Starting Points

Every vacation has a starting point: you plan the trip and start packing. Definitely not the fun part for most people, but I kind of like it. You get the excitement building as you think of where you are going and what you will be doing. These early sparks of joy are what get you through what can sometimes be daunting journey. For me, my biggest obsticles to making it to the beach include feeling and looking healthy, being financially sound, and most importantly being spritiually grounded. 

Looking and Feeling Healthy: I need to lose a considerable amount of weight. Not only am I far too embarrassed to get into a swimsuit, but I don't think I even have the stamina to enjoy a real swim in the ocean. As a result of my poor diet choices in addition to the burden of carrying about 100 pounds of extra weight, I often feel lethargic and just want to sleep more. However, that isn't going to get my bags packed and my car on the road to the life of carefree beachyness, is it?

Financially Sound: Let's face it- the lifestyle imposed by many American ideals can often leave you over-budget and living month-to-month. As a recent college graduate I immediately decided that I needed to get a house. That's what you do, right? However, after I looked at all the bills that would be coming in I had to rethink that. I don't want to make choices because that is what is expected of my by others or because everyone else is doing it. I want to make sure that I can be happy now, and still be able to have a stable financial future. Are you really able to relax if you are laying on the beach worrying about how you will make next month's house payment? I couldn't. 

Spiritually Grounded: Many people spend their lives roaming about trying to find whatever it is that is missing. Often this gets confused and turned into a bigger house, a nicer car, a more fashionable wardrobe- all of which keeps them subdued for a short period and shortly after looking for the next upgrade. I believe that we need to be true to ourselves and admit that we aren't going to find inner peace through stuff. Spiritually we need to connect: with other people and with a higher power. I don't believe that a big bang led to all of us being here today. We are far too complex and intricate to have just happened. I believe in the Christian God and Jesus. If you believe in something else I won't argue, and in fact I enjoy hearing everyone's beliefs and stories of faith. I have friends from all walks of life, and I don't judge anyone for choosing a different path than I have. I think that being aware of other cultures and beliefs can help strengthen your own spiritual life and make you a better person. In short: faith is something that is extremely important to me, and I think that the key to a happy, beachy life will be rooted in spiritual strength. 

My next few posts will relate to how I intend to set goals and achieve these lifestyle goals!