Jen's Spring Break Recap

Hello everyone!! I'm back!! It seems like forever since we last caught up. I missed you all, but know you have been in my thoughts and prayers💕. April has been a busy month!  I have been enjoying life and opportunities God has placed in my path😊. Today, I want to share about a memorable and exciting week in my life from this month 💖. As a teacher, I am grateful that I get to have a spring break. My spring break was the first week of this month. Normally for spring break, I stay close to home and don't really do a whole lot. However, this year, I decided to do something different. I was actually visiting my cousin for a weekend in January when I got the idea. I remember talking to my cousin and telling her I wanted to spend my spring break week in Richmond. So, when the first week of April came along, I did just that 😊!! The week away in Richmond was just what I needed to be refreshed and enjoy new adventures. Newness was my theme all week! My week with my cousin started off with eating dinner out with family at Applebee's. My break started off on the right track! Family is very important to me, so there was no better way to start it off 💕. My second day on break was when I participated in a Zumba class for the first time. I had so much fun exercising and dancing! I loved it so much that I had to get a second class in before my break ended 😉. On Thursday morning, I went to First Watch for the first time. It was good! From there, I visited Short Pump Mall for the first time. Now, I do love shopping, but I only purchased a few items that day. I was focused more on taking in the beautiful scenery. That Thursday night, I did karaoke with my cousin and friend, and that brought lots of laughter and joy 😁 !! It was not my first time doing karaoke, but it had been a really long time since I had done it. On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the Virginia Fine Arts of Museum, which had been a goal of mine for a while. Dreams do come true! We had a guided tour, which was amazing! The art exhibits were beautiful and unique all in their own way 💕. On Friday night, we had Family Fun Night at Dave and Buster's. That was my first time going to Dave and Buster's and I had a blast playing the different games. My cousin introduced me to a game I had never played and now I'm hooked. You want to know what it is?! Break the Plate!! So, the screen will show different amounts on plates real fast and you throw the ball at the different amounts. When you hit the plate in the center, it breaks! The goal is to get as many points as you can. It was so fun 💕! Side note: If you're frustrated, this is a good game to play without breaking any real plates 😉. On Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate a friend's birthday. I had lots of fun and laughter there! On Sunday, I went to church with my cousin. It was a great service! The message reminded us that God is still in control 👏. It's a needed reminder, especially at times like these in our world. It was a perfect way to end my wonderful week of spring break! After all, God was the reason I was able to enjoy my break and family 💕. So, here are my takeaway lessons I want to share with you today:

1. Don't be afraid to try something new. When my cousin first shared about the Zumba class at the YMCA, I wasn't sure if I wanted to join in. A part of me wanted to, but the other part was wondering if I would be able to keep up. Then, I decided to go for it because the break was all about doing new things. So, on Wednesday night, I participated in Zumba. I was hooked! We had the most energetic instructor and I loved it 💕. In fact, I loved it so much that I wanted to go to one more class and attended the Saturday class. I got not one, but two Zumba classes in on break! The Saturday morning instructor was also energetic! Friends joined in on the Saturday class and that was fun. I'm glad I tried something new because that Monday I got back from spring break, I decided to join my local YMCA and just had my orientation last week 😊! I enjoyed! Look what a Zumba class did for my life! Also, I wore dangly earrings for the first time I got from Claire's. I normally don't wear dangly earrings, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I love it! So, if you see your girl over here with dangly earrings, know it's a new thing and I'm loving it 💕!!

2. Surround yourself with an encouraging circle. At the Zumba classes, the positive energy was amazing! However, there was something else I noticed and that was the encouragement from the instructors. Both instructors kept telling us to move and kept encouraging us. They would tell us they see us and keep up the great work. They were smiling and leading a positive example. They were giving positive affirmations the whole time  😊! This really helped encourage me, especially since I was new to Zumba. It's important to surround yourself with people who will encourage you to keep trying, even if you mess up. I messed up steps in Zumba! I laughed, kept moving and then got back on track with the next move. Watch your circle and stay encouraged 💕.

3. Laugh often. I had so many laughs on my break! From the Zumba class to karaoke, there was never a dull moment on my vacation 😁. Playing the games at Dave and Buster's had me laughing and playing. It was genuine fun! It reminded me to do more things that make me laugh. I have to take time to have fun, even in my busy days. It may be playing the game or watching a movie or TV show.

4. Enjoy your family and friends. Every minute of my trip, I enjoyed my family and friends. As I mentioned earlier, I love my family! Family members and friends should be cherished. I have learned to love my people while they are here with me. Whether we are talking, eating out, exercising, or playing games together, I don't take any moment for granted 💕. Every moment we're here is a blessed moment. Every moment that our people are here is a blessed moment. Love your people and make sure they know you love them 💕. To my people, I love you so much!!

5. Be you! Earlier, I mentioned how I visited the arts museum on my vacation. Each exhibit was so beautiful in its own way! I loved seeing the diversity 😊. Just like the artwork was diverse and beautiful, we too are beautiful! God created each of us fearfully and wonderfully. Embrace your uniqueness. One of my friends encouraged me not long ago when she told me to keep being me 😊. I needed to hear that reminder, especially on the day she told me. So, today, I want to pass on to you the same encouragement I was given: keep being you! Keep finding things you enjoy. Keep finding things that bring you joy! 

There you have it 😉!! Jen's Spring Break Recap 2024- It's definitely one for the books!!  Remember to keep enjoying life and I will talk to you all very soon! Love you💗!