Open Up and Let Your Guard Down

Hey everyone! I hope things are looking a little brighter with spring upon us. I'd like to first say congratulations to my boyfriend Heath Herring for winning his fight last Saturday!

You're the best baby! Also Happy Birthday to Heath, Alex and Hunter!

Last week I began my series on enjoying the moment and how you can reset before the World Series of Poker this summer. Noticing a large amount of friends including myself getting down in the dumps I felt the need to write about it.

Hopefully this will not only help me but anyone out there who may feel the same way. I've been getting a lot of positive feedback and I'm glad I'm able to share my experiences on how to get happier and healthier this 2008.

Some of us have "lost that loving feeling" toward poker, or at least don't have as much fun as we once had. It doesn't mean you don't love poker, but more like you don't appreciate the time you spend playing anymore. All the beats have made you numb and possibly bitter toward the game.

Jones: Have fun, no matter what, in the next tournament you play in.

The only way you're going to snap out of it is if you take some time to realize you need a break. This doesn't mean take a break completely. Try to find a balance. Then come back and enjoy playing your favorite game.

My suggestion last time was to have fun, no matter what, in the next tournament you play in. Throughout this series I'll be giving you tips on how to have fun by using great memories from my time in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The next tournament you play why not try to make new friends, go out and have fun? I have met so many great friends in Vancouver. People whom I couldn't imagine what life would be like without them in it.

I've been known to be quite the hermit and somewhat shy around people I don't know too well. Opening up and befriending someone can be quite scary, especially if you've been burned in the past.

I realize now my time in Vancouver was a turning point in opening up and making new friends. Which also led to new experiences and great memories that will last a lifetime. The one great thing about poker is the people you meet already have something in common with you - the love of poker.

An evening out with great friends at <a href="http://goldfishkitchen.com/">Goldfish Pacific Kitchen</a> in Vancouver.

Not to mention it's pretty easy to make friends in Canada. Canadians are the nicest people you'll ever meet aside from Texans. Meeting my best friend Alex for the first time I had no idea how close we would end up being.

What if I hadn't become friends with her? I would have missed out on one of the most amazing friends one could ever find.

Why not try and open up and let down your guard a little bit? And in the meantime have fun! Go out and eat a great meal at a new restaurant you've always wanted to try. Be around people that are positive and like-minded to inspire you to be happy and focused.

Make sure to check back next week where I'll continue on where I left off. Have a great weekend and be safe.

Bonne chance!
-- Lacey

More blogs by Lacey Jones:

• Enjoying the Moment
• Sharing My True Favorite
• Final Thoughts on Borgata