Thoughts on "Wellth"

Lately I've been finding the term "wellth" popping up all over the place. Particularly from one of my favorite websites, Mind, Body, Green. Sure, I have a touch of transcendentalism in me in the sense that I have always been ever-questing to better myself. It's nice to have a truly never-ending hobby, right? *wink*

What is wellth? "Wellth is the combination of physical, mental, and financial wellbeing that provides a foundation for each of us to strive toward success by living our best lives." I'd add spiritual to that list as well.

It is basically this trend/wave/philosophy -whatever you want to call it- in which a well-rounded approach to all aspects of life is valued as the new "wealth focus".

I can relate. Don't get me wrong- I know money is important. I live, breathe and have stressed a lot about that all day every day for years.  Somehow I seem to always end up struggling. Having exited my 20's in the throes of the recession (and having always been penny-conscious), I know all too well the value of a dollar and how important it is to have it and prepare for your future as well.

Would I like to own my own home, have good insurance and be able to travel and do all of the things that a bit more money could provide my little family? OF COURSE!!

The concept of wellth, however apparently stems from my generation and those right behind us see that the world is changing startlingly and is already very different from the world for which we were taught to prepare. Therefore, we need to adapt in how we approach it all.

If you look at me for example, on paper, I would look like a total failure of the traditional system of well-being.  I currently have no career to speak of, no children, no insurance, I don't own a home, my IRA is laughable. I can't travel, invest, diversify my portfolio, or have steadily climbed toward "success" in my career. I am a 34 year-old, intelligent college graduate, I am married. I outright own one vehicle. I have student loan debt and "life debt" that is more than what I have in savings. Oof.

But when I look at my life, especially since the big changes in my career over the past 6-8 months, I have noticed one thing in particular: I'm wellth-ier and happier than I have ever been in my adult life and it is astonishing.

This is an enormous thing, friends. I was truly surprised by it as it happened by accident.

Here is how my wellth has grown:

Bye-bye Anxiety.

The flexibility I have had since I quit my "job job" has nearly extinguished the chronic anxiety attacks I had been experiencing for the past few years. If you had told me that three months ago when I was having to stop work and practice deep-breathing every hour or so at the office to keep the rabid squirrel in my gut from scratching its way out- ahem- I would have thought you were legitimately smoking crack.

Q-Time is the Right Time.

I have had more quality time with my friends and family. The word priceless is not grand enough to describe how good that feels.  My myopic focus on work and surviving meant I have had to sacrifice quality time with them (especially over the past five years) due to stress, work hours, exhaustion etc. In the short amount of time I have had more flexibility, I have felt more satisfaction and deep delight with my family and friends than I have felt in a long time, and it is because I'm not worn slap out, stressed out and bitching all the time.

Body (and Booty) Benefits. 

I have been exercising nearly every day and enjoying the hell out of it. I've lost a few pounds and sleep better. I don't crave my bad habits (see wine and chocolate) hardly at all. I even made it through PMS and bought ZERO chocolate! (Who is this person?!) I have started enjoying things in moderation without even trying.

The Buddies.

My two pups are happier. Not only because I can spend more time with them, but because I'm happier. You know the saying "when Mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy"...it's so true. My sweet little stinkers have been better behaved than they have been in years, which in turn means we all enjoy each other and cuddle so much more! Everyone's a winner and since my boys are 11 and 9 years old, the time I spend with them is invaluable.

Dream Weaver. 

I've started dreaming vibrantly again. I was known for this growing up. In high school, my pals would ask me to retell my dreams because they were like crazy action movies. My dreamworld has always been vivid, detailed, exciting and memorable. However, for the past two or so years in particular, they have steadily grown less detailed, less colorful, more stressful and scary and my sleep patterns have suffered. Since my anxiety has started to fade, my dreams have started growing ever more vibrant and  interesting.

Rain Man Says What? 

I've grown less obsessive about our finances. What???? Even though I'm bringing home drastically less money than I was even a month ago, my all day-every day obsessing/balancing/checking bank statements and penny pinching compulsively have all but ceased.

Do I care about our finances? Absolutely!  A part of wellth is balancing life with your financial well-being. There is no throwing caution to the wind and mindlessly trilling "it'll all work out, man." Nope. Only a burgeoning sense of balance. 

Have I felt compelled to spend money? Not really and it surprised me. We've eaten on the cheap and yes, sometimes it's boring but I haven't felt neglected or "punished" as we often felt in our financial feast/famine cycle of before.

I check the bank account once a day to make sure everything is in order and then I leave it be. I make conscious choices, when I do buy, I buy on sale. I work on my Etsy store and freelance work at the times I'm at my best instead of being too tired to think when I get home at the end of the day and doing nothing that enriches my life, sparks my creativity or engages my mind.

I buy things we need first instead of "wants" and that has surprisingly made me feel less worried about the future because I know the most important things are taken care of. It seems super common sense, and it is- but I can't say that this model in particular ever occurred to me. It has created a cycle for me in which, due to that anxiety being removed, I make fewer choices based on reactive emotions  and in turn, make better choices and have still been able to save money and pay down debt!

Productivity thy name is Balance. 

I've been making jewelry. Something I haven't done in years. I've felt inspired again. I finally wrote out an intensive business plan/proposal for a business I've wanted to have for 25 years. I've been keeping my house cleaner than I have in half a decade which actually makes me happier. My skin and hair look better. My relationships grow stronger.

I've almost broken my habit of waking up in a fit of dread because I have to go to work somewhere that pays great but makes me deeply unhappy. Old habits die hard, what can I say?

What a glorious sense of WELLTH indeed. Yes, I know that I will need to get back out there and take a job I don't love again for a while because it's what is right for us at the moment. The hubs graduates this week and we everything is up in the air about where he'll be working or where we may be going (or not). I know I'll take something positive from all of this not-knowing. It does throw this all into stark contrast, however.

I've had a taste of the good life. A beautiful world in which I have time for the things and people I love instead of just dreaming about it. It feels magical. I have dreamed of having a life and career balanced in such a way for decades and I actually wondered if it could happen. Now I know it can. I will have to do some stuff I don't like (big whoop- such is life) until I can manifest the career I want for myself. But I can do it.

I can. I can. I can.

It makes me emotional to even say it aloud.

 I've discovered that flexibility is a key factor in my work happiness and in turn, life happiness and balance. 

I've discovered that my wellth is true and will lead to all aspects of my life (especially including finances) growing healthier and stronger due to the fact that my brain, heart and psyche are all happier and humming along.

Balance begets growth. I'm all about it, y'all!

How is your wellth, friends? Here are a few links if you're interested in learning more about what "wellth" can mean.

• Wealthy. Wellthy. 
• Wellth is the new Wealth. 
• Deliciously Ella on Wellth. 
• Wellth by Jacob Wachob. 

For the win!

Post yard sale glow...and celebratory breakfast time!

Well, we had the yard sale on Saturday. Boy, does it ever feel good to have that over. I feel like I could get rid of a whole lot more too. I reckon I'll be making a few more passes through the ole storage unit over the next few weeks.

This was the storage unit before we loaded it up. I have to say even after eleven boxes, an enormous painting, some furniture and some odds and ends- it didn't look as empty as I'd hoped. I'm getting back in there over the next few weeks because I really want to downgrade.

Two truckloads of stuff! I also have a cute photo of my sweet friend who helped me, but the sun was shining right in his eyes and I didn't want to put a picture up without his approval ('cause I lurve ya hunneh).

You see...it was SO busy so early, that by 9:30 a.m., we had almost sold out of everything worth anything. When it died down, we called a local charity and they picked it all up for us while we went and had cold beers. Anyway, I wanted to get a picture of the hullaballoo, but this is what I got instead.

And then I made that cheddar y'all! It was my 3rd most successful yard sale, but I'm grateful for it and I'm thankful to be rid of so much stuff. I think there had to be at least an actual ton of stuff we got rid of. It feels good! And ridding myself of the unnecessary is rather addictive!

So what did y'all do with your weekend? I'd love to know! I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Thoughts on Time (Part 2)

Through the Looking Glass

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope your weekend has been wonderful! Hopefully you didn't have to go to work today (I've been told it's a holiday), but if you did- you have my sincerest sympathy and understanding!)

Well last week, I wrote this post about the more "bigger picture" aspects of time management. Today, I'm breaking down a few organizational aspects of time management. Some of these ideas are super simple, some are common sense and others are maybe not fun, but they pay off. Here we go!

Keep it simple, Sister!

#1. Write it all down & Utilize a calendar.

Contrary to popular belief (particularly in the world of "time management" research), one does not need anything fancy or expensive to do this (even that stuff seen above). It's fine if that's what helps you feel more productive, but it doesn't work for me and in reality is so completely unnecessary. To me, it is a way to distract from the real tasks at hand by occupying my mind with the project that has to occur before being able to do the real work of organizing. 

To rephrase: I can't organize my time better because I don't have a $300 Filofax organizational system. I'll spend two weeks compiling everything I need to be organized then I'll really get started."

Ugh. Just write it down. Write down all the things you need to do. Write down your daily stuff, write down your short term goals, write down your long term goals. Write down important bill dates etc. project/event/appointment dates too. Stop avoiding it. Get out a calendar and a steno pad and just do it. After you get it all down, you can organize it however you want. First things first, though. 

Also, you must remember that to manage your time better, you have to tend to it regularly. You have to sit down five minutes a day or a half hour a week (whatever works with your headspace) and update, change, move around, rearrange and re-prioritize your goals and tasks etc. Which brings me to the next point.

Dr. Evil loves air quotes just as much as I do.

#2. Determine what is urgent (versus personal priority).

Sure it will be scandalously gratifying to spend three hours tending to a project on your to-do list. Crossing it off the list feels so good! But if you did that and didn't go to the grocery store before a busy week ahead, you are setting yourself up for time management failure. Balance is paramount.

Determining what is urgent (sitting down and doing your taxes, making sure your car is cared for before a road trip, getting the week's groceries purchased and prepped for that long week ahead, getting your kid's school play costume started (instead of binge-watching House), getting a just rough draft of your Great American Novel completed etc.

Those are bigger picture items that get you to a better place so that you have the time to work on other things like: making your bathroom cabinets look Pinterest-worthy, learning how to do a perfect fishtail braid, watching the latest episode of Downton, or spending a few hours delving into the backstory of a character you're workshopping for that Great American Novel. You get my point? No? Let me put it another way:

Party on, Wayne!

#3. Get the no-fun stuff out of the way first and earliest in the day.

Otherwise said by no lesser a sage than Wayne Campbell from Wayne's World (paraphrased of course): "It's like rushing home on Friday after school and getting all your homework done early so the rest of the weekend, you're free to party."

Simply stated: You'll feel buttloads better getting the no-fun stuff done early which makes the rest of your day feel so conquerable! It is a positivity snowball that gives you piles and piles of more time at the end of the day for the things you want to do; the things that make you happiest and bring you the most satisfaction and joy! 

That's what we're all after in the end, isn't it?!

Yep.

#4. Plan. Plan for tomorrow, then have a contingency plan (or two).

I can tell you hardly no other thing about time management that helps more than this simple idea. And yes, I'm familiar with the colloquial saying "the surest way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans".

However, planning has gotten a bad rep. It seems to be associated with mouse-eyed Type-A's that can't seem to remove the stick from their ass no matter how badly they need to. Real life planning isn't like that.

This is what planning is:
*Making a meal plan for your week, allowing for wiggle room in case a last-minute celebratory outing with friends, family or kids pops up. This kind of planning frees up major money so more fun life stuff is possible.

*Planning is keeping a bag in the trunk of the car that has bottles of water, granola bars and a change of clothes in case there is an emergency or your car breaks down in July and AAA is delayed due to a bizarro pickle truck flipping over on the opposite side of the interstate.

*Planning is keeping a spare box of pasta noodles and spaghetti sauce in the pantry in case one week you have an unexpected bill and can't afford your typical fare. Or a friend is sick and you want to do something for her family while she's stuck in bed. Boom. No extra money needed and you've done a nice deed for someone you love.

Planning isn't filling every single moment of every day and evening with some task, project, event, sport, hobby, etc. The goal of planning is to simplify- to quiet. Not to occupy or busy oneself.

 And that's another thing! Planning is just taking the time to anticipate what can't be anticipated so when life happens (AND IT ALWAYS DOES, Y'ALL!), you aren't derailed. You aren't standing on the side of the interstate waiting for AAA in 100 degree weather, ready to pass out from dehydration (I use this example because I've had that happen and thank goodness I had water in the car)!

If you plan properly, you can be super flexible and enjoy all (or at least more) of life's little curveballs. Sometimes curveballs are the best thing ever, but only if you can manage your stuff enough to be able to glean the positive from each situation!

Alright, okay. That's enough of a lesson for today. I do have a lot left to say on the topic though, so stay tuned for Wednesday's update. Time management doesn't have to be daunting if you approach it with good headspace. Seriously. A little goes a long way toward having the life you want. I know because I'm doing it myself after years and years of struggling.

Check ya later, pals! I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Thoughts on waste...

Cornucopia

I don't know about y'all, but I seriously had a few moments over the past week where I was a little stunned at the amount of food I had to throw out because of surplus and it going bad. I can't stand the idea of wasting food. It makes me mad, not only because I've been in a "can't afford to waste it" place before and never want to go there again. I feel, quite honestly, that there should be no reason, without planning and vigilance, that one could not save a tremendous amount of money on not wasting food.

I spring for the organic, free-range products. It's important to me and after sacrificing that value out of sheer necessity in years past, I celebrate that privilege whenever I can. Some people place value on quantity, some on brands, some on gourmet items etc. Whatever is right for you and your family is what is right for you and yours. I'm already spending the dough though, so there is no reason why I should throw anything away without consuming it. There is no reason that its happening other than laziness and disorganization! Humbling admission, y'all.

Do you have any tricks to preventing food waste? It just hurt my heart and my conscience knowing that I was not only wasting money and food, but I was wasting it while there are people in my own town that would have loved that food (or the equivalent in money- SERIOUSLY!), you know? Ugh.

Anyway, I found a few resources I wanted to share with you guys. I already do some of the things on this list, like plan meals and have even done the pantry surprise aka "use it up" nights every now and then. I still feel like I could do better. Could you? I feel that with a little diligence a lot could be spared. Check out these links and see for yourself!

*6 habits to prevent food waste.

*How to store leafy greens (so they don't turn into that icky green slimy cess pool by the end of the week *shudder*).

*12 ways to prevent food waste at home.

*How to maximize your freezer's potential and prevent freezer burn/food waste.

*34 ways to waste less food (did you know breaking apart your bananas increases their life exponentially? I sure didn't!)


Have a truly wonderful  (and non-wasteful) day! P.S. I'm a total nerd.

OMG

Josephine.

Y'all, I crunched some numbers. I wanted to see how much money the hubs and I have spent on eating out and cocktails this year. Wow. Remember your Mama always saying "don't ask a question if you don't want to hear the answer"? Um yeah.

If you go looking for stink, you're gonna find some shit, people. And that's the dern truth.

I won't disclose the amount. Don't want to be tackier than I already am. However, a light has certainly been turned onto some habits built during a deep emotional low that have been continued out of habit or feeling like "I deserve it". Time to plug those holes in the dam, so I can manifest some really good changes in my life, y'all! Now that's a need not a want.

Seriously though, it was very sobering (ironically) to realize that that money spent could have paid off 44% of our current debt. 44%!!!!!!!!! Whaaaaaaaat?! Ouch.

A moment of silence please.

Now I know it isn't realistic to assume we (as humans with human friends and things to do and celebrate) would not go out at all for a year. However, I think it is more than entirely feasible to trim that nonsense back by a hefty percentage!

I've got a goal for the new year (but starting this very moment) to quell that negligent spendy spendy craziness. What do you do to keep from blowing wads of cash in dribs and drabs? Do you do anything at all or is it free willy all the time? I'd love to know- for real, yo. I don't ever want to feel that pit in my stomach again. Whew lordy, no!

Have a lovely and budget-friendly day, y'all!

Little Victories!

Hey y'all! Happy Monday! Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was great, but I spent a large amount of it at work and quite exhausted. Still, I tried to make the best of it (one must manifest the positive). Well, around here on Mondays I like to share some of the little victories I've had in hopes that you'll take the time to notice yours. It's the little victories, after all, that make progress possible. So, here we go!

*Remember that budgeting plan from last week? It totally worked. Like gangbusters, yo! Not only did we have a nice little fun money account; at the end of the weekend, we still had $14! It may not seem like much, but y'all- that's some serious progress!

*I walked/jogged six days last week. Not that it totaled that much (seven miles or so), it's still better than my ass sitting on the couch watching videos of otters. Ahem. Which is something I like to do sometimes, but never mind that.

*I finally nailed down a few smoothie recipes to try. I've been so bad about breakfast over the past few weeks and its my absolute favorite meal. So, I found a few recipes- some super duper healthy and some just delicious sounding and I'm trying them this week. Gotta nourish the body, guys!

*I got this post done. Late. Like seven hours late, but I got it done! And now this sleep-deprived little lady is going to take a big girl nap. Or at least try to!

What little victories did you accomplish this weekend or today? I'd love to know!!!


I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

No act of kindness, no matter how small...

Proverb.

It's Wednesday y'all. Lord, have I had the longest week already! Yesterday all kinds of crazy found me. I'm sure part of it is my fault for letting it find me (or paying the piper, so to speak). But man! I was a ball of stress/grumpiness/exhaustion/frustration. I wanted to vent and be a piss-ant. I wanted to drink a bottle of wine and eat peanut butter for dinner (sometimes being a grown up is awesome). I wanted to run away from everything that was pissing me off. You know, like healthy people do, right? Geesh.

I sat down at my computer to work on today's post, and laughed out loud (well, kind of snort-chuckled). I was sitting down to compile a list of people, organizations, animals etc. that could use whatever help they can get, and I've been bitching and whining and being a butt about little things that are so super controllable. I embarrassed myself, frankly. Remember when I said this blog is just as much for me as it is for everyone who reads it? Yeah, that's the big time truth.

So, I took a little extra time to find more folks to help. It made my heart feel better and maybe it can help theirs too. Here we go!

*Remember the Semolina Superhero fundraiser (the smallest American pasta company) from a few weeks ago? Well, thanks to everyone that contributed, they made their goal!! Yaaaay!! While we're at it, let's help Clark Theriot publish a Cajun-Vegan cookbook! Sounds fantastic!

*An 11 year old developed an IV pediatric backpack for kids with cancer. They're almost to their goal (only $4000 to go!!). Check out the video here!

*Help fund Thor's (the cat) surgery!! They're almost to their goal (only $40 away)!

*Spread hope through dance for Rwandan street children!

*Wow! Check this out! American Sanctuary Association has tons of great accredited American animal sanctuaries to choose from! The Forest Animal Rescue has my attention (the post about Blizzard had my waterworks a-going).

Any organizations or charities you like to give to? I'd love to know! Remember, even just $5 can make a huge difference for so many. And as for me and my mood and perspective...changed for the better.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Thoughts on Mistakes (Repeating/Learning from etc.)

Jay Gatsby ala Baz Lurhman's The Great Gatsby.

I spent too much money two weekends ago going out to eat several nights in a row. I was really upset with myself for being so lazy it affected my budget (greatly). I beat myself up and spent the entire week being very budget conscious (not extreme austerity, but careful). Guess what I did this weekend? I repeated the same mistakes again! Even though I didn't necessarily want to, I sure was quick to justify it! Now part of that was for social reasons and my husband's cabin fever. However, I have been so upset with myself for doing it again. I could have justified one dinner, but four?! I'm not Jay Gatsby, for crying out loud!

It got me thinking about the cycles of behavior that happen for a lot of us (well, I'm speaking directly about myself but perhaps you can relate). In other times in my life I was making far bigger mistakes than I am making now, and somehow was able to forgive myself because I knew I was struggling, growing, climbing and clawing my way up to a better existence. But why couldn't I forgive myself for two weekends of budget blow outs? What was the difference?

All I can gather is that perhaps, this was far more controllable a mistake to manage. There were no reasons other than laziness and cabin fever to speak of. I had the ability to say no every time I said yes. That's on me. It's also something that I've been so proud of lately- money management. That's why I'm so mad I could spit, I reckon. I let myself down and sabotaged my financial goals. Of course then, my mind wandered a bit to other cycles in my life that are totally controllable that I keep on repeating, the other "sabotages". Some big things, some microscopic. I chose a beer when I could have had tea and kept in tune with my health and fitness goals, for example.

 I simply do not want to repeat mistakes over and over again (I recognize that I'm a human and humans have a tendency to do that, but I want to cut as much out as is feasible). I don't want to sabotage my future goals for whatever reason I can come up with at any given moment. I want to stay true to my goals and make it happen. It's part of that "no one is going to swoop in and save me" thing.

So, this is what I'm going to do this week:

*I'm creating an adjusted grocery budget for the rest of the week so I can make delicious meals at home (and in advance) so there isn't another excuse to go out.

*Every day I keep to it, I'll transfer $20 to a separate checking account.

*At the end of the week (the tempting time for us to go out and do stuff), I'll use that money and that money only for a fun lunch or dinner with the hubs.

*I'm also going to start stashing $50 from every paycheck for the holidays. I work retail and I'm always exhausted/grumpy when it rolls around, this will be one less thing I can bitch about.

*No extraneous spending for the next week. No tchotchkes or smoothies, no candles or clothes. Nada. I've got plenty.


What are your goals? Have you ever found yourself accidentally sabotaging your goals? What do you do to keep yourself focused on your goals and not let your feelings/laziness/obligations etc. get in the way? I'd love to know!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day, y'all. Be kind to yourself!

Spread the Love

Hello friends! If you're ever having a hard day, do something nice for someone else. It may sound overly-simplified and perhaps a bit trite, but it really works. I've been in my head a lot over the past week and honestly the only thing that pulled me out today is finding new people and organizations and causes to give to. Every Wednesday at P&PPS is all about giving, so here's this week's list of people and animals you can help. Let's keep a cycle of generosity going!

*There are 18 days and less than $1600 away from Carly Jacobs getting a bus for the special needs children at the Waratah School. Help her out!

*And Desert Farm Initiative, featured here several weeks ago, made they're goal! Yay! Read about their mission here!

*Be a Semonlina superhero! Help this small pasta factory expand to a bigger facility. Heh. Semolina superhero.

*Help tribal peoples defend their lives, protect their lands, and determine their own futures. Survival International.

*Help fund tracking for Monarch butterfly migratory patterns. How cool!

*Help preserve the native language and culture of the Scottish Gaelic people.

*Sign the petition asking Lowe's CEO to stop selling plants treated in bee-killing pesticides, and donate to Friends of the Earth.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!


Image courtesy of Original Only.

Spread the Love.

Happy Pig courtesy of nayamina.

Wednesdays are unique. You're half thrilled that the workweek is over, but kind of "blech" that there are still two days left. I feel it is sometimes overlooked as something you have to get through. I don't even have a regular work week yet I always find myself in that funny "Wednesday Place", thinking I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I think Wednesday is a good day to take inventory of your week. See where you may have fallen off the bandwagon and make a few changes to boost your good vibes.

Have you fallen into any negativity traps? Have you had successes?! Either way, use this time to realign yourself on the positivity tracks and/or celebrate your victories. Here are some ways you can put some good out there and help others in need. Remember, every little thing makes a difference, even just $5.

*Turnip the Beet Farm was featured here several weeks ago! They're almost to their goal! Help them out! Yay! That's so exciting!

*Help the residents of Sasha Farm Sanctuary & Safe Haven for Animals! You can even sponsor an animal like Rosie the Emu, Precious the Pig, or Johan the Mule. I think I may just do that. I can't resist those little faces!

*Best Friends Animal Society. A way to save homeless pets. Save them all.  It's a really beautiful organization and, like SASHA, you can sponsor an animal- even ones with special needs. I've been quite moved spending time on their page.

*Help Clinton & George find a home. What strong and resilient boys indeed. Wow.

*Help keep a roof over Kristal's head in Ahoskie, North Carolina.

*One last gift for Nurse Amy.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

Little Things

Image courtesy of my awesome Pinterest board.

Last week I talked about a few of my little victories in life. It's nothing earth-shattering, however, those little victories add up to so much change so very quickly, it can be astounding! Here is a handful of mine this week, reminders that not all is lost if you slip up here and there (and have that third glass of wine- hiccup!)

*I was having a blue day. Shit happens, you know? Weird dreams partnered with a wicked sinus headache. I knew I was going to be working with someone on the job that has been a psychic and emotional drain lately. I let the negativity in a little bit; but on the way to work, I gave myself a pep talk. I literally quoted myself from this blog to myself. Weird? Maybe. I need this blog just as much as anyone else reading. Anyway- I got into work and I fought the negativity. It took a lot more effort because I had already let it in, but I did it smile after smile. Mantra after mantra, I plowed through eight hours of needy clients and stayed positive. Even when two clients insulted me several times, by the time they left I had them smiling and telling me to "stay fun". I'd say that's a victory- and I didn't feel like wadded up street garbage by the time I got off work either. Huzzah! Oh- and that co-worker I was worried about? She was inexplicably in a good mood all day...huh! Wonder why?

*I ignored a few negativity traps. Do you know what these are? I bet you do. You can almost sense a set up for them, particularly when you are trying to practice peace and positivity. A co-worker asks: "How're you doing today?" and you can hear it in their voice that they want to complain when you turn around and say "Fine, how are you?". Instead of falling into one of those, I decided to say "FANTASTIC!" or "I'm really doing well! How about you? I bet your night off was wonderful!". It disarmed the negativity traps and forced them to attempt to make more pleasant small talk. I've been a beast of negativity in these situations in the past, using my sarcasm to bitch about this or that because I didn't like my job (or this or that or another thing). Of' course there are the ones who will say, "HORRIBLE. Everything went wrong!". In those cases, I find its best and easiest to say something along the lines of: "Oh that's a shame! I hope that you have a much better day today." or simply smile and say: "I'm sorry to hear that." and walk away. The best way to remove a negativity monster from your presence is to starve it. Don't play with them. Those bastards bite, and they are venomous. Truck on like a boss with positivity shooting out from your fingers and toes and smile!!

*I didn't buy the thing. My husband and I are on a budget. Well, der- everyone is these days. But I've got a plan. A nest egg plan and a debt-free plan. I'm a bit of a terrier about these things usually but haven't been for a few years because Depression and Dionysus blessed me heartily with an exhausted set of coping mechanisms and deep love of pleasure and wine and good food (Oh yeah, and laziness). When I'm bored at work or running late, or tired on my way home I'll often stop and pick up a thing. A quick-fix lunch, a wine or beer, a dinner out when I don't feel like cooking, a thing I don't need but just feel I deserve. I didn't buy the thing this week! Well, in full disclosure, I did twice (beer for the hubs- but I did that on the cheap so, snaps!). But twice out of the potential of possibly 19 times (and way more monies). That's pretty great. I saved beaucoup bucks. I didn't feed the shame spiral of spending more than I should or regretting this or that. Just that will help me feel stronger and more capable and confident for the upcoming week! I'll take that 89% success rate instead of the 11% not-failing rate, yes sir'ee.


 Did you have any little victories this week? I'd love to know, please share below!

I hope you have a truly wonderful day, y'all. Cheers!