Abandoning Habits and Embracing Routines Instead
In case you don’t know this about me, let me clue you in on something: I’m somewhat of a productivity nerd. It’s always been part of my DNA to get things done as efficiently as possible. I think I’m this way for three reasons: 1) it is a learned behavior. My mom was a school teacher, and my dad was a military officer. Enough said. 2) self-preservation to conserve energy and maximize performance. Being born with a physical disability meant I had to learn how to get more done with less from a young age. 3) I happen to enjoy it.
It's Not About Luck: My Real-Life Stories of Serendipity
Today is St. Patrick’s Day here in the United States. I’ve always been conflicted about the holiday. I think my hesitation to fully embrace a celebratory attitude stems from one of a couple of reasons. Either: a) my aversion to a holiday that legitimizes drunkenness or b) that the holiday mascot is a leprechaun— a cute, jolly little short dude who is an appropriating stereotype and caricature for a Little Person (who are actually real people, by the way).
A Simple December Gratitude Reflection Practice
As December comes to a close and the year draws to an end, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the journey we’ve traveled. Whether this year was full of accomplishments, challenges, or a mix of both, taking a moment to acknowledge what we’re grateful for can bring peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose as we step into the new year.
MWF Seeking BFF: Good (local) Girlfriends are Hard to Find
I’ve moved around the country a lot. From the Midwest to the South and now to the West, I’ve approached each move with a sense of fun, adventure, and new beginnings. And I’ve done them all without having a tight group of girlfriends along the way. Sure, I have a best friend from high school, and I make friends pretty quickly in new environments, whether it’s school or work. But the whole BFF thing? Me? Nah. I’ve typically been fine flying solo.
Don't Give Up! Minor Changes Can Bring Major Results
I have vowed that 2010 is going to be a better year for me than 2009 was. I will take more time to do things for myself, I will be more productive, I am going to learn new things and breakthrough old barriers. Whew! that is a lot for just one year! One challenge for me in '09 was keeping up with the housework.
Trying to Solve My Chronic Not Finishing Problem
I don't know what it is with me lately. I have had the most challenging time with finishing things. Whether it is a big project or small, a longer-term goal with baby steps, or a shorter-term task, the items on my to-do lists grows like weeds. As soon as I finish one thing, another thing gets added to the list. Am I the only one for which this happens? It doesn't help that I have one husband, two senior dogs who require a lot of attention and that I wear about a dozen different "hats." Before I go any further, I feel I should add what I am sure a lot of you are thinking;
Hammer Time: Sometimes It's My Tool of Choice in a DIY Project
Ever since I moved in with my husband into the house he owned when we met, there have been little projects around the house that need tending—some of a decorative nature, others of an essential functional nature. One of the more functional items that needed fixing was the broken lazy susan in the kitchen that didn't spin.
My Own“This I Believe” Inspired by the late Edward R. Murrow
I want to share my own “This I Believe," inspired by the late, great broadcast Journalist, Edward R. Murrow. In case you aren't familiar with "This I Believe," it was a five-minute CBS Radio Network Program, originally hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow from 1951 to 1955. The show encourages both famous and everyday people to write short essays about their own personal motivation in life and then read them on the air.
Sometimes It's About Just Showing Up When You Don’t Want To
Sometimes, you just have to get up and show up. Even when it’s early, and every fiber of your being wants to stay in bed. Even when you wish for a magic wand to freeze the spinning world and let you rest just a little longer. That’s exactly how I felt at 8 a.m. this past Saturday. A few weeks ago, in my role as organizer for a South Bay girls’ Meet-up group, I had scheduled a fun outing to the DeAnza Flea Market. At the time, it sounded like a fantastic idea.
The Origins of January: Why It Became the First Month of the Year
I’ve always been curious, why is January, the first month of the calendar year? I mean after all, it holds a unique position as the beginning of new beginnings. But where does the name "January" come from, and how did it earn its place at the start of our calendar? The answers are steeped in history, mythology, and the evolution of timekeeping systems. Come learn with me.
Rethinking Resolutions: Why January Is Perfect for a Reset, Not a Reboot
I’ll admit it: I’m not a fan of traditional New Year’s resolutions. There’s something about the “New Year, New You” mentality that feels like setting yourself up for disappointment. The pressure to completely transform your life starting January 1st can be overwhelming and, honestly, pretty unrealistic.
Looking for Balance
The new year always provides the opportunity to reevaluate the course life is taking me at the present moment. In my personal life, I have never been happier. I love Drew; I love being married, I love our families, I love our friends. And I am very thankful that we are healthy, live in a lovely home, and are financially secure. Yet even among such happiness, I can't deny the combination of restlessness and frustration I feel at times. More so lately than ever before. Why? I ask myself. A huge breaking point came one Sunday a couple of weeks before Christmas. Out of know where, three-quarters through the church service, I just started crying. And I couldn't stop.