Back from the Jungle and Into Reality

We’re back from The Opryland Hotel or “The Jungle” as the boys affectionately referred to it.  It was a busy, yet refreshing time away – an opportunity to be free of routine, be in new surroundings, and even being stretched from our comfort zone.

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My boys spent some time both at the hotel in Nashville and visiting friends in Alabama, while I attended The Blissdom Conference. Their highlights included seeing twin baby goats being born, hugging The Lorax, visiting the US Space and Rocket Center, swimming at the hotel, and hanging out with their little buddy Ridley.

My personal highlights included reconnecting with some of my dear friends that live in my computer, gaining some insights both professionally and personally, and taking some time to reflect on my my life goals and purpose.

 It’s so easy to live life in the now, in the immediate moment, without taking in the entire perspective, isn’t it? 

Michael Hyatt led us in a writing exercise in how we want to be remembered to those most important in our lives.  It was a sobering, yet constructive process – and I would encourage you to write it out for yourself.

I don’t want to be remembered as the mom who stressed over trivial things. Rather, I’d like to be remembered as one who is content in all circumstances, fun-loving, and encouraging.

I don’t want to be too distracted to show my husband that he is valuable and my teammate.   Instead, I want to honor my husband through my thoughts, actions, and words.

I don’t want to spend my life trying to please others, when my focus should be on Christ.

I don’t want to be so caught up in the here and now that I miss my calling.

Brad and I had some great conversation on the five hour late night ride home, and have already implemented some changes in both our business and family life.  {A quiet long drive with uninterrupted conversation – now that was BLISS!}

How about you?  How do YOU want to be remembered by those closest to you?

6 thoughts on "Back from the Jungle and Into Reality"

  1. Crystal says:

    I want to be remembered as a woman who deeply cared about serving others, worked her tail end off to make the world a better place and fell more in love with her Savior with each passing year.

  2. This made me giggle because I called it The Jungle, too! We were staying in the Cascades area and I’ll be darned but what I didn’t get lost in The Jungle almost every time I walked back from the Conference area! 🙂

    I had a wonderful, wonderful time, too. So much that I learned, so much to chew on. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to really connect while we were there! Blissdom is just big enough that you have to be really intentional to find someone or else you can just keep passing them all weekend!

  3. AmazingGreis says:

    What an amazing weekend. I loved every minute of it. I also loved hugging you and seeing all the boys. YAY!! So glad to have seen you again!!

  4. I looved hugging you. I hated not having enough time with you. It feels like forever.

    I simply cannot believe how big they boys are! I saw them with Brad in the lobby one day and just couldn’t get over how big they are compared to when I met you at BlogHer 09 (sigh)

    I want to be remembered as the mom who was there, who laughed, played and was present.

  5. Tracey says:

    This is so, so cool. I loved reading how you want to be remembered. We are kindred. But I already knew that.

  6. Just Shireen says:

    It’s just stupid that we had to travel five hours to see each other, but I’m so glad I to see you and that you were part of my first Blissdom experience!

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