In My Own World

In a world that constantly demands more of us—more time, more effort, more everything—it’s easy to overlook the little things. We rush from one task to another, ticking off boxes, chasing goals, and sometimes, forgetting to pause. But what if I told you that some of life’s biggest joys are hidden in the smallest moments?   Think about the warmth of your first sip of coffee on a chilly morning. The way the sunlight filters through your curtains, painting patterns on the walls. That unexpected text from an old friend, or the sound of rain when you’re cozied up indoors. These moments may seem trivial, but they hold a kind of magic that grounds us when life feels overwhelming.   It’s not just about appreciating what’s around you but also about slowing down enough to notice. For me, I’ve learned that the best way to reconnect with the beauty of little things is through mindfulness. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just take a deep breath and let yourself be present.   Try it ...

The start of a new year is like opening a fresh pack of cookies—full of hope, excitement, and maybe a little guilt about how quickly you’ll devour it. It’s a time when we write down ambitious resolutions, promise to go to the gym five times a week (we mean it this time!), and commit to eating salads… until pizza inevitably calls our name by mid-January.   But let’s be honest: life-changing transformations don’t happen overnight. The real magic of the New Year lies in the small, often unimpressive beginnings. You know, like swapping one soda for water or walking to the fridge instead of ordering delivery. These baby steps may not win you a standing ovation, but they’re the ones that stick—and they’re the ones that matter.   Think about it: planting a seed doesn’t look all that impressive at first. You dig a little hole, drop the seed in, and wait. And wait. And *wait*. It’s not exactly thrilling. But give it time (and maybe remember to water it), and one day, you’ve g...

Here we are, standing at the doorstep of 2025, and honestly, I’m not quite ready to open the door yet. If 2024 were a person, I’d probably hug it awkwardly, say “thank you,” and then stall with small talk just to delay the goodbye. This year? It’s been a delightful whirlwind—packed with surprises that left me equal parts amazed, grateful, and occasionally wondering if I was the punchline to one of God’s jokes (the good kind, though).   To say 2024 was a year of surprises would be putting it lightly. You know those moments when life suddenly veers off-course, and you think, “Well, that’s unexpected!”? That’s been my year. But the beauty of it all is how those unexpected turns led to some of the most precious blessings. Truly, God moves in mysterious ways, and this year was proof of just how intricate and thoughtful His plans can be.   And so, I find myself clinging to 2024, not just for its blessings but for the hope it has rekindled in me. There’s something bittersweet about s...

So, it’s Christmas—Jesus’ big day—and let’s just take a moment to appreciate how wild this whole thing is. It’s His birthday, yet we’re the ones getting the gifts. Think about it: we’re over here unwrapping socks, gadgets, and whatnot, while He’s like, “I just came to save the world, no big deal.” Honestly, what a King.  But seriously, it’s moments like these that hit me right in the feels. God gave us His Son, and instead of us giving Him anything back, He keeps blessing us. And not just the usual “here’s some air to breathe” kind of blessings—He goes all out! Family, friends, opportunities, even those little unexpected moments that make life sweet. Sometimes I look around and think, “Wow, God, You’re spoiling me. I don’t deserve all this, but hey, I’m not complaining!”   This year, I’m extra thankful. Every single day, I wake up and realize how much God has done for me—way more than I could ever earn or repay. And while I try to be grateful, let’s be real: sometimes I mess u...

The workplace, at its best, is a space of mutual respect. Employers provide jobs, employees offer skills and service, and customers complete the cycle by bringing in revenue. But what happens when one piece of the puzzle shifts—when employees lose sight of the purpose behind their roles?  In today’s fast-paced, often transactional world, it's easy to see how people might feel disconnected from their work. Many employees take jobs out of necessity, not passion, and while that’s understandable, it’s not an excuse to treat customers poorly. Jobs in customer service, for example, are about more than just fulfilling tasks—they’re about creating an experience, fostering relationships, and being the human face of the company. But when employees focus solely on the paycheck, the heart of the role is lost. The result? Long wait times, cold interactions, and a general sense of indifference. But when I think of it, not only employees feel entitled. Some people in general feel so entitled—like...

Thinking back, I realize that All Saints' and All Souls' Day might just be my favorite holiday. When I was younger, especially in high school, these days meant heading back to the town where I grew up. It wasn’t just about visiting my grandparents’ grave—it was also a chance to see my cousins. We’d be together for a few days, playing, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. Those memories are some of my favorites. We’d spend hours just being kids, catching up, and making each other laugh. It was a break from school and routines, and we got to make the most of every minute. I didn’t know it back then, but those simple moments would end up meaning so much. Now, whenever this time of year rolls around, I think back on those days. If I had a time machine, I'd go back in a heartbeat to those little reunions with my cousins.  But things have changed. We’re all grown up now. Some of my cousins have families of their own, and we all live miles apart. We don’t go back ...

As I sit down to write today, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Despite the storms that recently passed through, we are safe—our family, our home, even our beloved dogs. In times like these, it’s easy to focus on the chaos around us, but today I choose to reflect on the blessings that remain. Each storm brings uncertainty and fear, but as I look around, I realize that we have come through safely. Our family is intact, and our home, though tested, still stands strong. Our dogs, who sense every rumble and tremble, are by our side, reminding me that even in times of turmoil, love and loyalty endure. For all of this, I am deeply grateful. I don’t take this safety for granted, and I thank God for His protection. While we weathered this storm, I know others are facing harder realities. My heart goes out to those who were deeply affected—the families who have lost homes, the communities left in disarray. I pray that God will provide them with strength and comfort in these tr...