Life is Good

Life is good, and here's why...

Recently I updated my Facebook status with the saying, "Life is Good." and someone asked me a few days later, "What's so great that's going on in your life?". I had to stop and think about it for a moment, but quickly realized (being the eternal optimistic that I am, or at least try to be) there wasn't one big thing going on that makes my life great, rather lots of little things. Being of the mindset that life is indeed what you make it, I believe if you decide you're going to be in a bad mood and have a shitty day, that's on you. There are ways to make the most out of your day, whether you choose to do so or not, but don't blame "life" and the general universe as to why your life sucks (if it does). Rather, change your mindset and mantra.

Too often I hear people bitch and complain about everything that sucks (and I am one of them at times, I admit!) but the difference between me and them is, I don't stay in that place. I make the conscience decision to try to do better, and to make my day better. There are so many things I can't control, but I can control me, my thoughts, my words and my actions. I am still clinging to the new year's hopefulness that only the clean slate of a fresh year brings, and remain excited about everything the new year has to offer me. New friendships, new events, new  adventures and of course, new lessons to learn.

Here are some of the small "things" that help make my life good right now. Some are achievements, some are upcoming plans, but all of them help keep me hopeful that the best is yet to come!

I have officially gone 23 days without any type of soda/pop beverage...

I just mailed my registration form to participate in a Mini-Triathlon!

I survived my first two weeks of Boot Camp (and keep going back for more)!

I'm super excited that I am rallying a team of great women together for the 2012 Dirty Girl Mud Run. We will officially be team, "Mud Puppies"!

I started my third session of ASL (American Sign Language) classes and despite being "voice off" I can actually follow the instructor's signing (for the most part).

I donated blood the other day, and despite not having a blood pressure, I'm still alive. (The technician couldn't find/read my blood pressure!!!).

I have great friends that encourage me to pursue my dreams.

I just mailed my application to be a Canine Good Citizen evaluator/judge!

Most of all, I'm just happy to wake up each morning, pain free (coming from someone with frequent headaches this is AWESOME!), and thankful to God for the air in my lungs and for all the wonderful things I can do and have to look forward to!

Wee!

I love this pig!

Twelve

If you've come here as a previous follower from my blog, "Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You", you know I'm no stranger to self induced challenges. This year's challenge finds me wanting to celebrate the number 12 by completing 12 separate challenges, 12 times each, in the year 2012! Some of my goals may seem simple to others, but obviously, if they're on my challenge list below then I have a real problem with them!

1) Schedule and attend a minimum of 12 monthly chiropractic visits.

2) Volunteer 12 times (in any capacity) throughout the year.

3) Perform 12 Random Acts of Kindness.

4) Face and conquer 12 fears (at least!).

5) Attend or go to 12 new places.

6) Participate in 12 events (one per month) throughout the year such as a 5K, charity walk, etc.

7) Wear a dress/skirt to work 12 times over the year.

8) In efforts to make more friends, meet and talk to 12 new people!

9) Learn some new things, by taking 12 new classes/seminars!

10) Read 12 new books.

11) Ride 1200 miles on bike!

12) Get back down to a size 12 (or less) this year!

Don't

My friend, and fellow blog reader Lynn (great name isn't it?) shared this on her Facebook page. I had to "steal" it and share! So often we let one "little" thing ruin our day. I say, "DON'T!". Thanks for the reminder Lynn!

Crawl

They say you have to crawl before you walk. I think that also pertains to Boot Camp classes. This morning was my first session of Boot Camp and yes, at one point, I was literally crawling on the floor. I mean, come on, it's not like I just gave up and quit, crawling is still moving right?!

Remember when exercising as a kid was fun, and wasn't even thought of as exercise? Why is it that something so enjoyable as a kid, like jump roping, becomes so much more difficult as an adult?

Thank goodness the instructor has a great sense of humor, as I made jokes and laughed at my sad inability to crab crawl, bear walk, seal walk or chicken walk. I think a sloth walk would have been more my speed, but that wasn't on the circuit. The best thing is, despite the difficulty of the class, it was fun, and with enough practice, I know I'll be able to conquer everything from the kettle bell swings to that darn crab walk.

(Sure, this damn kid makes it look soooo easy!)

To Whom It May Concern

Ever wish you could close off your emotions and treat matters of the heart as a business deal and transaction? Here's a business response to an emotional letter...

Dear Sir,

It is with a heavy heart that I feel the need to write this letter. While I have gladly consumed and previously enjoyed the experiences your product has supplied me, I must ask that you now refrain from sending any future communications about said product. While I have tried to unsubscribe multiple times from your database, it seems that your computer system has not effectively deleted my information and/or account history As stated previously, I wish to no longer be in contact with your firm as I no longer use your product, and may be forced to seek higher action if your harassment continues.

Your lack of ability to meet substantial terms of our verbal contract have deeply saddened me and forced me to take evasive action, boycotting you, your company and any products you may pedal. Your product deceived, and emotionally damaged many consumers in your effort to line your emotional pockets, and I advise you to remove your faulty product from the market so no others will be harmed by it. Hopefully, this strongly written letter will provide you with enough feedback to encourage you to look past your own needs, and to look out for the average consumer you may encounter. 

In addition, advertisements stating that you have strengthened and improved your product will go unresponded to as this consumer no longer believes in your defective product. Sadly, I have lost all faith in your manufacturing abilities and any statements of being able to repair the damages and wrongs done throughout this business-consumer relationship. Incentives and gifts will not persuade me to change my mind about your product, and I believe your offers are in direct violation of the FDA enticement regulations.

In closing, please cease all communications and remove my email address from your databases as again, I wish to no longer receive any advertisements about you or your product. I will be reporting you to the Better Business Bureau and encouraging others to do the same.

Sincerely -
An Unsatisfied Customer

  

Yoga

Why do I ever stop going to yoga class? Today was an awesome early, A.M. yoga class with meditations on such things as to what we wanted from the new year, what we were letting go of, what we give thanks for, what we were surrendering to...it was just an awesome re-invigoration of self, and a great way to keep the new year bliss flowing!  Not only did this session do wonders for my mind, but the stretching was phenomenal for some very over worked and under pampered muscles. Hopefully by blogging about my experience, it will serve as a reminder to continue participating in yoga and reaping it's wonderful benefits! What do you do to keep the new-year mojo flowing?