Caitlin Snyder

Monday Lovin’

Published on January 5, 2015January 8, 2015 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

It’s the first Monday of 2015! It’s my first full week back to work in over 2 weeks. Holiday season is over in retail. It’s my first official week training for the Carmel Half Marathon in April. It’s going to be an awesome week. I’m excited to be back into my routine

1. Folgers French Vanilla coffee is the best! I used a Target gift card to purchase a basic coffee maker for the weekends when I want to drink coffee as I bum around my apartment. I’m loving the coffee more than I expected. And it is so fun to drink out of the abundance of cute mugs I’ve collected in the past couple years, including my brand new white mug with my monogram in gold.

2. I don’t like New Years Resolutions, but I really like goals. I love that the beginning of a new year gives me an opportunity to look back on the past year and look forward to the next. I’m always eager for a new start, and redefined goals give me that opportunity.

3. Every family has traditions of some sort; those things you do every year. They put a smile on your face and create memories year after year. I love that my group of friends from college (thanks Cru at IU) has started some traditions of our own and fought to maintain them even as situations have begun to change. Before Christmas, we celebrated Christmas with Christmas at the Crossing for the second year and we rang in the New Year together with a party for the 3^rd year in a row. Not everyone can make it to each years events, but it is a special thing to look back and tell stories from years past.

4. This may be the most random thing I’ve admitting to loving on a Monday, but I’m a big fan of vulnerability. Right now, I’m very thankful for Proactiv. My face and I have a love/hate relationship and I’m one of the lucky adults who still has acne. I love that Proactiv clears up breakouts and helps boost my confidence.

5. One of my goals for 2015 was to declutter my life. My first step was clothes – what’s in my closet that I do not wear and what can I get rid of? I already have one box of stuff ready to go to a new home – either friends, a consignment shop or Goodwill. Baby steps forward are often times the only way to start.

Empty Bookshelves

Published on January 2, 2015January 1, 2015 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

I have an empty shelf on my bookcase again. I’m preparing myself for a day when I’ll have a room dedicated completely to books, so book space is a premium in my bedroom. I actually cleared away some clothes to make space to empty said bookshelf, which considering my commitment to clothing usually surpasses my commitment to books, is a huge feat.

Why do I have an empty shelf on my bookcase as I start 2015?

Because I am reading my way through the year. Each time I finishing reading a book, this year, I’ll add it to the empty shelf, and hopefully, by the time December rolls around, the shelf will not be empty anymore. In 2014, I gave myself the same goal and I read 34 books in 365 days. Reading a variety of books and constantly having a book to read challenged my thinking.

I strongly encourage everyone to set a goal at the beginning of the year that is attainable, but requires consistent commitment throughout the next 12 months. It’s a great way to grow in discipline, develop a new skill or fall back in love with a hobby. For me it was reading in 2014 and enjoyed it, so I’m going to do it again in 2015.

The empty shelf stands as a challenge to me, and encourages me to follow through on a commitment, even when my desire to watch yet another episode of Gilmore Girls on Netflix seems more appealing than curling up with a book.

Each day can pass by so quickly as I rush to work, from work, to eat and to bed. There is not always a desire to look past the momentary desire for mindless entertainment or the quick and easy way to pass the time and to be intentional with what I focus my mind on. I believe that reading is a worthwhile way to spend my time, so my empty shelf reminds me, daily, that I have the opportunity to build into something. There is space for growth, even in the small, mundane moments when I want to check out.

So I’ve cleared my shelf again this year. Reading is not the only goal I have this year. I want to commit to writing at least twice a week, I want to go to India, I want to pay off my debt, I want to explore what it could look like to do some freelance writing, I want to run another half-marathon, I want to gain better control of my finances, and I want to buy fewer clothes. All of these goals require me creating space, metaphoric shelves, on a daily basis to pursue them, and a reminder of the commitment I’ve made, even once new years resolutions have been forgotten.

What goals do you have for 2015, and how are you creating space for them this year?

I’ll be posting a list of the books I read in 2014 that I recommend for others over the weekend.

Monday Lovin’

Published on December 29, 2014December 24, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

This week for Monday Lovin’ I am recapping five of my favorite things of 2014. I learned to walk again in 2014, and then once I found my footing, my stroll increased to a speed walk. I started to dream in 2014, with a new confidence, one that I don’t know if I’ve ever had. Confidence in God and confidence in myself. It feels good to be confident in my own skin. And so in no particular order, five of my favorite things from this past year.

It was a busy, busy summer. I was in one wedding, went to two more, went on several vacations (Bethany Beach, Cleveland, Las Vegas) and had a lot of fun. But in the midst of all the fun, there was some deep-seated discontentment and uncertainty about my job, my worth and my future. I helped one of my best friends organize Lake Weekend 2014, a retreat for some of our closest friends. The weekend was a turning point for me in beginning to wrestle through the discontentment, uncertainty and fear that had been crippling me, and sitting right beneath the surface all summer. I am so thankful for the questions that were asked and the truth that was spoken that weekend.
I don’t know if I’ll ever have just one full-time job. I like the challenge of balancing multiple jobs, sorting through my priorities and being given different avenues for growth and creativity. The second half of this year, the increased opportunity for came in the form of merchandising the kids section of our store. I look forward to sitting down with the concept book, organizing my information, creating a plan and then executing it. This element of working in retail gives me structure and freedom.
Making the decision to move to Indianapolis has been the gift that keeps on giving. The best part of the move has been the friendships I’ve been able to build, both from the beginning, and also upon a foundation from college. I’ve found a common theme in these relationships – a depth that comes from admitting that life isn’t quite what you thought it would be. Because it’s not, but friends to live life alongside, wrestling with the “not quites” and the “maybe nevers”, can be the biggest blessing.
I made a list in August. It was a list of all the things that are life-giving to me. I went on to make a commitment to these things. Weeks turn into months really quickly when I’m not careful, and without being intentional about how to spend time, I can start feeling empty. Writing was one of the things I put on the list, and something that has really shaped my fall. In October, I wrote 29/31 days on the topic of grace. In December, a blog I wrote was published on a women’s online community. I like the way that writing helps me process, and gives me an outlet; words bring life into the monotony.
Even though each adoptive family I talk to tells me that there’s nothing special about them, I beg to differ. Working with families on their adoption journeys is a privilege for me, and a highlight of my year. I have had such encouraging conversations with families who are beginning the adoption process, or finally bringing their children home. The sacrifice they demonstrate on behalf of the child who they are committed to parenting to truly moving.

Oh, 2014, you’ve been a great year. Thanks for the countless memories. I’m thankful to serve a faithful God who has orchestrated such special moments.

Ready or Not, Christmas is Here

Published on December 21, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

Christmas came quickly this year. As it does every year. The week before Christmas, as I’m receiving Christmas cards from friends, gifts from co-workers and scrambling to finish wrapping my family’s gifts, I promise myself that I’ll be more prepared next year. The next year comes and there are cards left unwritten, some written without postage, and others missing addresses. I sit back in the days leading up to Christmas and sigh, saying, “I had the best of intentions.” But intentions alone do not get things done.

It’s almost as in a game of hide and seek, Christmas counts very quickly and then yells, “Ready or not, here I come.” I’m the hider and I’m not quite in my hiding place yet. And so I scramble.

But what does ready really look like this time of year? Perfectly wrapped presents, shiny ornaments, pretty outfits, thought-out meals, cards in the mail. Even with all of these outward things done, or once we’ve resigned ourselves to them remaining “good enough”, can’t we feel unprepared? I know I do.

I’m not ready for Christmas yet. There’s a restlessness in my heart that remains unsettled. I haven’t been faithful enough in my Advent bible study. There’s some habitual sin that keeps rearing its ugly head. There are ways to serve others and yet, I haven’t found the motivation. My heart and soul are as unprepared for the season as the outward manifestations of the holidays. In my game of hide and seek, once I’ve found my perfect hiding spot, I am not ready to be found.

And yet that is the story of Christmas. Christ comes. “The word became flesh and made its dwelling among us.” He came to dwell in the chaos, conflict and cacophony; with us. He comes into the mess of our best intentions. He comes into our unprepared hearts. He comes, whether we’re ready or not. He invites us to receive the best gift there is – Himself. He comes down from heaven, in the form of a baby who will die for our sins, and He is okay with our unpreparedness. He does not judge our messy, imperfect homes, He knows our broken hearts, and yet He comes.

I’m thankful that he comes. He comes into the chaos of my life and ushers in a better way – His way. He is okay with my unpreparedness, both externally and internally. He is getting me there. He meets me, in my hiding spot as I am with open hands and an open heart. He comes and I am found.

So tomorrow I am thankful to celebrate a Savior who came to meet me and comes to meet me every day in the middle of unfinished and imperfect circumstances. And I look forward to His and my final meeting, when chaos will exist no more and all will be made right again.

Monday Lovin’

Published on December 21, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

It’s the second to last Monday of 2014. Where did the year go? Something about the year ending and something else beginning makes me a little sentimental… who am I kidding? I’m always sentimental. I wish I could say all my Christmas presents were wrapped and I was packed for vacation, but sadly, I’m not. So before I procrastinate any further, here are the things I’m loving as this week kicks off.

1. I thought I was going to send Christmas cards this year. I mailed probably 10 out of the 20 that I intended to write and send. Snaps to my friends who sent all of theirs! The side of our fridge is covered with Christmas cards. I love seeing the photos of my friends from all over the world, that they’ve sent me this holiday season. It’s a great reminder of all the special people I have in my life. Plus, it livens up our kitchen!

2. Also on the topic of friendship, the 2^nd Annual Christmas at the Crossing was on Friday night. Christmas at the Crossing is our apartment’s Christmas party. It is the best feeling to be in a room, celebrating Christmas, eating great food and drinking fun drinks with some of your best college friends. Every get together almost prompts me to send Cru a thank you note – “Thanks for my life-long best friends” is what it would read. I got ready with two of my best girl friends and then just spent good time with friends the rest of the night. Some days I wish I could back and relive my last two years of college, but Friday night was a reminder that what I have now is even better.

Christmas at the crossing 2014 3. I like Chipotle. I love Chipotle when it’s dinner on my break during holiday season. It seriously hit the spot tonight.

4. I’m not the most organized person. As a recovering perfectionist, I give myself grace for this. However, I love outfit planning. I sit down at the beginning of the week, with the weather predictions and my schedule, and I plan my outfits. It saves stress in the mornings, and helps me to wear more of what is in my closet. It also prevents me from buying something midweek at work because, “I have nothing to wear.”

I’m excited for two days of work this week and then Christmas vacation! I haven’t had 5 days off since this summer, and we’re traveling to Seattle this week to meet our family’s latest addition. Happy Holidays!

Monday Lovin’

Published on December 15, 2014December 21, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

Happy Monday! It’s the last full week of work before Christmas and I could not be more excited. I cannot wait to give the gifts to my family that I’ve been collecting since September. I’m one of those weird shoppers that starts Christmas shopping in the early fall the first time I see something that someone may like. Only ten more days until gift exchange time! Monday Lovin’ this week is almost as exciting as ten days until Christmas… not really, but maybe you’ll think so!

I was grocery shopping with a headache on Friday night, so my normal thought process at Kroger was not present. On a whim, I bought Zesty Cheddar Ranch Cheez-It’s. Oh my goodness, they are so good. No regrets with that purchase, although you usually cannot go wrong with Cheez-It’s. I usually try to avoid them because they are not good for you, at all, but they are one of my favorite snack foods. Yum!

In 10^th grade, we read To Kill A Mockingbird. I failed the test. I’ve spent the past 7 years hating the classic novel because I have terrible memories from studying it. This year, in light of the Ferguson trial, and injustice in general, I’ve picked up the book again. I love the characterization. My bad memories are being replaced with fascination.

I left church yesterday with the biggest smile on my face. I spent the summer I lived at home praying for a church body to join, not knowing what city I would end up in, or the type of church it would be. Eighteen months later, I continue to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and I delight in the ways He answered the prayers. Despite being a fast growing church and from a church fellowship known for producing megachurches, Harvest Bible Chapel North Indy feels truly like a church family to me. I am so encouraged watching others walk with Jesus, give sacrificially and take the great commission seriously. I’ve learned that church is so much more than what the preacher teaches from the pulpit on Sunday morning, it’s a community, a family.

Starbucks is doing 15 days of Christmas for Gold Card members. I love it. I got 5 bonus stars yesterday just for buying a Christmas drink, since that was the promotion of the day. I’m that much closer to a free drink, which are the BEST. I love being rewarded for spending money!

The New Year is almost here. I’m so excited for 2015 and have been thinking through and praying through some goals. I cannot wait to share them in the next couple weeks.

Another crazy week kicks off today. Retail working and holiday season don’t combine super well, but I’m thankful for another week.

Fear

Published on December 11, 2014December 10, 2014 by Caitlin Snyder1 Comment

I’ve been responsible for merchandising Crewcuts at my J.Crew store officially since August, but unofficially for a little longer than that. At least once a month, I sit down with our concept book, which corporate mails to us, I review which product we are due to receive during the week and I come up with a plan. This plan is based on the concept book, but I adjust it to work for our specific store based on what clothes we have in store, what we will be receiving and how our store is set up. I’m starting to get the hang of it. I like how the organization leaves space for creativity. And yet, once the plan is made and I have to start moving things around, I stand in the middle of my Crewcuts room at the back of the store, start feeling very overwhelmed and I want to quit. In a dramatic fashion complete with a temper tantrum.

The task at hand suddenly seems impossible and not worth dealing with.

I spend about five minutes huffing and puffing, unsure where to begin, and even if I want to. Without even beginning, it’s like the clothes win.

Somewhere along the way, at the beginning of a large task, I’ve adopted the mindset that it’s easier to quit before I even start. I sabotage my own success by convincing myself that I’m not capable. There’s a small voice in my head saying, “Caitlin, you’ll never be great at this, so why even try? Just walk away.”

Unfortunately, this voice is not just in my head oncea month during rollout week at J.Crew. This voice, which I’ve identified as fear, rears its ugly head almost daily. It’s there when I follow-up with prospective adoptive families, it’s there when I write our monthly newsletter, it’s there when ask a co-worker a spiritual question, it’s there when I want to reach out to a friend who I haven’t talked with in a while, it’s there when I step on the treadmill, and when I sit down to write a blog. I can’t seem to fully escape the voice in my head encouraging me to stay on familiar, well-worn paths instead of taking a step into the uncomfortable. This voice justifies the decision to stay good, instead of reaching for great. Fear fights to maintain the mundane and mediocre.

Thankfully, I am able to take the first step in merchandising and move one item of clothing. Once it is moved, there is no going back, and ten minutes later three or four things are in their new locations and my confidence is back. I start to realize the vision and my heart gets excited. I send the email and receive a response; I start the formatting on the monthly newsletter and hit save. If I’m feeling particularly brave, I text a friend I haven’t spoken with in a while, step on the treadmill, or shut my door, sit down at my desk and let my fingers move across the keyboard. And I find my rhythm.

Suddenly, being great doesn’t matter near as much as trying to be better. Fear is powerful, it can paralyze me, but it does not have to. There’s a split second decision that I can make to either let fear win or try. It is always going to be easier to quit at the beginning, and since I have a flair for the dramatic, the tempter tantrum may be fun, but then fear wins. The stakes are too high to quit without trying.

When fear says, “Why does it matter? Why even try?” It suddenly isn’t about the task anymore. Whatever the task at hand, it matters because I matter; my voice and my experiences matter. If I let fear win, even it it’s clothes, fear begins to move into the bigger things. The high stakes things. Fear has the ability to restrain me; to hold me back from the things I’ve dreamed my whole life of doing, the things God has hardwired me to do. If I’m not careful, I will end my life with a long list of good intentions and tasks I was too scared to try.

When I step out in confidence and faith in the small, seemingly unimportant tasks, I’m practicing for when the task is writing a book, telling a story, teaching about Christ or casting vision for serving orphans. If I learn to let fear win, it will gain momentum, hold me back and I may never experience the fullness that God has called me to. I don’t doubt the power of fear. I also don’t doubt the power of faith.

When fear yells at me, questioning my capabilities, preparedness or importance, I whisper back my belief in God, and therefore belief in myself. Belief in a God who has called me to take baby-steps even when they are uncomfortable. Those baby-steps are paving the way for big steps, but if I’m not careful, fear will win, and I’ll never know the greatness of the life that God has in store for me.

Monday Lovin’

Published on December 8, 2014December 8, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

It seems like Monday rolls around so quickly and it’s back to the grind. I find myself wanting just one more day of the weekend – to workout without a time limit, read without worrying about the time, and to write my heart out, but Monday morning comes once again. I’m thankful that Sami began Monday Lovin’ because it encourages me to be positive on a Monday instead of dragging my feet through the day.

This weekend I made a 24-hour trip back to Cincinnati to watch Jake play some soccer and basketball, but more importantly to see Elf! It was a great show with fun choreography, singing and an endearing message about the importance of the Christmas Spirit. This year I’ve truly tried to focus on the reason for the season instead of spending it exhausted, trying to jam pack extra work and every seasonal activity. I’m chosen rest over exhaustion, trying to get into the Christmas Spirit, focusing on Jesus. I loved seeing excitement over Christmas throughout the show.
I’ve been spending each morning with the She Reads Truth Advent study. The book is beautiful and it’s so great to read through the scripture passages prophesying about Baby Jesus. I continue to be amazed by Him and how a baby born in a manager was the answer to sin, death, and destruction. His birth and life fulfilled thousands of years of prophecies.
Our apartment celebrated Mackenzie’s 25^th birthday over the weekend. She moved into the apartment in October, and since her move to Indy she has already made so many fun friends. I loved having the opportunity to meet people from all of her circles of friends. She is a truly special friend to me – we were sorority sisters in college, prayed for our sorority SO MUCH, were in Bible Study together and have continued to remain friends even after graduation. Birthdays are my favorite because it’s a chance to celebrate someone for who they are! (I give gifts of alcohol and J.Crew goodies)
I’m going to be a broken record, but I still cannot get enough of Taylor Swift’s latest CD. I keep listening to it. Not only are the songs upbeat and pop-py, but the writing is incredible.

I hope your week is off to a great start! I choosing to make this week wonderful!

Come Out of Hiding

Published on December 4, 2014 by Caitlin SnyderLeave a comment

Over the weekend, my roommate attempted to spray paint our kitchen table chairs. We carried four solid wood chairs down a flight of stairs and set them on a piece of cardboard in the grass outside of our apartment. We proceeded to spray paint them red. It was a DIY nightmare. The spray paint ran and did not cover the chairs evenly. The red was too bright and did not dry well.

Read the rest over at InCourage.

Monday Lovin’

Published on December 1, 2014 by Caitlin Snyder1 Comment

Happy Monday! Well this Monday comes after four days off of work for most people. For those in the retail life, it was one of the busiest weekends of the year. Lucky me got a little bit of both – Thursday and Friday off work and then a crazy weekend at J.Crew with holiday shopping in full swing.

Sparkle! What better way to jump into the holiday season than with sparkles – everywhere. My fingernails are painted with glitter in both gold and silver hues; I plan on keeping them that way for the next month. I’m not always a fan of sparkle and glitter, but lately I’ve been digging it, and I have no doubt that part of it has to do with Christmas decorations and it being the season when glitter is not only accepted, but encouraged.
Food: I think I may be full for the next week, even longer when I remember the leftovers that my mom sent me back to Indianapolis with. My sister made an excellent pumpkin dip that I’m currently eating with a side of sweet potato casserole.
Today we had a brainstorming session at work. It was so fun to have all my co-workers in one room thinking through ways we can better find families for the children who deserve them. I cannot wait to put some of our ideas into practice, flush out our vision and come up with some ways to measure success.
Forty miles in November. After a couple weeks of not tracking my miles, I wanted to return to the discipline and commit. For anyone, runner or not, wanting to get in shape, I recommend goal setting and monthly goals are a great place to start. You can have an off week and not ruin it, but the end is close enough that you don’t lose motivation.
“Good enough is the enemy of great.” I’m trying to push through the temptation to be “good enough” and reach for more. I’ll be the first to admit that there are times when good enough has to be okay, but there are times when it’s just easier to settle. I don’t want to let myself settle for average and mediocrity, I want to be great.

Hope your Monday has kicked off your December on the right foot. It’s a big week for me – check back on Thursday to read my blog on InCourage.