G=Goals O=Outlook A=Authentic T=Truth (#coateisaGOAT)
Every once in a while, I have a week where I catch myself stepping back and just taking it all in. Just little moments where I pause and think, this is actually a really good season of life.
This weekend and the past week felt like one of those times.
Sometimes we move through life so quickly that we don’t really stop long enough to recognize the good that is right in front of us. We move from one responsibility to the next, one event to the next, one problem to solve to the next thing on the calendar. And before we know it, we’re living in a mindset that is constantly looking ahead instead of appreciating where we are.
Being completely honest, I had several moments this week where I just felt grateful.
At Locklin Technical College, we hosted our STEAM Night at King Middle School in Milton, and it reminded me again how fortunate I am to work with the people that I do. Our instructors and team are the kind of people who show up when you have an idea that benefits students. They pitch in. They support it. They bring it to life. It never feels like you’re trying to carry something alone.
That kind of workplace culture is something to be thankful for.
And the same thing has been true in another space that has been filling my cup lately — my time at Southern Specialty.
Weekends in the boutique have just become such a bright spot for me. The conversations, the laughter, getting to meet the people who come through the door… it’s the kind of place that reminds you how important simple human connection really is. And now watching the Mahjong community start to grow on Tuesday nights has been so much fun. What started as a small idea is turning into something people are excited to be part of.
Lisa and Magda have such a gift for listening to ideas and encouraging them. There’s something really special about being around people who hear you and say, “Let’s do it.” Being seen and heard by people you respect is one of those quiet blessings in life that you don’t always recognize until you stop long enough to think about it.
This weekend especially gave me time with friends, good conversations, and those simple moments where you’re just enjoying where you are in life right now.
And it made me think about something that I believe more and more the older I get. Gratitude is really a perspective.
You can look at the same life, the same circumstances, the same week… and choose to focus on what’s stressful, what’s uncertain, or what’s not going perfectly. Or you can step back and say, look at all the good that is here.
When you choose that perspective, it changes your headspace in a real way. You feel lighter. More hopeful. More present. You start noticing the people around you and the opportunities and the little moments that make life meaningful. And there are so many good things ahead right now.
Spring break is just a week away. James and Mel’s wedding is coming up. There will be family time, celebrations, and hopefully a little slower pace for a few days. It also reminded me that I want to be more intentional about visiting my parents and making time for those visits that matter so much.
Because when you step back and really look at the big picture, you realize life isn’t just about the next accomplishment or the next goal. It’s about the people. The communities you find yourself in. The laughter, the conversations, the small ideas that grow into something meaningful.
This week was just a really good reminder for me to live in that space of gratitude. And I’ve learned something about that space. The more time you spend there, the more good you start to see.
And while I can’t say I love losing an hour and springing the clocks forward… I will say I am very grateful to be one hour closer to spring break!
Leave a Reply