My journey so far has had a lot of facets to it. After working as an HR leader for almost 10 years, I resigned to become a stay-at-home mom. (Incidentally, this happened a week before the pandemic shutdown.) We’ll get to that more in a moment. First, let’s go farther back.
In college, I started out as an accounting major because I’m someone who actually likes math. But I wanted to work more closely with people and relationships, so I switched to HR for my Bachelor’s. Then, I went to seminary and obtained a Master of Divinity degree because faith and ministry have been a huge part of my entire life.
I’ve had a bunch of ministry-related jobs over the years that were instrumental in teaching me about people and the value of making a difference. My first HR job was in a large, globally influential church here in Atlanta. There, I got to combine my interests in church and business. Oh, the stories I could tell you. Then, I moved to a nonprofit healthcare system where I focused largely on employee relations. (Again, the stories!)
In March 2020, when my firstborn was almost one year old, I left my job to become a stay-at-home mom. I knew it would be a transition, but I had no idea how big it would be until the pandemic hit. I’ll admit I was incredibly burned out at the time, so the idea of clearing my calendar and staying home was a welcomed change of pace. Even during the scariness of what was going on in the world.
Fast forward to now, and I’m a mom of 2 at home with my kids. There’s been time for life to return to normal. And time for life to continue changing through season after season.
One thing that I’ve noticed through all these seasons of my life is the importance of valuing our daily actions.
Sure, there are big, major moments in our lives. Mountaintop experiences. Huge accomplishments. Special vacations.
But the majority of our lives are lived in the daily. The regular. The routine and mundane. The “normal.” This is where the foundation is. Where the bulk of our life experiences will happen. And where our lives will have most of their impacts.
One of the biggest challenges I think we all face is learning to really view our daily actions as important and meaningful. Realizing that each day holds great potential. That our words and actions matter.
It’s just so easy to get lost in the grind. To get overwhelmed, stressed, burned out. To feel like you’re just trying to make it through.
I’ve noticed this tendency so many times with others I’ve worked with – so much so that it became a big part of what I tried to help others improve.
Then, I noticed it in my own life. What’s funny is this – when I left my job to become a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t think I’d ever feel that way again. Only to find myself a few years later feeling the exact same overwhelm and stress.
That’s what led me to here. I want to help you and me continually realize the importance of what we do each day. That wherever we’re called to be and whatever we’re called to do is of huge importance. That our words and actions each and every day hold meaning and value. It takes intentional and work to keep this mindset and live into it.
And it’s so worth it.
I’m excited you’re here! Let’s get to it!
Rebecca Southern Mills