Like A Champion

This past weekend my sorority had a retreat called Dove S.P.A. This year's theme was More Than Skin Deep. During the sessions of the weekend, the speakers and committee challenged us to look within ourselves. Forcing us to be better women in every aspect of the word. That is a condensed version and doesn't really do it justice, but you get the point. By the end of the weekend, I took away so much, more than I expected...what I didn't expect.

It's crazy how God orchestrates certain things in your life. I met sisters that I didn't know that shared some of the same common interests, creating bonds that I see as long-lasting. And for those sisters that are already close to me, I feel as though our relationship strengthened even further. All ties that, for me, I know I will need.

I have been pretty transparent as to the struggles thus far with this whole process of producing my first production. However, many of the struggles that I have mentioned have been anxiety, stress, or people interactions. I haven't really talked about the emotional and spiritual journey that this entire thing has been taking me on (in addition to other areas within my life). Many of those burdens I took with me this weekend. I felt removed and as if I would just fail at life. That I was not as strong and confident as I should be to do this. But by the end of it, I was able to let go and release a lot of troubles out of my hand and put it (and leave it!) in God's.

Have you ever felt like that? That you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? And right before you felt like you were about to hit the ground, something or someone comes along to help lift that burden. And it's like you can breathe again. Like your chest just opened up and all of this fresh air just rushed in. Well, I was able to make some room in this head of mine and just let my thoughts be.

This journey will be rough, there will be obstacles along the way. As I conquer one mole hill, I'll come across a mountain. But what I'm learning is that I not only have to recognize the battles, fight them and leave them there, in that moment. To trust that God will provide every direction, every step and open every door. He wouldn't be taking me on this journey if He did not already have the resources for me. I just have to be confident in that and not stress my life out! And by doing that, the rest will fall in place. I emotionally and spiritually won't be stressed out. Those things won't fall last on my list and get the least of my attention because I have entrusted everything else to the One that can and will work it all out.

As my weekend was winding down and I was checking out of my hotel, a friend of mine sent me a text message. Again, speaking to God's timing, it was so appropriate and sent to me at the right time. And as simple as the words were, it was exactly what I needed. I leave them with you:

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit!' Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."- Ali