Word.

I have discovered audio books. For a couple of months I have been complaining to David that the worst part of my job is the commute. I travel 45 minutes one way. Some days, actually most days, that is just too long. Anyway, over the holidays and all the traveling on the road we did, David checked out a couple of audio books to help pass the time. I was instantly hooked. I am already on my 3rd audio book.

I am currently reading through all of the Debbie Macomber audio books that the Bienville Parish Library has in stock. At present, I am listening to Thursdays at Eight. It is a very cute novel about 4 very different ladies that find a real friendship and provide support to one another as they each venture through their individual life challenges they are facing. I wouldn't call these books 'inspirational' but you do get attached to the characters and their trials and triumphs they experience. (Am I the only one that does this?) Anyway, the book starts out giving a brief bio on each lady and all are trying to come up with one word that is going to be like their motto for the year. Naturally, we are in January, so I play along. That was in chapter 1 and I am now on chapter 23. I have finally come up with my own word.

With everything that is set before us in the year of 2011, I think I have had a million word(s) go through my mind as to what MY word is going to be. David and I have lots of goals, accomplishments, successes, plans that we are anticipating this year.... trust, all have been words that I have considered. It wasn't until this morning on my way to work that I finally agreed with myself on what my word is going to be.

Focus.

I am officially on my 3rd day of graduate school at LSUS and so far, everything is going well. I am thrilled to be back in school. The most amazing thing about the different courses I am taking, are all the people that are enrolled in these courses. Because this degree is offered 100% online, we have students in our classes that are from NYC, Colorado, Alabama, New Orleans, and of course Shreveport. It is as though, God just knew I needed a little perspective of the world from other geographical locations, and in each one of my classes - that is exactly what I have! I am especially interested in those living in or are from New Orleans. Why? Because that is one of my top law school choices there. I have been encouraged in a way I didn't even know I needed. I love school. I love more than anything, I really feel like I have found my purpose. I understand that life is full of seasons and the season we are in right now, allows for me to study in Shreveport, online at LSUS and obtain my Masters. How cool. I am giddy as to what I am going to learn and the contacts I am going to make this next year as I complete this goal. I am equally excited to know that I am making slow and steady progress towards the next season. One day at a time, one step at a time.

Focus.

I found this quote from Ms Dolly Patron yesterday, and felt as though it was completely applicable in my life right now.

When I'm inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. ~ Dolly Parton

One thing I did the last 4 months or so of 2010, was write out what we could look forward to happening in the months to come. So a list might include anything from starting/finishing a quarter for David, going to visit someone or family, taking a trip somewhere, a multitude of different financial goals, personal fitness or weight loss goals, etc. I tried to make sure the list wasn't harping on one thing specifically so I wouldn't become obsessed with that. Anyway, we had the list up on our bedroom mirror and as we 'accomplished' something, we checked it off. OMG! It was so rewarding to be able to check off each thing we set out at the beginning of a month to do and then to be able to do it. :) Yes, again, I am sure I am headed towards the loony bin.

Realizing how helpful this was, I made a tentative set of goals or things we know and/or are planning to do this year and separated them by month, (so we wouldn't get SO overwhelmed by everything). We have already checked off everything but 2 things we wanted to do/achieve in January! I am planning to start a Couch to 5K program, but am waiting for it to STOP raining before I begin. LOL. The last thing on our January list is to spend the last weekend of the month in Dallas. Naturally, we are just waiting for the last weekend of the month to arrive before we can mark that off our list! David rolls his eyes by my OCD-ness, but he really does appreciate it. I know this because when there is something on the list that he has done he makes sure I know that he has marked it off. ;)

Focus.

I am no super human, and I still at times feel overwhelmed by everything that we have going on, but one thing I have realized in this season is that everything has to be kept in perspective. We have a million things we want to accomplish and do but broken down by 12 months, we are able to just focus on 4 weeks at a time. Broken down even further we focus on each day. Everyday we wake up, that is a day to be thankful for, it is a day that we weren't promised. You can do anything for a short amount of time. Sooner than David and I would like to think, this season of our life, will end. Where I can't wait, it will be a milestone for us, together. Perserverance is hard, but we are building character. One day at a time, we move forward. Period.

Focus.