check-in

Hollla

It's May 19th and instead of preparing to go to Canada for a check-in (and possible progress meeting)- I've just barely finished the first draft of 1 of the 3 final chapters for the dissertation.

Disappointed much? yup, indeedy!

However, the extent of busy that my life is, leaves me no time to have a pity party. I've chosen to celebrate the completed draft of Chapter IV.

And here I am-  pecking away at Chapter V...with hopes of completing that in the next 2 weeks. Yes, another aggressive deadline but this time, I actually have time off (and away) so it should be a teensy bit quieter for me to get the focused time and energy to really pull it off.

As it stands, I can still make a defence by mid/end of August and that is the most reasonable case scenario. By far, not the best as it means I will have to pay for the full Summer 2014 semester, but better than not completing and having to enroll in Fall 2014 semester!

However, either of those options, still have me aligned for graduation on October 18th and I guess it is that which keeps me motivated.

So that's me.

Little Miss Daelyn Grace is quite the character. She's seriously developing too quickly and each day I look and squeeze her to try and infuse the Daelyn-of-that-moment to my memory. Life tells me that she will be 1 and then probably 11 before I know. That thought of that is quite overwhelming in and of itself but alas, time waits on no one and I am very appreciative a child who is growing, developing, and maturing in a timely fashion.

Hopefully the next time I come, I can say that I have submitted the entire document and looking to schedule (or have scheduled) that very important meeting.

Grace, peace, and love,
Gia

its that time...again

I'm going to have to take a sabbatical from my weekly musings.

There is simply too much going on. I need to begin widdling down on all my "extras", so without a doubt, I can make this self-imposed, yet necessary deadline of the end of April to have this dissertation written up. At this point, I'm barely beginning with analyses so this is quite a tall order but in light of the financial demands of enrolling in another full semester---I need to put (in Bahamianese) ERRYTING toward this. sigh. I'm already tired but I'm going to rest in the grace for this season.

Before I know it- it will be August 2014, and I'll be done (dissertation defended and last hours of internship completed). Before I know it again, it will be October 18th and I'll be grinning from ear to ear as I walk across the stage with the big fluffy gown and funny-looking hat on my neatly twisted locs and receive the certificate that says Giavana Jones, PhD.

It is for that vision that I push.

So, until I've gotten to a better place with all my demands...I bid you adieu. see ya later.

BUT I can't leave without giving you something to chew on this week...I read this this morning and it was JUST what I needed. Hopefully it does the same encouraging for you.

God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God ’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. (Psalm 103:6-18 MSG)

Grace, peace, and love (until our next),
Gia

overstay your welcome

I was having a conversation yesterday and it was one of those moments that I share wisdom without even realizing it.

In a nutshell, the person is experiencing some friction at work. I've been privy to the ins and outs and as I explained to him, he's experiencing the adult-child living at home syndrome. Essentially, he's outgrown the structure and "culture" of the home life. This can be defined in a number of ways but at the end of the day- it is time to move on.  If he doesn't move on, then he's going to need to concede to their demands (regardless of how nonsensical it may seem) because at the end of the day, like my dad always told us...its their house!

Change is never easy. But I'm a firm believer that there are seasons in life and we've got to be aware of when those change so that we can adjust accordingly. In the case of the above referenced person: his season with that company is done. He knows it, his boss knows it, I think the coworkers know it...but still nothing is being done to prepare for the next step.

If you are here and feeling similarly, like you have worn out your welcome...you are constantly frustrated and just "done" with your current circumstances. My challenge to you is to not end up out on your butt with your suitcase next to you [and no back up plan] as a result of being kicked out. Your time now should be spent creating or finding, the next step. For him, he's ready to go on his own. That means defining the service to be offered, ensuring that he's got a niche in the market (no sense going to do what someone else is already doing if there are untapped avenues) and writing out the business plan. For others it may mean, defining what your next position looks like. Do you want to change careers or just employers? Since you are changing anyway, are there specifics that you want included? e.g. health benefits? a specific location? flexi-time? The next steps include updating the resume/CV and canvassing organizations that fit what you want.

Life is seriously too short to live and be unhappy. To live your best life, you must be ever present. Living on yesterday's glory or in a season that is done will surely bring frustration and unfulfillment. I remember feeling like this about 5 years ago. My "next step" was to pursue the PhD. I've just returned to that organization where I left [well technically took a break from]..but I know this return is for an even shorter time than before. The goal is to finish this PhD, then leave. In the meantime, I am setting myself up for the next step.

Do not allow fear to keep you someplace where you know you have outgrown. If necessary, seek assistance with preparing for the next steps (the entire field of coaching is dedicated to this kind of work) and lets get moving!!!

Remember if you are like me and have multiple ideas, plans and goals. Streamline, define, and plan how each will be rolled out. Timing is key. As a friend just recently told me:

"Gia you can't birth two babies at the same time unless they are twins"

strategic. smart. steady

Are you ready? lets goooooooooooooo!

Grace peace love and forward movement,
Gia