Day 10 - Taking a Beat
Today I am challenged to take a beat and relish the top twenty-five positive things that have happened in the past ten days since I began the Hello, Fears Challenge. I’ve been writing in a wellness journal during this same time frame where I capture what I eat, what exercise I have done, and something I am grateful for each day. I am glad that I’ve already been in a grateful frame of mind over the past week and a half; it will help with today’s challenge.
A local hybrid publisher, Quiet Storm, uplifted the book I am working on through their social media platform. It feels good to be a part of a community that focuses on building others up instead of tearing them down.
I have been focused on drinking a lot of water during these hot summer days.
I read a poem that I wrote out loud to my writing group. It is a poem that I am putting in my book. I have never read anything I’ve written out loud before, so this was a little scary for me.
I remembered to do the Superman pose before going into a job interview last week. It really did improve my confidence level, and probably my posture.
I picked up a book about shopping for sustainable eating written by Kate Bratskeir, and within the first couple of pages I was hooked. I decided to write the author an email thanking her for writing the book. I didn’t expect her to respond but she did!
I have been trying to walk every day, but it was so hot out last week that I only went for a walk on Tuesday. In the past six days I have walked eleven miles! I also did an hour of “Hot” Tai Chi twice this week. I’ve totally made up for the days I wimped out.
A friend passed along a job posting to me that looked very promising. After reviewing the job description, I didn’t feel that I could meet all the job requirements, but I knew someone who could. I passed the job posting along to a different friend of mine and they got an interview! #teamwork
I’ve had some wild dreams this past week. They had me waking up and thinking, ‘what the heck was that all about?!’ Dreams mean that I have been sleeping and sleep has become somewhat elusive for me as of late, so I am pleased to dream, even if the dreams leave me making Dwayne Johnson style eyebrow raises.
I am making progress on the second draft of my book, Be More Pollyanna. Draft two is slow going because I am taking greater care in the content creation.
I scheduled a hair appointment. I have been hesitant to get my hair cut because I don’t know what I want to do with it. Since I am actively searching for quality employment, I must be mindful of the perception of professionalism that I project at job interviews. I still don’t know what’s going to happen at my appointment next week but at least I made the appointment.
I recently rewatched the Daredevil series. I forgot how much I liked the show. The story writing was great, the characters were well crafted, and the actors portrayed their characters beautifully. I remember my friend telling me that we couldn’t be friends anymore a couple of years ago when she learned that I hadn’t seen the show. I am sure she was joking…but just to be safe I watched it.
I have seen so many adorable animals on my walks through the neighborhood. Today I saw an adorable bunny sitting amongst a bunch of wildflowers near the river. I have observed so many families of geese over the summer. This past week has been different only in that the geese are now teenagers and look a lot like their parents, but they still make little squeaks instead of honks and small amounts of down are visible between their grown-up feathers. I love geese!
My dog, Willow Rose, turned four this week. She and my son have a special relationship; the way that dog looks at him is the sweetest thing. Willow is the loudest canine I’ve ever known. She doesn’t bark, she screams like an angry banshee but only when she’s jealous of the other doggos.
I went to a coffee shop I haven’t been to in ages, got myself a secret menu drink and sat outside to watch passersby. I even saw one of my former co-workers. It was nice to catch up for a moment before they headed toward work.
I got a nice mug from USD 259 for participating in a community discussion group. I collect mugs but fiscal responsibility (and shelf space) has prevented me from purchasing mugs this year.
I got the opportunity to participate in a community discussion group to help improve USD 259 schools. This opportunity was made possible because of my involvement with GLSEN Kansas.
The daily affirmations on my desk calendar have been on point this past week.
I feel like I have learned something about myself or have been reminded of something I forgot with each challenge I have completed over the past ten days.
My spouse has let me sleep in for several days this past week. Usually, I get up first and he’ll jump in the shower after I’ve dressed and am getting ready to head downstairs. This means coffee is already made when I step into the kitchen.
My kiddo got back on his bike this past week. He was in a car accident recently that left him with a concussion. This scary and dangerous experience had put a halt to bike riding, but he got back on his bike and rode to his friend’s house one evening. I am proud of him. It’s hard to get back into the habit of doing something after one’s sense of safety has been compromised.
I found my favorite marker set at The Dollar Tree the other day when my son and I were killing some time before an appointment. They are a three pack of double-sided scented markers with unicorns on them. I found them a long time ago and never thought I’d see them again. Big win.
I have been loving the music showing up on my randomized YouTube music radio stations this week. Good music helps set the mood, whether I’m writing a blog entry, a book chapter, or job application cover letter.
In Tai Chi this week, I finally felt like I was getting the routine down without having to peek at my teacher. I have been taking weekly classes for several months and it’s nice to feel that I am making progress.
I made a good batch of no bake cookies this week. I have had to be careful not to eat too many of them each day because, dang, they are tasty.
My son agreed to go see the Barbie movie with me at the theater this evening! We are even going to see the flick dressed in pink. I am excited.
Oof, that was harder than I thought. I recommend that you try this at home.
Stock image provided by Unsplash.
