The rest of the day went pretty well, though. I had a pretty productive day at work, once I finally got there. I had pleasant exchanges with co-workers. I got excited about a co-worker's comedy show and convinced some friends to come out with me on Saturday. I had a pretty good meeting with my nutritionist (lost 2.5 lbs in the past 2 weeks despite MANY nights out eating and drinking), and got some good feedback and advice to help keep me on the right track for the next couple of weeks. I then had a lovely dinner with Ashley, and I came home feeling happy and wanting to share.
Which reminds me of one of my original intents when I started this blog: "an opportunity to learn about my experience and share those learnings with others".
I think I've been a little too focused lately on the things I'm not doing right and the things I haven't accomplished. While there is some value to documenting things I aspire to, I also need to learn to spend more time focusing on the days like today, that are pretty OK, and thinking about what things made my day pretty OK, and what I contributed to that day's success. So that's what I learned today, and it feels great to put it out there.
Speaking of learning and sharing, indulge me while I gush for a hot minute. I discovered three pretty rad blogs last night, all written by one wise, super-cool and stylish mamacita from the very same neighborhood I call home. Here are some things from what I have decided to call The Tao of Bitch Cakes that I read last night and that stuck with me through the day today. Enjoy:
On motivation:
I remind myself that: This is it - I have one life. (Think about that, even if you're afraid to. You're here now, make the most of it!) How do I choose to spend it? Eating whatever and whenever I want but suffering by being fat, miserable and unhappy all the time?On style:
I remind myself that: I wasted the most of 3 decades being very overweight, insecure and unhappy. That was such a waste of time!
I remind myself that: There are people who for whatever reason cannot walk, run, jump and play. They have no choice in that matter. But I am lucky enough to have a working body and I am going to use it.
I remind myself that: My body is mine. I make every choice that pertains to it. I have one body and I want to treat it right so it treats me right! I am in total control of my actions and ultimately my success.
I remind myself that: Nothing is guaranteed in life. Every day is truly a gift - and any one of them could very well be my last. I want to feel good about myself for the brief time I am part of this world.
So, my mental attitude - the way I think about things - has probably been the biggest and most important change, and is what helps to keep me motivated.
...So despite the fact that I occasionally revert to old habits I'm working to rid myself of, or make some not so stellar choices from time to time, I will never give up. Yes, there will be some bumps in the road. But I accept that. There is just no way I am trading my awesome new life for my crappy old one.
...you should always feel good about how you look when you leave your house - whether you're going to work, on a date, or just do do errands. I live this way, so I know it's true. But if you need more convincing, here are several reasons:
- When you look good, you feel good.
- Knowing you look good improves your mood and outlook.
- You never know what that day has in store for you or who you might meet, or run into.
- Looking good gives you a sense of confidence and self assurance.
- And finally, seriously, why wouldn't you want to look good?
