I’ve come to find that I blog the least about the issues that take up most of my time. I rarely blog about work or the outside networking I do because I’m out doing it rather than reflecting upon it.

The same goes for coaching. Between practices, games, choreography, competitions, emails from parents and making sure my girls are passing their classes, it really is another full-time job. And i’m only three months in! It is actually very hard for me to believe that.

I coach a group of fifteen girls, all in ninth and tenth grade. Typically when I tell people that, their reaction is, “Yikes! Good luck with that.” And my rebuttal is always, “Actually, they’re a fantastic group of girls. I’m really enjoying my time with them.”

Of course I said that with a little hesitation when the gig had just started. But they have proved to me time and time again that they are a good group of young women. I have an amazing relationship with them: We have a clear understanding of what I expect from them, and probably more importantly, what they expect of me. I listen to their suggestions, don’t ever use running as punishment (I haven’t had to punish them at all yet, knock on wood) and do my best to be fair and give them the benefit of the doubt.

I have been blessed with fantastic coaches in my past. It is the sole reason why I eagerly said yes to this position. I’m hyper-aware that coaching is not just teaching a girl how to properly execute a skill; it’s about teaching her how to carry herself in the midst of a chaotic situation, respect others, represent her school in a positive light, work hard for what she wants and ultimately become someone she can be proud of.

When I was leaving practice tonight, I tweeted (shocker) about what a blessing it is for me to coach. It dawned on me that I feel the same way every single time I leave practice or a game with my team…

I feel better when I leave than when I came in that day.

If you can fill your plate with things that make you feel better when you leave than you did when you started, hold on and don’t let go.

Whether that’s a hobby like coaching, an activity that lets you put your worries aside, a job that makes you feel like your contribution truly matters or even a person that brings out the biggest joys in your heart, give that part of your life your undivided attention.

Because when you truly love something, you should focus on it with all of your might. After all, being in love with every second and every aspect of our lives is the ultimate goal, isn’t it?