LIVING IN THE MOMENT: #29 Giving Back

LIVING IN THE MOMENT: #29 Giving Back: In life we hear it all the time how important it is to give back by donating time, money, or other things. This weekend I was able to tak...

#29 Giving Back

In life we hear it all the time how important it is to give back by donating time, money, or other things. This weekend I was able to take part in the Leukemia Ball. This was my first black tie formal event since moving to D.C. and I must say I was impressed! As a girl that loves a beautiful dress I appreciated many of the styles that came through the door that night...but I digress. (I love dresses!)

It is interesting when I think about it due to work and other connections I am often attending these events and never had the chance to volunteer for one to see how it works from the other side. Upon entering a room with hundreds of volunteers I instantly knew this would be a production. What truly got me was the reason why people choose to volunteer for the event that evening. I would say for many of them it was due to a personal connection with the cause. Then there were others researched for the opportunity to help for their love for events or volunteerism. Kudos to them all!

I had my friend along with me that night and we worked the registration for the event. Everyone in attendance showed patience as we worked through the registration process and got them set for the event. They knew they were there to help raise awareness and funds and people did not hesitate to donate extra money on raffle tickets or silent auction items.

In working the registration one person stood out to me the most that evening. There was a woman that came through our line and after completing her registration she turns back and simply says, "thank you for volunteering". Something about that moment really resonated with me and made my time that evening that much better.

You never know how the time you spend giving back to others may affect their life. The selfless act of doing something for others for nothing in return can be given back to you in abundance in the words, "thank you".


“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”
~ Arthur Ashe

 

LIVING IN THE MOMENT: #30 Running with the Pack

LIVING IN THE MOMENT: #30 Running with the Pack: O k, so after a 3 hour call session with a friend I was told that I should not make all of my challenges physical because it’s somewhat in...

#30 Running with the Pack

Ok, so after a 3 hour call session with a friend I was told that I should not make all of my challenges physical because it’s somewhat in my comfort zone… but I have to start off with this one I could not help it.

For as long as I could remember I had been overweight and started to gain wait around the age of 7 and put on the pounds as I grew older. Many people in this world have experienced this same feeling and it can be challenging not only physically but mentally.  The damage that this can do to a person can be life changing both good and bad.

As for me I chose to take the good path. Now this does not mean this was easy as some days I still look in the mirror and I am not satisfied in the way in which I look, but I will say this I know my effort is in place to make the best decisions for me and my body.

So where is this all going? It’s going down a path to joining a running group! I have always been intimidated about running with others as I always felt to slow. I think it was due to having to run the mile in high school with those four laps around the track and always finishing towards the end of the pack. You all remember those where they use to give you a mark for each lap. :-)

Well two nights ago I decided to go for it and join Black Girls Run. I figured I have been running for a while and it was time to push myself to join a group to improve my overall running skills. 

As of this morning I have completed my first group run and I must say I LOVED IT! I had heard so much about BGR and now I understand the movement. The group consisted of women of all shapes, sizes, and ages cheering each other to victory. Throughout the run you were able to find people within your pace and at the end we all waited as each member completed their run. Following the run we went to the local Starbucks to fellowship and get to know one another. Everyone had a story of how they started and how this has impacted their life. 

I found it motivating to see women who all face many of the same challenges and find strength in one another. Can't wait for the next meet up! 

On my way to my half marathon ...4/28/13

"There will be a day where I can no longer do this, that day is not today"

#livinginthemoment

Starting Point

I am finally entering the next chapter of my life. As I close out my 20's and slide in to the age of 30 I could not be happier about what is to come. They say as a woman when you turn 30 so much changes and all for the good: knowing who you are, comfortable in your own skin, and ready to take life on straight ahead. Now mind you I heard many of these same rumors as I turned 25, but I have a feeling they just might be right!

Here I am in a brand new city after years of being on my own I find myself at a starting block again. The difference this time is that I have mostly all the tools to win the race. Now since I have a few more months before I actually turn 30 I figure I may pick up a few more tricks of the trade prior to the big day.

First thing on my list was finding a spiritual balance as a child that grew up in the church I understood the importance of faith. Not until recent situations in my life have I been pushed to not only develop a stronger relationship with God but truly learn to follow his plan. Do I have this all down pack?...of course not...but like coaches always tell you practice makes perfect and developing my faith can only be done through practice.

Through this change I realized that we often take life to seriously and forget to enjoy the special moments that make life worth living.So now that I have faith on my side and God watching out for me it's time to take on the challenge of 30 Living in the Moment Adventures prior to my 30th Birthday.

By the end of this challenge I hope to walk away knowing that life is about "Living in the Moment"... because once the moment is gone you can never have it back!