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Most people would groan if their alarm went off at 4:20 a.m. on a weekend. I however, sprung out of bed and splashed some water into my eyes with a smile on my face. I was tired, but I was going to have a good day. Why?

This weekend, another dream came true for me. On top of working for a magazine company during the week (dream come true number one), I started working weekends at The Salty Tart Bakery. Between doing interviews and writing stories in Minneapolis, I was already on cloud nine. And now, this part-time job puts the icing on the cake.

I have the pleasure of working with people who are passionate about what they do, not just in the editorial business, but now, in the bakery business, too. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who care about creating quality products, and who value human interaction. It’s part of why I look forward to my work — because it’s life-giving. 

My fellow editors, writers, bakers, and I are able to thrive at our jobs because we value what do.

Personally, I wish everyone had the opportunity to work in the fields they are passionate about. I am blessed that for now I’m able to, because I know it doesn’t always work out that way. In fact, I know several people who detest their jobs but have no other option. The only reason they clock in is for a steady paycheck.

My hope is that every one of us can find ways to integrate life-giving activities into our lives.

If not at work, then elsewhere. Whether it’s a volunteer opportunity, or a hobby or engaging in art and creativity, sport, recreation, or whatever, these are the things that give us the energy and the motivation to keep moving and stay positive.

And if you don’t know what’s life-giving for you, think about what you enjoy doing. Do you feel energized after a walk, or a conversation, or a good read? Do you feel energized by serving or helping others? What creates a spark?

I could go on about why I think this kind of self-discovery is important, but I want to hear from you. What areas of your life do you feel blessed to experience?

Some things never grow old. Like singing a favorite song while driving with the windows down; watching spring’s first flowers bloom; or taking a bite of any sweet dessert. As John Keat’s once wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

If we believe we were beautifully and wonderfully made, why, then, as we grow older on the outside, do we let time steal our joy? As if age were something to extinguish joy — as if wrinkles and sagging skin were something to hide away?

Last week, I grabbed lunch with my gramma, who had received a hair cut earlier that day. Her hair looked fantastic, but it’s not what I love most about her. You see, my gramma is beautiful for many reasons; what captivates me most is her spirit, the way she lights up when she smiles, and the stories we share. Her spirit is full of so much joy, and for that she is eternally beautiful.

 

The same is true for all of us, regardless of age, appearance, or social class.
An uplifting, remarkable spirit is a joy to be surrounded by forever.

It’s guaranteed that our bodies will change over time, but our spirits will only grow old if we let them.Read More

If it were up to me
I’d have a house by the sea
Cloaked in sunshine and grace
It would be an always happy kind of place
But because this dream is not a reality
I will instead find somehow to agree
That beauty, joy and love can be found anywhere
If I truly take the time to care.