Be Intentional With Your Transition

6 Questions To Ask When Your Life's About To Change

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In Miami, fall and winter are foreign concepts.

It’s pretty much summer all year round, with the occasional day or two when the temperatures dip below 70 degrees. (Only in Miami will you see people sporting fur boots and coats when that day’s high temperature is a “frigid” 68 degrees. Seriously.)

A trip to Nashville several years ago gave me my first taste of fall. The oranges and yellows and reds that enveloped the countryside as my flight descended into the city made me feel like Kevin McAllister entering Duncan’s Toy Store for the first time in Home Alone 2.

The transition from summer to fall is clear: The days grow shorter, the temperatures begin to cool, and pumpkin spice lattes are available at every Starbucks (hallelujah!).

In life, we go through similar transitions. New opportunities. New locations. New friends. New everything.

Whether we’re entering the spring of a new job or relationship or the winter of loss or disappointment, we need to be prepared and ready take on whatever comes our way.

Here are some questions to ask as you transition into a new season:

1. Where Am I?

Before you can move forward, you have to know where you stand. Being able to humbly and honestly evaluate where you are is the first step toward a season of growth. Maybe ask a trusted friend or family member to help you process.

Being able to humbly and honestly evaluate where you are is the first step toward a season of growth.

Ask yourself: Where am I emotionally? Where am I physically? Financially? Relationally? Spiritually?

2. What Do I Need to Leave Behind?

Let’s face it: Things change. And as changes swirl around us, we need to be willing to make changes ourselves. We might need to let go of some old things to make room for the new.

New seasons rarely come without the need to make some sacrifices and difficult decisions. Maybe it’s cutting down on binge-watching The Walking Dead with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cradled in your arm. Or it could be a toxic relationship that needs to be axed.

Whatever it is, do it. Now. Nothing will change if you’re not willing to make changes yourself.

3. Who Do I Want to Be and How am I Going to Get There?

Some seasons can last a few months and others can last years, but they all have one thing in common: They end. Who do you see yourself becoming at the end of your new season?

Sitting around doing nothing while things change around you won’t make things better—it’ll just leave you falling further behind.

Bridging the gap between where you are the beginning of a season and where you want to be at the end of it requires a plan of action. Make a game plan and then go out and execute.

4. Where is There Room For Growth?

There is always room for growth. God wants to shape us, mold us and prepare us for what He has lined up for us. You are where you are for a reason. Ask Him to show you what areas you need help in and commit to grow in those areas.

Don’t waste the season of change you’re in. Find ways to learn, serve and grow.

5. Who Do I Want By My Side?

Take an inventory of the people around you. Who are the friends and family members sticking with you as you enter your new season? Who is drifting away? Who is investing in you and who are you investing in?

Look for people who will build you up, encourage you and challenge you—people that aren’t just for you, but with you.

Look for people who will build you up, encourage you and challenge you—people that aren’t just for you, but with you. The difference? The “for-you’s” will cheer you on from the sidelines, but the “with-you’s” will put on a jersey and help you get the ball down the court.

6. What Are My Motivations?

Your deep-seated motivations are the fuel that will keep you running as you endure the hardships of the season you’re in—and make no mistake, you will face them.

Your “why” will keep you committed when you don’t feel like getting up half an hour earlier in the morning. It will help you to say “no” when you really, really want to text your ex, even though you know you shouldn’t.

Your “why” is what will keep your eyes forward when you’re tempted to look to the left or to the right. It will keep your legs moving when you feel like giving up completely.

Transitions are not easy, but they can be times of immense growth and learning to trust God. Be intentional with your transition.

Montana

Well my time in Montana is rapidly coming to a close.  I've really loved it here, even more than I thought I would.  Billings may not have been the most bumpin' city of all time, but I could dig it.  What I really fell in love with though was having the mountains visible from the balcony.  Seeing the Rockies on a daily basis, even from far away, was something that I won't soon forget.  It was crazy because I was here long enough to start to take it for granted, and then as soon as I realized that I would shake it off and try and really process what I was doing out here.  I love my job.  Did I learn a lot working full time in an office? Yeah, but I've worked in an office before.  What I appreciated was learning to work with different types of people.  At UNT I was surrounded by very similar people, but here in Montana I met lots of different personalities and various work ethics.  I'm thankful for this summer and the new friends I've made, but I've also learned that home is still a damn good place to be and if I don't immediately rush off to the ends of the world then I will still be okay. They say home is where the heart is, and I'm willing to leave bits and pieces of my heart where ever I go.  So here's to you Montana and your little piece of me.

10 Habits Of People Who Follow Their Dreams

1. They see challenges as opportunities

Most people interpret fears as obstacles and tend to run away from them. People who live their purpose successfully have developed the capacity to see fear as a sign of what they really need to go for and put all their courage and energy into it.

2. They see life as a game.

Having this vision of life opens up space for playfulness and creativity instead of limitation. This also cultivates qualities of resilience, problem solving and confidence that helps them take risks to get to the next big place.

3. Living the life they want is the only option.

They’re so committed to making their dreams a reality that they banish any possibility of a backup plan whatsoever from their mind. They don’t think things like, “If it doesn’t work, I’ll just go get a job.”

4. They always speak their truth.

They’re able to speak it because they make a conscious effort to connect to their truest desires, their inner voice, and their spirituality without fear of judgment. This connection is typically fostered through meditation, journaling, being mentored and being surrounded by like minded-people.

5. They aren’t just dreamers: they act on their desires.

Instead of getting stuck in their dreams, they snap right into action, no matter what it takes. Whether it’s quitting a job, getting out of a relationship that holds them back, investing in themselves or moving to a new location, they have the courage to do it. They do this by listening to, and then acting on, their intuition.

6. They expect and know that they deserve the best.

They expect that what they want is going to happen as if it were an inner-knowing. They expect and feel they deserve to earn well, do what they love, serve others using their gifts. The secret is that they still expect the best even when they don’t have all the answers as to how it’s going to happen.

7. They have no fear or guilt when asking for what they want.

Because they’re so connected to their passions, they aren’t afraid to ask for what they want. In fact, they understand that their success depends on others, so asking for what they want is part of the deal. They set their boundaries and express their needs without fear, guilt or shame. Best of all, this is a trait that earns them respect from others.

8. They create their own rules.

They create their own rules instead of fitting into society’s norms. They make decisions from a place of what they want to have instead of what they think they can have. This gives them the freedom to design their destiny.

9. They’ve learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

They don’t get stuck in having all the answers, making things perfect or trying to gain comfort by controlling everything. Instead, they’re aware that they’re not going to see the next step until they make the decision to move forward despite the discomfort.

10. They have teachers, mentors and role models.

Having teachers increases their awareness. They clearly understand that each time they’re getting ready to pursue their dreams all their limitations are going to come up to the surface so that they can let go of them. Having role models and mentors helps them quickly identify where they’re stuck so that they can immediately change their results.

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Roadtripping.

This summer I will be in Billings, MT serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer.  I have to drive from Denton, TX to Billings, MT.  1,300 miles.  Bring it on.

Mile 0- Well,  here it goes.

Mile 150- I'm not sure why, but while driving and singing at the top of my lungs I broke down crying during Say Something. Not sure why, I'm not getting over anyone. I think it's from nerves as excitement for the trip. Near Vera, Texas. No one in sight.

Mile 180- Almost hit a turtle. Don't worry. He's okay. Near 6666 ranch in King County

Mile 227- Just passed an abandoned building with at least 8 cats chillin' outside. It was kind of a cute house. I could live there. I hope someone feeds those cats. Near Dickens, TX.

Mile 252- Saw a blue heeler chasing a red truck down the middle of the road, and then I saw a Yorkie running in circles across 4 lanes of traffic. It was terrifying to watch. Near Crosbyton , TX

Mile 297- Pit stop for a day and a half to stay with family. In Lubbock, TX

Mile 332-  My first real fear that I was going to be pulled over. I wonder what cops are like in other states. Near some random small town in Texas

Mile 470- What kind of a city doesn't have a gas station?! Near Channing Texas.

Mile 471- I guess the kind of town that takes less than half a mile to drive through. Also, this looks like the road in Brudesmaids where she crashes into that car.

Mile 485- Pretty sure the whole town smells like manure. Near Dalhart, TX

Mile 519- I see these big beautiful clouds on the horizon, and it gives me hope that NM might be close. I haven't seen clouds all morning. Near nothing in TX.

Mile 539- Saw a dog hanging his head out of the window. Really made me miss Finley. Also, just crossed into NM and they had a sign warning against hitchhikers. This state looks promising. Finally in NM.

Mile 603- Although I've seen big hills so far, I think I can spot my first view of actual mountains. Super far away. They are either snow capped or this dirt is really starting to mess with my vision.

Mile 665- Ears just popped because of the altitude change. Colorado is beautiful. I'm in love.

Mile 682- These mountains are breathtaking. I feel humbled and so insignificant to something so large and powerful

Mile 759- second cop scare but at least I've figured out my hotel for the night.

Mile 800- Mountains are too pretty.  I'm gonna end this now while I'm still ahead

Mile 920- Just kidding, had to update and say that there is pretty much nothing in Wyoming but rolling hills over and over

Don't Date A Girl Who Travels

Visit Adi's blog www.lovethesearch.com for over 20 translated versions of this post, and more writing like this.


She's the one with the messy, unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It's burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.


Don't date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.


Don't date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there's an airline seat sale. She won't party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.


Chances are, she can't hold a steady job. Or she's probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn't want to keep working her ass off for someone else's dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or something that requires creativity and imagination. Don't waste her time complaining about your boring job.


Don't date a girl who travels. She might have wasted her college degree and switched careers entirely. She is now a dive instructor or a yoga teacher. She's not sure when the next paycheck is coming. But she doesn't work like a robot all day, she goes out and takes what life has to offer and challenges you to do the same.


Don't date a girl who travels for she has chosen a life of uncertainty. She doesn't have a plan or a permanent address. She goes with the flow and follows her heart. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She doesn't wear a watch. Her days are ruled by the sun and the moon. When the waves are calling, life stops and she will be oblivious to everything else for a moment. But she has learned that the most important thing in life isn't surfing.


Don't date a girl who travels as she tends to speak her mind. She will never try to impress your parents or friends. She knows respect, but isn't afraid to hold a debate about global issues or social responsibility.


She will never need you. She knows how to pitch a tent and screw her own fins without your help. She cooks well and doesn't need you to pay for her meals. She is too independent and wont care whether you travel with her or not. She will forget to check in with you when she arrives at her destination. She's busy living in the present. She talks to strangers. She will meet many interesting, like-minded people from around the world who share her passion and dreams. She will be bored with you.


So never date a girl who travels unless you can keep up with her. And if you unintentionally fall in love with one, don't you dare keep her. Let her go.

When I'm a mom I'm going to read "The Princess Bride" to my kids when they are sick

National Geographic

"Today photography has become a global cacophony of freeze-frames. Millions of pictures are uploaded every minute. Correspondingly, everyone is a subject, and knows it- any day now we will be adding the unguarded moment to the endangered species list" -Robert Draper, October 2013