WHAT'S THE SUNDAY WORD, HUMMINGBIRD?

We make time for the things that matter to us. PERIOD. Whether it be family, fitness, philanthropy, spiritual growth, hobbies, relationships or even our mental health, TIME becomes inexplicably available FOR and TO the things that our hearts most value and desire. The more I experience life and learn to adapt to this ever-changing world around me, with its rollercoaster of ups and downs, I discover this undeniable truth: I must first put the oxygen mask on myself before I can help others. I must find time to replenish and recharge my heart, mind, body and soul before I can serve those around me well. And the truth is that I am not prone to that. It's a challenge for me to put myself first. I am the crumbs; the leftovers and ultimately it only makes things harder. I've also learned that I can't do anything well when I am gasping for air and drowning in over-scheduling, worry and a living in a boundary-less state where my answer is always "yes". It's time to learn to say no and not because we are being selfish and unwilling but because we aren't super human and it's okay to own that we can't be all things to all people. Sometimes being "selfish" is a necessity. So today, this latte; this loud music and these rolled down windows; this solo dance party is just for me so that it can eventually be for you. 

THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT

ATHLETES: they train hard or die trying, am I right? There's something about sports - I find that it doesn't always necessarily build character as often as it reveals it. Think Tim Tebow vs. Ray Rice. So, even though I am a futbol not a football girl, today with the Super Bowl upon us I raise my Stella to you boys and your pigskins. Here's to your hard work, your blood, sweat and maybe even behind-closed-doors-tears; to remembering that it's not always the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog; to not always winning the game but always walking away with respect for how you played the game and learning how to play it better next go round; to getting dirty and fearing no opponent; to perseverance, dedication and sacrifice; to the hustle; to working hard when talent and skill aren't enough; to being motivated and being a team player; to having other people's back; to earning your spot on the team; to achieving greatness and finding the champion in you; to the gridiron, the game and leaving excuses at the door; to focus not fame; to the roar of the crowd; to discipline and passion; to crushing the game and to playing for the name on the front of the shirt so they'll remember the name on the back. Go get 'em boys.