Change is Constant but Sacrifice Isn't?

We've got this new "thing" at work where they're overhauling the way that we do...pretty much everything...in four phases.  The first two phases are Assessment (baseline measurements) and Deep Dive (getting to the heart of the problems).  I did my personal assessment earlier this year when I declined to make any New Year Resolutions...not because there weren't things I needed to work on, but because the change I was seeking was deeper than:

1.  Exercise more.
2.  Go on a diet...again.
3.  Be nicer to small humans living rent free in your house.

So this blog is part of my Deep Dive.  And...Lent starts today.  Double Deep Dive.

My spirituality has changed constantly over the years.  I was raised in the church, but my personal commitment has at various times wavered, disappeared and reappeared with a vengeance.  This happens to be a "vengeance" year.  I've been doing Bible study with my boys and I'm contemplating giving something up for Lent, hence my Facebook post: 

Trying to decide what I'm giving up for Lent...it'll be either chocolate or cussing...but not both. If I don't have chocolate, there will be cussing.

The theme of Lent is sacrifice.  What Jesus sacrificed for us and what we're willing to sacrifice for 40 days in thankful response. 

What's the link?  It seems that change always involves sacrifice, even when we're changing for the better.  We have to sacrifice old thought patterns and comfort zones.  Since change is constant, so should sacrifice and perhaps sacrifice shouldn't be something that necessarily causes us sadness or feels like a deprivation.  During Lent we sacrifice willingly and with a glad heart.  That willingness to sacrifice in order to change for the better should be constant.

First Post

For my very first blog post, I thought I should take a moment to explain the name "A gwan back yard".  Anyone that knows me, knows I am insanely proud of my Jamaican heritage.  "A gwan back yard" is patois for going home, or more abstractly (for my purposes) discovering and getting back to one's roots.  Like most Gen-Xers, I'm on a perpetual journey of self-discovery, but more personally I feel the need to get back to basics.

All the strongest, smartest, ideal women that I know are in my family and Jamaican, whether they were born on the island or not.  My mother is the paragon of patience.  There's no stopping my Aunt Julie when she's got a goal in mind.  And my late grandmother was so incredibly strong, eloquent and intelligent.  I'm taking pages out of their books and moving forward on a new foot.

Speaking of roots, I've also started a hair journey, from relaxed to natural.  It's been interesting so far and I can't wait to see what all I learn as I progress...about my hair and about myself.