10 Things I Learned in May

At the end of each month, I share things that I learned. This habit helps me pay attention to life, myself, and God’s presence. It’s my way of reflecting and celebrating. It’s how I take notice and be present. I’m linking up with Emily P. Freeman here.

In no particular order, here are 10 things I learned this month:

1. If I don’t put it in my calendar, I will forget to return library books on time.

This has happened way too many times, and now I’ve accrued an embarrassingly high late fee. Sorry to my local library.

2. Sometimes something unexpected and interesting happens.

A few weeks ago I decided to pitch an article to The Huffington Post. It was an idea that I’d toyed with for a while, and finally figured, “What is there to lose?” I emailed a pitch to an editor, and within one hour got a surprising reply: “Welcome to the writing team!” If you want to follow my articles, go to my Huffington Post archive page.

3. My extended family is wacky and hilarious.

I have a big bunch of cousins that I grew up with. Now we’re all adults, and I love the times we get to see each other. We gathered together recently for my cousin’s wedding, and had a BLAST.

4. “Don’t be a stranger to what you most deeply want. I think what God most deeply wants for you is what you most deeply want.” ~ Father Greg Boyle

I love the wisdom in these words, and am learning to give myself permission to want and desire.

5. After almost 10 years of marriage, I got really vulnerable with my husband and asked him to trim my hair.

Eeeek! It was like doing a trust fall, but with my hair. He did a great job, actually.

6. I now feel comfortable enough to call myself a preacher.

This wasn’t always the case. Preaching was an area that used to fill me with anxiety and insecurity. But God, in his awesomeness, has been birthing more freedom and courage in me. My most recent opportunity to preach was at my amazing church, and it was a really joyful and powerful experience. So now, though I don’t preach often, I can embrace that role when it’s given to me.

7. My oldest son is now 7 years old.

And then I’m going to blink, and he’s going to be 18. *so many tears*

8. People with a sense of entitlement are easily offended.

When people take offense or become bitter, it so often boils down to their assumption that they deserve things being a certain way. I am beginning to think this is the key difference between feeling disappointment (I am sad that it turned out this way, but I am holding loosely to my hopes) and bitter (I am angry that it turned out this way, and I need it to change).

9. I want an Everlane top in every color.

All the Everlane clothing is well-made and well-designed. It’s my new go-to for quality basics.

10. You can find your tribe in a great Facebook Group. 

I recently joined two Facebook Groups – one for writers, one for bloggers & entrepreneurs – that are incredible. Both groups are filled with inspiring, helpful, non-spammy people who are trying to grow in the same areas. The bonus is that it’s like joining a good writing group, but I can participate in the in-between hours of my life. I’m so glad to have found my people!

What about you, friend? What things did you learn this month?

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