Hope & Investment (Part I)

It's about the return on it, and this one's personal.

Hope Matters

Hey, Hope Buddies! A few weeks ago I told you about some habits I planned to implement for 2024. I am not here to report on how that’s going, although some of this might seem as if I am.

A couple of days ago I was reflecting on my creative energy and how I’ve been using that for everyone but myself. Now, pay close attention here. I’m not saying it’s bad to use it for others (i.e. people, work, etc.); I am saying it’s bad to use all of it for others. As I was reflecting, I heard, “How are you investing in yourself this year?” So, I sat with that for a minute. Here’s what I came up with:

• I’m spending additional time in my Bible app daily.

• I’m working out more consistently. (HOORAY for Apple Fitness+!)

• I’ve been in ketosis for a few weeks now.

• I’ve been hydrating.

These are some habits I’ve returned to and am implementing well. (However, that creative energy one…ooowee! I’m just not there yet. Working on it.) What I’ve noticed about these 4 habits is they require time, money, and intentional thought. You know, personal investment. Then, I began to think about the return on my investment. You know, the WIIFM (What’s in it for me?). Here’s what I get:

• Weight loss

• Mental clarity

• Increased energy

• Physical stability

• Clearer skin

• Deeper spiritual connection and focus

• Increased curiosity and knowledge

My return is definitely outweighing my investment. My investment is not without effort though. My little list might make this seem easy, but I promise it’s not. Whether you are investing money, time, or other resources, there has to be some intention behind it, because there will be times when you just don’t want to or something else will seem more important.

Personally, I need reminders to invest in myself. On my phone, I have rotating lock screens to keep me focused. There’s a picture of 5-year-old Parthenia that reminds me to set boundaries. There’s a picture of graduating Parthenia that reminds me I’ve done hard things before that resulted in success. There’s a picture of Parthenia with the glasses that reminds me there are people who want to hear what I have to say. Then, there are 2 (Yes, TWO!) that say, “Do the work!” These get me through the day.

However, the morning - when I read my Bible and work out - requires something different. There is only one reminder, and I had to place it directly across from my bed, so I can see it when I get up. Here it is:

It reminds me that these are the steps it takes for me to fully invest in myself. It reminds me that every positive thing I do is an investment, and I’ll more than appreciate the return. As I make moves and invest in myself, I know God provides the increase on the investment. The return I get is so much greater than the return I expect; He ups that APY (Annual Percentage Yield) exponentially. I simply have to keep doing the work.

Hope Buddies, as you move through this year, through this life, spend time investing in yourselves. It can sometimes feel like an inconvenience, or you’d rather be doing something, ANYTHING else, but I promise you won’t regret it.

Hope and move in personal investment! ☕️

Coffee Matters

Coffee Buddies, Significant Other bought me a pour over coffee maker. (He supports my coffee shenanigans, although he doesn’t understand them. 😆) Well, I broke it out this week. Here’s what I have to report:

• Pour over coffee is clean and crisp.

• It is indeed a process.

• The process is worth it.

• I don’t know that I’ll ever drink coffee-pot coffee again.

Here’s a video of me rounding out the process. (Son was doing other things, so excuse the background noise. I could’ve turned it off, but why not allow you a peek into the madness? 😆)

I’m not going to report on any taste notes in coffees at this point. The perfectionist in me needs to make sure I’ve got this process down before I do that. However, I’m enjoying getting to know this process, and it’s definitely worth the time and patience investment. 😉

So…

What are you hoping and sipping this week?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.