Santini Serenity

Dear Followers, I am going to be taking a little break from publishing new content.  I'm trying to take my advice about slowing down -  Why Slowing Down Can Boost Your Happiness As I mentioned in  Open and Honest Life Update , I am experiencing issues with my shoulders.  I am not a doctor but I am seeing a physical therapist for an evaluation but I suspect overtraining. All I know is that even basic tasks like washing my hair hurt. Pending the results of my PT evaluation, I don't expect to stop Crossfit, rather, I expect to be further scaling workouts and perhaps an extended pause on the extra credit work that I have been doing. If you follow Santini Serenity on Facebook , you will see that I am sharing content from other content creators I've met in the space. I am really enjoying the content from Brave Girl. I appreciate all of my readers and thank you in advance for your patience while I take a brief pause. God Bless, Jodi Scripture Image from YouVersion

This blog post is a bit different as I am giving an open and honest life update.  I share a lot of scripture and information here that might make it look like I have my life all together.  The truth is that I do not! I do take time each morning for prayer and scripture with God.  I'm working on learning to trust His Will for me.  I have not been able to figure out what it is as I'm not supposed to figure it out! I'm supposed to let God take the lead and submissively follow.  I'm not good at submissively following. Last week, I made my return to the Columbus office.  I got down the street and realized I forgot my travel mug so I came back home to get it.  Upon coming out of the garage, I saw I had a headlight out.  I know this is illegal and I don't know when it went out.  If the car can tell me there might be ice on the road why can't it tell me that I have a headlight out?  Anyhow, I took it to Valvoline Instant Oil Change in Lewis Cent...

This blog post is a tribute to my late mom, Alta Woodruff, who always said "the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask." She popped into my mind shortly after I sent a text to Coach Michael asking about an upcoming workout. I debated whether or not to ask him but then I remembered what my mom said. Curiosity is a powerful driver of success. Inquiry is essential inquiry in both learning and innovation. The idea that there are no stupid questions encourages growth and understanding, empowering us to seek knowledge without fear. Overcoming the Fear of Asking Questions Many people hesitate to ask questions due to fears of looking foolish or wasting time. Here are effective strategies to combat these anxieties: Shift your mindset: Recognize that asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. Practice in a safe space: Start by asking questions in smaller groups before moving to larger settings. Focus on the bigger picture: Remind yourself that one questi...

Struggling to keep your beliefs intact when everyone around you seems to think differently? You're not alone. Many find it tough to uphold their convictions in a world filled with conflicting viewpoints. Standing firm in your beliefs is about staying true to who you are, even when it feels uncomfortable. This post explores practical steps to maintain your beliefs and navigate a sea of diverse perspectives effectively. Where Do Beliefs Come From? Everyone has beliefs that shape their view of the world. But where do these beliefs come from? They often arise from a mix of personal experiences. Think about moments in your life that changed how you see things. A kind act from a stranger might lead you to believe in the goodness of people. A tough situation can make you wary and cautious. Upbringing plays a crucial role too. The values your family instills in you have a lasting impact. If you grew up in a household that valued honesty, you are likely to carry that belief into adulthoo...

Life is a remarkable gift, but its value often hides in plain sight. Every second we live is precious, yet how many of us truly recognize that? The way we decide to spend our time here reflects our appreciation for this gift. Saying "thank you" to life isn’t just about words; it's about actions and choices.  The screenshot to the left is what inspired this post.  Yes, something as simple as a daily email that I get reminding me to be grateful. The preciousness of time Every moment we have is a little treasure. Time doesn’t wait. The ticking clock reminds us that each second is unique. Once gone, it's lost forever. This understanding urges us to cherish our time and use it wisely. Our time: A finite resource to be treasured Unlike money, time cannot be earned back once spent. Think about it: we can't buy more hours in a day. It is crucial to see time as a limited resource. Choosing how to fill our days impacts not just our lives but also those around us. Frami...

Last week was really rough despite two vacation days one of which included a massage.  My husband had to travel for work.  He decided to extend the trip by leaving early to visit family. It snowed the day he left and I'd gotten up at 5:30 AM to do snow removal.  By afternoon, I was exhausted and allowed myself to take a nap. The first full day he was gone involved grocery shopping.  I arrived at the grocery store to find out that three quarters of the coolers were down so I could not buy some of the items that Jon had instructed me to buy.  I bought what I could reminding myself that the cooler issue was beyond my control. I'll make a long story short; the laundry, cooking, snow removal, other assorted chores along with writing, Crossfit, and my full-time job left me exhausted with a short-fuse. During a phone conversation, he mentioned he has another business trip at the end of March.  He hadn't even gotten home yet!  I was livid when I went to bed th...

Feeling lost and unfulfilled despite achieving success is common. Many people find it hard to match their accomplishments with how they truly feel inside. It's easy to focus on worldly goals like promotions, wealth, or social status. However, chasing these things can sometimes distract us from what really matters on a deeper level. Recognizing misplaced priorities is the first step in reconnecting with your true self. It can be easy to get caught up in the race for success, pushing aside our spiritual needs and personal values. When achievements feel hollow, it might signal that something is missing from our lives. Seeking guidance from a higher power can provide clarity and direction. Whether through prayer, meditation, or contemplation, tapping into a source of wisdom can help in understanding one's purpose. This connection often brings peace and insight that worldly success cannot offer. Realigning your life with a greater purpose can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Id...

Many adults experience physical or emotional symptoms due to stress. This reality highlights the essential role that rest plays in maintaining our health. Rest is not just a simple pause; it is crucial for both our bodies and minds. Without sufficient rest, we can feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Different types of rest exist, each serving a unique purpose. Many people fail to recognize the importance of these various kinds of rest. It’s easy to think that a few hours of sleep is enough, but true restoration requires more than that. Understanding and acknowledging the types of rest we need can lead to better overall well-being. Each type addresses specific areas of our physical and mental health. By integrating these forms of rest into our lives, we can recharge our energy levels and improve our ability to handle daily challenges. These restorative practices not only help us to feel better but also enhance our capacity for success in various aspects of life. Exploring the nine types ...

Setting personal goals is crucial for anyone aiming to achieve success. Goals help you define what you want in life. They provide a roadmap, guiding you toward your dreams and aspirations. When you have a clear vision, it is easier to stay motivated and focused. Each time you make progress, you feel a sense of accomplishment. This feeling boosts your confidence and encourages you to keep moving forward. I wrote about goals in  How to Set Goals that Help You Move Ahead The process of setting goals can also lead to greater happiness. When you work toward something meaningful, it adds purpose to your daily life. You begin to see how your efforts contribute to your overall well-being. Each small victory along the way brings satisfaction and joy. This sense of achievement fuels your desire to set and reach even higher goals. In addition to motivation, having goals helps you manage your time effectively. You can prioritize tasks based on what matters most. This focus reduces stress and...

After watching " Day in the Life " on YouTube with Sara Sigmondsdottir and her battle to overcome an autoimmune condition, I began reading,  Medical Medium Thyroid Healing: The Truth behind Hashimoto's, Graves', Insomnia, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules & Epstein-Barr .   I'm not even halfway through the book. Still, I've started making changes. These changes are based on what I've read so far. I'm also looking ahead to the sections on healing foods. Posts on Threads from Medical Medium are also a guide. Making my own green juices would be ideal. Sadly, I just don't have the time for that right now. I've found some good alternatives. Bolthouse Farm makes a tasty Immunity Blend. Simple Truth also offers some green juice options. I pour about 6 ounces into a small juice glass. I drink this green juice each morning. I'm trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, too. Pomegranate seeds are a great addition. I mix them into salads for a bit o...

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I battle with worry and anxiety .  I also have driving jitters when the weather is sunny and dry.   Once you add snow and ice into the mix, my worry, anxiety and driving concerns go into overdrive.  As a child I was taught to fear the weather.  My birthday is in February and during a snowstorm, I threw a hissy fit about possibly not having a birthday cake.  My mom went out in the elements and bought everything to make sure I had a birthday cake.  Her mom, my late Grandma Irene, called to wish me a "Happy Birthday" but she also gave me a stern talking to for making my mom feel guilty and going out to into the bad weather.   Our family's response was to stay home during bad weather except for my dad who was the family breadwinner and often was called into work early to care for the boiler and to care for the sidewalks as part of his maintenance man role.  As I'm writing this, we are in...

Imagine walking through your neighborhood, noticing small gestures of kindness. A neighbor helps another carry groceries, someone cleans up a local park, and kids play together across ages. These actions create a ripple effect, enhancing community spirit.  "Love your neighbor as yourself" isn't just a saying; it’s a principle found in many cultures and religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. This guide explores how to apply this timeless wisdom in modern life, promoting compassion and unity.  "Love Your Neighbor" in current times Defining "Neighbor" The term "neighbor" goes beyond physical proximity. It includes everyone around us—friends, coworkers, and even those we interact with online.  The Reciprocal Nature of Love Neighborly kindness creates a cycle of goodwill. When we show love, we often receive it back, enhancing our own mental health. Studies reveal that helping others boosts happiness, reinforcing the...

This blog focuses on discussing challenging topics or situations that many people face. I want to set clearer and more specific goals for the year 2025. So far, I have begun outlining my ideas and strategies to achieve these objectives. I aim to tackle various subject matters that resonate with my audience and offer insights that can help them navigate their own challenges. As I continue this journey, I will refine my goals to ensure they are realistic and impactful. My plan is to share my progress and encourage my readers to think about their own aspirations as well. I need to establish boundaries which I wrote about in this post . I am still trying to figure out what the boundaries need to be. For the last year, I've had regular occurring conflicts on Sundays.  I prayed a lot, asking for God's guidance to choose between the two. I finally came to a decision.  I expect that I have disappointed people but I aim to please God not people. I wrote about sharing scripture and peop...

Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind is at the core of faith. This powerful command inspires us to dedicate our entire selves to a relationship with God. It calls for more than just belief; it urges devotion in every aspect of our lives. In this post, we will explore what it means to love God fully, how to cultivate that love, and the profound impact it can have on our lives and communities. Join us as we dive into this essential principle and discover its relevance today.  The folks at Truth Applied wrote an article about this which was part of a four week study.  I would encourage you to read it as it goes into far more detail that I will here. They broke it down into: First Love First Serve First Forgive First Pray The scripture I chose, Matthew 22:37, centers on the concept of Love. This form of love is not simply a feeling but a conscious choice and a deep commitment. It raises an important question: Who should be the primary focus of our love? Th...