

It recently hit me that the above "dinner date/coffee date with college friends" conversation template has existed in my life for the past two years or more. Rolling up on the beginning of the fifth year being out of college the feeling that life isn't going to slow down any time soon is becoming solidified, and I'm torn: part of me thinks that it's a great time of our lives--the world is at our fingertips and we have so many options; the other part of me is longing for some sort of stability and homogeneous lifestyle that existed for the first 18 years of my life and semi-continued for my college years. We had friends whose residences never changed; houses that we knew were home; jobs that at least gave us spending money; homework that would get itself done eventually; clubs with weekly meetings; and futures that seemed predictable.

This is not the case, and the further away we get from such a life, the crazier it seems. Our friends are getting married, having children, moving, changing jobs, meeting new friends, starting to date for real. And, while I feel like I'm grasping for something to hold on to, the only thing I have is a small foothold, and that's the fact that we're all doing the best we can for ourselves. None of us find it easy to say good-bye to old friends, cities we've grown to love, and places that have more memories attached to them than most others. But, we all know that for us to dream we need to let go of some things, and move forward. We need to allow our lives to change and allow the others around us to change as well. Some of us may have a friendship whose light is starting to flicker and will soon burn out. Some of us may have a job that we hate, and are giving up a steady paycheck in hopes that furthering our education will be a risk worth taking. And, others of us are starting families--the biggest life change of all.

Trusting in change is risky business, because there is no foreseen outcome, and I am admittedly one of the scardiest cats of them all when it comes to believing that change is worth the risk. But, if we don't take the leap of faith that will get us further in the lives that we've dreamed of, then what's the point? Nothing stays the same forever, and if it did, we would find something else to freak out about. I keep telling myself that the choices I make are the ones that I wanted. Sometimes I have to tell myself over and over again, just because with information about all my college peers floating about I begin to doubt myself and where I'm going, what I'm doing. I know it's not much, and this is very much unsolicited, but the advice that I offer to my friends is to do what you think is best FOR YOU, and never regret that decision. When you look back and wonder how things could have been different had you chosen the other option, pat yourself on the back, because you made the absolute right decision. No regrets. Live the life that you've always wanted, and do what it takes to get there. Life will surely change with every decision you make and with every decision that your friends and loved ones make, but embrace the change and let life take you where it will, because when you look back ten, twenty years from now, it will all have been worth it.

-Jyl.

{Spark}

I recently went to my home state to visit my parents--one last visit before I get married and lives change, etc. As I was sleeping in my childhood room, remembering how many wall color changes I had gone through, remnants of my past sitting on the two bookshelves, collecting dust, I got a little bit sad. I knew that that was the last time I was going to be sleeping in that bed in that room colored that color. My dad is turning my room into his office and the space that is now his office? It's going to be a gym/play room/entertaining room. As I packed up the dolls, stuff animals, trophies, memories, I felt like I was growing up for real. If being in my mid-twenties, thinking all the college students bopping around town are really young wasn't enough, getting married and packing up my childhood room was the final straw. I am officially a grown up. No more pretending when I go home; no more glow in the dark stars at night; no more boy bands covering my walls. For the first time in my life, I feel like everything is different. For a day or two I was sad. I wondered if growing up was exactly what I wanted. Part of me wanted to revert back to wearing my over sized t-shirts and boxers to bed and crawling into my teddy bear flannel sheets, but the more I think about it, I realize that this is what my parents raised me to do. I was meant to be independent.  All those days and nights in my room, all the tea times and games of house, photo shoots and karaoke that my room witnessed were leading me up to this point in my life. While I can look back at my childhood all day long, wishing I could somehow preserve it, I need to only look forward. I am grateful for the childhood I had, and even more, I'm grateful for the person my parents raised me to become. This week, I encourage you to thank the people that raised you to become the person you are today, because sometimes I think we forget.

{Spark}

A friend of mine recently posted pictures on Facebook of her husband's homecoming from Afghanistan. These pictures were just so beautiful. Really. There is this picture of the two of them embracing each other for the first time in months and a picture of their son and daughter running into his arms. Really, what a great moment for them and what a great way to be reminded of what love can look like. I mean, I could actually feel the love pouring out of these pictures.

I've never experienced being away from the love of my life for months on end, just waiting for him to come home, and I often forget how blessed I am to be able to see him everyday. I think the same can go with any of our friends or family. This week, try to love like you haven't seen your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, mother, father, brother, sister for months.

{Spark}

Forgiveness is something that is hard to learn to do, but is necessary for the survival of your happiness. Have someone that you have to forgive? Try to do it this week.

{Spark}

We have something to learn everyday. Whether it's about ourselves, the person next to us or just a small tidbit of info we didn't know before, it's there for us to take. Please, take advantage of all these learning opportunities, as you get older. Learn from each other and learn how to interact with others, because we don't want to be set in our ways so our children and grandchildren will say of us, "He/she isn't going to change, so we just need to learn how to deal with it." That scares me that eventually people could say that about me, and I hope that it's not true for you as well.

I have to be honest with you. This week I'm writing from a very drained place where I don't think I can offer much of a creative piece of advice or challenge. I'm in the process of learning right now, and I'm in a place that's completely new to me. It's hard and I don't know how life's lessons are going to shape me from these situations, but I guess that's part of the learning process--not knowing how to do something but gaining the tools to do so. Here's to better weeks, life lessons and never being too set in our ways!

{Spark}

This last weekend I was privileged to spend an afternoon with a small group of Seattle's elderly population. The organization that I volunteer with was hosting their quarterly get together so we spent the afternoon feasting on homemade mac and cheese and bean salad. (potlucks are always a toss up with what you're going to get) The organization brought in a Spanish dance troop consisting of two women in their 30's, 4 girls age 12 and two girls age 6. As they stomped around the stage to mariachi music I watched the joy in the faces of the crowd around me. Honestly it wasn't groundbreaking dancing or even anything that was super amazing to watch, but no one cared. It was the first time in a long time that I sat back and just enjoyed the moment I was in. Every weekend I spend time with my "friend" (a 74 year old blind woman). We talk about everything from the Japanese invasion of her hometown in the Philippines to the dance class she's taking to the braille National Geographic she's been reading. I have dedicated time every weekend to spend with her and there's nowhere else I have to be, no one else I have to see, and we bring joy to each other. The hours I spend with my "friend" are the only true moments where I feel like I'm in a place 100%. I urge you to take time to yourself or find something that you truly enjoy doing so that you have moments where you're just there. There there. Not there and between Starbucks and the commute to work. There and your trip to your parents' house. I have to say, when you can just have a moment that's the only thing going on, the stress of everything else just disappears, and when your moment is over and you start to think of all the things that need to be done still, it doesn't seem as bad, because you know that in the midst of chaos, the little moments you have offer some relief, and that's definitely worth it.

{Spark}

I just wanted to share a quote with you that my friend, Mark, shared earlier this week. (So, I guess technically I'm stealing):

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
-John Wooden

{Spark}

If there's one thing I've learned it's that some of life's biggest events begin in one second. The second between tears and laughter, driving and accidents, dating and engaged, 15 and 16, life and death are what create the backbone of our past. For every one second experience we have, whether we realize it or not, we change. Some of us learn from our experiences, others push it aside, but we all change in one way or another. I had a conversation with a friend a few nights back about how we cannot let time slip away from us, because it is the one thing that we can never get back. If you've ever lost a friend or family member, you understand what it's like to grasp for more time, just a few more seconds, just one more second...but time doesn't stop. When I think back on the seconds I've learned of a loved one passing or the seconds I'm thankful to be intact after a car accident I've mistakenly created an urgency to my life to get a lot done before I can't do anymore. I've let valuable time pass, franticly trying to get things accomplished. But then I think of the seconds I turned 21 in Wales, learned I was going to become an aunt, was asked to marry my best friend, walked out of my last undergrad final, received acceptance letters for grad school, and I'm reminded that our lives change in those moments as well. Our lives can change any day, any time, and in just one second, good or bad. So I guess all we can do is stay focused on what's good, hope for the best and live the life we were meant to live, because if we can't do that, what are we doing?

{Spark}

I've already shared this with a few of you a while back, but it's something that I've been thinking about a lot lately, just because I've questioned my motives a few times in the past few weeks. A while back, I created a "life list"--a list of things I feel are important to live by. If you haven't or if you don't think about these types of things on a regular basis, I encourage you to create a list (in your head or on paper; long or short) because every once in a while in its own way, it makes life make sense, even if only to you.
Jyl's Life List:
1. Don’t live a life full of regrets
2. Look back every once in a while, but stay focused on the future
3. Say “Thank you”
4. Laugh, even if no one else thinks it’s funny
5. Keep up on current events
6. Only say “yes” and “no” when you mean it
7. Spend the money to visit friends and family
8. Always believe in something
9. Have a goal, and don’t rest until it’s complete
10. Say “I’m sorry”
11. Do the best you can, and be the person you know you can
12. Find the person you can’t live without, and don’t let them go
13. Say “I love you”
14. Sit in the sunshine when it’s out (literally and figuratively)
15. Hug your family members
16. Dance at weddings if someone asks you
17. Don’t wish for tomorrow, make it happen
18. Take time to be by yourself every once in a while
19. Stay in shape
20. Don’t judge people
21. Tip well if the service was good
22. Be nice—maybe that person was having a bad day
23. If you’re out and about and see something that reminds you of someone, buy it and surprise them with it
24. Never forget the ones you lost, but live a life they would be proud of
25. Find a quote and live by it
26. Never settle
27. Go out on a date if asked; it’s free dinner, and you never know when you’ll be surprised
28. Do something to challenge yourself physically at least once a year
29. Cook with your spouse
30. Find a picture that makes you laugh, and pull it out when you’re having a bad day
31. Give $1 to a homeless person at least once a year
32. Give your time to someone who needs it
33. Admit when you’re wrong
34. Get help when you need it
35. Don’t become too prideful
36. Remember that grace and forgiveness are worth more than money
37. Let go of relationships that are causing you harm
38. Build up your relationships that make you a better person
39. Be someone worth looking up to
40. Dress your age
41. Be responsible
42. Don’t be afraid of love
43. Ask questions
44. Be a life-long learner
45. Be willing to take a step back from a situation in order to find a solution
46. Force yourself to try new things
47. Let your last words to your spouse every night be “I Love You”
48. Surround yourself with people that keep you accountable
49. Never put off something that’s meant for right now
50. Live your life in a way that will make a good biography years down the road
51. Know the world’s history
52. Know your limitations
53. Ask directions once, but only once
54. Be courteous and gracious to those that serve you
55. Be grateful for everything you have
56. Never let yourself doubt your abilities
57. Be persistent
58. Find someone in history that made a difference and study them
59. Look for cloud animals your whole life
60. Dream
61. When it’s time to become an adult, embrace it
62. Never talk badly about the people that raised you
63. Know your past, and thank those who made you who you are
64. Take a personality test every 5 years to see how you’ve grown
65. Marry the first person that really gets who you are
66. Go out to eat on special occasions
67. Keep a loving relationship between you and your siblings
68. Quote movies
69. Remember important details
70. Buy a pair of sunglasses that make you strut
71. Take care of your personal hygiene
72. Accept compliments
73. Know when it’s time to say “good-bye”
74. Do everything you can to make everyone’s lives easier
75. Learn what your purpose in life is, then DO IT
76. Don’t let others or situations hold you back
77. Keep a childhood toy
78. Entertaining your guests is more important than how clean your house is
79. If it rains, get an umbrella
80. Travel
81. Do something every week that you’ve never done before
82. Don’t pretend you’re something you’re not
83. It’s okay to sit out a dance or two
84. Have children when you’re ready
85. Watch good television
86. Know your weaknesses
87. Never wish the worst on someone
88. Find the good in every situation
89. Be on time, or early
90. Be a good employee/coworker
91. Don’t let praise go to your head
92. Smile
93. Throw dinner parties
94. Watch old movies
95. Dance in the rain
96. Be thankful every morning you wake up
97. Plan ahead, but don’t let your plans get in the way of what’s going on right now
98. Start a blog
99. Keep in touch with old friends
100.Keep a journal

{Spark}

I have this vivid memory from my childhood (I must have been about 5 or 6). My family went to a jewelery store to pick up a necklace that belonged to my mom. She had taken it in to get it repaired--I believe it had been snapped in half or something of that nature. That's not what's important, the reason why this memory stands out so vividly to me is because it was the first time I was wrongfully accused. The lady at the jewelry store looked at me and said, "Do NOT play with your mama's jewelry, you understand little lady?" I didn't play with her jewelry and I didn't snap the necklace in half--that I remember. I remember being so upset that this lady who didn't know anything about me would accuse me of doing something I didn't ever do.

My parents were in town a few weeks ago, and we were just shooting the shit when this story somehow got brought up. My mom said that she didn't even remember the story or even what necklace it could have been, but it must have been important to her at that time for her to spend money to get it repaired. My dad said he remembered going to the store, but he didn't remember what necklace it was either. Which brings me [ta-da] to my whole purpose in sharing this story with you: you know how a lot of times things seem so important at that time but years down the road you can't remember it or the importance of it? There are a lot of things that are so important to me right now: my wedding, my grad school decision, friends moving away, having to move out of post-college mode into adulthood, etc. Right now, all this seems OMG...SO IMPORTANT, but in all reality, what is really important are the things that will last longer than the next few months: my marriage, obtaining an MBA, starting new long distance friendship traditions, being an adult. What happens in the here and now are the things that make our lives worth living day to day, but what we make of it makes our whole lives worth living. Don't get caught up on fixing a necklace that 20 years later you won't remember. Focus on the most important things and all the others will just be things that happened.

{Spark}

This last week I was reminded how much I really love my friends--new and old. We all know what it's like to be graduated from college and make plans three weeks in advance with an old friend, then work, life, stuff gets in the way and we may pause for a second and ask ourselves if we want to follow through with our plans or if we should find a lame excuse not to meet up with them. Don't lie. You've done it. I do it all the time. But I'm always reminded of what a great thing to have the ability to catch up with old friends is. You may have new friends and they may know who you are now a lot better than your old friends, but there's something about old friendships that brings out a side of you that no one else can, and it's always fun to catch up with that side of you. This week: I urge you if you have plans, keep them. If you don't have plans, maybe make some or facebook an old friend. I think we get so caught up in who we're becoming and where we're going that we accidentally leave others behind. I think it's just as important to look back and see who you were, who got you there and who's been with you as it is to see who you're becoming, who's helping you get there and who's with you on your new journey.

{Spark}

This morning I woke up to a welcome sight: the sun. I'm often reminded that although we sometimes feel like we're being pelted with rain/snow/sleet and stuck in the dark, the sun will eventually come out and bring a new life to our tired bodies. It seems that whenever we're going through something we forget that there's always an end to it. Sometimes living in Seattle I wonder if I'll remember what the sun looks like or I feel like the rain is constantly coming down and all I want is for it to stop, but eventually it does and there's nothing more beautiful than a sunny morning in Seattle. Trust me, I know that when life sucks, it sucks. But, think about all the things that bring sun into your life and start to give thanks for those. I think we often forget to focus on the good things in life until something makes us remember them, but try this week to fill your thoughts with the good and remember all the things that bring sun for you. Laugh a little and smile, because after all, what's better than being alive and having the ability to make everyday awesome?

{Spark}

Boundaries. We might not be good at setting boundaries for ourselves, but we sure get upset when we feel like a boundary has been crossed. I like to think that I set boundaries for myself: work, family, ethics, religion, but I get tested on that a lot. And what about friendships? Friendships. Where do you set boundaries with people that you spend so much time with and people that depend on you? When a friend is in need do you need to draw a boundary on how involved you will get? When a friend has something huge going on that's exciting, do you need to draw a boundary on how involved you get with a life that's not yours? In no way am I saying that you need to be a cold friend or that you need to draw boundaries that are not acceptable, but what I am saying is that the only person that you are responsible to is you, and you need to be sure that you are drawing healthy boundaries when it comes to how involved you become with your friends.
We all make choices, right? Some choices might be good--you're getting married! Some choices might be bad--no, you shouldn't have lied on your resume. And some choices might have serious consequences, but these are, in fact, YOUR choices. I have found that when someone asks for your advice they might not be looking for your advice, but an advocate for what they have already decided to do. I would say that 8 times out of 10, my friends that have come to me for advice usually do something else. I used to get really upset about it--why had I taken all that time and energy to care about what happened to them only for them to do something else? Then I thought about it more and if a friend of mine doesn't heed advice from me or any other friend, that's his or her choice. It has nothing to do with me and ultimately it will most likely not effect my life directly. It's not easy to walk away from a situation that you know is bad and can potentially hurt someone, but if you have done everything you can for a friend and he or she still refuses to listen, it's not on you, and you need to walk away. Set the boundary that is healthy. Healthy for both you and your friend. Just because you have set a boundary doesn't make you a horrible friend, but it gives you distance from situations that aren't your concern.
But what about friends that have things going really well for them? Are you saying that I need to keep a boundary there as well? Yes. Well, it depends, I guess. If you are able to celebrate with your friend and no feelings (good or bad) arise that can potentially lead to jealousy or living vicariously through your friend, then no, you don't need a boundary. But, chances are that you might end up either upset because something great didn't happen to you or it didn't happen as great for you or you'll be obsessed with this other person's life.
All I'm saying is that you need to figure out when you need to take a step back from things and realize that your life is yours and your choices are yours. Try not to get wrapped up in other people's lives and goings-on, because you also have a life to live. Remember: boundries. Not all are bad. Most are necessary.

{Spark}

Be healthy. Healthy is something that a lot of people want to feel whether it's a meal choice or exercise choice. But what about the other aspects of your life? Are your relationships healthy? Do you enjoy your job? Are all aspects of your life allowing you to be healthy? We all know what stress does to our lives physically and mentally. I believe that you shouldn't have any aspect of your life that is harmful to you. I realize that not everyone can just quit their job if it's bringing them down, but they can take steps to make it better. I realize that not everyone is cut out to purge relationships or step back when things feel like they need to be dealt with, but I think that you have been provided with people that are versed in the things you are not. The reason we have friendships (healthy friendships) is so that we don't have to anything by ourselves. I encourage you to take a look at what occupies our life--go piece by piece, figure out if it's something that is increasing your life or increasing your stress, then figure out how to fix it if it's not going well. If you need to purge things, it's not going to be as easy as it would be if you were just donating some old clothes to Good Will, but if it's necessary, do it. I'm not telling you in any way that you need to quit being friends with someone or break up with someone or quit your job, but what I'm saying is that you need to examine your life, and ask yourself if it's a healthy life or if you need to make changes. After all, life is about making choices, and I hope you're making the right choices to benefit your happiness.

{Spark}

The New Year is approaching. Fast. Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa (which ever holiday(s) you celebrate) are/is over, and now you are on the cusp of a new year. A new era. A new you. A lot of people create lists of things they want to accomplish in the new year. Some people vow that the extra 10 pounds they've been carrying around with them the past five years will finally be shed in the new year, and some people promise themselves that this year will be different. But, let's be honest, how many of us have ever kept up our New Years Resolutions? Ever joined a gym and around January 1, every machine is taken because people are going to get "back on track" but by March the gym is once again sane because people have quit? Ever talked to a friend at the beginning of the new year and they swear they're going to create a budget but half way through the year gush about the fab new designer clothes they just "totally splurged on, but like had to have, ya know?" You get my point. Instead of creating these things that we need to be changing about ourselves just because the year is changing isn't a way to live. We need to be more active in who we are and who we are becoming all year round. There are things that happen within 12 months that change who we are: car accidents, loss of a job, meeting someone who hurt you in a way you never thought possible, miscarriage, death in the family...We need to constantly be evaluating ourselves like we do around the new year all the time.
Instead of taking stock of things that you need to change about yourself this New Year season, take note of the things that you're doing right. I'm a firm believer that living a life well is the only way to live. Some people may say that you're wrong or that you're doing something wrong, but as long as you know that you have lived your life in a way that you can die happy about, you're doing it right. Two days before Christmas, I had a friend from back home and her husband pass suddenly in an unforseen plane crash. Everyone has been on Facebook and email, sending around memories about her and her husband. The one thing that all the sentiments about who my friend was have in common is that she was the most kind person and her love for living a full life has been unparallelled by anyone else we know. We all want to leave behind fond memories and feelings when we pass, and we all want to live a full life. I say, why can't you? What's stopping you? Just do it. Live the life you want. Don't wait until every January 1 to do this, do it now. Do it all year long.

{Spark}

If you haven't seen the move Knight & Day, you can keep reading, because this won't ruin anything for you. If you have seen the movie, you might remember a line where Cameron Diaz's character says to Tom Cruise's character: "I'll do that. (sigh) Someday." And Tom Cruise's character says, "That's a dangerous word, someday. It's really code for never." I'm a sucker for movie lines, and this isn't my favorite, but I liked it. It reminded me of all the things I've said I wanted to do, the restaurants I've wanted to try, and the places I want to someday go. Ever since I was little, I've done something every week that I've never done before. It's something that I started, because I hate good-byes. Whenever my family would leave somewhere, I would sit for a few minutes and try to take everything in, because I was afraid that I would never be back again. My fear of never returning made me want to do everything possible in each place we went, because I didn't want to miss out on anything. When I was in elementary school, I watched Breakfast at Tiffanys, and there's the sequence to a Henry Mancini song where Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard's characters spend a whole day doing things that they've never done before. Ever since then I've always looked for something to do every week that I've never done before. Every week isn't a huge thing, actually, most weeks don't contain anything groundbreaking, but every week I'm able to try something out, and if anything, it's a good excuse to do something. Give it a try--do anything big or small, because, in a way, someday is code for never.

{Spark}

I don't know about you, but at my job, everyone is running around like their pants are on fire. Everyone is throwing holiday parties and complaining about not having enough hours in the day to get work done. I personally don't feel that stressed about the holidays, but I feel frantic because everyone else around me is frantic. This week I challenge you to take 30minutes to yourself and just step away from the holiday bustle and craziness. Take some time to wind down before you step outside, and realize that just because it's another end to another year, it doesn't mean that your "to-do" list should be crumpled because you're holding on to it so tightly. Go to your microwave, warm up some milk or water and stir in some hot coco, and while you sip the sugary goodness, think of all the things you are grateful for, and before you know it, you'll have spent 30 minutes by yourself, no crazieness, just you, and your warm thoughts. Give it a try. Then, sure, you can go back to your job or shopping or whatever is keeping you so busy during the holiday season.

{Spark}

Remember waiting for Santa to come? Remember wanting it to be Christmas Eve in September? Remember what it felt like to sit under the Christmas tree and see all the lights, ornaments and presents? I feel like that feeling has escaped me. I don't feel the joy of the holidays or the excitement anymore. I feel like time is flying by and before you know it, it's going to be Valentine's Day already. I was Skyping with my niece last week and she was helping my brother and his wife decorate their Christmas tree. She was so excited--jumping up and down and showing me differnet ornaments she was going to hang on the tree. She had our Santa hat out and was dancing around to Christmas music. It got me thinking about this past year: it's ups and downs, joys and sorrows. At a time of year when things are supposed to be made new, I was feeling run down, and anxious to get the holidays over with while right in front of me was a little girl twirling and laughing. This holiday season, start to remember what it felt like to be young and excited for the holidays. Get caught up in the magic again. Macy's holiday slogan is "Believe." Believe in Santa again, believe in happiness, believe in family. Whatever it is that you've lost through the process of growing up, start to believe in it again. Maybe make a wish on a star tonight or let the man in the moon pocket one of your secrets. Whatever you do, don't let this holiday season drag you down, get excited and enjoy the magic of it all. Happy Holidays!

{SPARK! Volume 1}

Lately I've been thinking it would be nice to have some brilliant minds I know contribute little somethings to my blog every once in awhile. There are so many people in my life that inspire me every day in different ways, and why not share their thoughts with you too, right? So...to start this off I want to introduce you to one of my best friends, Jyl. Jyl and I have known each other since freshman year of college, and it's pretty safe to say that I would be completely lost without her in my life. Jyl doesn't mess around ... she does what she says she will and says exactly what she thinks. She is super intelligent, and has an insight on life that I really appreciate. Jyl's column is called 'Spark', and will offer you weekly challenges that can spark action in your life in a variety of ways. I hope you enjoy her, because I definitely do!

So without further ado, here's her debut:

Around the holiday season, we all think about what we are thankful for, how lucky we are and some of us evaluate how we could make a better impact on society or how we can change someone's life. While these are all very important, I urge you to think about where are are, where you have been and where you want to go. Take some time this week to think about who you were two or three years ago, who you are because of your past and where you want to be going. I know that some of us feel lost or feel like some of our dreams have had to be put on hold, but we need to realize that no matter what age, we can be whoever and whatever we want to be. We can't give up on ourselves. Once we realize how happy we are and what we can be in ourselves, everything else will follow. We will be able to offer so much more to society, our friends and family. When you're happy with who you are, everything else is so much easier.