As we enter April, consider reflecting on your first 90 days of this year and give thanks for your life’s shifts – especially those that are helping you become a better version of yourself.
Just as winter shifts to spring in stages (more cold days before warmer ones consistently take hold);
and babies do practice runs (more wobbling before finally walking and toddling);
and tides cross a shore at their own pace (gently rolling onto a beach one wave at a time),
our human shifts are often gradual, and sometimes formidable. Yet if you look closely, you’ll also find that they are meaningfully worth it.
Consider how this process has unfolded (or is unfolding) in various areas of your life.
Give yourself kudos for not giving up, and for being further along than you thought possible. If necessary, challenge yourself to get up, get unstuck and grow.
Your future self will thank you.
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It’s another day and another week to give it all you got, and the invitation this week is perhaps both simple and challenging, depending on your perspective:
Now that we’ve entered March and spring is on the horizon, why not take time to refocus, refresh and remind yourself that while you are enough as-is, your goals and dreams are worth still nurturing.
If you’ve forgotten or abandoned the resolutions you made 90 days ago, why not take this week to get back on track? Because you are worth it, and the effort you’ll exert is certain to cost less than the regret that may otherwise envelop you.
You can start over with a clean slate, for that’s the beauty of each new day. It comes with a fresh opportunity to hope anew and climb a bit higher.
In the process of trusting your process, your lessons, blessings and other experiences will teach you what you need to know when you arrive. Your job? To pay attention and press forward along the route to destiny.
As you lean in and embrace discipline, decide to appreciate the unfolding of your life’s story, as much as your circumstances will allow. Create space for moments and miracles that can transform you, and allow them to do just that.
One of my intentions this year is to bring my whole self to every role I embody, because all of Stacy shows up as the fiction writer, the nonfiction inspirational writer, the strategic communications professional, the mom, sister, auntie, friend and community volunteer.
With that in mind, while I will primarily continue to post in this space about my inspirational musings, my novel-in-progress and other author-related news, I’ll also be sharing occasionally about another endeavor that’s close to my heart: an opportunity to advocate for children and foster communications for a greater good.
I’m excited to share that I have joined the global nonprofit organization Children International (aka CI) as the Global Director of External Communications.
(To those who’ve inquired, yes – I’ll still be based in and involved in the Richmond, Virginia community, and I will continue my creative writing and occasional writer coaching.)
Here’s to those of us who are multi-passionate! Writing remains my foundation, and I’m grateful for this and other opportunities to evolve, grow and experience where it leads.
Traveling to Colombia with Colleagues
My most recent adventure led me to Colombia. It is one of 10 countries (including the U.S.), where Children International is serving youths and young adults who exist in dire poverty and need hope to believe their lives can get better, along with tangible help to make it so. Eight colleagues and I traveled there from the U.S. in mid-February, to meet with some of those we serve and with our Colombian counterparts who are leading operations.
Since words won’t suffice, I hope the few images I’ve shared here (plus more you can find on my Facebook page), convey in some small way, the mutual joy felt by all of us to connect as members of the CI family.
These young people repeatedly offered thanks for consistent educational support, access to health care, life skills exposure, and positive role models who pour into them, when the lure of gangs, giving up on life, and other ills threaten to pull them off track.
They expressed how much it has meant to exchange letters with people who have sponsored them with monthly contributions since ages 3, 4 or 5.
They described how the opportunity to receive Children International scholarships that fund job training has allowed them to dream.
Before we departed, one of the teenagers thanked us for our work by declaring: “You are a grain of sand that helps us have better lives.”
I left their presence knowing they are more than their circumstances. They are eager to learn, grow and be the first generation to help their families thrive.
On one of our final nights dining together as a team, a Colombian CI colleague took us to La Cueva, a restaurant famous for serving as home base for the city of Barranquilla’s renowned journalists, authors and artists. Unbeknownst to her, one of the waiters for the night — a 20-something aspiring writer — had once been a sponsored child through Children International. When he saw the organization’s name on our group reservation, he proudly introduced himself as an alum.
Seeing him working in an esteemed establishment while continuing school and nurturing his creative goals made our collective day. It was a welcome reminder that our choices to go the distance with others can give them breathing space to find their way.
I left Colombia all the more convinced that it takes just one person to impact a life. By changing the narrative for one, we are rewriting the story for many.
To learn more about Children International, visit children.org.
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I’m sharing this familiar oldie but goodie cartoon/graphic to remind us all that what you long for is within you. You could be one belief, one choice, one step or one word away from walking into the destiny you dream of someday experiencing.
This week, may we all keeping searching within and find the courage to stand in the fullness of the purpose, passion, impact and joy that feed our souls and serve as our personal North Star.
I’ve been on a staycation this week and just a few days in, I feel like a new woman.
I’ve cleaned my fridge, and filled bags of clothes and other stuff to take to Goodwill and to a local church’s clothes closet.
I’ve hooked up a new computer (on my own), although my son chatted with me during the process, in case I needed tech support. Lol
I’ve fielded calls from my daughter, the bride-to-be, who is on the countdown to April.
I’ve chatted with a few friends daily and lunched with two.
I’ve turned down a brief road trip and a complimentary flight. Why?? To simply rest.
Which leads me to what has been the most meaningful part of this week so far: allowing myself to sleep until my heart’s content and move at a “whenever I get to it” pace. (Today is my busy day for the week. I’ve scheduled a few appointments and virtual meetings, and if I owe you an email, it’s coming!)
My fellow author Saundra Dalton Smith, who penned the bestselling book Sacred Rest, would be proud.
Because rest is indeed sacred, and it opens up our well and our energy for creativity, deeper engagement with others, better appreciation for our blessed surroundings, and greater willingness to see and serve ourselves. (When our wells are full; we can healthily pour into others.)
I haven’t paused this week because I’m ill(I feel great!); I’ve intentionally paused to ensure that my pace for 2024 remains measured and meaningful.
I’ve paused to ensure that I center myself in being fully present and focused on enjoying the days, weeks and months to come.
This “rule of rest” for the week felt uncomfortable at first (those waiting-but-not-urgent emails and chapters to write taunted me), but as I’ve leaned into the leisure, I’m certain it’s preparing me to dive more joyfully and energetically into my storytelling projects and other professional endeavors, my volunteer activities, family milestone moments, looming travel, and much more.
I’ve shared this, in part, as an invitation to join me. If your January was busier than expected, consider making time in February for your own sacred pause.
You may not be able to devote a week, but gift yourself a day (or a few) to lean into sleep – as much as your body craves – and enjoy some good food, laughter, and pampering yourself in simple ways that matter to you.
You are worth it. And so are the dreams, goals, work, relationships and legacy you are nurturing. Trust the timing of your life, and in the process, your preparation and strategic rest, will align.
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I recently came across a photo of myself that was taken during my senior year of college and I’ve kept it on my nightstand for an occasional chuckle.
Yes, my pants are too big ( I was really petite back then and did my best! ) and yes, I remember where I was – in a friend’s dorm room, enjoying a surprise party thrown for me.
I look like I’m singing because I was. But can I really sing? Sadly not. I had fun trying, though, with whatever song was playing at the time.
I look like I was acting silly because I was. And guess what?
Beneath my sometimes reserved, often inspirational and occasionally feisty demeanor lies a woman who is still fun at heart and able to laugh at myself and with others.
I was 21 in this pic and considered grown.
What I’d tell that young girl from my now full-fledged adult state is actually what I exemplify in this photo: to always find joy in the small moments and sing (and dance) through the rest.
That girl didn’t always get it right and neither do I; but both versions of me have been, and remain, grateful for love, laughter, grace, life lessons and the journey itself – gifts that never age or go out of style.
This week, I challenge you to dig up a few of your own funny pics from the past and reflect on your treasured (or silly) moments from yesterday. May you be inspired to embrace new dreams, cut yourself and others some slack, and create more meaningful memories.
As we settle into a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the good of the year that has passed and assess how we have grown or blossomed. With this in mind, I invite you to spend a few moments with me, reflecting on some of the adventures, laughter, and unexpected twists that made my 2023 an extraordinary year of firsts. My journey unfolded with intention, leading to experiences that filled my heart with joy and my soul with a sense of discovery. As you read about my special firsts, consider what brought you hope last year and which of those pluses you may want to incorporate into your future.
I Signed Up for Laughter Yoga.
The journey began with laughter—pure, unbridled, snorting laughter in the form of Laughter Yoga at The Innerwork Center in Richmond, Virginia. Imagine this: a group of four, a cozy yoga studio, and the fusion of laughter and focused movement. We warmed up with simple exercises, gradually easing into a session of laughter charades that left us in stitches. It was silly, it was rewarding, and it set the tone for many more adventures to be had. The power of laughter, combined with the serenity of yoga, created an experience that reached beyond what I could have ever imagined.
I surrendered to an impromptu adventure.
Life has a way of lobbing surprises, as was evident on a planned day trip from Richmond to New York City, to experience Tea Around Town on a converted double-decker bus turned elegant tea room. The flight that my friends and I were scheduled to take was canceled minutes before boarding time. Now what? Pivot. After an impromptu photo shoot in the airport, we shifted our plans westward — to Charlottesville, Virginia.
Blog post author Lynn Lewis is center, wearing hat.
This detour led us to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard, a picturesque winery nestled in the heart of Virginia. The day unfolded with a decadent lunch, a perfect blend of nature, good company, and the delightful exploration of local treasures in downtown Charlottesville. It was a subtle and welcoming reminder that sometimes, the unplanned detours lead to the most memorable adventures.
I enjoyed a Girls’ Weekend that Turned Out to Be a Lesson in Perfect Timing.
How often do we find ourselves waiting for the “right time” to do something we’ve always wanted to do? For me, it was hosting a few of my closest friends for Girls’ Weekend 2023. Some of them knew of each other, but they had never met in person. I had wanted to make that happen for longer than I can remember. The realization struck—what was I waiting for? The right time was now. No lavish resort, just my humble abode, transformed into a haven of laughter, stories and indelible shared moments. Five of the seven invitees showed up, and what unfolded was a perfect blend of friendship, games and heartfelt conversations. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences happen in the comfort of our own spaces.
Now It’s Your Turn — Here’s Your Invitation to Intentional Living!
What have you been putting off? What dreams and adventures have you deferred for the elusive “right time?” What is it that you’ve been yearning to do? As I reflect on my year of firsts, I encourage you to embrace the unknown and step into the uncharted territories of your desires. Seek out new experiences, savor the joy of the unexpected, and create a tapestry of memories that can help define your journey.
The joy I found in my new experiences has led me to a decision—to make a lifestyle of enjoying firsts. Share your stories, your dreams and your moments of joy. Let’s inspire each other to embrace a life filled with firsts and make 2024 a year of intentional living, where every day brings new opportunities for joy, growth and connection. Here’s to the adventures that await and the stories yet to be written.
Lynn Lewis is a Virginia-based grief coach, survivor of suicide loss, speaker and author. Learn more about her services at DestinedToThriveGriefCoaching.com and follow her on Instagram at @griefcoachlynn.
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Happy New Year, my friend! As we set goals or resolutions for this shiny, new year before us (Welcome, 2024!), let us not forget the good, the great and the wow moments that have led us to this point.
Be grateful for what is to come, for sure; but also be grateful for what IS.
When we celebrate the beautiful things that already are, we can better appreciate the simple blessings that will proceed or accompany the longed-for visions that become our reality this year.
I encourage you to pull out a favorite journal and spend some time today making a list of the intangible gifts you already possess. I’ll start us off here….
What I know for sure?
– I am grateful to be healthy.
– I am grateful to be loved.
– I am worthy of self-care, mutual respect and seeing dreams come true (and so are you).
– I have a purpose greater than myself and walking in it gives me great joy.
– I am far from perfect, yet even so, I can render light and hope that blesses others, and for that I’m grateful.
I am leaning into these truths – these tiny miracles – like never before in 2024, for these are life’s best gifts and graces.
Consider the truths of your journey and what you know for sure. Honor these blessings. Build upon them. Continue your becoming in 2024.
I am on the journey with you. Let’s go!!
Photo credit: Samia Minnicks
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TGIF! On this final Friday in 2023, I give thanks for a year that has been full of so many moments of wonder, wow God, self-reflection, self-love, acceptance of others, joy, tears, surrender and soaring.
In the words of the great Maya Angelou, I “wouldn’t take nothing for my journey!
I am grateful for what has been and I’m excited about what’s to come.
Oooh the stories I am stirring to share (in writing and otherwise)! Stay tuned.
What have been your moments of wonder, wow God, self-reflection, self-love, acceptance of others, joy, tears, surrender and soaring?
Join me in reflecting and giving thanks.
Celebrate what has been and welcome new horizons.
This is our time.
May we all elevate our visions, throw our shoulders back, and greet the purpose and opportunities before us with open arms, a can-do attitude, and a smile.
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) and yes, I remember where I was – in a friend’s dorm room, enjoying a surprise party thrown for me. 
Life Untapped with Stacy Hawkins Adams 