Hubby and I have been talking a lot lately about what we want. We’re trying to move to Buffalo, NY where I grew up to be around my family. We aren’t really happy where we live now and want to be in a different situation, so we’re working on changing it.

I know how lucky I am. I love my job. Writing is what I feel like I’m called to do. In my engineering career I felt like I was going through the motions but never really into it. When I finally started writing, I knew it was what I was meant to do. But it scared me.

Finding your true calling is hard. I searched for a long time. A lot of people do. I see my husband struggling now. He comes home tired and frustrated and doesn’t enjoy the evenings with our family because he’s so wrapped up in his day. I hate seeing him like that.

But with freedom comes happiness. And I’ve found that with happiness comes inspiration. It’s amazing how many ideas I have for books. Every day I feel like a new idea pops into my head. If I could write faster I’d have published twice as many books, at least. I wouldn’t change a second of it.

We’re still not where we want to be, physically and financially. We have struggles. I spend my days at my computer writing love stories and dreaming about more. My career and my life help me to stay focused on what really matters. What matters to me is my family and friends, my work, my life, and my health. I want different things than I have now, but I still love my life.

As a Catholic, this week I celebrated Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time for sacrifice and reflection for Catholics. It’s a time to remember the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert before he was crucified. Thankfully, I hope, my end is not coming in a few weeks, but I still use this time to reflect on my life.

Every year we are asked to give something up. Many people choose candy, alcohol, even sex or swearing. I know how hard those choices can be. But I like to try to do something that makes me a better person. So this Lent, I’m giving up negative thinking. I’m going to look at every situation I’m in as a good one, and see the bright side of everything.

I know I’ll have my slip ups, but I’m hoping by Easter I’ll be a more positive person. I have a lot to be thankful for. My life is not nearly as bad as I tell myself at times. And I’m happy. And inspired. I know if I wasn’t meant to be a writer, God wouldn’t be inspiring me every day with new and fabulous ideas. He has my muse on overdrive. And I love it!

Even if you aren’t Catholic, or Christian, think today about how you can make your life just a little better. Maybe you want to focus on polishing your resume so you can get a new job. Or you’re writing a book and want to publish it. Maybe you want to take the leap with your heart and fall in love. Or it could be getting up and exercising a few times each week. Whatever you’re struggling with, make a commitment to yourself to change that this Lent. Tell yourself you can do it. Then do it!

We all have it in us to change and live the life we crave. Don’t settle for a life you’re not happy with, you only have one, so go live it!