Intentional Choices

These two words (intentional choices) pack a lot of meaning. Also, I am finding in my own personal life that these two words are very difficult to fulfill. Doing things on purpose isn't always apart of our American culture. You hear so many stories of success based on the fact that they made a mistake, or as a result of a failure.

I can't help but question what results we would get if we were to do things on purpose. If we truly had a plan and executed that plan. I am not saying that great things do not come from mistakes, but what I am saying is that greater things should come from being intentional. Here are some examples of being intentional (when otherwise it would have been a thought):
1. Calling a friend that just lost a loved one
2. Making a financial budget for the day
3. Setting reasonable goals/ tasks to accomplish for the day-- and complete them
4. Not doing more that you are truly capable
5. Intentionally spending time with your family (because you planned it)

The list could go on and on.

Here is an example of me being intentional: last Friday, I got up right when my alarm clock went off, I let Tucker out and fed him, I ate breakfast, and went straight to the gym. After working out, I went to weigh-in, and went straight home. I let Tucker out again and took a shower and got ready for my day. I packed my work/ school bag and went straight to the Mudhouse to do school work. I stayed there for hours and got all my work done for that day (which I had never done this semester) and got to hang out with friends that evening.

I was really proud that I made intentional choices all day, and how well I could really use the 24 hours I had in a day. So, my question to you would be, are you being intentional? If you aren't, I would definitely reconsider!

Willpower and Discipline

These two words have become the death of me. At one point in my life, these words held great value. Today, they are words with little meaning. The sad part about these two words is that, once they are mastered... achieving anything is now an obtainable goal. Without these two words, in my opinion, you won't get very far. So, the next logical question would be to ask, what is my definition of these two words.

Willpower: simply put, it is the driving strength to break past what is natural, convenient, and easy (aka our flesh).

Discipline: training your body, mind and spirit to stay in a constant state of willpower.

You cannot have willpower without discipline and vice versus. If you have one without the other, long term success will not be achieved. It is also my opinion that to be be in full discipline mode, body, mind and spirit have to be in sync.

So, why am I writing this blog? I am extremely weak in both areas; and I am tired of it. I am hitting a stage in my life where if these two simple words don't start to have meaning and value to me, a lot of things will slip through the cracks. In my mind, I can achieve anything, but my heart does not agree.

I put up a ridiculous front to try and appear as though I have it together, because heaven forbid if anyone were to really see my weakness. I tried the "fake it, til I make it" mentality, and to be honest, that got me nowhere!

So it is time to revamp. I am doing an extreme makeover--life edition. I understand that I should probably take baby steps to self improvement, but for me, that does not work. I must make hard choices today, to make tomorrow better. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, I will get mad. Yes, my body will try to refuse. But, I am bigger than all those obstacles, and my will must be broken.

So, as of today, January 31, 2012 at 11:15am... a new LaTisha is in effect! I am ready!!

Best Friends

In my world, I have a truly special person that I ABSOLUTELY love.

I must first state, that my ultimate best friend is my husband. He is truly the one that inspires me to be all I can be and more (but this particular blog is not about him)!

My best friend is Charity Reeb! She is truly someone I look up to and have great admiration for. Everytime we meet, I get inspired by her!

She is very busy, so when we do get to hang out, our time together is super sweet. This past Saturday we ate at our favorite spot (Gailiey's-- downtown Springfield). After breakfast we did a little shopping!

Our goal this year is to take guitar lessons together! We will see if that happens! We are always coming up with some idea!

Something else that is also neat, both of our husbands are best friends as well! I just wanted to take the time to honor my friend... just because.

Love you Charity!

Where am I going, and how do I get there?

I told myself last year that I would use my blog more this year. I have been very inconsistent in my writing, so I am sure that I have no one reading it. Yet and still, I will write.

As my grad studies are starting to come to a conclusion... I have so many questions that still don't have answers. I know that I am doing what the Lord has asked me to do, and I know he will reveal it in due time, but sometimes you just wanna know... just to know!

Just to recap last year: Karnell and I celebrated 6 years of marriage, I celebrated my 32nd birthday, and a very handsome nephew was born. I have alot more to say, but we will let some pictures tell the story! Here's to being intentional about blogging... maybe it would help if I knew people were reading it... (then again, maybe not!) Well, happy Thursday!



That's right folks, I spent my anniversary on a Branson Cruise... it was nice!



Me and my man!



My handsome nephew at two months old!



He He! He is too cute!

Too much goin on!

I know, I know... I haven't blogged in forever! Well, when you don't have easy access to the internet, it is easy to not blog so that you can take care of other important matters (like facebooking). At any rate, it is easier for me to possibly blog because I got a new laptop... I still don't have the internet at my house, but I can go to any wifi spot and all's well!

Well, just to recap, I got a job as an pre-k teacher for a private preschool back in January. I enjoy it for the most part, it has it's ups and downs, but what job doesn't!

I also started grad school just this past week! I am very nervous, but also excited. I am getting my master's in counseling and going on to get my doctorate in clinical psychology. So overall, I want to be a Pyschologist with my own private practice.

This summer I went on a vacation to Colorado Springs, CO. That was amazing! I had a great time. I climbed Pikes peak, and I got to see the top! I went white water rafting as well. We camped in tents, it was a great time. The mountains are beautiful and I can't wait to go back next year!

Well, I have to get back to studying, but hopefully this will not be the last of the blogging!

WOW!

Ok, so I haven't updated my blog in FOREVER! Yikes! I really need to take the time and update. We got the internet turned off at our house so I don't get to use the computer as much as I would like to. I am trying to buy a laptop so that I can go to places that have free wifi.. Because I don't get paid as much at this job, we had to cut back on a lot of extra expenses and internet was one that had to go. I will try to update a little more often. Well, my lunch is over... i will try to blog tomorrow... we'll see!

Just venting...

Ok, I just want to vent for a little bit. Nothing more. I just don't understand some things. I have had unique oportunities in life. I can't explain them all, but I've had rare possibilities and chances to meet some amazing, influencial and powerful people. These particular people not to mention have money.

Now, i know that money isn't everything, but it sure helps.

All I've ever wanted to do is open my own private preschool. I was bound and determined to open one once I got enough experience. So right out of college I was an assistant director of a private preschool. I lost that job, and as a result I haven't been able to bounce back and regain my focus.

To be honest, I feel as though I will never reach that goal because I'm married now, and I have to be a wife...which means Karnell has the final say. So my dreams have to be put on hold in order to keep peace in the home.

I guess my question is, to all married women: How do you pursue your dreams and goals and still be submissive to your husband. I am having a ridiculously hard time balancing the two.

I want to open my own school so bad that I'm ALMOST willing to risk things that shouldn't be at risk. I feel smothered. I feel trapped. I feel that success can only come to me as of a result of Karnell experiencing success first.

Don't be misinformed. I love my husband and I love my family, but I want more and I can't because Karnell as other dreams and plans. I know, we've had this discussion before and it always ends up in a huge argument...

I just want balance. I'm losing who I am and I don't like it.