Let's do this!
Tonight is gonna be LEGEN... wait for it... DARY!#BarneyStinson#Awesome
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Let's do this!
Ready to bring in 2012 in style. Forever grateful for all the lessons learned in 2011 and for all the people that blessed my life. Celebrating the last hours of this year with my Logan/Utah State peeps, but also not going to look back... I have no doubt 2012 will deliver even greater lessons, amazing experiences, and be filled with even more blessings in the relationships I develop and grow. I will continue living the good life!
Let's do this!
Let's do this!
Today is the end. Tomorrow is the beginning.
It's officially that time again... time to start a new year. Considering my life functions on an academic calendar, I'm lucky enough to have two "new year's" celebrations annually... one culimnates with December 31st festitivites and the other with graduation. Today is the fireworks, ball drop, countdown version.
This past year has been a great learning experience. I've been blessed with many life changing experiences and achieved various goals and life milestones. The year started with a late night flight back to Utah from home... nothing like bringing in new year in the air flying from one time zone to another and not knowing exactly when the year has begun.
Next thing I knew, I was on a plane again to visit my Intern and ASPSA family. At a time when I was struggling 6 months into transition, it was a blessing to be back with the people that have been amazingly supportive forces in my life even though I had only known them for a year and a half at that point. Time with them was the greatest reminder that laughter is key to happiness in life.
After the typical day-to-day after day-to-day routine in Logan, in May it was off to Vegas for the first time. Five people in a jeep and sharing a hotel room for two nights... couldn't have been a better trip. We relaxed, let loose and celebrated the union of friends. We taught an entire group of strangers the importance of follow through and dedication of fighting to the end of every play in any game.
After a month or so of uneventfulness, it was time for one of the biggest learning experience of my life... playing guardian to a teen. There was no playing involved though. It was all business at least 8 hours a day with strict rules and expectations 24/7. The only 'fun and games' were hikes, gym time and board games that the teen was not too keen on. I really don't like to be the bad person, but that was the definition of my role for one month during what should have been my summer of freedom and fun. I cracked the whip day-after-day, held fast the the rules I had set, and did not give in when I was hated. A once strong relationship nearly deteriorated, but in the best interest of other's future. The biggest lessons end up not being in grammar, punctuation and basic algebra, but rather the importance and value of education, family and respect.
After what seemed like the longest drive of my life (only eight hours!) with an unhappy 15 year old, I was blessed to meet the two newest members of my Carroll family and visit with others. Four of the most influential years of my life were spent in Helena and my definition of family changed and grew immensely during that time. Now, that family continues to grow and change as those that blessed my life there are fortunate enough to grow their own family's.
After only a week or so back in Logan, it was on the road again for a crazy amount of family time and another change to the family structure. I love, love, love to travel and love equally as much to spend time with (most of) my family. I was with my aunt and uncle from Georgia and another aunt from Washington for a week. I am so blessed to have had the time with them. We spent 4 days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming enjoying the national park, bailing out of the car at the first sight of buffalo, white water rafting, and listening to Walla Walla Kid tell endless stories at night and educate us (and the locals) on guns and shootin' during the day. Then it was the day-long drive to Havre, Montana for a family event... my sister's wedding.
It was a crazy couple days preparing for her BIG day. As many people know, there was a list of "rules" I had to follow that weekend. To those people that set me up so I would violate rules... THANK YOU! I have no doubt it was well worth the laugh you got out of the situation. Although I may have had to bite my tongue at times, this family wedding helped me to realize first-hand how others choose to define family, adapt their priorities, and such. It also taught me exactly what I do and do not want to do as a bride or wedding party member in the future... and for that matter, simply how I want to act and be perceived as a wedding celebration attendee!
In all the hustle and bustle of family trips and wedding nuptials, I missed an important anniversary. The one year mark of holding my current job -- full-time and permanent! The first time since undergrad that at the one-year mark I didn't have to pack my stuff and move to a new job... a new state... a new life. In a year and a half's time, I have learned so much about myself, my passion, my work, and the importance and power of relationships.
In August and September, everything in life and at work seemed to happen quickly, one after the other. It was back to school in no time at all after the quality family time. Did I even have a summer?! The weeks of the academic term passed quickly, games were won and lost and it was mid-semester in no time. Then, it was off to Arizona (for the first time) for professional development. It was the personal development and lessons during that time that were probably equally or more educational for me. I learned the power of the decision I had made to accept my current position... things could have been very different had I even stepped foot on another campus. I could be living in a different town, working in a different position, and be in a totally different place in my life. I also met several friends that I was with for only a couple days, but now talk to regularly. And, I formed several professional relationships that I know have the power to change my life quickly.
With the excitement of the end of regular playing seasons and post-season wins for students and coaches, my anxiety grew. It was nearing the end of the semester, but the possibility of being blessed with amazing opportunities also loomed. The importance of positive relationships with those who can advocate for you was more than evident. This was demonstrated when I was able to travel to Auburn for the first round of NCAA's with the soccer squad. The excitement of the trip for me was two-fold. I wanted nothing more than to be present and cheering the team on, but also I could return to the South even if only for a few days. I was fortunate enough to have my AUM family take time out of their busy schedules to make the trek from Montgomery to Auburn to visit for the afternoon. It made my anticipation to return next October for a wedding even greater!
The next blessing was the day I became a (self-proclaimed) godparent. Some people might question the "self-proclaimed" part. But, fact of the matter is, that's just how we operate. Scott, Mathea and I have been friends since we talked on the dorm phones looking at each other thru the windows of Guad during freshman year. There's just an understanding there... we make life decisions for each other. Scott and I nominated ourselves godparents of the unborn, gender-unknown child months before it's birth. Mathea never questioned our role with her child and accepted it from day one. Mathew was born the Monday before Thanksgiving and even though I haven't been able to meet him yet, he's been an amazing addition to my life and family. I get photos, videos and text updates of him several times a week. Heck, my mom even made him his crib quilt and got the outfit he came home from the hospital in. That sums up how my parents (or at least my mom) and I view family... ever growing to include the people that bless our lives.
The year ended how in evolved... in a whirlwind of events and holidays in the presence of "family" but never the same people. It was a "Very Randall Thanksgiving" that involved pre-Thanksgiving festivities, Thanksgiving Day festivities and post-Thanksgiving festivities. Until this year, I never knew Thanksgiving was a Wednesday thru Saturday holiday! Then there was the stress and craziness of Dead Week, Finals Week and Bowl Game prep. In my world, people talk about the craziness and how it impacts EVERYONE in athletics. Experiencing this first-hand though, does not do other's explanations justice... especially when the bowl game you attend falls during Finals Week! Then, it was off to Boise for an overnight trip to be a part of the Aggie Nation supporting the team's accomplishments. I hold out hope that some take notice that walking away without a win should not overshadow what was achieved throughout the season and foundation that was paved for the future of the program. Then it was Christmas... spent with another family... the Thomas family.
And now it's the end. I don't know what tonight will hold, but I can guarantee it will be epic... it will be legendary. After a successful Ugly Sweater Party, we're hosting a New Year's Eve Bash. The text invites are sent, the fridge is stocked, my new board game is made, and the shopping list written to prepare for a successful night of celebrating the end and the beginning.
What will be written in my life's story during the next year? What changes will affect my life's path? What blessings will impact me? The future is unwritten, but I have no doubt the next year will have many life changing experiences and lessons to be learned. It will be yet another year I am blessed to be living the good life.
Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.
This past year has been a great learning experience. I've been blessed with many life changing experiences and achieved various goals and life milestones. The year started with a late night flight back to Utah from home... nothing like bringing in new year in the air flying from one time zone to another and not knowing exactly when the year has begun.
Next thing I knew, I was on a plane again to visit my Intern and ASPSA family. At a time when I was struggling 6 months into transition, it was a blessing to be back with the people that have been amazingly supportive forces in my life even though I had only known them for a year and a half at that point. Time with them was the greatest reminder that laughter is key to happiness in life.
After the typical day-to-day after day-to-day routine in Logan, in May it was off to Vegas for the first time. Five people in a jeep and sharing a hotel room for two nights... couldn't have been a better trip. We relaxed, let loose and celebrated the union of friends. We taught an entire group of strangers the importance of follow through and dedication of fighting to the end of every play in any game.
After a month or so of uneventfulness, it was time for one of the biggest learning experience of my life... playing guardian to a teen. There was no playing involved though. It was all business at least 8 hours a day with strict rules and expectations 24/7. The only 'fun and games' were hikes, gym time and board games that the teen was not too keen on. I really don't like to be the bad person, but that was the definition of my role for one month during what should have been my summer of freedom and fun. I cracked the whip day-after-day, held fast the the rules I had set, and did not give in when I was hated. A once strong relationship nearly deteriorated, but in the best interest of other's future. The biggest lessons end up not being in grammar, punctuation and basic algebra, but rather the importance and value of education, family and respect.
After what seemed like the longest drive of my life (only eight hours!) with an unhappy 15 year old, I was blessed to meet the two newest members of my Carroll family and visit with others. Four of the most influential years of my life were spent in Helena and my definition of family changed and grew immensely during that time. Now, that family continues to grow and change as those that blessed my life there are fortunate enough to grow their own family's.
After only a week or so back in Logan, it was on the road again for a crazy amount of family time and another change to the family structure. I love, love, love to travel and love equally as much to spend time with (most of) my family. I was with my aunt and uncle from Georgia and another aunt from Washington for a week. I am so blessed to have had the time with them. We spent 4 days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming enjoying the national park, bailing out of the car at the first sight of buffalo, white water rafting, and listening to Walla Walla Kid tell endless stories at night and educate us (and the locals) on guns and shootin' during the day. Then it was the day-long drive to Havre, Montana for a family event... my sister's wedding.
It was a crazy couple days preparing for her BIG day. As many people know, there was a list of "rules" I had to follow that weekend. To those people that set me up so I would violate rules... THANK YOU! I have no doubt it was well worth the laugh you got out of the situation. Although I may have had to bite my tongue at times, this family wedding helped me to realize first-hand how others choose to define family, adapt their priorities, and such. It also taught me exactly what I do and do not want to do as a bride or wedding party member in the future... and for that matter, simply how I want to act and be perceived as a wedding celebration attendee!
In all the hustle and bustle of family trips and wedding nuptials, I missed an important anniversary. The one year mark of holding my current job -- full-time and permanent! The first time since undergrad that at the one-year mark I didn't have to pack my stuff and move to a new job... a new state... a new life. In a year and a half's time, I have learned so much about myself, my passion, my work, and the importance and power of relationships.
In August and September, everything in life and at work seemed to happen quickly, one after the other. It was back to school in no time at all after the quality family time. Did I even have a summer?! The weeks of the academic term passed quickly, games were won and lost and it was mid-semester in no time. Then, it was off to Arizona (for the first time) for professional development. It was the personal development and lessons during that time that were probably equally or more educational for me. I learned the power of the decision I had made to accept my current position... things could have been very different had I even stepped foot on another campus. I could be living in a different town, working in a different position, and be in a totally different place in my life. I also met several friends that I was with for only a couple days, but now talk to regularly. And, I formed several professional relationships that I know have the power to change my life quickly.
With the excitement of the end of regular playing seasons and post-season wins for students and coaches, my anxiety grew. It was nearing the end of the semester, but the possibility of being blessed with amazing opportunities also loomed. The importance of positive relationships with those who can advocate for you was more than evident. This was demonstrated when I was able to travel to Auburn for the first round of NCAA's with the soccer squad. The excitement of the trip for me was two-fold. I wanted nothing more than to be present and cheering the team on, but also I could return to the South even if only for a few days. I was fortunate enough to have my AUM family take time out of their busy schedules to make the trek from Montgomery to Auburn to visit for the afternoon. It made my anticipation to return next October for a wedding even greater!
The next blessing was the day I became a (self-proclaimed) godparent. Some people might question the "self-proclaimed" part. But, fact of the matter is, that's just how we operate. Scott, Mathea and I have been friends since we talked on the dorm phones looking at each other thru the windows of Guad during freshman year. There's just an understanding there... we make life decisions for each other. Scott and I nominated ourselves godparents of the unborn, gender-unknown child months before it's birth. Mathea never questioned our role with her child and accepted it from day one. Mathew was born the Monday before Thanksgiving and even though I haven't been able to meet him yet, he's been an amazing addition to my life and family. I get photos, videos and text updates of him several times a week. Heck, my mom even made him his crib quilt and got the outfit he came home from the hospital in. That sums up how my parents (or at least my mom) and I view family... ever growing to include the people that bless our lives.
The year ended how in evolved... in a whirlwind of events and holidays in the presence of "family" but never the same people. It was a "Very Randall Thanksgiving" that involved pre-Thanksgiving festivities, Thanksgiving Day festivities and post-Thanksgiving festivities. Until this year, I never knew Thanksgiving was a Wednesday thru Saturday holiday! Then there was the stress and craziness of Dead Week, Finals Week and Bowl Game prep. In my world, people talk about the craziness and how it impacts EVERYONE in athletics. Experiencing this first-hand though, does not do other's explanations justice... especially when the bowl game you attend falls during Finals Week! Then, it was off to Boise for an overnight trip to be a part of the Aggie Nation supporting the team's accomplishments. I hold out hope that some take notice that walking away without a win should not overshadow what was achieved throughout the season and foundation that was paved for the future of the program. Then it was Christmas... spent with another family... the Thomas family.
And now it's the end. I don't know what tonight will hold, but I can guarantee it will be epic... it will be legendary. After a successful Ugly Sweater Party, we're hosting a New Year's Eve Bash. The text invites are sent, the fridge is stocked, my new board game is made, and the shopping list written to prepare for a successful night of celebrating the end and the beginning.
What will be written in my life's story during the next year? What changes will affect my life's path? What blessings will impact me? The future is unwritten, but I have no doubt the next year will have many life changing experiences and lessons to be learned. It will be yet another year I am blessed to be living the good life.
Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.
"Be the best version of YOU not because it's a new year but because that's what the world needs everyday."
"This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy." ~ Susan Polis Schutz
"It's only a fun time if there's fun people..."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Filling my heart and mind.
Feeling satisfied with my life. Reminders of my purpose. Affirmation that I am important and influential in others' lives. Realizing that caring for and loving others is unconditional. Confirmation that relationships are the most important part of my work; of my life. Proof that integration of all aspects of my life can allow me to lead a happy, fulfilling life; a good life.
One simple, short visit from a former student-athlete left me with all the above filling my heart and mind. Her visit reminded me of why I approach my life's work the way that I do. Genuinely caring about the overall experience, success and happiness of those I work and the relationship I have with each of those individuals is not confined to office walls eight hours a day. A happy, successful life is defined by the overall experience, not just X's and O's or credits and GPA. This is why support must transcend many environments.
"The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships." ~ Anthony Robbins
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” ~ Aristotle
"The value of a relationship is in direct proportion to the time that you invest in the relationship." ~ Brian Tracy
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Satisfying needs to live a good life.
Vital Needs.
Improving the quality of life by acknowledging and satisfying my seven primary vital needs.
Improving the quality of life by acknowledging and satisfying my seven primary vital needs.
- Need to give and do for others. Want to provide services to all those that are a part of my life -- in my personal life, in my work life and in my community. A majority of the time, I would prefer to focus attention on others and their needs, rather than my own wants and needs.
- Learning something new. Thrive on having my mind constantly stimulated by new information. I want to learn something new every day, whether it's academic, how to better support others, or personal development focused.
- Variety of experiences. Preference to be busy or occupied at all times. I love learning, trying and performing new and different tasks. Although I value structure, I like the structure to include a constant changing of surroundings, job descriptions, projects, and life experiences.
- Being with people. Being surrounded by people and having an abundance of relationships is vital to living a good life. The structure and nature of my relationships are vast, based on the variety of experiences I enjoy incorporating in daily life. The need for relationships also directly correlates with my need to provide support and service to others. Being highly involved with the workplace and in personal endeavors provides a large variety of experiences and countless relationships.
- Humor. A need to laugh. A need to find the lighter side of situations and discussions. A need to not be so serious in every moment of life. A need to find joy and happiness in conversations and experiences in life.
- Structured time. High need to have a schedule and routine. Unstructured time and activities are even built into the day's plans. Chronically check calendar/schedule and love to plan in advance.
- Job satisfaction. Satisfaction in the work place is determined by how many primary and secondary vital needs are met through a "job." Blessed to be in a "job" that allows me to fulfill all six of my other vital needs. Satisfied when I can serve and support others... the definition of my job! Satisfied when I learn something new... people, experiences and new information teach me every day. Satisfied when I have a variety of experiences... always something new or different to do daily. Satisfied when I am surrounded by people and am cultivating new or current relationships... blessed to interact with a variety of people. Satisfied when I have humor throughout the day... even on down days, someone gives me a reason to laugh each day, even if it's at myself. Satisfied when I have my time structured... multiple calendars on the computer and the phone. Satisfied when my job fulfills my other vital needs and my passion.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Why I do what I do.
Today I was blessed.
At the end of a very long day, I am nothing but thankful that today was overly busy and exhausting. Today was full of reminders of why I do what I do. I have a passion for my life's work that allows me to count my blessings every day.
Today I was blessed to celebrate successes.
Today I was blessed to provide support and guidance in overcoming struggles.
Today I was blessed to be challenged to step outside my comfort zone.
Today I was blessed to see service provide more in return than was given.
Today I was blessed to see learning transcend the walls of a classroom.
Today I was blessed to work with amazing people who taught me many lessons.
Today I was blessed to have reminders that I am fortunate to have found life's work I am passionate about.
Today I was blessed to be living the good life.
“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” ~ Mitch Albom
"Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use it on your behalf. If you do not practice gratefulness, its benefaction will go unnoticed, and your capacity to draw on its gifts will be diminished. To be grateful is to find blessings in everything. This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything." ~ Alan Cohen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)