Motivation: Regular Exercise, Eating Healthy, Decreasing the Clutter

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways. "
Writer, H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Discipline.
Self-Control.

I want to feel like Julie Andrews feels about discipline:

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/julie_andrews.html#pjlMrB5P4HzisT2r.99

"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly."

The Bible has things to say on this too...
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."  Hebrews 12:11 

I lose motivation so easily.
So I went in search of advice... I think sometimes sticking to the routine and simply not thinking about whether or not there is a choice is key for me.  "Just pull up your big girl pants and do it." often works for me to do something I don't feel like doing.

Ah, there is the problem.. "something I don't feel like doing." I need to embrace the concept of 'Do it whether I feel like it or not!'  I'm thankful for FlyLady's concept of 'You can do anything for 15 minutes." 15 minutes of washing dishes, 15 minutes of clearing a corner of my desk, 15 minutes folding and putting away laundry, 15 minutes of walking...

And finally, a great quote by Seth Godin:
"Discipline is obeying the rule you set when you were in a different mood than you are now."

Here's what I came across on a quick google search of 'how to stay motivated.'

Seven Steps to Staying Motivated

1. Set a goal and visualize it down to the most minute detail. See it, feel it, hear the sounds that accompany the end result (wind rushing through your hair, applause). Elite athletes visualize their performance ahead of time — right down to the smell of the sweat dripping down their face as they cross the finish line.

2. Make a list of the reasons you want to accomplish the goal. In our busy, distracting world, it’s easy to get blown off course. This is why you need to ground yourself in your goal. For extra “success insurance,” write your list with a pen. Studies show that when we write by hand and connect the letters manually, we engage the brain more actively in the process. Because typing is an automatic function that involves merely selecting letters, there’s less of a mental connection.

3. Break the goal down into smaller pieces and set intermediary targets — and rewards. I’ve called this “chunking” long before there was a Wikipedia to explain that there are eight variations of the concept. To me it’s the best non-pharmaceutical antidote to ADHD. Tony Robbins, arguably the foremost motivational speaker and personal development coach, says: “A major source of stress in our lives comes from the feeling that we have an impossible number of things to do. If you take on a project and try to do the whole thing all at once, you’re going to be overwhelmed.”

Enter chunking. My system involves chipping away at a project. Break it down into the smallest realistic steps and only do one at a time. Neuroscience tells us that each small success triggers the brain’s reward center, releasing feel-good chemical dopamine. This helps focus our concentration and inspires us to take another similar step. Try this with your bête noire, whether organizing your papers and bills or setting out to find a new job.


4. Have a strategy, but be prepared to change course. Let Thomas Edison inspire you in this department: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.” “The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

5. Get the help you need. It doesn’t necessarily take a village, but even if you could theoretically accomplish your objective alone, there’s inherent value in sharing your plan. It’s why people get married in front of witnesses. Announcing your intentions sends a strong message to the world and, more important, to your unconscious mind, which can sometimes sabotage our best efforts. Also, we often overestimate our abilities. The flip side is being highly selective about whom you tell and ask for help. It’s akin to the builder’s rule to always get “the right tool for the right job.”

6. Pre-determine how you will deal with flagging motivation. This is not defeatist thinking. On the contrary! It’s (almost) inevitable that at some point along the way, whether because of temporary setbacks or sheer exhaustion, you will need a little boost. When that happens, I think of what others have endured to reach their targets and to quash even the beginning of a pity party, I invoke the most hard-core endurance models I can think of: friends fighting serious diseases and Holocaust survivors.
Winston Churchill is particularly inspirational on this front. After London endured 57 consecutive bombings by the Germans during World War II (the Blitzkrieg), he was invited to address a group of students. In that speech, he uttered his immortal line “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up.

7. Continually check in with your reasons for carrying on. Despite his all-too-human flaws, Steve Jobs embodied this brilliantly. He once told an interviewer: “I think most people that are able to make a sustained contribution over time — rather than just a peak — are very internally driven. You have to be. Because, in the ebb and tide of people’s opinions and of fads, there are going to be times when you are criticized, and criticism’s very difficult. And so when you’re criticized, you learn to pull back a little and listen to your own drummer. And to some extent, that isolates you from the praise, if you eventually get it, too. The praise becomes a little less important to you and the criticism becomes a little less important to you, in the same measure. And you become more internally driven.”

See the Big Picture
There’s also a more meta, “Why are we here?” way to think about motivation. The great Jewish Rabbi Hillel (alive around the time of Jesus), famously said, “If not you, then who? If not now, when?” If you truly let those words sink in, it’s hard to be slacker.

From Forbes
* * *

** Don't let your goals run wild... When your sights are too ambitious, they can backfire, burn you out, and actually become demotivating, says Lisa Ordóñez, a professor of management and organizations at the Eller College of Management, at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. Instead of aiming unrealistically high (such as trying to save enough money for a down payment on a home in six months), set goals that are a stretch but not an overreach (come up with a doable savings plan for your budget).

...But work on them everyday. According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us ($27, amazon.com), taking small steps every day will not only help hold your interest in what you’re trying to achieve but will also ensure that you move slowly, but surely, toward your goal. So, for example, set up a down-payment-fund jar and dump your change into it every night. You’ll get a sense of accomplishment each day, to boot.

** Go public with it. Instead of keeping your intentions to yourself, make them known to many. “Other people can help reinforce your behavior,” says James Fowler, a political scientist who studies social networks at the University of California, San Diego. After all, it’s harder to abandon a dream when you know that people are tracking your progress. Take Stefanie Samarripa of Dallas, 25, who wanted to lose 20 pounds. She created a blog and told all her friends to read it. “I wanted something to hold me accountable,” she says. Samarripa weighs herself weekly and announces the result on Desperately Seeking Skinny (skinnystefsam.blogspot.com). During her first three weeks, she lost six pounds. “People read my updates and make comments, which helps me keep going,” she says.

** Make yourself a priority. Put your needs first, even when it feels utterly selfish. You will derail your progress if you sacrifice yourself for others in order to please them (such as eating a cupcake that a coworker baked even though you’re on a diet).

From Real Simple online article
* * *

Here are 5 steps to gain more clarity about why you want to change, and what you want in life:
 

Step 1:
Pull out a piece of paper and a pen.

 

Step 2:
Ask yourself the question, “What’s one area of my life that I’d like to change?” Write this answer on the top of the page.

 

Step 3:
Look at your answer. Now ask yourself, “But why is this important?” Write this new answer below your previous answer.

 

Step 4:
Repeat step 3 until you uncover the real reasons motivating you to change. Keep going deeper. You’ll know when you’ve gotten to the root cause of your pain.

 

Step 5:
Based on what you uncover, develop a clear vision of what you want in your life. Use this new awareness and motivation to help you remain committed to this new path.

 

Remember: Saying “I’m unhappy at work” or “I feel unfulfilled in my relationship” isn’t deep enough. Keep going!

We all face obstacles in our lives, but if we’re willing to do the tough work of asking ourselves “why?” these obstacles can truly become the gateways that lead to greater clarity and new beginnings. We can use this clarity to gain a deeper understanding of what we really want in life, and to motivate us to make lasting changes.

From Tiny Buddha

"Our character is basically a composite of habits. Because they are consistent, often unconcious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character." ~ Steven R. Covey

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/julie_andrews.html#pjlMrB5P4HzisT2r.99"

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/julie_andrews.html#pjlMrB5P4HzisT2r.99

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/julie_andrews.html#pjlMrB5P4HzisT2r.99

Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/julie_andrews.html#pjlMrB5P4HzisT2r.99

Knowing what you don't want...

... is just as important as knowing what you want, if not one of the best ways to figure out what you want... if you're like me... and want it all.

"I want it all
There’s a rise up to the heights
And then a ball
I want it all
Don’t try to tell me that I can’t have my drama
And be a mother who is also a motha’
I wanna know that I can find inside me anyone I need
I wanna be Donna Mckechnie, Donna Summer, Donna Reed
I wanna be Margaret Sanger, Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Mead
I want it all
I want it all
I want to find a way to break through every wall
I want it all"

[excerpt of lyrics from "I Want It All" from the musical, "Baby"]

The challenge - get rid of enough clutter and "other" so I can focus on what is really important.

There are some blogs, which, after reading, I feel incredibly guilty, depressed and 'not good enough' or 'I'll never attain that' - some of them I have listed on my blog, because I truly need to minimize, simplify and declutter, and they have insight and valuable things to say.

There are other simplification blogs that I follow and adore, which, after reading, I feel inspired and motivated and cheerful and have an "I can do this" feeling.

I want to be the latter kind of blogger.

This blog has been pretty unfocused - unpredictable - and super unorganized. I had hoped that 2013 would be the year that I would be able to reduce... both my size and my stuff. Instead, I traveled to a chorus 2-1/2 hours one-way up the road for 18 months in order to attain a goal I'd set for myself a long time ago. I achieved half of that goal. And have an International Silver Chorus Medal in Sweet Adelines. More and more I realize I can't do it all (anymore), and that 'something's gotta give.'

Scottsdale Chorus ~ Finals Package, Sweet Adelines International Contest & Convention, Honolulu 2013

How is this photo for some serious joy?

That is what the minimizing and decluttering will be about. What has to give. Clearing the spaces so I can think. Decide to do less.  Keep the Joy. Making difficult choices as I "hack away at the unessential." Remembering that this is a journey, and a transition, and it won't happen overnight, and a little bit each day is still a step forward in the right direction. Being kind to myself in the process.

Like Tammy Strobel at rowdykittens, I hope that regular blogging will improve my writing. I also really want to do the "photo a day" because I think that is just cool. And, maybe in the process, I can learn more about what my camera can do and what I can do with a camera. And in taking a photograph of a thing, I can be grateful for the time it was mine to possess, and with love, let it go.

“If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.” ~ Tao Te Ching

Back from Hawaii...

My brain's kinda scrambled with so many thoughts -- (laugh) -- this isn't different than any other day, I guess.

We won the Silver Medal in Honolulu ~ Scottsdale Chorus earned the red ribbon in Sweet Adelines International contest. Ronninge Show Chorus, from Stockholm, Sweden became the very first International Chorus to win the Gold and they were incredible. Really really fabulous, I'm honored to have shared the stage with them. All the competitors, really... they were all there to do their best, and share the love and joy of singing and harmony.  It was incredible.

The second week in Maui was awesome. We rented a fabulous condo right on the water at Ma'alaea Bay (pictures still being sorted through and downloaded), and had a lovely time just hangin'.

I have a new position within my company, and am happy happy about that. I have some decisions to make about my chorus future ~ and have been praying and talking and thinking and trying to be a grown up and it is difficult. Tucson Desert Harmony chorus will be competing at International in Baltimore next year in the Harmony Classic, and I've paid for my All Events Ticket already. Not sure what next year will look like with my new hours and days off... so *Watch This Space* as they say.

Besides Singing...

Running.

I want to start walking/jogging a la Jeff Galloway. "Run injury free with Jeff Galloway" is his focus, and that is where I want to start. Have to get back to walking again first.

Eating Healthy/ Juicing / Plant-based (Nutritarian a la Dr. Joel Furhman)

Sort of have been not following closely the juicing/veggie focused way of eating, and gained back the 10 pounds I lost.  Hard to lose over the holidays, but I'm committed.

Simplifying.

This is the year. That is all.

Maui Sunset. Last Week. Already planning our second trip back...

A month from today....

I will be on the plane, flying to Honolulu, Hawaii and preparing to compete with the Ahhhh-MAZE-ing Scottsdale Chorus at the Sweet Adelines International Contest & Convention.

I've not lost more weight.

I've been drinking more juice. Green Juice and tons of fruit.

My room is not clean. But it will be someday.

This next month is going to be way busy.... Hawaii is looming, and my local chorus has its annual show at the end of the month. My new quartet will be singing the Gospel song, "I'll Fly Away" as a quartet of witches.  I think that is funny.  We have a new bass, and it has been fun getting to know us as a new quartet - because when one cast member changes, the dynamic changes.

Life is good. I'm so grateful.

Life is difficult, and I'm trying too hard. I want to let go and let be what is.

I have a new Samsung Tablet 3 (7-inch), and himself got a Playstation Grand Theft Auto... so we are toyed up.

Some big decisions will have to be made after the contest in Hawaii ~ and it drives me crazy that I don't have a plan. I'm trying to just let what happens happen.

One EXTREMELY exciting thing is that a group of people from my church have been chosen to participate in a singing thing in January with Keith Lancaster's Praise & Harmony series.  We're not sure if we're all going to be able to go - a lot has to happen in the next 3 months (learning 25 songs, for instance)... but I can't express how excited that this is happening.  God is Good.

The Path of Least Resistance ~ Jobs

Regarding my Jobs...

I came across some helpful questions at the Tiny Buddha website, and the one that struck me in particular ~ the most current "Ah-HA!" was this one:

Am I afraid of succeeding?

I never thought I was until I read this post...

"One of my biggest problems is that I don’t like responsibility. There are many things I’d like to do, but I resist because I don’t want the power to impact, hurt, or disappoint other people. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have dreams—it’s just that I’m just scared of what achieving them will entail.

If you can relate to this feeling, perhaps you’ll respond well to the mantra I’ve been repeating: great power comes with great responsibility, but it also brings great rewards. If you play it safe you won’t hurt or disappoint anyone, but you also won’t help or inspire anyone. And equally important, you won’t help or inspire yourself."

Can we say Light Bulb!? I've always said I don't want jobs with responsibility. I might mess up. I know I won't be perfect. I'll have people disappointed in me, I'll have other people expect more and I'll fall short. I might be 'written up' for failure to deliver. I want people to think I'm perfect - and it is such a load of crap. I know better, but that feeling lingers on...

argh.

On the flip side ~ in most of my jobs (with a couple notable exceptions), I haven't wanted more responsibility because I didn't care enough about what I was doing to put that much effort (time & energy) into what that would take.

So, I have, indeed, taken the path of least resistance.

* * *
I started juicing on Tuesday July 30th - juicing for breakfast and lunch with fruit and an avocado with salt until getting home. Himself was "using his powers for good" cooking up delicious mushroom fajitas and lentil-mushroom curries for dinner, which I would have over a bed of spinach. I lost 11 lbs the first week. As of yesterday - August 18th, I'm down 14 pounds.

I intend to do a 30-day juicing/eating fruit fast, broken up into 10-day increments... Jay "The Juice Man" Kordich,  says he's a "vegetarian when juicing, a fruitarian when eating" -- gets his fiber from the fruit. I think this is a great way to approach it.

Last Saturday morning I finished the 1/2-jar of juice (really really strong juice that I had to dilute because of the 6 cloves of garlic I put in there to ward off a potential cold) in the morning, had a banana, some nuts & dried fruit, two cups of non-coffee (Teacinno, I think) with coconut milk and liquid stevia and cinnamon, water with lemon all day long, an avocado with salt (one of my new favorite things that keeps me satisfied for a long time), corn flakes with more dried fruit and a combo of almond milk and coconut milk, rice and the last of lentil-mushroom curry, and a few more handfuls of nuts... and I was down 3 lbs from Friday after a good sleep (8.5 hours) this morning.

I made a video on the morning I started eating differently, and will do another video at each 10-day point.

I'll start on Wednesday, the 21st of August.

I'm to the point of craving the green juice... my usual is Kale or Spinach, (like 4 big handfuls), 4 - 6 carrots, 2 apples, 1 cucumber, some parsley, sometimes some lemon, and a thumb-sized bit of ginger.  As I do it more, I'll experiment with other veggies. In the meantime, I'm posting lots of stuff related to juicing on Facebook.

* * *
And I really intend to blog more often.

A Month of Sundays

Starting today, and for the next 4 Sundays in August, I don't have to go in to work.  In essence, I have a "Month of Sundays" - literally, as opposed to every day of the month being a Sunday, which would be more mathematical than I care about right now.

I'm just focusing on the extra time this month. 

One of the weekends I'll be out of town ~ so I'm including today in the "4 Work-Free" Sundays idea.

Time. Having some time to myself this weekend has been amazing. I took Friday off because I believe I've had too much interaction with others, for others and (by my own choice), fulfilling obligations to others.  I still have some of that today to do, but there is time for some contemplation, and I am taking full advantage of it.

Himself and I watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" last night, then we watched "Forks Over Knives" and I cried when he declared, "I'm on board," after 'Forks Over Knives' credits rolled. I've been wanting him on board for so long, and while I am the who who never broached the subject, the testimony of a mutual friend who has been juicing for awhile gave me the crack in the door that I felt I needed to start the conversation.

I don't believe we'll be full-fledged vegans, but I think (am hoping) 85% plant-based/15% animal... a lifestyle with "Animal Products on the Side" kind of mentality is where we are headed.  Cut out the processed food. Spend more time preparing our own food (this is where I get stuck... not just that I can't be bothered, but there are so many other things I want to get done in a day... which needs to change) and not opening a box or a can or even defrosting. Spending more money on quality (organic, local) produce and meats.

One thing I have to say... (after watching a video where someone says... "and easy!" ~ With all the changes that will be coming... it might be simple, but it isn't easy. That, I believe, is a lie. Juicing for 15 days... won't be easy. But (and this is huge for my lazy butt) it is simple, and doesn't take a lot of time and or planning... which I look forward to.

The Engine 2 Diet - Rip Esselstyn's branch off from his dad's research and way of living that was documented in Forks Over Knives looks like a good way to start. They've partnered with Whole Foods... now to go find a reasonable juicer!

* * *
And I'm working toward going back to school for Music Therapy. Lots to do... very excited about parts of it. But the nutrition/holistic health thing really appeals to me too.

What do people assume about you that would be wrong?

This is a loaded question, isn't it? I was just reading an article and the writer mentions this as the most difficult interview question ever.  The writer's answer was "Just because I'm nice people assume I'm a doormat."

The article had this to say:

What do people assume about me? I don't really know. So how could I say they were wrong? Should I admit I've never thought about that before and see if they would let me off the hook? Should I make something up that people might assume about me, or should I pick a terrible characteristic and deny it? No, that would be wrong because then I would be admitting that there is a reason why people would assume that. Yikes! This was an impossible trick question.

I think my answer would be along the lines of, "Just because I talk to people I don't know, and am a performer, it is assumed that I'm an extrovert."

Recently I took a Personality Assessment (Predictive Index) for work. "The test employs a free-choice (as opposed to forced-choice) response format, in which individuals are presented with two lists of descriptive adjectives, both containing 86 items, and are asked to endorse those which they feel describe them (the “self” domain), and then those which they feel coincide with how they feel others expect them to behave (the “self-concept” domain). Summing across these two domains yields a third implied domain (the “synthesis”), which can be interpreted as reflecting an employee’s observable behavior in the workplace."  [description from "What is Predictive Index (PI)?" article online]

I took it twice, because even the Talent Acquisition person had a hard time believing my first results... here are some of the results:

• Private, serious, introspective, and reserved, it takes her a long time to connect to and trust new people.
• Focused, she can concentrate on the task at hand for long periods. She more quickly notices and understands technical matters than social ones. Consistent and patiently thoughtful.
• Works at a steady, unwavering pace; most comfortable with familiar processes, environments, and co-workers. Doesn't easily change.
• Task-focused; she quickly notices and pushes to fix technical problems, assertively cutting through any personal/emotional issues. Has aptitude to spot trends in data or figure out how complex systems work.
• Independent, analytical, critical, and creative thinking and action; little need for external validation before action. Private.
• Authoritative and direct, she's driven to accomplish her personal goals; she pushes through roadblocks assertively. Communication is direct, to the point, and sometimes brusque.

Because I love to sing and perform, people assume I'm an extrovert.  Because I get people together for reunions or performance opportunities, people assume I am social. But truly, it is only those with whom I have a strong (and loving) connection with are the folks I adore being around and love being the instigator of social situations.

I am actually an introvert. People exhaust me. I love performing, and by nature love the spotlight... but that is about recognition (which the PI stated I needed). I absolutely hate and do my best to avoid being in a room full of people that I don't know and with whom I'm expected to have conversations. Even if we have something in common (like singing, scrapbooking, crafting, etc...). Small Talk. Blech. I prefer to be "task-focused." I wish, however, I could "assertively cut through... personal/emotional problems." At least, be more assertive fixing my own. Always easier to see through someone else's cow turds.

That being said, I'm extremely socially intuitive, and my gut reaction to people and situations is spot on. My Emotional Intelligence is pretty high (though it hasn't been officially/sociologically tested). My feelings about someone, even if I am unable to articulate why, are right on the money as far as if I instinctively know if I can trust them, or if I want to work closely with them. So, when I read from my PI results that I am going to "notice and understand technical matters more than social ones..." I guffaw.

I also laugh heartily at the "Authoritive and direct... pushes through roadblocks assertively... communication is direct, to the point and sometimes brusque..."  Because I see myself (and have been given feedback regarding it) as giving you the baby and the bathwater when it comes to communication.  I have a sticky by my computer to remind me "... If I Had To Say It In Bullet Points..." because I want to ensure everyone understands exactly what I mean.  I don't trust others to 'get it' so I over-compensate with over-explanation. (can you say "Controlling" ?!)

And then comes the many (many) times I'm proved right... that someone doesn't get the question, or the situation, and so much time is wasted going back and forth in email dialogue because of the initial misunderstanding. That drives me NUTS.

I'm in a situation right now where I've instigated putting together 7 other people to sing for a fun/humorous performance weekend in August. We'll sing two songs, and there is competition involved. You can win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place - or the Golden Banana... which is what everyone actually wants to win. In the past few years I was in a group that got third place, and the next year I was in a different group and we won the Golden Banana.  This time around, I wanted to work with people who hadn't done this Double Quartet experience before, and hopefully help grow some independent singing skills under the guise of having fun. Some of the gals in this group are brand new to this wonderful barbershop hobby, and others have been singing it for over 40 years.

Regarding this situation, I acknowledge that sometimes I actually might be "...direct and sometimes brusque..." because I want excellence (in work and play) as the end result. I like recognition for a job well done, and when my name is associated with something, I want to be able to have pride in what we've (I've) done.

And there it is. Pride. Writing this piece this morning has brought the mirror to my face, and so much crap in what I struggle with has to do with Pride. Caring what others think too often.

My comfort level in posting this (1 being low and 10 being high) is a -3.

The Second Beginning...?

Have started the morning with a smoothie: Some Pomegranate & Blueberry Juice (just enough to make this concoction liquid enough to drink...), 1 large handful of frozen blueberries, 1 slice of frozen peach, 3 slices of apple, 1 scoop of protein powder and about 1/2 cup or slightly less of spinach. Not low carb, but high protein and not a boston creme donut (!) :D

 I finished eating the apple, and also have a cup of coffee with stevia, almond milk and a splash of cream.

 I think I found a diet plan that I can work with, and it starts with a green smoothie in the morning... and then you still get breakfast!  It was featured in a recent "Woman's World" issue, and the morning is when you get carbs, and then lunch & dinner is "Lean & Green." 

I've got to made a shopping list, and plan some meals (mainly making sure I make my lunch ahead of time so I'm prepared), but the idea of 'two breakfasts' appeals to me.

I had my smoothie about 30 minutes ago, and I'm still quite full. This is promising.

Procrastination....

I came across a website that is about Procrastination... I was looking for some quotes for a friend... and found some fabulous quotes -- two which have stuck out more than the others...

[1]

"I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work." ~Pearl S. Buck

[2]

"Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they started." ~ David Allen

 I believe these two things, working in my life in tandem would be life-changing.

• Exercise & Fitness.
• Eating Healthy (preparing healthy foods ahead of time as choices to always have on hand).
• De-Cluttering.

 * * *

From the Procrastination website: "For some reason, we have an emotional reaction when we have to do something we don't want to do, don't enjoy doing, or are convinced we simply cannot do. Learning to acknowledge this reaction will not only make us aware that we may be procrastinating, but will also help us on our quest to stop procrastinating."

My emotions lead me around by the nose. I think there must be some really deep-seated resentments in my childhood regarding not feeling like I had choice, or not feeling that I was making my own decisions... because I certainly don't live or make decisions in a mature way. My inner brat rules the roost, and honestly, it is getting old. I even think she is getting tired of having her own way all the stinkin' time (!).

* * *

I have to stop checking Facebook every time I get on the computer. I'm addicted. For me it is a validation thing. And Facebook is fun, but honestly, I like Pinterest and what it offers much better. I love having Facebook connect me with people, but it isn't about that anymore.

This blog and my other blog (which is so sad and alone at the moment) need more focus and attention, the daily habit of writing and sharing things here I believe would be healthier.

* * *

I'm trying to find a similar thing to iGoogle, and yet I don't want to learn anything more about how to use a new thing. I think I'm 'to that age' where the version I have is fabulous, please don't upgrade me anymore to the 'newest and better' versions (iTunes, are you listening?!).

Swirling...Twirling...Crinkling...Wrinkling...Deluge

First, A Comment: The blank page that is *really really* blank when you click on 'new blog post'  here at blogger.com -- it is very intimidating.  I am reading a book (A Woman Called, by Sara Barton) and she says she's never been intimidated by a blank page of paper on which she is supposed to write. If only it were true for me.
End Comment.
* * *

Instead of Full sentences and thoughts, and guilty apologies for not posting in, like, forever... here's why the title of this post is what it is... in short, fragmented bits and pieces about things that pass through my mind.
* * *

Posterity 
Google is getting rid of iGoogle as of November of this year... here's the links I have on that page:
Seth's Blog
Amber Keinath (Inspiring a Healthy Life YOU Love!)
Unclutterer
GardenMandy (Organic Living, Gardening, Health and Environmental Issues Daily
The World's Healthiest Foods - Excellent site with a 'food of the week' feature (recipes, nutrition... good stuff!)
Frugal Cooking
Cheap Healthy Good (Cheap Healthy Good is a blog dedicated to the advancement of frugal, nutritious, ethically-minded food in everyday life. All of our recipes, links, and articles go back to that main subject matter.)
The Simple Dollar
Thrifty Fun  - A community of creative people and everyday experts who look for inexpensive solutions to everyday problems and share tips and ideas for crafting, creative recycling, gardening, frugal living, recipes, tips, and more.
The Survivalist Blog - Because I have doomsday-survivor-prepper tendencies. But I'm working on it. 2 Timothy 1:7
Passive Aggressive Notes.com - because it is so funny!
blipfoto - would be great if I kept up with it!
Surviving The Stores - a coupon/good deals site
Organizing Junkie - I aspire....
Cut Out And Keep - Make & Share Step-by-Step Craft Tutorials
The Herb Gardener - self explanatory, no?
Stever Robbins - "You can't manage *time*, but you can manage yourself (your decisions). Make as progress as possible. Select only things that will give you the most actual forward movement, the most results for your time spent."
Stever Robbins' - Get It Done Guy (Quick & Dirty Tips Helping You Do Things Better)
The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin. Love this site!
Live Bold & Bloom - ... Personal Growth for Passionate Living
Zenhabits - Leo Babauta
Dr. Joel Fuhrman - Disease Proof, Health & Nutrition News & Community
BBC News


* * *
How do I keep track of/keep up with:
Goodreads (like this book/book review site)
Google+ (brand new to this FB competitor, but looks promising)
Facebook
twitter - yes, I'm tweeting now... not sure what I'm doing, however.
tumblr (not sure what I'm doing here yet)
picasa
flickr
shutterfly
snapfish
Walgreens
Blipfoto
Consumer Reports (I'm a member yet forget to check what is new regularly!)
Disqus - haven't figured it all out yet - but apparently a comments for blogs program.
igive.com - they say it is simple, but I think they are lying.
itunes - stop changing the interface, please *whimper whimper*
meetup.com - too much fun to be had!
sparkpeople - so much information!
Yelp - love this review site, don't use it enough.
YouTube 

Honestly, the answer I know is: stop trying. Find a few things and stick to them. One photo sharing site. One Fitness and Health site, maybe three. One, maybe two online hangouts. (but but but... see brief random thoughts below on career)

* * *
Blogging. Keeping up with the amazing stories of people all over the world and what they do and why they do it and how funny they can be while telling their stories (Drazil...!) - talking about health, fitness, doing life, and simplifying, and minimalizing, and struggling, and and and.... *whew!*

RSS - yes, it has been around for awhile, and supposedly makes online life easier... I need more information on how to use it, and am still trying to figure it out. Google reader is apparently going away too, but I just found out that Firefox has one built into the browser. Woot! Now to make it work for me!

* * *
Then there's Audible, from Amazon -- for a fee you get a free (audible) book a month - and a significant discount (I think) on other audible books. So Very Tempted... since I have a lot of books that I don't seem to get around to reading.  Maybe in the back of my mind I think I'll just absorb the goodness of the book because it is my house and I look at it with much guilt from not reading it on an almost daily basis.

And that many books won't fit in my tiny house.
* * *
Bees.
Are Dying.
Around the World.

Since 2005, an outbreak of what scientists call “Colony Collapse Disorder” has been rapidly killing off 30% of the global population of honey bees each year. The fact that this stunning decline of the honey bee population over the last decade increased to nearly 50% in the U.S. last year has many observers alarmed, according to the report (although honey bees are not currently an endangered species).

Some public officials, scientists, and bee keepers are now stepping up efforts to place the blame on a growing class of GMO insecticides, known as neonicotinoids. These nicotine-based insecticides can kill honey bees by infecting their brains with toxins.
Today, over 100 agricultural crops are pollinated by honey bees in the United States, which is worth over $10 billion. Over 80% all of flowering plant species require pollination to survive.

Experts are concerned that if this trend does not stop, the effects to both the economy and global food security could be devastating.

From: http://ftmdaily.com/global-issues/global-food-crisis/are-honey-bees-endangered-by-gmo-crops

This is almost an hour long documentary by the BBC ~ "Who Killed The Honeybee?"

This might be a cause I can be an activist for (though I run screaming like a maniac when a bee comes close to me... lol!).

* * *
Eating. Fitness. Well-being.
More later. Tired of fighting. Have gained 50 lbs back.
Totally. Completely. Sucks.

* * *
God.
Living Jesus - by Randy Harris (Living the Sermon on the Mount). Wow. Just Wow.

I need to be a part of my community of believers. I love my tradition, with its call for unity that divides us... and the gifts I've been given that I don't know how to share and use to show love. Which means I will be getting my butt back in church. 

At Pepperdine Lectureships all last week, and Patrick Mead (thoughtful answers to Questions of Faith) said something like this... (paraphrased)
"Being a member of [my tradition] is like being Mrs. Noah. You're on a big boat, full of stinky animals and only a few people to talk to, no view to speak of... but really, where else are you going to go?"  I still laugh at that.

Patrick Mead. I'm a groupie. He is a smart guy with a lot a lot of insight, a wonderful Scottish accent, and some dry, wry, spot-on humour. Love.
* * *
Career. Social Media/Marketing/PR. I love it.

Two years on May 9th at my current job. Seriously, I haven't had a job for two years in a very long time. Yay Me!
* * *
Hoping it won't be another month before I post again.

April... already?!

It hasn't been a great month in some ways, but it has been real.

I've gained more weight back.

Gotta stop thinking and start acting.  Massive Action = Change.

http://youtu.be/psN1DORYYV0
is a youtube video of a TED talk by Brene Brown (Courage is borne out of vulnerability, not strength. This finding of Brené Brown’s research on shame and "wholeheartedness" shook the perfectionist ground beneath her own feet. And now it’s inspiring millions to reconsider the way they live, parent, and navigate relations with members of the opposite gender.)

I've watched three of her talks today, and the part that spoke to me and spilled the tears was when she talks about how we numb the negative emotions (guilt, fear, shame, anger, sadness); and by default, we then numb the joy.  Addicts will relapse after intensely positive and/or intensely negative situations.  I live that.  I want to eat whether I'm happy or sad. I totally stuff down any feelings I don't want to deal with by distracting myself with food.

It stems from shame (I'm not enough, I'm not worthy...) and a fear of being vulnerable.

And yet, when we witness other people being vulnerable - we admire them for their courage.  So what is it we fear?

Embrace gratitude. Living a normal life doesn't mean my life is without meaning.  Our culture breeds fear in us (more correctly, our media) by telling us we need things to be *more* -- what drivel, double-talk and hooey. (Aside from more time, of course... always want more time!)

But (I think to myself), does embracing gratitude mean I have to stay where I am? Doing what I'm doing in a job/workplace? I'm just treading water... paying bills... paying for my REAL outside life, barbershop singing and striving for more points, and even a shiny hat.

I'm afraid of making myself vulnerable enough to even put that thought out there...(I want a Queen of Harmony Crown thought) that there is something I want that I may not get - so I don't put the thought/idea out there.

Enough Fear.

Time to be direct.

Assertive. Fearless.

And perhaps I'm missing opportunities because people who could help me ~ don't know what it is that I want. (And perhaps I haven't been honest with myself and admitted to myself what I want, which doesn't really do much for the 'going after what you really really want' thing, does it.)

Focus (Surprise)

Wow. Where did February go?

Oh yeah. My job has had significant changes... including going from what was an essentially 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday shift to a 12pm - 9pm shift with split days off.  While I love the shift, I have some struggles with working with a new team, and figuring out the new personalities and work styles.

It is coming along, but slowly.  There are a number of advantages, and management has been extremely flexible with the schedule I needed in order to sing with the chorus in Scottsdale... having rehearsal night free, and Saturdays for the coaching/retreat weekends.
* * *

In the meantime, I've gained 50 lbs back.  Which means I'm 50 lbs away from where I started.

Ouch.

Today I started the day with coffee, the last of the cream, a 1/2 tsp of raw honey, and 3/4 of a Dark Chocolate with Espresso beans candy bar.

Then... I walked (and even put in a couple jogs from light pole to light pole).  I've walked 3X this week... less than I was walking a year ago... but heading back to making walking a minimum of 3X a week my goal. For Life. For Ever.

I have a tub of Medifast food left over, and I need to basically finish up the tub of food to 'get back on the sugar-free and low-carb' wagon. Knowing I lost 22 lbs in two weeks when I started gives me hope. So, tomorrow being Sunday... I'll start a new week with an old plan that works.

After I run out of the MF food... my plan is to do a lot of vegetable smoothies (Kale, Spinach, Almond Milk, maybe some fruit. ~ have to play with the recipe), and try to keep to an Alkaline-based diet.  The more I read about different lifestyles, the more I'm convinced that Balance in All Things is the way to go. 

And... as part of a maintenance lifestyle ~ I think I'll try to do the 6 days following a balanced, healthy (low-sugar, low-carb) way of eating, and have a "cheat day" -- that allows me to eat anything I want... fruit, dark chocolate, cheesecake... and see how I do with that.
* * *

I've not done another round of "Hacking away at the unessential" - but I will be starting Round Two this month. I want to stop paying for Storage by the end of April.
* * *

Focus for March:
[1] Walking 3X a week (*whew! made it for the first week of March!)
[2] Alkaline forming food choices (reducing acid-causing choices)
[3] Learn 3 Songs for new chorus (one of the songs has a lot of words that go by fast... and the words are learned, now just need to ensure I have the notes correct)
[4] Blog 4X a week (a late start on this one... missed the first week of March - but here's to the second week!)
[5] Clean off the couch in my studio. (I cleared files and the table so I'd have a space to organize the papers and piles of stuff... I have 3 piles of stuff on the couch to go through and toss and/or organize.)
[6] Look at my paper calendar. Every. Single. Day. That I write things down in. Not only "To Dos" but inspiration, things that are coming up to plan and budget for... to remind me to plant good thoughts in my head before going to bed, so I want to wake up and am embracing the more active lifestyle changes I want to make.
* * *
Thought to end with ~ "Live the life you want tomorrow TODAY."
I don't know if this is a quote from anyone, but I want to have shapely arms (a la Jennifer Anniston)... and want to be able to zip line and parasail while in Hawaii... and sit comfortably in my hairdressers chair AND the airline seats. Those are goals and things I want "tomorrow" -- which means I have to make choices to make them happen TODAY. I started walking. Now to start working on the arms.

"This is what a grown up does."

Stamps to Give Away are Given!

It took me a couple weeks to get the stamps to my car and to the folks at work I thought would appreciate them... We had a super cold snap for like, 4 or 5 days, and I didn't want to leave them in the car overnight, so they sat inside longer than I wanted them to.  But now, finally, that space on the table is CLEAR!

I also cut my left index finger with super sharp pair of scissors - a week ago... it wouldn't stop bleeding... I refused, *Re-Fused!* to go to the emergency/urgent care for a scissors cut! The time and the money -- pthlfphth! After two days the blood finally stopped (it wasn't gushing), and I took off the band-aids I think this past Monday.  So I wasn't typing much!

I have to remember this is a process... and not beat myself up if it takes longer.  I remind myself that when we do home improvement projects it always always takes at least twice as long as you intend it to, and often costs a lot more than you budgeted for, as well.
* * *

Some Not-So-Good News...
I weighed this morning (first time this month, actually... it has been a really really bad month, eating-wise) and tipped the scales at 275.8.  I was on MediFast Plan yesterday and got a lot of sleep, so this is an accurate number.

Whoa.

I got my haircut yesterday, it has been 9 weeks since my last cut - when I noticed the chair was much tighter on my hips than it had been for a long time.... yesterday I was wedged in.  Between that and my clothes not fitting the way I like them to, and the knee pain that has returned as a regular thing, and the back pain... time to finish up my MF foods and lose between 25 and 30 lbs in the next two months.  I've done it before, I can do it again.

No Sugar. No Wheat. Full Stop.
* * *

Today is more "Going through things and throwing, filing, or giving away" - I have coffee, Nag Champa incense burning, it is raining off and on (Yay!), MF oatmeal and soups soaking, and in a few moments will have some tunes playing.

Now that the table has some clear space, I will have room to put some of the things I want to keep (Music... Music Education... Healthy Eating stuff... Inspirational articles etc...), so I can create some kind of permanent place for them, rather than the piles and piles on my desk.

I have a box of stamps for my niece and my friend... it would be GREAT if I could actually get to a mailing outlet today -- and take the box of 'donate' things away to be donated.  And make a trip to the storage room to exchange some things. Take things that are just sitting here to be given back to the original owner to storage, and bring back some of the music stuff.
* * *

Tomorrow there are two baby showers... I'm going to try and get to one of them. I'd like to not go empty-handed....

Sunny and Cold!

Earlier today was Sunny and Cold... my favorite! Sunny blue skies, and crispy outside air!

We hit a low of 28 F degrees last night, and tonight they're predicting 20 (!) This is very cold for SE Arizona... taps running through the night, and my little space heater in my studio going all day today.

I'm so very grateful for my little space heater, and the kettle that keeps the hot beverages coming!

I'm hacking away at my "unessential" stamps and crafting supplies.  Yes, *laugh* I understand that none of it is essential, in the actual definition of the word. But I'm de-cluttering a little at a time, and I'm feeling really good about how much I've done today.

The empty containers on the right are what I've emptied and put into plastic bags... I'm giving one of the pink/green ones to the 5 people from my work, because having something to put your things in is important. *wink!*

There are some folks at work who might appreciate 'free stuff', so I'm putting things in bags for them... then putting other stamps in a couple larger bags to take to work (and possibly other places where I know people who might be interested...) to let them go through and choose what else they might like ~ and himself has a place at his work where people bring things to get rid of.... so what I have left over will go to his work.

My goal is to get my stamps and "other crafting supplies" into one (very tall Ikea) bookshelf, and more things on the peg board. I think I'm going to have to be brutal, and say "if it doesn't fit in the bookcase, then it has to go out the door." *sniff*

The scrapbooking and memorabilia can be in in another area of the studio for the time being. I've done a lot with paring down my possessions there already, but I have more to do.  Mainly - get 'er done! Get the years of stuff I've collected into albums.

I look on the shelves and my original "Keep 5 sets plus music and celtic stamps" statement was optimistic.  When you see what I'm getting rid of, it is far more than what I'm keeping... but still - I'm keeping at least 19 known "sets" plus 15 containers of 'Other' Stamps. So, I still have quite the stash.

I'm not quite finished organizing the final "homes" for the stamps... and almost all have labels, though not all the labels are visible... that will change today! I ♥ labelling!!

I've decreased the amount of embossing powders, and still have the ink pads to go through.  I'll probably be keeping all but the oldest ink pads & pens. (Some of the Stampin' Up ink pads are from 1993!!)

The paper is another issue... I'm mostly keeping white and neutral (beige-family colors) cardstock for card bases.  I have quite a bit 8-1/2 X 11 scrapbooking paper, which can be used for cards.  I made the mistake a long time ago not getting ready of any paper than isn't "acid free" -- as it would be fine for cards. But I don't do cards enough to justify the space all the paper takes up.

I want to have my "stamping and crafting" table empty by the end of today. This is a "During" Photo:

I actually made some space on the surface before taking the picture...

As I sit here and contemplate all the "Stuff" that it takes to craft, I'm torn. I've spent most of the day whittling down this stuff, and not spent any time at all on music.  And I say music is my passion. Music is certainly my gift, and performing ~ well, there is nothing like it in the world.

I'm not sure I have the words to express what I'm not exactly sure I'm feeling at the moment.

As Usual...

... I'm making what I think should be a joyful process of discovery into something much more complicated. This is what we get for having preconceived ideas, I guess.  Each of our processes is different... give myself some grace.

And yet....I keep coming to the same conclusions... and that just hacks me off.

I want to do it all.

Right now.

Instantly.

No Process, thank you. Instant Gratification Only -- (says the inner 6 year-old stamping her foot.)
* * *

Some good things have come out of this most recent mind-f***.
I think. 

Definitely some clarification after the massive ball of hurt and pain recedes.

Why oh WHY does it have to hurt to grow?  Do we hear the plants moaning and groaning as they make their way from seed to sprout to flower? Nooooo.... just us whiny humans.

hrmph.

end of whining (for today).
* * *

Anything that distracts me from Health & Fitness and Music (singing) is distraction.

I'm considering thoroughly what brings me ACTUAL happiness, not things that I think make me happy... if you think about it, there are definite differences between the two ideas.

ACTUALLY HAPPY LIST:

• Having a pet (dog!)
• Spending time with people who love me in the way I want (need?) to be loved.
• Spending time with people I love.
• Singing/Performing in a quartet (small group?). A good group. With people I have fun with.
• Performing theatrics with an ensemble (stage/theatre, chorus, quartet)
• Giving (giving cards, giving hand-made items, seeing things that I think people would like and getting it for them...)
• Looking at photograph albums/memory books
• Teaching/Sharing things I know with others who are interested in it.
• Labelled Things. I love labelling and "Being Organized." With lots of colors - paper and pens.
• Pizza
• Cookies

The I-THINK-IT-MAKES-ME-HAPPY-BUT-IT-ONLY-REALLY-BRINGS-ME-STRESS LIST:

• Making cards (fun, and I like doing it once in awhile, on a small scale, but will keep 5 sets, music and celtic and some meaningful quotes/sayings, some pre-folded cards and envelopes, and some colored paper... and a few other tools, but will pare down considerably!)
• Scrapbooking (in the way I have... photos and looking at albums with stories/journalling brings me actual happiness, so I need to pare down the 'tools' and get back to basics!)
• DIY - Doing It Yourself. Love looking at things people can do, love to think "I can do that!" (and I can), but the realistic-actually-DOING-it-part... ummmm.... not so much. I'm talking painting, decorating, hanging stuff on the walls, creating my personal space... I like the *idea* but not the follow-through.
• Being part of "the inside group" - be it the "Management Team" or "The Board" or "The XYZ Group"... I like being 'in the know' but not on the inside.

 * * *

HACK AWAY AT THE UNESSENTIAL.

PERFECT IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD.

ANYTHING THAT DISTRACTS ME FROM HEALTH & FITNESS and SINGING/MAKING MUSIC/IMPROVING MY CRAFT IS DISTRACTION.

* * *

I like the photo a day thing - I find it is helping with some of the clarifying. I don't have to do every. single. day.

I will try, and I will falter. And that is okay.

Prompt for today was "T" ~ so I thought of representing my Bravvo Productions Tour! 1992, a small van carried 4 people and pulled a trailer and we sang and danced and improv'd our way up and down the east coast from Key Largo to Boston. Best decision I ever made was to quit my job and do this for 3 months. Money was awful, but the experience was fabulous. Can't believe it was 21 years ago!

* * *
So.... new habits on the horizon.
Decrease is the word.
Goal: To Live My Passion
Action.

Sleep

I love sleep. But it eludes me. Went to be early - woke up at 1am... finally got up at 2:55 am.  Surfing the 'net... cried some. Sifting through priorities and what is important. Gah!

So I'll post the photos from Photo-A-Day Challenge:

Day 5 ~ "Movement"

Rascal jumping up for a treat!

Day 6 ~ "Mine"

My "Likes" ~ scrapbooking (pages open to performing... Musical Theatre
"Quilters" and performing with my barbershop quartet), Music quotes,
Music fabric, Natural Health & Healing book, book about God and finding Faith, Self-help (combating negative thinking), Modge Podge (crafts), card-making (music-themed stamps and a hand-made 'thank you' card), orange & pink sparkly items, dog cookies, black & white journal, Fun & Funky Lava Lamp, reminder that we are the sum of our experiences... all that we have done leads us up to today.

* * *

Thankful
I'm thankful for a warm bed.
* * *

Action
Didn't do much action today. Lots of taking in information, but not acting on it. Which leads to the tears. I did read more "Running for Mortals" before going to sleep.

I also started reading about why I feel so compelled to find and make a living at my passion.
* * *

Decrease
Didn't decrease anything yesterday. Not good. Want to keep to a schedule/routine with this... to continuously act on the de-cluttering/simplifying process. Though, it is a process, and putting pressure on myself to get it done as fast as possible only causes more paralyzing un-action. Ease up.
* * *

I was reading Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" today - really like her stuff -- and her simple but insightful advice that got me thinking was, "Do what you do."

It goes with the thought that not everyone finds enjoyable what I find enjoyable... build on that. Knowing ourselves is key to focusing on our passion.

At the same time, I know that getting outside ourselves is also key to bringing joy to our own lives. Doing something for someone else is the fastest way to lift depression. Again with that word: Action.

Action vs Distraction

I put in my Gratitude Jar today ... "I am thankful for the internet (and all that it has exposed me to)."

I met my husband online, of course... he's one major thing I'm thankful for. But besides himself, I was thinking about all the sub-cultures that now have a voice and an audience because of the internet.  And that some people are incredible visionaries... and that they take action on their vision.

* * *

This year I will take action on a vision. As of yet this vision is blurry. It is brightly-colored, and full of glitter and glistening dew in the morning... it is being looked at through a filter, which makes it very soft-focused.  I spent some time really thinking about what course of action I want to take this year - and while the road is extremely wide, and meandering still a bit, it is going in a single (if albeit a scenic) direction.

I wasn't feeling very good today, and I left work early and came home to sit in my recliner with a heating pad and the Netbook, with HGTV on the telly, and snooze if I needed to. I re-discovered a fascination I've had for a few years: the Tiny House Movement.

In my internet travels this afternoon ~ in and amongst the tiny house websites and blogs, I came across this quote,

"What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it."

wow, huh?

Follow up questions:

1. What is valuable enough in my life that I would exchange a part of my life for it?
2. Who are the people that are valuable enough in my life to spend it with?
3. If something isn't worth this gift of a day, then what, instead, should it be replaced with?

My frustration with me is that my answers change. Daily. My feelings drag me around by the nose, and *look! Shiny!!* is a huge distraction and pulls me off in another direction altogether. (My love/hate with the internet and all the distractions links is a topic for another post!)

BUT -- I found a great question to ask myself as I go through and try to simplify my collection(s) of stuff... "If I were going to live in a tiny house... would this item stay or go?"  It isn't asking me if I love it, or if it is useful, or some of the other emotional questions that cause me distraction instead of action. It is straightforward, it has 'hacked away the unessential.'

* * *

Photo Day 3 (hearts) and Photo Day 4 (The View From Here)

Looking at my collection of Heart Stamps helped
me downsize my stamps! 3 sets and a couple of loose
ones... Very Proud!

This is a Gratitude Jar with one slip of 'Gratitude-ness' already in it...
In this Jar I will also put notes about great
things that happened (since I will, of course, be grateful for great things that
happen... ;-) ). My view today needed vision, and I'm visioning 2013 as a year of
things that I know I will be thankful for. And a Full Jar by the end
of the year to look back on.

 * * *

Decreasing
I have a bag of tops and some jewelry and a pair of shoes (never, ever worn) in a bag to give away. I'm struggling with keeping it until the Chorus Rummage Sale (March, I think), or just taking it to Goodwill Now!

* * *

One more thought for the day... What makes you happy? Not what you think makes you happy... what actually brings happiness to you?

My answers surprised me.