Category: blog

Categories
blog friendships life

That’s a Wrap

That’s a Wrap

It was a blast getting to share these past few weeks with y’all! I hope that this blog gave you a little bit of direction for the road you’re on. Let’s recap this awesome journey.

Sister, Sister

Reagan Walsh joined us on the blog to give an inside look at life as a division 1 college athlete. She spoke wisdom to those transitioning out of High School and searching for the right college to further their education. Reagan’s career has just begun but her success has made a statement. She is a force to be reckoned with as the 2023 softball season approaches. Read Now

Feelin’ Twenty-Two

Lauren Walsh shares her personal story and advice from the roads she has found herself on during her twenty-two years on earth. Through mistakes, breakups, and hardships, Lauren speaks to those needing a bit of direction in their early twenties. “Be kind, invest in valuable relationships, trust in God’s plan, and don’t let time pass you by holding onto grudges.” Read Now

Relationships, Dating, and Breakups

Kristin Strauss joined the blog for this very fun episode of Road I’m On. Kristin shared advice for those entering the dating world, what to look for, red-flags, and her funniest first-date stories. This blog involved a bunch of laughter and memories of the past with lessons learned for the future. Read Now 

Vet On Southwest

Lauren Walsh shared a story of a veteran she met on a Southwest Airlines flight. The veteran named Rich, spoke so much wisdom from his time in the Vietnam war. His story was too good not to be told. This blog was a personal favorite! Read Now 

This Wasn’t in The Play Call

An emotional and personal reflection of a devastating injury faced by Lauren Walsh during a volleyball game. The game that would ultimately be the last of her career. This blog post is real, truthful, and inspirational to those who may be struggling with the road they are on. Read Now

The Road Not Taken

An interpretation of Robert Frost’s world-renowned poem. How embarking on the road less traveled may make all the difference in your life. A change in direction is an opportunity to make your story stand out from the rest. Read Now

Texas to Tuscany

Halee VanPoppel joined the blog to share her story and spark motivation for those wanting to embark on a new adventure. Halee is a former college volleyball player and is currently playing professionally overseas in Rome! She shared what encouraged her to move from Texas to Tuscany. Read Now 

Convo’s and Cracker Barrel

Get an inside look at life on the road with the Belmont Volleyball team. Documented was the last trip of the season, traveling to Indiana. Learn about what goes on before game day and how simple conversations at Cracker Barrel brings the team together. Read Now

She Means Business

Kellie Walsh joins the blog to share how she became successful in her career at such a young age. She speaks valuable advice to those seeking internships and are facing uncertainty with what to do after college. With hard work and perseverance, Kellie climbed the cooperate latter, enabling her to purchase her first home. Read Now

Seeing The Good This Thanksgiving

In honor of Thanksgiving, this blog post was a reflection of the past year and a new perspective for life. Turning a tragic ending into part of one’s story and not the whole story. Even in the midst of trials, there is so much to be grateful for this holiday season. Read Now

Super Woman

To close out this blog, our very special guest Sheri Holmes joined us to share her unique story. How a mother to four, wife, and full-time business woman does it all. How her faith shaped her unprecedented journey through several roads of life and her impact on the roads of others along the way. Read Now

“My hope for you was that along this campaign, you were able to receive advice for the road you’re on. And if not, at least some laughter, relatability, and joy during these guests appearances. Life is gonna have some bumpy moments but regardless of road you find yourself on, TRUST the man with the compass. Keep walking.”

– Your friend, Lauren 🙂

Categories
blog lauren life thought leadership

The Road Not Taken

Road not taken

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

We were all forced to read this poem in High School and give our best interpretation. Though, at that point in our lives the road we were on had been practically paved for most of us. We lived under mom and dad’s roof, the crosswalk kept us in between the narrow lines, and the world did not yet get a hold of our innocence and temptation. We hadn’t experienced the freedom to choose a different path or face a major trial in our lives that consequently chose a path for us. Now however, I think I can finally relate to the words of Robert Frost. I am embarking on the Road less traveled, the road not as appealing at first glance, but the road that will make all the difference. 

There were two roads presented before me. One that I could see by, “looking down one as far as I could, to where it bent in the undergrowth.” This was the road I thought I was traveling, the road I had mapped my next 5 years on. But to my surprise, life chose, “the other, just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear.” There is no telling which road is “best.” In fact, Robert Frost was not favoring one over the other. Rather he argues that, no matter which path you take, be committed to follow it wherever it may lead for, “you could not travel both.” 

And so, I’ll save the first for another day, the plans I made for myself, and the expectations I set. Because it is time to embark on the road less traveled, the road that “wanted wear,” because this road has a plan for me. A plan I may not yet see but, will soon make all the difference. 

Our choices, both big and small, shape the journey we find ourselves on in this life. In some instances, like mine, life may have made the decision for you. But maybe that was God pushing me out of my comfort zone knowing I would have remained on the paved road if it were up to me, never seeing what the road less traveled had to offer. Whatever road you may be traveling, walk it with purpose, pride, and strength. And know that the decisions we make and trails we face sets us upon a path specifically designed for us. So, if you find yourself on the road less traveled, refrain from turning around. We may not understand the importance of this change in direction until we walk this path a little further.

 

 

Share the Road You’re On

Subscribe

 

Categories
blog lauren life

This Wasn’t in The Play Call

lauren walsh volleyball

This is an ironic blog. Who would have thought that the very thing I created for a school project would become the resource I needed for myself. Teaching, aiding, and walking with friends through life’s biggest obstacles. Being a word of encouragement to those struggling with the stage of life they may be in, rarely ever thinking that the challenges others face could happen to you, especially not tomorrow.

Ever felt invisible? That life was finally going your way? Oblivious to the reality that you would soon be entering a dark, beaten down, and distraught road. Well, that’s the Road I’m On at the moment. I don’t know why my direction has changed its course but I have to believe that the man with the compass is steering me towards a better destination.

I played my last volleyball game on 10/22/22. My brand promise to you was to always share with complete honesty and truth. And well, I feel robbed, broken, defeated, and a bit hopeless at the moment. I have a lot of questions for God. Like why I deserved this? Why me? Why now? What did I do wrong? What could He possibly be teaching me?

I don’t have these answers, and frankly I’m not sure I ever will. Just when I thought the pieces of my life that had been previously broken were finally being repaired, my life shatters. You hear of athletes exiting the world of sports after a long career, facing identity crises. I don’t even feel like I was given the respect of mourning the sport that was taken from me in a split second. The calendar did not run out for my final season, life came a took the days I had left without any explanation or preparation. Why does a God who loves his children let these things happen?

I want to ask Him myself. I wish there was a phone line to heaven where I could speak to the manager. Better yet, I wish I could send my Grammy to speak to the manager. Believe me, if you met my Grammy, you’d know she’d take care of this dilemma and have a word with the Man who let this happen to me. Grammy gets Nordstroms to refund her for the shoes she purchased in 1998, I’m sure she could get them to reverse this reality.

My volleyball career has been a story of trials, tribulations, and a lot of hard work. I was exactly 25 days away from finally hanging up my jersey with pride and 14 days away from celebrating all that I’d committed to and accomplished in my four years on Senior Night. To say the least, I am heartbroken. It just doesn’t seem fair. It’s hard to not think of all the things you dreamt for yourself and question why God wasn’t willing to allow you to play on your senior night, the game that has been highlighted in your calendar for years. Now my calendar will read the track of a yearlong road to recovery. Why couldn’t He just give me a few more weeks? I already miss the nerves I felt before stepping on the court and the antsy movement of my feet when the game is about to begin. I miss the feeling of my heart racing, the competitive drive, and the goofy mumbles at the net. I’d do anything to hear that over the mumbles of a diagnosis from the Doctor. I simply don’t understand why. Where did I go wrong? Did I really deserve this? Is this my fault?

People have told me that something good will come of this, He has a plan, and that everything is going to be alright. But I’d be lying if I told you I believed them. I don’t understand the plan. I don’t see the good that will come of this. And right now, nothing feels right. I don’t say this as a way to receive pity for my situation. I say this to admit that sometimes life just stinks. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. You don’t see the real side of people behind the Instagram post, the selfies, the Tik-Tok dances, or the tweets. It’s ok to not have it all together sometimes, I promise you, it’s part of being human. And while I don’t have the answer to why bad things happen to good people, I hope to be a light to you in your hard place as we walk this road together towards a brighter day.

A few weeks ago, I shared a few things I learned in my 22 years of life. The first lesson being that in your hardest days, custom armor is being built for you. So that every challenge after will have no chance against your weaponry. And while I feel like I couldn’t be any tougher with the obstacles I’ve already climbed, I guess God thought I needed my armor upgraded. I know this Road I’m On will be tough, but I am certain that I will like my new added armor features of strength, perseverance, and courage that I am gaining in the process.

Join me in praying for a safe surgery and speedy recovery…Maybe even a miracle to play again.

Thank you!

-Lauren

 

 

 

Read Last Weeks Blog Post

Have a story to share? Share the Road You’re On Today.

Categories
blog life story thought leadership

Vet on Southwest

vietnam war

Vet on Southwest

A few weeks ago, I found myself tightly squeezed between a couple on a Southwest airlines flight from Spokane, WA to Denver, CO. Most of us when we enter a plane, do everything in our power to avoid a middle seat. This day however, was an acceptation. On this day, this middle seat was the best seat on the plane. This seat introduced me to a Vietnam vet named Rich. I wrote the words below shortly after my conversation with Rich, so that I could always remember the wisdom, stories, and advice he poured into me on that two-hour flight. You can call these events a ‘coincidence’ or you can choose to see them as a nod from the man upstairs, placing a person in your path at the right time, right place, right when you didn’t know you needed it…

9/4/2022

As I write this now, I can’t help but think of all the things that had to go right for my memorable conversation with Rich to have taken place.

  1. My volleyball team plays a tournament in Pullman, WA but flys out of the Spokane airport.
  2. Flight gets delayed by several hours. We almost switch our flight with a destination to San Jose but ultimately choose to stay on the original flight.
  3. Rich makes the decision to take a trip with his wife to Spokane, WA and book this same flight that I was on.
  4. Out of 150 seats, I choose this middle seat, near the front of the plane to make my connecting flight to Nashville, TN.

Rich is a 73-year-old Vietnam Vet, retired accountant, father to 7, grandpa to 12, and husband to his wife of 55 years. He was a pilot during Vietnam who had been shot down twice by North Vietnamese soldiers. He told me stories of him on daily missions to restock supplies of gear, ammo, and soldiers at U.S and ally bases. Rich choked up as he told me a story of an attempt he made to rescue his fellow soldier who was injured on enemy lines. Rich made a risky move to fly his helicopter toward the solider which unfortunately, resulted in his aircraft being shot down, putting Rich’s life in danger.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”- John 15:13 and Rich was willing to do just that. He remembered every second as he told me this story but I could tell it was getting hard for him to continue. He was vividly reliving this memory, he was seeing the helicopter crash again, he heard the soldier’s voice, he felt the pain of wounds, and the beating of his heart. Just this time we weren’t in Vietnam. But he had a way with story-telling that allowed him to transform that Southwest flight with his words, making me feel like I was right there with him in 1971.

I began to tear up when I looked at Rich and visualized this event. They were just a bunch of kids doing a job chosen for them by the draft. A job unlike any other for the sole benefit of our country. Risking their lives daily, hoping to see another day, enough days that would allow them to return home.

I asked Rich about the food they ate in Vietnam. He said he thought it was pretty good but admitted, he never knew any better. He explained growing up with 4 brothers and a limited menu at home living near the poverty line raised him to take what you can get. The weather was tough, he remembered. Hot, humid, and a lot of rain. Rich described the significance of the underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication, supply routes, weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. He also explained the catastrophe that was the creation and use of IEDs by Viet Cong. These underground bombs were strategically planted out of sight to the naked eye, becoming a lethal weapon in the war. “They were terrible, you couldn’t spot them,” Rich explained.

Rich made it very clear to me that he never wanted to kill anyone. He shared a story of how he’d be in his helicopter and he would hold his 40-caliber out the door and shoot nothing. “I don’t even kill spiders in my house,” Rich said. But if it ever came down to the life of his brothers in uniform or the threat to our freedom in land of stars and stripes, you’d have a right to be afraid of Rich. I could tell right then and there that Rich had the biggest heart and love for this country. “You have to fight for what you believe in and you have to work hard in this life,” Rich told me.

He was a very wise man. It was like listening to someone who had the book of life in his hands. Every chapter of your life, he had the answer to how to navigate the challenge. These were a few things he taught me: “be a good person. Invest, prepare for the tough times so don’t run yourself mad feeling unprepared when they come. And I’ll tell you what, this is a great country.” He told me to keep an open mind with what I wanted to do in the future, that “nothing is absolute. But whatever you do, be the best at it.”

Rich amazed me with his stories and his life. How he became an accountant after the war. How he managed at 73 years of age to have absolutely no regrets. How he loved, worked, served, trusted, and provided.

So, what did I take away from this conversation with Rich, the Vietnam vet on my Southwest airlines flight? You have maybe 100 years on this earth, if you’re lucky, and then it’s over. What are you going to do with it? Rich reminded me to chase my dreams and not to limit myself to accomplishing just one thing in this precious life. He taught me to take chances and not to give up when the circumstances are hard. To take care of yourself, your partner, children, career, and do it with grace so that you don’t live in resentment for times you don’t get back. And lastly, Rich reminded me of how lucky we are to live in this country with brave men and women fighting for our freedom.

Thank you for your service, Rich.

 

In Honor of American Soldiers.

Below is a list of organizations making a difference for veterans.

Donate Today

Read Last Weeks Blog

Categories
blog dating friendships life

Relationships, Dating, & Breakups

Intro
This week on the blog, Kristin Strauss shares her advice for relationships, dating, and breakups. In this must-see interview, we answer common questions for those entering the dating game such as what to look for, red-flags, knowing your value, and much more. Interview includes personal stories and fun memories! Watch the video below.

About Kristin
Kristin Strauss is a former volleyball player and current college student. She is in pursuit of a degree in psychology at GCU while holding a job position at a local infant day care center. Kristin and Lauren have been friends for over 8 years:) It all started at a volleyball tryout and they have been besties since. The two have had their share of relationships, making them the perfect duo to speak some advice into the lives of those who are traveling the same road.

Advice from Kristin + Lauren
Dating can be tough. I know that road for me has been a bit bumpy. My advice for girls entering the dating world is to know your worth and stay true to who you are. No matter who you may be going out with, the right one will respect you and love you, for you. Don’t let the influence of society shake the foundation you stand on. Hold tight to your core values that shape who you are, it makes you stand out from the rest. – Lauren

The best advice I could provide is not to settle. So many relationships today are centered around mistrust, cheating, and all the physical aspects of dating. Creating a toxic and unfulfilled relationship on both ends. These relationships often cause women to be taken advantage of and forget their true value. God will place the right person at the right time in your life, don’t rush it. -Kristin

Listen to more of what these best-friends have say in the video below.

Keep walking my friend 🙂



 

Read Last Weeks Blog Post

Categories
blog lauren life thought leadership

Feelin’ Twenty-Two

I’m Feelin’ Twenty-Two

Well, you heard it here first, I am a whole year older. 22 feels a lot different than 21. 21 was exciting because it meant so long kids table at family dinners, so long life without happy hours, and so long to… well ya know, that thing that used to get you into bars. It seems like every year after 21, society chases you with questions like, “what do you want to do after college?” “Do you have a job lined up,” or “are you seeing anyone?” and “are they the one?” If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t have those answers lined up. And hey, that’s okay sister!

This blog is for people like me and you, if you can relate even in the slightest to not having it all figured out. Sometimes we need people in our lives who have walked the road we’re on before us, to lend a flashlight to what seems like a dark and undiscovered path. My hope is to bring you these people to help you keep walking. Whether you’re 22 or 72, we all can use a friend to walk with us through life with a Christian perspective.

Here’s what I can offer you today, the things I have learned in my 22 years. First, your hardest days will supply you with armor for the best days. What do I mean?  Well, have you ever known what it feels like at your lowest? Schools not going well. Your boyfriend dumps you, you lose a friend, tough practice, injured, and the list goes on. Well, in these moments you’re gaining custom armor. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”- James 1:2-4. The key part of this verse is this, “let perseverance finish its work.” That’s the tough part. In your lowest moment, darkest hour, and worst day God is working. Trust in this truth and let Him finish the work. Don’t give up on yourself, your job, your life, school, sports, that relationships, or your faith. I promise you; a brighter day is coming. It may not come as soon as you’d like but it will. You have to believe it and work to find the light at the end of the tunnel. You are gaining your armor. The next obstacle that comes your way will have no chance against you, take it from me.

Second, invest in friendships. Losing a friend stinks and having that large group of semi-close friends won’t fulfill our human desire for connection. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”- Proverbs 18:24. Find your people and invest in those relationships. Loads of people will come and go in our lives. Don’t let those that mean the most to you slip away simply because you forget to text or call. Send that birthday message, book that flight, wish a happy anniversary, and congratulate that person on their big accomplishment. These small actions will go a long way. When life gets tough, you’ll need those friends. When life is so good, you’ll wish you had them by your side to share the moment.

Third, be kind. Yeah, I know, your mom has been telling you this since birth. But really, be kind to people. You don’t want to look back on your time here and think, ‘man I could have been a lot nicer to Susie, and Charlotte, and maybe Nicole.’ You don’t get those moments back with the people you cross paths with in life. So even if it means taking the high road, just be nice my friend. You’ll be happy with the person in the mirror when our time on earth runs out. And if it’s not too late, say you’re sorry. I know for some that is a big pill to swallow but soon it will feel like taking Advil for a massive headache, the pain of pride will go away. “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High”- Luke 6:35.

Lastly, time goes by fast, so don’t waste it. Let the petty stuff go and enjoy this beautiful life God has given you. I am not perfect and many days I find myself selfishly ignoring all that He has blessed me with. So much that I do not deserve, so much I could never have obtained on my own, and so much good that often goes unseen to the naked eye. We don’t get a second chance on this earth, so as I like to say, “full send.” Buy those concert tickets you’ve been saving for. Dance in the rain on a Saturday night with your bestie. Go on the date you’ve been putting off. Laugh at your own jokes, cry with a friend, and don’t forget to call mom. Wherever life takes you, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go”- Joshua 1:9. We’ve got the best compass on our side, start the adventure!

I may not be the smartest tool in the shed but I hope these few things that I have learned during the roads I’ve been on will help you in your path. Here’s to feelin’ twenty-two!

#keepwalking

Love

-Lauren

 

 

Read Last Weeks Blog 

Categories
blog

Sister, Sister

florida softball

Intro

(Scroll down for video) 🙂

This past week I sat down with my sister, Reagan Walsh. She shared her story as a top prospect athlete and details of the road she’s on. Her freshman season consisted of 50 RBI’s, 7 Home Runs, 280 Batting Average, and a trip to the Women’s College World Series! So how does she do it? And how does she stay true to her morals while accomplishing her goals? Find out by watching our conversation linked below.

About Reagan

Reagan is currently on the women’s softball team at the University of Florida. At the age of 19, Reagan has managed to accomplish so much…

  • 2021 Los Angeles Times All-Star Team
  • 2021 Daily Breeze Player of the Year
  • 2021 Pioneer League Most Valuable Player
  • 2021 PGF All-American Western Region
  • 2020 Daily Breeze All-Area League First Team
  • 2019 Daily Breeze All-Area League First Team
  • 2018 All-State Cal-Hi Sports Player of the Week
  • 2018 Daily Breeze All-Area League First Team

Reagan is humble, determined, and strives to achieve the most with her ability. She admits that she has learned through mistakes. The lessons she’s learned prepared her for the obstacles presented during the current road she’s on. Between practices, homework, home runs, dating and friendships; Reagan is just like any other college student, finding their purpose and chasing dreams.

Her Advice

“Be yourself and do what you love… everything is gonna work out”

Follow along with Reagan as she embarks on her sophomore season. #GoGators

Read Last Weeks Blog

Categories
blog thought leadership

Welcome to the Blog

Hey Friends! Welcome to my blog.

Road I’m On– Walking through life with a Christian perspective.

Your destination for a friendly lifestyle blog with the values of Christianity at the core of discussions. The blog will consist of guest appearances from individuals in all phases of life such as: dating, motherhood, career, college, etc. These discussions will be relatable, vulnerable, humorous and helpful to readers who may be experiencing these same life milestones. Our intention is not to put a scripture band-aid on a battle wound. Rather, it is an invitation for a virtual friendship as we experience the ups and downs of life together while holding tight to faith.

Behind The Creation

As a young Christian trying to figure out the world around me, I find myself at times lacking mentorship when life throws me a curve ball. Society tends to separate religion from lifestyle, but I believe faith should be at the core of all that we tackle. The inspiration of this blog is to welcome a wide variety of readers at any stage of life to listen, learn, laugh, and grow together.

Branding Significance

I am in my early twenties and have already experienced so much in my life. I’ve faced loss, battled mental health, tough breakups and much more. I have questions about the future of politics, career, finances, relationships, and much more. I have struggled with my faith during tough stages in my life, when it seems almost impossible to understand what God is doing. A pastor once said, “a life without faith, is no life at all.” I strongly believe that each road we are on will fulfill a purpose. This platform will allow me to bring in individuals who have traveled on these bumpy roads, to humbly discuss the best ways to conquer the road you’re on with a Christian view.

Leave you with this 🙂

The trials we face shape who we become, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).

Keep walking my friend 🙂

 

Follow Me!