If you were to sneak a peek at my Daybook Planner, you would find at least two coffee dates penciled in each week. Not only do I love a good excuse to get my Starbucks fix; I soak up spending an hour (or three) of one-on-one time with the sweetest, most encouraging ladies I know.
Each Friday, I want to bring that same laid back atmosphere and warm conversation to the blog and introduce you to some of my favorite people. The women you'll get to know are all in different seasons of life, they come from different backgrounds, and they have great stories and wisdom to share. My hope is that you'll walk away feeling encouraged like I do each time I'm around them.
So grab your favorite mug, pull out your Daybook, and pencil us in for Friday mornings. We now have a standing coffee date!
In light of Launch Week, today's Coffee Date is an opportunity for us to have a one-on-one. I'll start, but I would love for you to join in the conversation by leaving me a comment!
LAUREN HOOKER
What is the first thing you did this morning?
We have the same morning routine each and every day, and today was no different. After Jake spent 10+ minutes trying to wake me up (yes... he's a saint), I finally got out of bed at 6:30. I cooked breakfast while he made coffee, and then we had our Bible study. What better way to start each day than spending quality time with my two greatest loves?
What have you been loving lately?
Our new home right outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. The beautiful horse farms, numerous trails, and large blue skies make learning our new surroundings (a.k.a. getting lost) more enjoyable.
I also love a colorful set of Sharpie pens, cinnamon-orange tea, my husband's ridiculous dance moves, and snuggling up on the couch to watch my favorite show, Suits.
What is something you struggle with, and what are you learning as a result?
I am a people-pleaser and a perfectionist, and the two often butt heads. Saying yes to everything and wanting to do everything perfectly is unrealistic and just plain stressful!
I'm learning that saying "no" isn't a bad thing, and often times is the most considerate thing I can do. When I have less on my plate, I'm able to do a better job at the things that I've committed to.
Life can get stressful. What are some things you do to simplify?
A well-organized planner has always helped me keep everything in order, but I'm finding that "organized" doesn't always mean "simplified". It used to be that if I had any white space left in my calendar I would try to fill it up with something, but I've learned that white space in my Daybook is a necessity. It allows me to slow down and do a quality job in the things I've committed to, and it also allows me to be more spontaneous. I'm happier, less-stressed, and more intentional when my days aren't filled to the brim.
And just for fun, what is something that made you smile this week?
My husband's humor gets a guaranteed 50+ smiles out of me each day. This week, his "Creed" singing voice, numerous silly faces, and air guitar solos in the car had me laughing -- somehow it never gets old!
Photos by Andrea Pesce Photography
