The Summer of Constant Travel | Monday Musings

The Summer of Constant Travel | Monday Musings

At the beginning of the year, I had a great summer schedule. There were a few weddings booked and I was talking to my family about a beach trip, so it looked like the months of warmth and sunshine would be pretty free and open. And then there was a crazy turn of events, and it turns out I will be gone more than I will be home from the end of June through the middle of August!

The first thing that happened was an opening on the trip to Slovenia with The Good Story. Since it's just a small group of us we decided to tack on an extra 3 days in Italy because we were flying into the Venice airport. So...why not?! I was able to fundraise quickly for that mission trip and in no time at all it was official.

In the meantime, my family planned a trip to Wilmington for a week to spend time with family at the beach...

Do Things that Take Awhile | Monday Musings

Do Things that Take Awhile | Monday Musings

I think I have always been a pretty introspective person, but I know I have become even more so after beginning to work from home full-time. All the silence around me gives time and space to think in between the work I have to get done, and I end up reflecting a lot on myself and the world around me. Monday Musings has become my space to share what I've been learning, and for those of you who have followed from the beginning, I'm sure you've seen my heart and mind molded slowly over time.

One thing I've noticed this year, more than ever, is the effect my phone has on me. I have taken some measures to reduce its impact. Right now I check social media twice a day only, and oftentimes when I'm working I'll put my phone on silent. I try to refrain from answering texts or emails while I'm spending intentional time with Nathan, though this is an area where I need to try a little harder.

Having a phone has led to a much shorter attention span, for me and everyone around me...

My Morning Routine | Monday Musings

My Morning Routine | Monday Musings

Truth be told, if you had told me 5 years ago that I would one day have a strict morning routine, I would have laughed out loud. My morning 'routine' honestly used to consist of rolling out of bed at the last possible minute, hurriedly showering and getting ready, and rushing out the door with some sort of breakfast in hand - and definitely a lot of caffeine.

Nathan used to leave the house extremely early, and it was pretty rare for me to get up any time before he walked out the door so I could kiss him goodbye. Sometimes I even went back to bed for a few more minutes of sleep. I was also staying up pretty late during this season, though I never had a set bedtime or morning alarm. I just rolled with the punches and did what I wanted.

My routine started when I began to get frustrated at always having to rush, rush, rush in the mornings...