Opening: “Why me?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It doesn’t mean wallowing in self-pity.It’s raw and it’s a very human question. And we’ve all been there – me too – staring at the aftermath of something I didn’t see coming.Wondering what I missed. How it unraveled. Why …
stacilynch
It's been quoted that "Writing is the painting of one's voice." I truly believe that. I have been journaling for years, (regrettably, not as consistently as I wish I had). However, the stories and the memories stayed alive in my heart and I feel compelled to share them with you. Life is an awesome journey and WORDS can change the WORLD. Words can change YOU. A little bit about me. Legally born with the name Anastasia--no, not a Russian Princess or Christian Grey's object of affection. ;) I was born in Connecticut and raised in Tennessee, the second of six children. I have four incredible sisters and one amazing brother that are my best friends in this world. I play golf and competed on my high school and college golf teams. I earned a Bachelor's degree at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. I am a Major in the United States Army Reserve and began a career with Love's in April 2019 after transitioning out of the Active Duty Army in 2019. Additionally, I enjoy instructing Spin classes. I am petrified of spiders. Mexican food is disgusting. Being late raises my blood pressure to an exponential high. Making the following statements: "I'm bored; I've been too busy; or I didn't have time" will earn you the "Staci Eyebrow", ignite a long lecture, and lose your credibility in my eyes. I am generationally displaced, directionally dysfunctional technically challenged. I believe one of the best gifts in the world that you can give someone is a handwritten card or letter in the mail. Stressed spelled backwards is "DESSERTS" and I love spoiling my sweet tooth with nothing other than a cupcake or big bowl of Breyers mint chocolate chip icecream with Hershey's chocolate syrup and chocolate sprinkles. I won't drink a soda without a straw because I don't want the carbonation touching my teeth. I find happiness in the simple pleasures of life--the laughter of a child, climbing into a bed of freshly washed sheets, a bubblebath, lit candles, falling rain, sunrises and sunsets, long walks, bringing a smile to someone's face or receiving an unexpected compliment. I love a good lemondrop martini or glass of wine. I can lose myself in a good book for hours. The Hallmark channel makes my heart smile. Baking at the holidays or trying a new recipe brings me joy. I believe kindness is the easiest language to communicate - even the blind can see it and the deaf can hear it. Every sinner has a future and every saint has a past. Actions speak louder than words. And lastly, love is the greatest gift you can ever give or receive. Older than my years and stronger than my tears, I have made a lot of mistakes and poor choices in my life but no lessons are better learned than those from failure. I have earned more than one degree at the School of Hard Knocks. While we often wish we could go back and change some of these decisions, I do not, as I know I would not be who I am today without these experiences to reflect and draw from. Finally, I believe that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Your gifts, your leadership and your purpose are not about you. A life of significance is about serving those that need your gifts, your leadership and your purpose. Give them and give them freely. My hope and my intention is to serve you with the painting of my voice on this blog--my canvas. :)
Good afternoon, fellow Toastmasters. If you had seen my life from the outside a few years ago, you probably wouldv’e said, “She’s got it all together.” College degree? Check. Two stable careers. Check. Calendar color coded and goals mapped out? Double Check. I was the one who got things done. Who had it all. ON …
In today’s hyperconnected world, most of us are familiar with the dangers of online harassment. But what happens when abuse crosses the digital divide and shows up at your doorstep — literally? A close friend of mine is living through this right now, and their experience deserves attention, action, and awareness. Their Story What started …
In life or in the workplace, ever watch someone work overtime to rewrite the plot just because they couldn’t control a character? Ever watch someone set fire to their own credibility trying to burn you? If Yes, then this post is FOR YOU. 💛 The version of you they tried to destroy? You’re still standing. …
Let’s be honest: a lot of people aren’t running from Christianity because they hate God. They’re running because of how some Christians act in His name. For many, the biggest barrier to faith isn’t Jesus — it’s His followers. You know the ones I’m talking about: the loud, aggressive, self-righteous voices who use scripture like …
Christianity, at its heart, is rooted in love, grace, and redemption. It’s meant to be a refuge — a path to healing, purpose, and hope. But for many people today, that message has been lost in the noise. What they see instead is a version of Christianity that feels judgmental, exclusionary, and at times, even …
I love this time of year – the perfect chance to sit down and reflect on the past twelve months. Every year, my annual letter-writing tradition seems to sneak up on me. There have even been a few years where I’ve had to pivot to a “Happy New Year” or even a “Happy Spring” theme …
I was recently accepted into the University of Oklahoma’s MBA program. I encourage anyone that may feel like this is a goal they cannot attain to just GO FOR IT! You. Can. Do. It. To my fellow service members and veterans: Don’t let your education benefits go unused – they’re there for YOU! Take advantage …
We often think of time as something separate from our lives, something we can manage or trade for other things. But in reality, time is the very currency of life. Every choice we make – whether it’s how we spend our days, the people we invest in, the relationship we stay in or the goals …
I recently spent a week in Nashville, Tennessee, and for the first time in 13 years since I left the state, I felt a deep, compelling desire to return. Even when I had the chance to move to Fort Campbell in 2013, I declined for various personal and professional reasons. This recent visit was different …