This blog post is taken from my weekly newsletter, Pop of Positivity, which I send out each week. If you’re not subscribed, please do, so you won’t miss a thing!

I hope you had a wonderfully restful holiday this weekend with your friends and family and those of us in the US were able to take a moment to think about the men and women who gave their life in service to this country.

It’s so easy to take for granted all these sweet freedoms we enjoy, so I find it a blessing to slow down for a moment of gratitude for those who were so important in keeping us free.

For the past almost 6 years, I’ve sent out this newsletter every single week to you, my sweet Pop of Positivity Family. (And then posted it here on my website blog.) During that time, I’ve moved from writing primarily about leadership, customer service, mindset and positive communication to talking about midlife, and then even some about Pickleball.

That means you may be getting this email because you were interested in one of the above things, or if you’re a real OG, then you might be getting this because you heard me speak at a conference or event. (Thank you for sticking with me!)

All that is to say that for the month of June, I’ll be taking a break.

I’m headed to Europe for the month, and rather than just schedule weekly emails to go out, I’m going to focus on other things.

This break is in preparation for when I come back in July.

Upon my return, I will be offering you a specific focus for your weekly Pop of Positivity.

You will have the opportunity to pick which topics interest you most, and receive the newsletter and other offerings around that (those) topic(s).

The specifics are not yet concrete, but right now I’m thinking the topic areas will be:

—Mindset: You want to strengthen your mindset so you can live your best life. Whether taking care of your grandkids, working your heart out or having fun on the Pickleball courts. How we think about things impacts everything, and this newsletter will focus on how you can think to enjoy everything just a little bit better.

—Faith: You love the connection of faith and life and want more about how to do it seamlessly. This newsletter will help you deepen your faith in and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

—Travel: I’ll be doing a lot more traveling in the next few years (more on that exciting news later in the summer) so this newsletter will cover all things involved with traveling. From clothes to packing, flying, cruising, and how to do it all with even less stress and more joy. Of course, this will also include awesome places where I’m playing Pickleball!

I’ve also been toying with the idea of starting a VLOG on YouTube covering the same topics, so I’m excited to hash out the details. I should have more specifics for you throughout the summer.

So for now, I’d love to know what you are doing this summer! You can leave a comment and let me know.

And I’ll look forward to connecting with you again in July.

Until then, please feel free to follow me on ​Instagram​ as I start my trip in Barcelona, and be sure you’ve subscribed to my ​YouTube channel​ too.

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. A small favor: If you’ve purchased one of my Pickleball books, ​Dink Positive Thoughts​ or ​The World of Pickleball Word Search​, if you would be so kind as to leave me a review. I haven’t done much to get reviews for these books, but Amazon really depends on those reviews to share the book with other shoppers. It would mean the world if you would leave me a review! Thank you.

The post A Family Update appeared first on Christy Largent.

It’s one of those miraculous spring days here in Texas with the sun shining in a cloudless sky, the air cool and perfectly warm, with just a hint of a light breeze wafting around your body… (ahhhhhhh.)

And it’s just that “Ahhhhhh” feeling I want to discuss with you today. That “Ahhhhhh” can easily turn into “Awe” and when it does, we’ll be all the better for it.

Psychologists tell us that cultivating wonder and awe are two ways we can all be just a little bit happier. Plus, living in awe and wonder helps us to take our eyes off ourselves, turn our attention outward, and even increase our creativity.

As you can imagine, allowing for space to find that wonder and awe can be a bit difficult in our crazy, overwhelming world.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go on a mountain adventure in Colorado to experience awe. (Although that would be wonderful too!)

It’s finding the wonder and awe in every day that helps you as you go through life.

Don’t wait for the grand moment, instead, you can seek them out little by little:

–While you’re driving in traffic, turn on a classical station and lose yourself in the mystery and magic of music

–When you walk outside to pick up the morning paper, slow yourself to look up into the sky, breathe in deeply, savor the fresh green all around you, and say thank you to a God who gives us all things lavishly.

–The next time you see a soft, round baby in the cart at the grocery store, don’t just rush on by, but stop and smile at that baby. Smile at the Mama and speak a blessing on that sweet family.

And that’s the beauty of it. Wonder and awe are all around us just waiting to be discovered…

Even these little things will bring you wonder and awe.

All of them are reminding you there are so many things much bigger than yourself.

And that’s a great starting point for enriching your life and helping you enjoy life more.

Until next week, remember, as always, I’m

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you’re anywhere near the path of the total eclipse heading our way next Monday, I’d encourage you to take a break, get some ​eclipse glasses​, and go outside to experience the wonder and awe of this amazing world in action!

P.P.S. If this conversation about wonder is interesting to you, you’ll want to check out ​this new book ​by Philosopher Helen De Cruz. She does a really good job of discussing the transformative role of wonder and awe in this uncertain world.

The post Finding Your Wonder and Awe appeared first on Christy Largent.

Let me ask you a question…

When it comes to doing certain things in your life, do you do them because you want to do them, or have to do them?

Let’s take something like making dinner for your family.

I don’t know about you, but I’m responsible for the nightly dinner in our house. When my husband retired, he tried taking over these duties, but I didn’t like what he did, so I took that one back myself.

The thing is, I really don’t like cooking.

At all.

To me, it’s just a lot of time and energy for something that’s over with in minutes. I’d be just as happy (maybe even happier) with a bowl of cereal and toast. (Can you see why I struggle with too many carbs? haha)

Anyway, I just don’t like cooking.

I don’t like the planning, the grocery shopping…don’t even get me started on the Kroger app…the unpacking the shopping…the cleaning…the putting away…the pulling out and prepping…the cooking itself.

I do usually enjoy the eating…

And I really enjoy what happens around the table during and after the eating.

The conversation.

The laughter.

Even the arguments.

And most of all, I love how a full tummy and plenty of time seem to be a key that opens my son’s heart and mouth, and what happens in that golden time is often like a window to his soul.

I still don’t like cooking. (I know, this is just a thought, and I could change that thought if I really wanted to…I’m working on it…)

But I really LOVE what cooking that nightly dinner does for the relationship between me and my son and my husband.

So even though I don’t want to cook dinner for my family night after night. I try to do it at least 3-4 nights a week to get to what happens when I do it.

And suddenly, that “I don’t want to” thought becomes a “I get to” thought.

And as I’ve thought this through (last night was an unusually tasty and fun meal, resulting in my son and husband heading out for ice cream afterwards) I realize that there are many areas of my life, where if I would just push through and DO the thing I really don’t want to do, my “don’t want to” just might change into a “I get to,” and that sounds pretty good to me.

I hope you “get to” do more of what brings you joy this week.

Love ya,

Christy

P.S. I also “get to” write ​books​ about my favorite subjects, God and Pickleball. If you want to take a peek, ​here’s a link​ to make it easy for you. xoxo

The post Why I Do What I Don’t Want To Do appeared first on Christy Largent.

Happy Monday from sunny Texas. My 16-year-old is off on a school mission trip to Greece, and my sweet 20-year-old is covering the amazing South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin for her newspaper (The Daily Texan), so Tom and I are enjoying an unusually empty nest this week…changes all around!

It’s March! March Madness is just around the corner and my thoughts go back to watching my college Basketball team. Do you remember the excitement of a close game? Back and forth the score went…up by 3, then up by 6, then down by 4, then back up…it was so exciting!

And then in the final seconds, with just 2 points separating the score, your school’s favorite player grabs the ball, races down the court, stops at the top of the key, sets himself, lifts his arms and lets fly the most perfect net-swishing 3-pointer and the game is yours!

You scream and jump and laugh and hug your friends and scream some more. Your body is suffused with happiness and good feelings! Your energy is off the charts and you, along with all your friends surge forward as one, racing onto the gym floor to celebrate together.

Ahhhhhh – deep breath. It’s so fun reliving that moment in my mind.

And this, my friend, is the magic of fully experiencing your feelings. Your body becomes fully alive and you are completely immersed in the sensations generated by your thoughts.

Hmmmm. So what does that example have to do with your life today?

Just as powerful as your thoughts and feelings were back in college, they are the same today.

You think about all you have to do, and you’re suddenly so tired you can’t move.

You think about the last “discussion” (ahem) you had with your spouse, and you can literally feel your blood pressure rising.

You think about the odd comment the mammogram technician said to you this morning when you got your annual mammogram, and your breathing suddenly becomes shallower and your chest tight.

The key in all these examples is how powerful our thoughts are. And how quickly our body will respond.

So if you’re struggling with low energy, apathy, or lack of motivation, I suggest you might want to take a look at what you are spending your time thinking about.

Because when we habitually think difficult thoughts, or maybe we shut those difficult thoughts and feelings down with buffering behavior like eating, drinking, shopping or gossiping, we are shutting down the energy flow.

Just like the energy flow of positive thoughts is overwhelming and all-consuming and like a supercharge to your system, the effort it takes to stop and block the difficult feelings is like a huge, heavy, wet blanket for your energy.

So the next time you’re feeling sluggish, try these quick fixes:

–Step outside and walk 50 steps in either direction…bonus if you move your arms and clap your hands and smile at the sky. Think about the beauty all around and the gratitude you have for being able to move.

–Stand up from your desk, take a deep breath in, lift your arms and eyes to the ceiling, smile big, and say “thank you” out loud…then let the air out, drop your arms, and repeat several times.

These simple physical movements can refill your energy tank and get you back on track.

Then, the next time you feel yourself wanting to go eat, (my issue), drink, scroll, shop, or whatever your buffering actions are:

–Sit still, take a few breaths, and look deep to see what feeling is actually happening inside. I feel my difficult feelings in my chest and am often overwhelmed with the need to get up from my desk and head into the kitchen when I feel an uncomfortable one…I’m working on sitting still to actually identify what the feelings are.

–Then take another deep breath, let the difficult feelings flow and write down the name of the feeling and the sensations I’m experiencing. Shortness of breath, tight chest, upset stomach, buzzing in my ears…how do your difficult feelings present? There’s almost always a physical sensation to match them all.

–Sit still a moment longer…and often you’ll discover that once you let yourself actually feel the emotion and you identify the physical experience of that emotion, you can be curious about the sensation, and soon the emotion is actually gone.

You didn’t die. Nothing really happened except you allowed the emotion, experienced the emotion, and then moved on.

If you regularly allow yourself to do this exercise, you’ll learn a lot about how your body responds to emotion.

You’ll discover what thoughts generate the various feelings you have, and you’ll learn to notice when your body is telling you something your mind hadn’t even registered.

It’s fascinating, isn’t it?

I hope these little suggestions are helpful for you. The world needs you at your maximum energy output! So put these into practice and let me know how it goes.

Love you and Cheering you on!

Christy

The post How to Find More Energy appeared first on Christy Largent.

The day of LOVE….ahhhh.

In 6th grade, I was in love with Russel Roberts. I thought he was just the cutest thing ever with his sweet smile and floppy brown hair that hid his chocolate brown eyes.

I was definitely in the “friend zone” for him, but I was sure that one of these days he would see me for the great beauty and love of his life that I was sure I was. Sigh.

I remember I found a Valentine’s gift to take to him on the BIG day…

I’m not sure why I thought giving him a pair of red heart boxers would be a good idea. But I wrapped them up and took them with me to school.

Thankfully, I chickened out at the last minute from giving them to him, so he never knew how crazy I was about him until we met at college and the tables had turned. Suddenly HE was the one wanting to pursue me. Ha! Ha!

It’s all about the expectations.

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or life, the way we set ourselves up – our expectations makes a big difference.

Do you have “realistic” or “unrealistic” expectations?

I’ve had this conversation multiple times with my girlfriend Jennifer.

She’s someone who naturally sets low or “realistic” expectations for herself so she is not disappointed.

I, on the other hand, routinely have rather high expectations, and sometimes I’m disappointed, but other times I’m delighted!

I believe there’s something bigger that happens when we hope for the best.

When we look and hope for the best, we’re setting ourselves up to find the good side of whatever happens.

When we expect the worst, many times, that’s what our brain finds.

So may I challenge you to look at the way you’re handling expectations in your life.

Are you looking for the best, or expecting the worst?

Whether it’s that Valentine’s “gift” you’re longing for, or the job opportunities that seem just out of reach, by setting your mind to look for the good, indeed, expect the good, your brain will do its best, to find it, no matter what the actual outcome.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I do want to say I love you! I’m thankful for you! And as always, I’m cheering you on,

xoxo

Christy

P.S. If you need a last minute gift, I happen to have a ​cute pair of heart boxers​ for you! Hee! Hee!

The post Tell Me About Your Expectations appeared first on Christy Largent.

Let me start with a question…

Did you know that your brain will find exactly what it expects to find?

Or put another way, did you know you get exactly what you think about.

So often in life, without even knowing it, we find ourselves creating just the future we don’t want.

For example, (and this is a silly example) I say, “I always get all the green lights.” My husband says, “I seem to always hit the reds.”

And guess what? I do get the greens, and he does get the reds.

But the truth of the matter is, statistically, we both get around the same amount—ish…

And even though statistically we should get the same, it doesn’t seem that way at all.

Because I notice when I get the greens. Just this week, on the way to school dropoff, I’ve gotten almost all greens 2 different mornings!

I think I perceive I get more greens because I NOTICE the greens. And I comment on getting the greens. And I do a little happy jig in my seat when I get the greens. And I look for the opportunity to get the greens. And when I get the reds, I almost always say, “That’s strange, I usually get the greens, or “I’ll bet getting this red is keeping me from something horrible if I had gotten the green.” (Reframing!)

Do you see how this silly little example plays out over and over in our lives?

We get what we’re looking for. And whether we actually do get it or not, our perception and our expectation is that we will get it, therefore, regardless if it’s an actuality or not, we enjoy the positive expectation and personal reality that we “get the greens.”

Our brains are wonderful gifts from God. They work like homing pigeons looking for what we program them with.

I’ve programmed my mind to look for the greens.

And I’ve programmed it to look for beauty.

And I’ve programmed it to look for lots and lots of good in everything. (Even when bad things happen.)

So because I’m looking for all this good, I’m so much happier and more optimistic in my life.

You know it works the other way too…when you look for and expect the worst, you will get it.

What do you want?

Do you want to get the best?

Or do you want to set yourself up for the worst?

The good news is that you get to choose! You get to decide if you will program your brain for “the greens” or “the reds.”

If you need a little help with this, may I recommend (ahem) my new book, ​Dink Positive Thoughts​. Even though it’s written for Pickleball players, it will help you retrain your brain to look for the good and think positive thoughts in your daily life. You can order your copy by ​clicking​ ​here​.

And if you have already gotten the book, THANK YOU!!!, and please, please take a quick minute and ​leave a review.​ It would mean so much to me since Amazon gives priority to showing books that are selling and that are getting reviews…so thanks in advance!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. ​Here’s that link​ to either order the book, or leave a review. Again, THANK YOU so much!!!

The post Getting What You Look For appeared first on Christy Largent.

This semester in my Bible Study we are studying the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon from the New Testament. We’re starting in Philippians.

This week, Paul is writing from Rome, where he is in prison, literally chained up, to his church family in Phillipi.

He’s talking about how the church in Phillipi should stay encouraged by staying unified in Christ, and that they should, like Christ, look for ways to serve each other.

Then he reminds them to keep doing the good works that they know to do…and to continue to do them without grumbling or arguing.

—–

Way back in the day, when my kids were in Pre-K, the teachers taught them 2 simple sayings.

The first: “Delayed obedience is disobedience.”

(I still use that one from time to time with my 16-year-old!)

The second: “Obey with a happy heart attitude.”

This week, as I read this passage from Philippians 2, I was reminded of these sayings and I was kind of convicted.

Do I go through life doing what I’m supposed to be doing, (loving and serving) with a happy heart attitude, or am I grumbling and complaining?

It’s so easy to get sidetracked and head down that negative pathway, isn’t it?

Things like time pressures, disappointments, and even fear of the future can set us off. Then, instead of working with a happy heart attitude, we’re working from a place of arguing, whining, disagreement, and negativity.

The good news is you can change at any time.

When you catch yourself arguing, complaining, moaning, groaning, and just generally being ungrateful for your life, stop it immediately!

Recognize you’ve fallen into an unhelpful thought pattern, and notice instead, all the good around you.

–Take a moment to be thankful.

–Look for the good in the situation.

–Determine if there’s a way to serve humbly, then get busy!

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ” (NLT)

Do you want to be a light in this dark world?

Do you want to live life with a happy heart attitude?

Later in verse 16, Paul says to “hold on to the word of life” and I believe this is the way we are able to live with that happy heart attitude.

We hold on to the truth we know from the word of God.

We think about things that are good and pure and truthful and loving and kind and generous.

And in this way, we live as children of light with a happy heart attitude.

And just think how much happier we will be, and how much better off our world will be.

All because we purposed to live with a happy heart attitude.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you want to hear a really “catchy” (ear-worm) song from this verse, here’s Steve Green’s version. I used to play this song when I babysat back in the 90’s…and I have never forgotten it. You’re welcome.

The post Living With a Happy Heart Attitude appeared first on Christy Largent.

It is a cold and rainy, drizzly Wednesday here in Dallas. Brrrrrr. Not as cold as last week (when I swam in my pool surrounded by snow!) but still so cold I’ve almost forgotten what hot feels like! (Which is saying a lot here in Texas! Hee Hee)

But the first thing I want to say today is a huge thanks to all who have purchased my ​Pickleball Devotional book​ I wrote about last week. Thank you!!! Your support means so much.

Anytime you put something out in the world, there is risk. When my son turns in his homework, there’s risk. His teacher may say he worked the formulas wrong, missed the point of the essay, or fell short somehow of the assignment.

And when we put things out there, we run the risk of negative response as well. Just because we’re not getting “graded” doesn’t mean we’re not running the risk.

So when I told you about my book I had FINALLY finished, I knew there was the risk of a negative response.

From you and my marvelous email friends, from my other friends, from the pickleball community at large…

and yet,

Aren’t we compelled to run the risk anyway? What good are all our gifts and talents if we’re not sharing them with the world?

When God created you, he created just ONE of you. Only you can offer to your family, your community, and the world, the special gifts that only you bring.

I have a friend who is a marvelous cook. She has honed her rough talent for pulling together family meals, into an art due to lots of training and practice. She blesses me with each tip she shares and each meal we enjoy.

I have another friend who teaches pickleball. I’m soooo thankful she’s sharing her hard-learned skills (via 40 years of tennis turned pickleball expertise) with me each week.

And yet another friend is a marvelous artist. She creates amazing watercolors that bless me each time I get to see the fruit of her labor.

What is your gift to share?

It may not be a book, or a course, or a piece of art or a delicious dinner. But I guarantee you have something you were made to offer to others.

So if you’re not sure, may I encourage you to take some time over the next few weeks and make note of these things…

1. What do you really enjoy doing?

2. What things do you spend time doing where the times seems to fly by?

3. What do other people (unprompted) compliment you about?

4. What do you find yourself doing when there’s nothing else to do…but you are drawn towards it over and over again

5. What’s super easy for you to do? (Like falling off a log easy?)

Then pay attention to all these different things. My guess is that you’ll start to see some patterns emerge over a few weeks.

Then, I’d encourage you to see if you can find ways to incorporate more of these things into your life over and over.

You will be able to get more joy, and give more joy, and your life will be happier and even more full of meaning.

And suddenly, the risk holds not quite so much risk anymore because you know you’re doing exactly what you were made for.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

Love you, and as always,

I’m Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Here’s ​a link to my newest book​ that I talked about last week. Do you know anyone who would enjoy it? It’s a great gift for sure.

The post Your Gift to the World appeared first on Christy Largent.

Remember last week, I told you I had ordered the proof…here it is and this is what it looks like.

It’s a little book, just a month’s worth of devotionals, but I think it’s cute and a perfect size for a gift book too!

Here’s a peek at the inside:

I love that there is room for you to jot down your thoughts and think through the topic. Plus, of course an affirmation to help you keep your thoughts in the right place.

I’m so thankful to finally get this finished! Now for the marketing…

But seriously, I’m so glad I didn’t give up on this book.

I’ve been talking about doing it for almost 2 years! Crazy!

But even though it took way longer than I had planned, today I’m thankful to say it’s finished and available on Amazon.

What is a dream you’ve had, that you’ve been thinking is taking too long, and you’re tempted to give up on?

Is there something that you’ve been wanting to do, but so many excuses, and fear and just…life are holding you back?

May I encourage you to take a step towards it today.

It doesn’t have to be a big step, but any movement towards your dream will pay off down the line.

So consider your heart’s desires. Remind yourself it’s not too late. And take a baby step of action.

Then hit reply and let me know what you’ve done. Because, as always, I’m here

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. Here’s a link if you want to see the book on Amazon! The E-book is available right now, and the paperback will be available in just a couple days.

The post The Payoff appeared first on Christy Largent.

My family and I are taking a little vacation from Texas and enjoying all the beauty of Tennessee.

While we are here we are visiting the Smokey Mountains, trying new restaurants and enjoying the cold weather.

We’re also contemplating the New Year and envisioning what we want this next year to look like.

Our daughter will be graduating college, our son entering his senior year of High School and we know that more quickly than we can imagine, it will be time for something new in our lives.

So I think this New Year is the perfect time to consider baby steps of trying something new.

Are you up for it?

Are you someone who seeks out new adventures and opportunities or someone who wants to stay where you are?

There’s really nothing wrong with the status quo…as long as it’s intentional!

If you’re staying still or treading water because you want to…good for you! Enjoy!

If you’re doing it because of fear of the unknown…well, I’ve got an encouragement for you.

Maybe this is the year you step out and try something new and fun.

–A new volunteer position.

–A new job.

–A new hobby (Pickleball anyone?).

–A new friendship.

–It could even be as simple as a new book.

The common denominator all these have is that these actions are moving you towards more of what will make your life fuller and richer. More of what you were put here on earth to do/be.

Let me encourage you to take the step this week. I promise, it will be worth it!

Cheering you on…with a southern twang,

Christy

The post Time for Something New? appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today I’m busy baking cookies to take to the neighbors. Thankfully I’ve got my Amelia home from college and helping me, so I’m in safe hands. (She actually FOLLOWS the recipes!) Hee hee.

As we wind up our year, I wanted to address a powerful word you can use to help you finish strong and set a good intention for next year.

And that is the word “yet.”

As in, “I haven’t finished my book…yet.”

or

“I’m not at my goal weight…yet.”

or

“I haven’t started the remodeling project…yet.”

The power in that one little word is just amazing!

Instead of just thinking about what you haven’t done, or haven’t accomplished, or haven’t received, by adding the word yet, you tell your brain the story isn’t over.

Lord willing, we will all have time to let the “yet” work its magic.

Let’s look back at the above examples:

“I haven’t finished my book yet,” tells my mind that it can keep working on the project and that it WILL be finished at some point. The story’s not over…yet.

“I’m not at my goal weight yet,” tells my mind to not give up. Go ahead and go for that walk, say no thanks to the cookie and put away the phone, and go to sleep. The story’s not over…yet.

“I haven’t started the remodeling project yet,” reminds me to keep it on the list. To look for ideas and make a budget and make note of the colors that I’m drawn to. The story’s not over…yet.

This year, maybe you can think of some things you thought you missed, or “failed” at and instead of giving up, you can add the word “yet” to the thought and see what happens.

You might be surprised at how your brain comes up with creative ways to move forward on those thoughts.

I can’t wait to see what good things emerge in your life because of it!

Love you and Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. My book is finished and I’m working with a professional to help me get it formatted and listed on Amazon. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available…hopefully before the end of the year!

The post The Power of the Word Yet appeared first on Christy Largent.

August 14th I started my workout journey with a professional Pickleball trainer. (I know, it’s not a joke, it’s a real thing!)

My trainer,  Connor​ has been sending me workouts every morning via his app. The app includes examples of every exercise. How to do them, what repetition, what weight, and in what amount of time.

I follow the plan.

When I started, I could barely do 1 pushup on my knees (things had gotten BAD!), my knee hurt all the time, and the stretches he had me working on were, let’s just say, not performed to specification! (Ahem.)

BUT…

The good news is that after consistently working out 5 days a week, I’m really making progress.

I can do 5 strict pushups, 20 on my knees, squats with weights, 15 lb dumbbell curls, and a whole lot more, including those all important stretches.

Day by day I’m getting stronger, not to mention the cardio work we include as part of the plan.

I tell you this by way of encouragement.

Sometimes everything feels too overwhelming, and rather than do just a little bit, we just want to ignore it.

But if we take what I’m learning with this training, and apply it, we can all make a little progress each day.

Even during the holiday season.

–Got a project you’ve put off until January because you’re just too busy? Maybe set your timer for 10 minutes and see what you can get done.

–Want to plan your summer vacation, but you’re overwhelmed? Why not set your timer and take 15 minutes to explore travel websites for ideas?

–So tired you fall into bed every night, only to remember you never made time for exercise? Why not take a quick 30-minute walk after dinner rather than sitting on the sofa?

Often in life, change or improvement, or making our life better isn’t really as hard as we make it out to be.

Let me encourage you to take a baby step on something today. I promise it will be worth it!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

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Here in Texas it’s been so HOT I was afraid to buy pumpkins for the front porch.

(Heat + Pumpkin = Stinky Mush!)

But it has finally cooled off, so I’ve decorated and it finally looks like Fall around here!

On another note, have you noticed that the journey to mastery is a complex and non-linear one?

When I learned flute way back in elementary school, I had to master the scales first. Playing beautiful music was the desired outcome, but the only way to get there was to master the scales so I could play whatever key was required easily and without too much “thinking.”

As I was reminded when my son learned clarinet, the road to mastery is filled with missed notes.

It’s the same in Pickleball. I’ve got to drill the basics, the “dink,” “drop,” and drive,” to such a level that when I’m playing an actual game, these shots become automatic. And even with this practice, I’ll often miss more than I make in a game.

It’s a mixed bag getting to a higher level.

In life, there are a lot of ways this plays out…

For example, you may read a book on communication skills so that when you get into a difficult conversation with your husband, you’re able to have a productive conversation.

But sometimes the conversation with your husband isn’t productive.

Or you practice some cooking basics like chopping and….well, I don’t know what else actually because I’m not much of a cook, but there are probably some “chef-like” skills that would be helpful if you wanted to cook a gourmet meal!

And yet, the table to master chef is filled with inedible food.

This is the truth…when learning new skills, the line to accomplishment isn’t a straight uphill arrow. It’s up and down and up and down and if you stick with it, there’s a gradual movement up and to the right.

So if you’re learning something new, don’t be discouraged if you’re making mistakes and it seems like it’s taking longer than it should.

Keep practicing the basics, getting better and better, honing your skills, and sharpening your knives.

And enjoy the journey along the way. You may never be the “best” at your chosen thing. But you will have had many amazing experiences that enrich your life along the way.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. I’d love to know what you’re working on. What area are you practicing right now? Just leave a comment and let me know. xoxoxo

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This week I’ve been head down and digging deep to make progress on the gift book/devotional I’m writing.

It’s centered around how we can live out the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.)

The plan is to get the devotional up and available for purchase on Amazon by mid-November. (Just in time for holiday sales!)

This is a devotional for Pickleball players who want to do better managing their mind. It’s called “Dink Positive Thoughts.” (A dink is a foundational shot you hit in Pickleball.) Each short devotional will have a verse, commentary, a prayer and an affirmation to practice.

In light of everything that has been happening in the world this past week, I wanted to share one of the devotionals I wrote with you.

Right now I feel somewhat helpless in the face of all this world strife.

But one thing I know is that we have a God who cares. Who loves the people of Israel. And loves us too.

So even though the following devotion is focused on Pickleball players, I want you to think about the ideas I’m sharing and see how you can apply them in your own life – whether you are a Pickleball player or not!

——————————————-

Love – 1 Peter 4:8 TLB

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults.”

***

Most important of all…show deep love. This is so easy to say, yet can be so difficult to do. Especially when we are out on the courts. Our partner makes some dumb shots, they mistakenly call an out ball in, or they hog the whole court leaving you feeling left out.

I don’t know about you, but when people act in “human” ways, I often want to scream. And act snotty. And get an attitude.

Instead, the next time we are tempted to get irritated with our partner, do the opposite. Speak words of encouragement. Cheer their good shots. Physically, turn towards them at the end of the point rather than away from them.

In this way you will be putting love in action…and making up for many faults.

***

Prayer: Lord, help me to be your light shining love on the court (and in this world) regardless of the situation. Let me love like Jesus today.

***

Affirmation: Today I will look for and find ways to show love in action. I will shine the light of Jesus on the Pickleball courts and in my community.

———————————–

Dear one – know you are loved and prayed for. I appreciate you and am so thankful you are reading this. If I can be of any help or encouragement to you today, just leave a comment and let me know.

Cheering you on,

Christy

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I have a quick question for you.

Have you noticed that as we get older, it’s easier and easier to focus our attention inward?

I mean, my knees ache now more than they ever did. And if I don’t get my 7 hours+ of sleep, my thinking is a little fuzzier.

On the plus side, I care less about what other people think, so that’s a relief.

My kids require less time and attention. My work is flowing. I can focus more and more on what I want to do.

But overall, all of this thinking is about myself.

There’s a danger there.

This week in our Bible Study we were reading in Ephesians where the Apostle Paul encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens.”

There was a marked focus on loving each other in their community in real, tangible ways. Ways that helped to lighten the load.

And I was challenged to look for ways I could do more of that in my own life.

Rather than focusing on Me! Me! Me!… I could take a breather and turn that focus outward.

Who can I unexpectedly bless?

Who can I drop off flowers for?

Who can I pray for?

Who can I send an encouraging text or funny card to?

There are a lot of ways we can be a blessing to others if we just remember to get our eyes off our own selves and look for opportunities to serve.

This is the time in our lives we can be a blessing, maybe more easily than ever before.

So let’s hop to it! The world is waiting.

As always, I’m cheering you on,

Love,

Christy xoxo

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I just got back from the gym and am heading down to Houston later this morning. It’s been a whirlwind!

Today’s image is a shot from my trip to Atlanta and the MLP (Major League Pickleball) event.

I had the BEST time, and I’m so glad I was able to make the trip. Not only did I get to watch the best Pickleball players in the world, but I also signed up for a 3-day clinic given by Teaching Pro Mark Price.

Even though it was tiring driving 90 minutes north to the 3-hour clinic after a full day watching the pros, it was actually such a blessing to be able to learn skills that I had just seen the pros using, so that I could continue working to improve my own game.

And that’s what I want to share with you today.

This morning, as I was at the gym working through my workout, I realized that after 6 weeks, I’m getting stronger and more flexible.

I signed up with my coach, Connor Derrickson, mid-August, and every day I’ve been doing just a little bit more.

It’s not groundbreaking for sure, and it’s pretty tame compared to what I could do in my 20’s and 30’s…but I turn 60 next month, and I’m pretty happy with my progress.

What’s the lesson here?

That just a little bit every day will work wonders.

It’s not overnight.

It’s not all that impressive either.

But over time, it’s tiny, incremental progress forward.

And my friend, I think that’s what will get us all where we want to be.

I didn’t get stiff, overweight, and weak overnight. It was also tiny, incremental movement (backward) over time.

And now, and am experiencing the same only in a positive direction.

So whether it’s a physical goal – like mine is improving my rating and pickleball skills with a stronger, more physically fit body, or something professional – thinking of going for that promotion?, or relational – maybe taking that trip with your loved one, they all have the common denominator that you’ll get there one tiny step at a time.

Hope this has inspired you in some area. If it has, leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear all about it!

Love you and Cheering you on,

Christy

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I see the images coming across my Instagram feed and the stories filtering over my Facebook page.

Parents hugging, kissing, laughing, sorting, hauling, setting up (exquisite) dorm rooms, exploring, letting go, laughing some more, and crying.

I have 1 heading off for her second full year at UT, and to be honest, I have some really mixed emotions right now.

You see, our original college dropoff was fall of 2021 when we left our oldest as a HS senior for her to attend the Texas Academy of Math and Science up at the University of North Texas.

To be honest, I had an idealized vision of what it would be like to move her into her dorm. I’d use my background as a professional interior designer to help her create a beautiful, charming, inviting place of respite and calm amid the challenges of college.

I pictured helping her move in and get everything settled, pictures hung, lights strung, and a fuzzy throw blanket across the back of her desk chair. Kissing and hugging goodbye I’d cry on the way home, having dropped my eldest off, knowing things would never be the same again.

Well, I cried on the way home, but for a very different reason than I thought I would.

For starters, she wanted nothing to do with my vision of a fabulous dorm room. Utilitarian was her battle cry and she wanted it as sterile and stark as possible. No throw rugs, sparkle lights or beautiful art. Not for this girl.

I finally wrapped my mind around that, and at least looked forward to helping her move in with what she did let me get her.

Instead, as we got there and began unloading, she definitely didn’t want help putting her room together. I kept hovering, trying to help, but she was on a mission. Everything unpacked by herself and set up by herself.

She didn’t want any input or help from me other than taking out the trash.

In fact, she couldn’t get us out of there fast enough.

I get this. I do. This was about her, not me. But it was really tough for me.

That’s how it is with expectations. We have a vision, how it “should” be, of whatever it is…marriage, parenthood, our work, or, more specifically, moving a kid into college, the empty nest, our “retirement” years…

And for some reason, our expectations are way off base.

What do we do then?

It’s how we handle these unmet expectations that can really take our joy in life off course.

But the magic is that this is where we get to practice the skills we work on, our lovingkindness, our generosity, our patience, our trustworthiness.

During the difficult times are when those skills really count.

When we are able to manage our thoughts so they are working for us instead of against us.

When we can generate good feelings for ourselves in the midst of, let’s face it, less than perfect/desirable circumstances.

I’m so thankful that this year I have a lot more developed skills in this area than I did 2 years ago.

Now when Amelia insists on doing everything herself, I can notice her actions and if I start feeling rejected, I can recognize that it hurts, let myself sit with it until that feeling dissipates, then, I can change my thinking and think how thankful I am she’s so self-sufficient and focused on what’s most important to her.

Because when I think how grateful I am she’s confident and purposeful, I feel happy and even more grateful and hopeful for her future, which helps me be a more supportive and encouraging Mother. (Which is what I want to be!)

Oh, and I can have her Dad take her back down to college without me, which will let us all breathe a bit easier.

I know life isn’t like all those pictures I see on my social media. But going through this exercise helps me stay on track a whole lot more, and I hope it will help you too!

Love you and cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you’re curious about this “Think-feel-act” model I keep talking about, my coach Edie Wadsworth has opened her coaching program for a limited time. You can go here to find out more information. (Not an affiliate, just a BIG fan!)

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His glaucoma (pressure on the eye) had not been responding to his daily drops, and his lens was getting cloudy, so the Doctor recommended he get a new lens and while he was in there, go ahead and get some little, tiny, tiny, tubes inserted to hopefully help with his pressure issues.

Isn’t it almost unbelievable what technology offers us today?

Thankfully, he’s home fine, and already on the mend. Amazing!

Some things are so much better than when we were young. And some things are so much harder.

Like making friends.

As a grown woman, it’s sometimes downright difficult to find like-minded friends and many of us are lonely and alone.

We know how important to our longevity strong relationships are. In fact, it seems like almost every day some new study comes out underlining how important positive relationships are for our health and wellbeing.

Making friends is one thing I’ve always been pretty good at, so I thought I’d share a few places I’ve looked for, and found, friends over the years. I’ve grouped them into interest areas.

1. Faith

Join a church.

I’ve gone to church my whole life, and every single time I move, I’ve worked to find a faith family to connect with. Once I found the church, then I start volunteering to get involved.

Here are some of the things I’ve volunteered for at church:

• Choir member
• Small group singing member
• Orchestra
• Children’s choir director
• Sunday School teacher
• Women’s Bible Study teacher
• Home Group attendee and leader
• ESL teacher
• Vacation Bible School musician and teacher
• Outreach activities
• Mission Trips
• Nursery attendant…and
• Greeter

I’m sure there are more, but I list these all out to show how many areas there are to meet new people who can become friends.

If you keep finding excuses why it’s too much of a hassle to go to church, and you find yourself lonely for deep friendships, I’d encourage you to take a deep breath and find a church near you.

You may have to try a few to find a good fit, but I assure you, there are places to serve and connect just waiting for you to show up!

2. Fitness

This is another easy place to make friends. Join a gym. There are about a million options for most of us, and I’ve often found classes to be a warm and welcoming place to meet like-minded friends.

It’s usually taken a bit of time to become friends (in my experience) but with time and consistency, you’ll find your people there, and friendships can develop.

Plus, you’re taking care of your body and releasing all kinds of good hormones into your brain when you work out – so win-win!

I can’t leave fitness without recommending Pickleball! So many friendships have been formed on the courts, and it’s popping up all over the place, so why not try th fastest growing sport in the US? The Places 2 Play website can get you started.

Think of a sport you love, and find a place to play. Future friends are waiting for you there!

3. Hobbies and Interests

Check your local Parks and Recreation guide for a listing of “hobby-type” activities available in your community.

Everything from reading groups to gardening, sewing, crocheting, art, travel, college classes, museums, and so much more are available for a nominal fee or free in most communities.

There’s a place to find a new hobby or pick up an old one, and once again, friends are waiting for you to show up.

Finally, I have to suggest that if you want to have friends, you need to be friendly.

When we moved into our Flower Mound home, I grabbed some bouquets of flowers at the local grocery store and took them, along with our names and contact information written on a card, over to our 2 new next-door neighbors.

One of them, Lynne, became one of my favorite friends and she invited me into her book club, which became another group of favorite friends. The other neighbor was not that interested in becoming friends, but still, we began a sweet neighbor-friendship.

Later my neighbor Lynn told me that she had never met my other neighbor until I introduced them in our front yard, and she had lived there for 15 years!

You might be surprised at the friendships waiting for you as you take the first step.

I hope these ideas stirred up some ideas you might have for making and nurturing your friendships. It’s so worth it, as our hearts long to be connected.

It’s up to us to make it happen, and I believe you can!

Cheering you on,

Christy

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I was pretty clueless about it until I happened to be invited to a special workshop intensive on how businesses are using it with great success.

Intrigued, I attended the workshop and was absolutely blown away by the possibilities Ai and ChatGPT provide.

Interestingly, when I asked my kids about it, they were (per usual) way ahead of me and gave me many examples of how kids in HS and College are using it. (Some good, some not so good!)

I’m actually in LOVE with it! I can take something I’ve written, put it in, and it will give me an improved version. So in other words, Ai (I call her “Chatty” which drives my kids wild!) will help you be a better version of yourself.

Let me show you how it works using the above paragraph for demonstration:

This is what I put in:

“Please rewrite this to make it better, still with my happy, positive tone of voice. “I’m actually in LOVE with it! I can take something I’ve written, put it in, and it will give me an improved version. So in other words, Ai (I call her “Chatty” which drives my kids wild!) will help you be a better version of yourself.”

And this is what she gave me back:

“I absolutely adore it! It’s incredible how I can input my writing and it will provide me with a polished version. It’s like having a personal writing assistant! I affectionately refer to the AI as “Chatty,” which always gets a reaction from my kids. With this amazing tool, you can enhance your writing and become an even better version of yourself.”

See how awesome she makes me sound? Now to tell you the truth, I would probably take what she gave me (in about 2 seconds I might add) and rework it to make it mine…well, let me show you.

My revised version:

“I’m actually in love with it! It’s incredible how I can input my writing and it will provide me with a polished version. It’s like having a personal writing assistant! I affectionately refer to the AI as “Chatty,” which drives my kids wild. With this amazing tool, you can enhance your writing and become an even better version of yourself.”

That’s so crazy, right?

She can also help you create a schedule, organize your time, plan your meals, and even work out vacation details.

Go to www.chat.openai.com you will see what I’m talking about.

Well, actually, what you’re going to see is a blank screen with a single open prompt line.

Here’s the catch. Chatty gives you NOTHING until you give her something.

She’s super smart…think Google on steroids…but she can’t do anything until you tell her which direction to head.

Just like our minds. We have to feed it the really good stuff, tell it what to think, thoughts that will serve us so that we will get the feelings and output we want. We really are a supercomputer designed by God to do great things.

But for today and our Ai discussion, if you want to get more details on it, I really like this woman who has put together all kinds of tutorials and helps on making the most of ChatGPT. She explains everything so well!

Even if this isn’t your thing at all, I’d encourage you to find something new to try. Whether it’s Pickleball (of course!) or crochet or a new recipe, get your brain moving and juices flowing by trying new things. I think you’ll be so glad you did!

Cheering you on!

Christy

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I get regular updates from The Center for Brain Health.

And one of their recent updates clarified something that for years, I had a sneaking suspicion about.

And that is the reality that the more we fill our minds with information, the slower and less effectively our minds are able to work.

In fact, the more we stuff our brain, rather than becoming empowered, we end up with:

–Shallower thinking

–Less logical thinking abilities

and

–An increase in poor decision making.

All of which we don’t want right now!

So instead, as you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad and probably frustrated, what will be more helpful is to limit and manage what you’re taking in.

I mean, I know Netflix is calling for your next binge-watch, but how do you feel after you’ve spent 8 hours watching? At least, that’s what I’ve heard some people do… (ahem)

Instead, try these 3 tips:

1. Limit your exposure to the news. Rather than gorge on hours upon hours (and I know how easy that can be!) set a time that you will get your updates, and other than that, turn it off.

2. Be intentional with putting in uplifting and encouraging information, as well as taking time to just let your mind wander. Read a good book, or find a new cooking blog, or be inspired with a gardening channel. Any, or all, of these will lift you up and allow your brain to refresh, all without adding stress. A long walk in the early morning, or late afternoon is one of my favorite things to let myself have time to “reboot.” More of this please.

3. Finally, try to limit your discussions about Covid-19 and what’s happening right now. It’s too easy to make this current situation your sole focus – which spreads from Facetime chats to your dinner table conversation. Instead, talk about what you’re looking forward to after this is all over. The scientists tell us that when you train your brain to look forward with anticipation, (possibility thinking) you actually become more resourceful and flexible, and we all can use more of that.

Question: What are some of the things you use to help you stay in a positive frame of mind?

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This morning was a rough morning. I woke up feeling crummy thanks to a late night yielding to temptation. The temptation of ice cream. Unfortunately, it was in the freezer. And I ate it. All.

I paid for it this morning.  Headache. Bad attitude. Short temper.

And have I mentioned that my daughter is in 7th grade? She’s a Jr. Higher. Yup. You know what that means. Hormonal. Headache. Bad attitude. Short temper.

And have I mentioned that my son is in 4th grade and is the favorite recipient of above mentioned big sister’s bad attitude and short temper? Yup. You’ve got it.

And have I mentioned that my dear, sweet husband leaves quite early in the morning. He used head out about 7:30 and was able to help get them off to school. But lately I’ve noticed he’s leaving earlier and earlier. This morning it was well before 7:00am… I wonder why? Hmmm…

Which brings me to my topic of the day.

How to say you’re sorry.

Because I wasn’t at my best this morning and I know Mamas set the tone for the day, and Amelia wasn’t a pretty sight. crying as she headed into school and I wasn’t a pretty sight sitting miserable in the car watching her walk away.

I wanted a do-over on the whole morning.

But, of course, there’s no such thing as a do-over. The morning is gone never to be lived again.

But the good news is that there is such a thing as asking for forgiveness. I get to tell my sweet girl and boy, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry I was so short tempered. I’m sorry I didn’t give you what you needed. I’m sorry I gave into my own issues rather than rising up and loving you through yours. I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’ll try to do better next time. Please forgive me.”

And if all goes well, (this is not the first time they have heard this particular drill,) they will accept my apology as we discuss it, and they will forgive me and we can all run out and jump in the pool and order pizza and family harmony will be restored. At least that’s how it usually turns out if I actually do ask for forgiveness and not just sweep it under the rug to fester and boil.

It’s a 4-Step Process…

1. I’m sorry I…… (Fill in the blank.)
2. I was wrong. (Do not insert a justification here – just say the basic sentence.)
3. I’ll try to do better next time. (This shows you are working towards being a better person.)
4. Please forgive me.

My story from home is equally valid for you at work you know.  That co-worker who asked you to do a favor and you snapped her head off. That boss who you subtly undermined as you casually discussed office politics in the lunch room. That client you told you would do something – only you didn’t.

There are lots of opportunities in our life when we experience brokenness in relationships. Living in the Opportunity Mindset means we don’t ignore the yuk. We see it for what it really is. An opportunity to restore and even deepen a relationship rather than driving separation.

So I hope you will take the opportunity, when needed, to go ahead and say you’re sorry. Then take it a step further and ask for forgiveness. Then don’t do it again.

Now, I’ve got to go and meet the bus…I’ve got a little conversation I’m looking forward to.

Love ya,

Christy

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Are you ever frustrated by lack of progress personally or professionally?  If so, then you’re going to love this video!

What is the Opportunity Mindset?  My definition is

“When you choose to live in your Opportunities rather than letting the obstacles of life stop you from living the life you really want.”

I find that there are 3 main obstacles that people let stop them from living in the Opportunity Mindset:

1.  LACK — The “Not Enough” syndrome at work.  A “not enough” mentality will stop you every time.  Your perception that you have not enough time, money, authority, focus, or worst of all, thinking that YOU are not enough.  Living with this mentality will sabotage efforts to move forward.
2. FEAR — So many of us are stopped by fear before we even start!  The most common fears I hear of are fear of failure, fear of looking stupid, (especially in this instantly on social media day and age), fear of other people’s opinions, fear of change and even fear of success. Can you imagine the magic that would happen in your life if you just let go of fear and stepped out as though you were the bravest person ever?  Whenever we see great things happen, it’s because the person moved through the fear into action.
3. OURSELVES — That’s right. Many of us are our own worst enemy.  We let ourselves block ourselves.  It could be our personality, our habits, our friends, our circumstances…all these can be used to stop progress.

So what should we do?  I suggest we pick one area and start working on it. For me, that’s in the area of focus. That’s what I’m working on right now.

Here’s a resource on focus I’ve found super helpful.  It’s called Deep Work, by Cal Newport.  Cal is a researcher and expert on productivity…coming from the field of Math! Can you believe it?  I love his suggestions for carving out time to really focus and get targeted with your work time.  I’ll give more suggestions for implementing Cal’s suggestions in the next few weeks.

Hope you enjoyed my first ever Facebook video! More will be coming in the weeks to come.  Until then…connect with me and let me know how YOU get deep. How do you stay focused? I’d love your ideas and suggestions!

xo

Christy

The post Get into the Opportunity Mindset™! appeared first on Christy Largent.

I know. Crazy! In the middle of a civil war, dreamer Abdelmuttaleb Twigiri  opened his restaurant. He put it this way to Morning Edition host Renee Montagne, “people need places like this “to change the mood, the way of life. People want to go out. They want to dress up, they need to live.”

That’s what I call living in the Opportunity Mindset.  If ever there was a reason for not pursuing your dream, I’d say the obstacle of a civil war ranks pretty high up on the list.

Your obstacles most likely look different. I find obstacles usually fall into 3 categories.

1.  Lack
   • Lack of education.
   • Lack of position.
   • Lack of authority.
   • Lack of resources.
   • Lack of skills.
   • Lack of freedom (rules & regulations can create this).
2. Fear
   • Fear of success.
   • Fear of loss.
   • Fear of failure.
   • Fear of the opinion of others.
   • Fear of change.
   • Fear of the outcome.
3. Yourself (This is the hardest to overcome by the way.)
   • Your personality.
   • Your habits.
   • Your friends.
   • Your family.
   • Your circumstances.
   • Your vision, hopes and dreams.

Where do your obstacles come from?

What’s keeping you from living in the Opportunity Mindset?

As you think of your own obstacles, I’d challenge you to think of 1 thing you can turn into an opportunity. Some quick suggestions for turning obstacles into opportunity…

1. The first step is to assess your situation. Look at all your resources, good and bad, and make a simple list.
2. Pick one thing from your positive side that you can do immediately. Like today.
3. Take action! Do it. Pick up the phone. Visit that website. Write that first chapter.
4. Enjoy the lift this positive action will give you.

You’re on your way to living in the Opportunity Mindset!

Want to hear more? I have the very high privilege of being interviewed today by Claire Diaz Ortiz for her Work by Design Summit.  Click here to enjoy the interview!

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