I try.

The summer sounds like the perfect time to do all of those things you have always wanted to do, right? I know that as school comes to an end I am making a list of what I plan to accomplish with the time I have all summer. Usually the summer goes by too fast or those plans just go unfinished.

This summer I am going to focus on what is most important to me and whatever else falls into place will be great :)

The big one this summer is to workout. I have often tried to run(or jog... or walk) consistently and right when I start to build up my side hurts and my lungs constrict.... so I give up. I never had the motivation to push through. I get too weak. I feel like I am going to collapse. I try. I really do.

Every time I go running I hear a voice (God's encouragement) in my head whispering, "don't push yourself too much. just do what you can." I want to get better though. So I push aside the voice and keep going. Run faster for longer. I end up just burning out though. Now that doesn't get me anywhere.

Here is to starting fresh.

The last time I went running (yesterday) I listened to His voice. I would push myself a little but not too much. When I was getting tired but knew I could do a little more I would just repeat "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength... Whatever I have, wherever I am I can make in through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Philippians 4:13, NKJV and The Message).

I was able to run/walk off and on for 2.5 miles. I am pleased with that. I will improve but I will do it moderately. I am excited to see the change over the next few months.

Honestly, one of the things I am most excited about in college is having a fitness room. I cannot wait to have workout equipment at my disposal. I have friends I will be able to go running with too. This summer I am really motivated to workout more so it will be normal in college.

Aside from working out, I am going to work on my baking skills this summer. (Yeah, those don't sound like they go together do they? Oh well!) For Christmas, my parents gave me cake decorating tools. I would really like to put those to use and learn more! Hopefully that will happen!

The last, but most definitely not least, goal for this summer is to spend as much time with as many different people as possible. I have friends that I know are always there and if we have no other plans we all get together. This summer though I am going to be purposeful about making those friendships stronger and building friendships with those I never did. Leaving for college in just a few months is really what has pushed me to do this. People are important to me and I don't want to be forgotten nor do I want to forget them.

So, those are my summer goals. Hopefully I will have frequent and positive updates!