What I Learned from (almost) 31 Days of Photos

A Look Back... 

On July 1st I began a personal experiment. One month, 31 days, countless photos, daily thoughts, all with the goal of getting a better look into how I spend my time, and how I could be a better steward of precious moments, hours, and days. 

So, how did I spend my time?

What did I learn? 

I spent hours and hours reading. My favorite reads included Texas by James Michener, Monday Mornings by Sanjay Gupta, Never Give Up  by Joyce Meyer, Healing & Wellness by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and Science magazine. The last time I did this much reading was in high school, and my brain thanked me for it. The more I read the more I am overflowing with thankfulness for the ability to see, understand, and remember information. Knowledge is powerful, and time spent building it is an amazing investment. 

This was my first summer doing full summer classes and a lot of time was spent working through Calculus questions and studying Physics. July brought one Calculus midterm, 4 quizzes, 8 homework assignments, and 3 Physics tests. You could say I spent a lot of quality time with my notebook, calculator and trusty white board! What did I learn from this? Well, apart from copious amounts of math, I learned that education is so amazing. I never want to take the blessing to sit in a classroom and learn for granted. 

In almost every photo collage there was a picture of some sort of hot (or iced!) beverage. Now, this is no surprise to me! I've always loved a good mug of soothing tea. What this has taught me is that tea actually helps me be more focused with my time. When I have a mug of tea beside me I can study for a few hours without stopping. Why? This may be because drinking tea has become ingrained as a part of my routine. Pathways in my brain have formed that say "oh! a mug of tea! okay guys, time for some serious focusing." My favorites are green tea, lemon ginger tea, and good old earl grey. 

The time I spent with friends and family uplifted and encouraged me. I was blessed with brunch out with a friend, birthday celebrations with both friends and family, genuine conversations, walks, laughter... People are blessings. And people take up time! But, what a wonderful way to spend our time. Investing time into others requires effort, sacrifice, generosity, and often, vulnerability. It comes with the risk of getting hurt, but it also comes with the potential of blossoming into a meaningful lifelong mutual blessing, which totally outweighs the risk. 

Time spent being brave is time well spent. In this post  I talk about how we constantly have the choice to choose faith or fear. I only want to spend time choosing faith. Fear has no place in my life, and I never want to give it a foothold. 

Social media can be a time sucking black hole. I would open up facebook and casually browse, and the next thing I knew 20 minutes had gone by. Similarly, I would open instagram and be lured by one photo after another, and another, and another... I am so aware that what we put on social media is simply a surface that we want others to see. We don't put up the tough, messy days or our mistakes and weaknesses. I'm still trying to find a balance with social media. As for now I want to focus on people over profiles. Call me old fashioned, but I'm not satisfied with sending texts, but face to face is where my heart is. 

And finally, God is always good. I learned that in different ways each and every day. He is the one who helps me focus in my studies, work, volunteer and stay full of hope. Right now I am believing for complete post-surgery healing, and I have full confidence that soon I will be running that 10 k race.. :) 

There it is, friends. If you followed along this journey I hope that it left you encouraged and blessed in some way. I certainly learned a lot through each post and daily "analysis" of my time. Until next time, dear friend! 

Much love, Vivi 

The Past Few Days...

J U L Y 28, 29, 30 & 31 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Hi friends! These past few days have been particularly difficult on the post-surgery recovery side, so I decided that taking a full rest was the best way I could spend my time. I did take a few pictures, however.. :) These past few days were spent reading for hours, drinking plenty of tea, attempting to keep up with my math class, awkwardly trying to shower (surprisingly difficult) and sleeping more than I ever have. I had an emergency appointment with the surgeon after a bit of a scare, which ended up being a huge blessing to be assured that everything is going as it should. 

When I met with the surgeon this week he asked me if I was a student or working, most likely in an attempt to put me more at ease in the midst of great discomfort. I told him I'm doing pre-medicine classes. He laughed and said, "Well, this must be turning you off!" I smiled and responded honestly, "Actually, it's done the exact opposite. It's made me want to get into medicine even more." 

It's true. This whole crazy and confusing journey has done the opposite of what everyone thinks it would do. It's actually driven me towards my goal rather than away from it. To see how medical professionals have been able to help me is immensely inspiring.  I feel more driven than I ever have to help others the way all 8 doctors have helped me. 

I may be walking 1 meter per minute and sleeping 14 hours a day today, BUT! Let me tell you this, I am getting better every day. I am able to walk a little bit more every day. I laugh more every day, do more things independently every day. Every day is a testimony of God's goodness and His healing power in my life. 

I hope this encourages you, that no matter what you are going through, whether it be pain, heart break, depression, confusion, all these things that the enemy uses to try and smoosh us into the ground, God can use them to accelerate us into an abundant life full of blessings. I've already seen how God has blessed me in spite of what the enemy thought would absolutely crush me. Be encouraged friend, have faith that God will turn your situation around. If He did it for me, He WILL do it for you.

Much love, Vivi  

  

Run & not grow weary

J U L Y 27th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Today felt like Christmas. There was no carol singing, tree decorating or turkey dinner, but there was an unmistakable peace. There was peace amidst all the physical pain and discomfort. Peace in the quiet hours of resting and reading, having homemade brownies brought to me, having my brother take an updated picture of my growing dahlia from the garden. 

Let me leave you with a verse that continues to help me as this post-surgery journey continues:

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Thank you for this promise, God. I look forward to running, jumping, walking, and dancing with joy again soon! 

Much love, Vivi  

Still Valuable

J U L Y 26th

 I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Dear day two post surgery, you certainly came with your challenges. You were not easy or anywhere near enjoyable, but that does not mean that you held no value. Each day that I press on through this journey of  healing and recovery is a day worthy of celebration. Each day of healing, as slow and painful as it may feel, is still a valuable day. I choose to celebrate rest, to celebrate downing green smoothies and reading for hours. I choose to celebrate the fact that it's not sweltering hot outside, but that July has blessed us with gentle rains. I choose to celebrate the fact that my family is supporting me so graciously and giving me my every need. 

Physical pain is never fun. No one likes being stuck to the couch for days with doctors orders of no showering for four days. So how do I spend my time honoring God in the midst of great pain? Here's what I've learned:

1. I can get excited for what lies ahead in my future. This pain is only temporary. It will pass. I will run 10k races and go to medical school and take ballroom dancing classes one day. 

2. I can praise God for all the goodness still present in my life. For family, for friends, for tea, for warm blankets, for who He is as my Healer and Provider and Comforter. 

3. I can celebrate every little moment towards full recovery. Feeling a bit better? Not so sore? *High five* body, you're doing awesome.

Let's here it for two days closer to running that 10k! ;) 

Much love, Vivi 

Green Pastures

J U L Y 25th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Hey, friends. Today was day one post-surgery. I was loaded up with pain medication, good books, and my brother took photos of the flowers from outside on my phone for me (can you get any sweeter?!) I've lain here on the couch since 6 am this morning and don't plan on moving any time soon. Here's to rest and recovery and God's amazing healing power! In the midst of this crazy journey, psalm 23 never fails to quiet my heart and bring me peace:

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Much love, Vivi 

The Road to Recovery

J U L Y 24th 

Today's post is a little different than the rest of the July series. As I am writing this it is July 22, and by the time you are reading this I will have had surgery and will be resting and starting the road to recovery. I've decided to share some beautiful pictures of the backyard's flowers that I took earlier this week so that I could rest fully the day of the surgery. Please pray that I will have a quick and amazing recovery. God is good and He is the Great Healer! 

Much love, Vivi 

He Never Leaves Us

J U L Y 23rd

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Writing my second (and last!) Calculus midterm. My brain really felt it at the two hour mark. So thankful that this test is behind me, and that only two more weeks of class are ahead! 

Working on a Physics chapter 

Getting a few things ready for my surgery tomorrow

Rest & Enjoyment:

Watching Insurgent. I'll give it a 7/10.. Haha. I needed something to get my mind off of tomorrow, and an action movie did the job quite nicely.

Putting the espresso machine to good use and enjoying a cashew milk chai latte.  

Journalling goals

Take aways:

Today brought a whole mix of emotions. I had a challenging midterm in the morning that left me quite exhausted. Coming home, I had a big headache and rested for a few hours. Today I felt my faith being stretched. I had a choice, just like yesterday, to choose faith or fear. Faith that God will guide the surgeon and everyone involved in the operation tomorrow. Faith that my recovery will be faster and smoother than anyone could predict. Faith that I will be able to run, go on hikes, do yoga, volunteer, and work without pain. 

This has been an eight month journey. I won't go into too much detail, but I was in so much pain that I could hardly walk, yet I went to class anyways because I didn't want to get behind on the material. I didn't want to be "weak." I saw seven doctors before they figured out what it was, and hearing that surgery was the final option was more of a relief than anything else, a mark in the road of the beginning of the end of a very long journey. 

Let this be a testimony that no matter what we face in life, God is good. He never left my side through all of this. He gave me peace in the hardest time of my life, and I know that He will give me supernatural peace tomorrow and through the weeks of recovery. 

Thank you for your prayers, friends.

Much love, Vivi 

Take that, Fear.

J U LY 22nd 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Finishing up my review for my Calculus midterm tomorrow morning! Whew. What a journey. (p.s. those slippers pictured above take studying to the next level). 

Working on the next Physics chapter 

Rest & Enjoyment:

Finishing Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer. I am definitely going to read this book again (and again).

Painting a watercolor piece. I haven't painted in ages. It felt so good to put a podcast on and whip out the peaceful watercolors 

Going to a picnic in the park with my church's young adult group. We hung out in the park by my church, had a bible study, and got into small groups to discuss different questions and pray together.  

Take aways:

Tonight I was faced with a "dilemma." I could stay home and study more for my midterm, or I could go to my church's young adult bible study. The thing is, I knew I had done enough studying already. I also knew that going to a young adult group for the first time by myself and not knowing anyone is kind of... terrifying. 

I was so nervous. Would there be cliques? What if no one talked to me? What if I farted really loud and everyone heard? (Okay that would be really funny, but so embarrassing.) My stomach was a flurry of butterflies as I weighed out my options. Deep down inside of me, I knew that I was supposed to go. The only thing standing in my way was fear. Fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. 

It's funny how fear can cause us to back away from having faith in God. Fear really is the opposite of faith. Fear is having faith that something bad is going to happen. Thankfully, God encouraged me to quit the fear and amp up my faith. And oh, what a good use of my time. Through the nerves and uncertainty, I knew I was doing what God wanted me to do, and that gave me a peace that really does pass understanding. 

There were no cliques. People were friendly and kind, and I made new and wonderful friends. I didn't fart either, I promise. ;) So, take that, fear. You've got nothing on God's faithfulness.

Much love, Vivi 

To math or not to math

J U LY 21st 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Going to a review Calculus class this morning 

Copious amounts of math review for Thursday's midterm. That white board gets some serious love. 

Rest & Enjoyment:

Watching an episode of Father Brown with my family. We love our British mystery series. 

Having a delicious dinner of tomato and feta soup with my family and some great conversation. 

Reading Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer 

Take aways: 

If you have been following this series for a few days or weeks now, you may have noticed a very repetitive theme: math, math and more math. Now, let me clarify something. This math-centered lifestyle is not normal for me, haha! I promise, my days are usually filled with activities other than integrals and fancy algebra. When I sat down to write this post I thought to myself, "Do people really want to hear about how I spent most of the day studying?" Well, I promised myself from the beginning of this series to be honest, to be truthful, and to not fabricate activities to try and make myself look good.

This math filled time of my life is not forever. In just a few weeks I will be forever free of having to take another calculus class. I'll be able to paint more, read more, and spend more time with my family and friends. Seasons of life can be challenging, but I want to always remember that they are just that, challenging seasons, and they too shall pass. 

Much love, Vivi 

  

Don't be so hard on yourself

J U L Y 20th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Studying for my Calculus midterm. It's funny how so many hours can be summed up by one sentence.. Haha. 

Working in the afternoon/evening (and taking a selfie in the neon green framed mirror.. :) 

Rest & Enjoyment:

Baking homemade tortilla chips for a snack with some hummus 

Reading Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer. This is the kind of book that picks me up from feeling blue to feeling fearless. It's full of so many stories of real people who pushed through challenges and trusted in God when life was anything but easy. 

Reading a few chapters from the book of Mark

Take aways: 

When I got home from work tonight I put on Jess Glynne's playlist. I love the upbeat nature of her music. One song stuck out to me. It's called Don't be so hard on yourself. Holy cow, you guys. I love this song. First of all, it's more than catchy. Second, it has such a great message. We all go through tough seasons of life where we "draw a smile on our face," hoping that our outward appearance portrays the picture of 

togetherness. 

My goal is to put into practice what Jess Glynne is talking about. To not be so hard on myself, picking apart flaws or mistakes, but to give myself a few more high fives, and say, "hey, congrats self, you did a good job. keep going!" 

Much love, Vivi 

P.s. if you like that song check out this one. 

Take a Break

J U L Y 19th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Attempting math review questions. Key word: attempting. 

Going grocery shopping and getting my new ring re-sized.

Rest & Enjoyment:

Going to church with my family 

Having a BBQ with sausages, a big salad, and roasted mushrooms... :)

Resting for most of the day with lemon ginger tea, vitamin C, and copious amounts of liquids to take these annoying flu-like symptoms by storm. 

Take aways: 

I had big plans for today. After church, I was going to spend a few hours getting much math review accomplished. I came home feeling so tired and unwell that I slept most of the afternoon! On days like today, it's tempting to feel really frustrated and to grumble about a day "wasted." No one wants to spend a day feeling sick on the couch, especially when the sun is shining and your family is at home together.  

The funny thing is, I've noticed that it usually takes a day like this to get me to take a break. It's as if my body is saying, "Hello! Chill, girl. I need to rest every so often, you know." I've not really allowed myself much down time these past few weeks. The reason I made Rest & Enjoyment a category from the beginning of this series is because I knew it was something I needed more of in my life. Doing summer classes makes it difficult to slow down, because you're always thinking about the next assignment, test, or quiz. 

The truth is that even on days like today, I have the opportunity to honor God with my time. I'm still able to read His word. I'm still able to pray, to talk with my family and friends, to have a positive attitude, to speak faith filled words, to be kind. Resting is never a waste of time, but my attitude when life isn't perfect defines whether or not I'm using my time wisely. 

Much love, Vivi 

Why, thank you! -- Love, Brain

J U L Y 18th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Finishing a math assignment (this is a very common theme through out my July series.. So. Much. Math. Homework.) 

Reviewing online tutorials on sequences and series, the current math topic. Most of my morning was spent reviewing in preparation of this week's midterm! Yay! Who doesn't love tests?! ;) 

Reading an article in Science magazine about the role of adipocytes (fat cells) in the immune response. So interesting! 

  

Rest & Enjoyment:

Starting my morning with blueberry oatmeal, Colombian coffee, and the book of Mark. 

Photographing the lilies and other flowers on the back deck, followed by uploading and editing the pictures 

Finishing my novel Monday Mornings. Wahoo! Now I'm on to continuing Texas by James Michener. It's a HUGE book, which is why I'm attempting it now and not come September and the start of a busy semester! James Michener is an amazing author. If you like historical fiction and beautiful, quality reads, I highly recommend his novels. 

Take aways: 

Much of my time today was focused on reading. Reading math problems, reading my Bible, reading Monday Mornings, reading an article.. When I was in elementary school I faithfully took part in the "Book of the Year" competitions, where around 13 books were nominated for the award. I would read each one, and then vote for my favorite at the end of the school year. Ever since then, reading has always been a huge part of my life, and it's something that I genuinely enjoy investing time into. It may sound strange, but when I actively make reading a regular part of my life, I imagine neurons in my brain making intricate connections with each other, forming new memories and building up "brain skills." The take away from all of this? READ! I may be biased because I work at a library, but trust me, your brain will thank you! Reading something of quality is never a poor use of time. Now I'm off to make some progress on Texas.. :) 

Much love, Vivi  

Break the mold

 J U L Y 17th 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity: 

Finishing a math assignment and reviewing in preparation of next week's midterm

Printing the next Physics module. Haha, that's productive, right?

Having a shift of volunteering at the hospital, the last week of training before we start regular duties! Wahoo! 

Doing a few chores and organizing piles of paper that were beginning to stack up. 

Rest & Enjoyment:

Having a peaceful breakfast while reading chapters from the book of Mark. I tried slicing golden kiwi onto yogurt, and it certainly was an interesting combo...  

Watching The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel with my family. This movie is amazing. My family and I loved the first one, and we enjoyed this one just as much. Plenty of Bollywood dancing  and music and romance = perfection. A mug of hot chocolate also helped... :) 

Making a veggie wrap for lunch and enjoying it on the back deck with the lillies and other gorgeous blooms. 

Take aways:

As I'm writing this, my eyes are slowly closing and my pillow is calling my name. It's been a long day, but a very full and productive day, with hints of rest and fun with my family. The biggest lesson I learned about time today is simple, and to many, common sense. Yet this simple lesson took me a few years to actually understand. I used to be confused about fun. I looked around and saw others my age doing things that I just didn't want to do, or have any interest in doing. I thought there was something wrong with me. Why don't I find those things fun? I remember thinking, I'm 17, shouldn't I like what other 17 year old's like?

I wasn't a cookie cutter 17 year old, I'm not a cookie cutter 20 year old, and I most likely won't fit the mold when I'm 30, 40, or 80. I like watching movies with "old people" romance. I get more excited about Biology than shopping. I can be really focused and serious, and the next moment re-enacting a scene from Despicable Me. 

The lesson from all of this? We all spend our time differently. We all have fun in different ways. The truth is, most of us don't fit the mold that our culture presents to us. We try (like I did), until we realize the beauty of uniqueness and embrace it. It's more than okay for me to spend my time doing things that I truly enjoy, and to not spend my time doing things that just aren't me. And that's more than okay. How freeing is that?!  

Much love, Vivi 

Peaceful Drives & Blueberries

J U L Y 16th

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

Productivity:

Finishing three physics tests in a row for my class. Whew.

Having Calculus class with a (long) quiz at the end

Starting a math assignment

Rest & Enjoyment:

Having dinner and lattes (chai for me, London fog for her) with my dear friend Hannah

Driving to school with my brother in the morning, enjoying the light peeking through grey clouds. Does anyone else find drives peaceful? With limited traffic, of course... :)

Having my first bowl of blueberry oatmeal with our new purchase of 40 pounds of berries! We buy blueberries in bulk every summer, and then freeze them to have in smoothies, oatmeal, and pies.

Take aways:
I didn't used to like driving. In fact, I dreaded the thought of cars all around me, having to check multiple mirrors, and coordinating all my movements. After having my licence for quite a while now, I'm much more comfortable on the roads and have actually learned to enjoy my time in the car. Since my University is about 30 minutes away, I spend a lot of time in the car. Should this time be put down as "travelling time" and thought nothing more of? I don't think so.

If I really see time as precious and valuable, even time spent in the car becomes more than just a drive. It becomes an opportunity to talk with my brother, my dad, or a friend that I'm driving with. It becomes a time to look out at the world through the windows, enjoy the scenery, architecture, and nature. It becomes a time to think, listen to music, and have some time of peace. Of course, those left turns and highway drives require attention and focus, but when I'm open to it,  time in the car can be time well spent.

Much love, Vivi  



All ages and stages

J U L Y 15th

 

I'm blogging everyday for the month of July, sharing what I learn about what it means to be a steward of time. Time is so precious. This series is a personal experiment where I hope to get a better look into where I invest my time, and how I can better shape my life to serve God through my actions, words, and priorities. Look up the tag "July series" to view each post. 

 

Productivity:

Reviewing Calculus concepts for a quiz tomorrow. Enter big white board  and a loooot of repetition.

Having a volunteer shift at the local hospital. This was so much fun. Myself and another team leader shadowed the regular information desk volunteers, who are two older ladies with the most hilarious senses of humor. 

Attending a training session for in-school mentoring (for elementary aged kids- oh my heart!) 

 

 

Rest & Enjoyment:

Having a quick Starbucks run with my dad for their green juice blended with ice. After finishing mine I realized I didn't take a picture of the delicious thing, so I took a picture of the empty cup instead.. ;)

Enjoying a pancake dinner with my family. One day I will share this recipe for coconut flour pancakes. They are wheat free, dairy free, and sugar free!

Taking photos of the hydrangeas blooming in the backyard. The tomatoes are also doing really well this year (as pictured above).

 

Take aways:

 

One of the best parts of today was talking to the ladies at the information desk. They were bursting with life experience, and they willingly shared their stories with equal amounts of humor and wisdom. It made me realize even more how much I enjoy spending time with people of diverse ages. The ladies may have been 50 to 60 years older than me, but our large age gap didn't serve as a stumbling block to learning from one another. It actually served as a huge benefit. Their life experience was such a blessing to listen to, and watching them interact with patients and the public with grace and clarity was so inspiring.  

 

In the afternoon, I spent a few hours at an orientation on mentoring elementary school aged children. I couldn't help but smile to myself. Both the young and the old, all in one day. As I look back at these moments now, I seriously believe in the importance of interacting with people of diverse ages. Of course, I love young adults, but there is more than enough room in my heart for little children and seniors.

 

So, who should I have time for? To listen to, gain insight from, help, to laugh with? All ages and stages.

 

Much love, Vivi