And just like that....

I'm back in the game.

Just a few days ago, I was blogging about shelving my job search temporarily. Now, I'm rushing around trying to get myself together for my first day back to work! I am truly relieved that I am able to get back to work, but at the same time, I'm going to miss all of my new-found activities! I was finally starting to get used to life at home. I had begun to embrace life as a housewife, and was loving all of the time I had to spend with my friends.

I'm really excited about my new job, it kind of just fell onto my lap and I could not be more thrilled to begin! I'll be working as the assistant for the photographer who works specifically on-post. We have a TON of projects in the upcoming weeks and I am so pumped to dive right into it.

Anyway- I'll have more of an update later, and a re-cap of the things I've learned during my time at home. Until then, off to work I go!

Steps

The hardest steps in all of our journeys, are the first.

The first shoelace that's tied.

The first foot in front of the other.

This is a relative concept to most things. Both literally, and figuratively, the first steps are the biggest challenge. The first few words of a blog post, the first moments in the morning when you're deciding to get out of bed. The first attempt to reconcile a damaged relationship. The first Sunday back to Church. So many first steps we take on a daily basis. So many moments that we decide to overcome the challenge, instead of letting it overcome us.

Sometimes, when that challenge seems just a bit too daunting, we stand still. When the turmoil of what is to come seems like it is just too much, we close our eyes, lock our knees, and stand as a statue. It's a valid option to combating obstacles, but by standing still, we make no progress.

I'm making a vow to myself that I'm no longer going to stand on the sidelines. I'm not going to stand by and watch life pass before my eyes because I'm too afraid to take a step. Nope. I'm not just taking steps, I'm taking strides. I'm joining the race and leaving the weight of fear behind.

I challenge you, too. I challenge you to take even just baby steps, or shuffles, in the direction of progress. I challenge you to set your goals, and make them your finish line, not just a distant dream. So many of us treat our goals as dreams, as "someday" kind of thoughts. Goals aren't. Goals are attainable and just waiting for us to reach them.

How can we reach them if we aren't willing to move?

A lull for the sake of sanity

As most of you know, or could easily find out by reading my last few posts, I've had a lot of extra time on my hands lately, thanks to the lovely state of our economy. With all of this availability, I've done my best to occupy my days productively, by starting and completing a few projects around the house, getting back on track with my marathon training, and most of all, job hunting. Up to the end of last week, there has not been a day that has gone by that I have not submitted at least one application per day, and most days, I have submitted WAY more than just one. Needless to say, those tiresome hours typing and emailing away have, so far, been a fruitless effort. So, this week, I am on hiatus from the monotonous and exhausting work that is job hunting. Yes, I know, I know, I can't give up, and believe me, I'm not. But, I've made a vow to myself (and a few others) that I would put my faith in God, and truly believe that what is meant to be is meant to be.

Easier said than done.

Distracted

I am a very focused person. I set my mind to a task and will complete it without straying. Usually.
Lately, I am a mess of all things unorganized. Don't get my wrong, in this past week, I have scrubbed my house from top to bottom, but it has not been without struggle to stay on task. I'm not sure what it is, whether I'm suffering from adult-ADD, but my mind and thought are ALL OVER THE PLACE.
Right now, as I am supposed to be compiling my meal plan and grocery list for the next two weeks, I cannot for the life of me, actually sit down and complete it without being drawn to all things non-grocery. It's beginning to make me insane. I don't know whether I'm subconsciously avoiding something (perhaps something terribly haunting at the Commissary?) or if I just am not making enough effort to control my attention. I've even had issues engaging in conversation lately, not being able to listen thoroughly or even straying from my own thoughts when I'm speaking.
Who knows. I guess I'm just going through a "...look there's a squirrel"-phase. Eeek. It better end soon.
Any tips for better focus or concentration?