Embracing Positive Feedback

In this day of electronic communication, we have a unique opportunity to capture some of the positive feedback we get- in writing. As an employee who strives to be innovative, creative and hard-working, when I get positive feedback, I hang on to it! I have an email folder entitled "Yay Me!" which contains all emails telling me that I've done a good job or show an appreciation for work or collaborative efforts that have paid off favorably. I have every variety of positive feedback readily available for me to review on a day where perhaps the negative outshines the positive.
I encourage everyone to keep a "yay me" file of their own, if for no other reason to literally acknowledge the fact that someone in your life has recognized your hard work, your dedication, your victories, whatever they may be. It's important to feel validated from time to time, and this is a great way to boost yourself up! I also review these little gems before a difficult meeting, project, encounter- whatever. It helps me to feel the confidence others have in me, so that I can in turn have it in myself. So, don't be afraid to relish those moments of appreciation and recognition, they're fuel for your fire to continue to do well, or pick yourself up after you fall. It's how we can continue to stay motivated in life.
It's also worth noting that you should share your appreciation for others' work with them. It takes no time at all to recognize people in your life and tell them they're good at what they do, or offer some tidbit of inspiration. You never know when your words are the ones keeping someone going...

Dominating the Week

Being as busy as I am makes it necessary for me to put a little extra work in so we can have home-cooked meals each night. I take most of the day on Sunday to make the meals we'll eat all week, or at least get them to a place of preparation so they can be tossed in the oven to cook.
I always feel a huge sense of accomplishment by getting my meals prepped. It gives me great satisfaction to know I'm still able to take the time to prepare our meals because sharing food I have made is still one of my favorite ways to show how much I love the people in my life. I know my husband appreciates a home-cooked meal, and I know it means we're eating healthy (as long as we're not eating too much!)
It gives me an opportunity too, this Sunday event of mass multi-tasking, to feel the fulfillment I typically get out of being in my kitchen, with my apron on, cutting, mixing, and tasting away. Everyone wins when I take time to do something I love to do!
Also- it's great to start out my week knowing I have that huge responsibility off of my plate and I can focus on spending some quality time with my son before he goes to bed, and with my husband before I dive into my grad school work. I've dominated my week already, have you?

How I do what I do...

I've been asked on several occassions "How do you do it all?!"

I'm a full-time employee, a wife, a mother, a grad student, a musician, now exercising daily, counting my calories and I manage to stay motivated and positive (for the most part.)

Well, I'd posted it in a status on Facebook once upon a time, but I want to make it official here:
I do what I do and am capable of doing it for this simple reason:

I never let myself think that I can't do it.

I have too much going on to invest any negative energy in self-doubt. And while it IS a constant struggle to keep all the balls I'm juggling in the air, just going for it is proving to be completely worthwhile.

I used to put a lot of energy into self-doubt, and it just about ate me alive. I'm not the most confident person in the world, I struggle with a lot of body-image issues, self-esteem issues, and just general insecurities...but I manage to be very high functioning despite all of this.

I believe in trying. I believe in having faith in yourself and trust that you can do something and do it well...and I believe in learning from shortfalls and or failure. It's unrealistic to think you'll never fail at something, but that should never be a reason to not go for it. I'm going for it...all of it...and so should you. Life is far more fulfilling that way. Also- it doesn't hurt to have a husband who believes in me whole-heartedly and who has my back no matter what. I hope many more of you out there are lucky enough to have that, or to have it someday and know what it is to be completed by having that kind of love and support in place.

That's a shout-out to you, Luke. You make being me possible by being you. :) Thank you!

Turning Over a New Leaf...Exercising for Wellness

Since the last time I blogged, I've been able to lose about 4lbs. I joined Loseit.com and keep track of my exercise and my calories now. I keep getting badges from them that praise me for exercising, for staying under my calories, and somehow all of this continues to motivate me to work hard to reach my goal. I'm friends with some amazing women on Facebook and we're on a mission to lose weight and get in shape together. I feel a strong sense of community with them, and I feel good about talking about diet and exercise with them...and challenging them to join me on these ridiculous several day-long exercise adventures...and I hold up my end of the bargain just because I've thrown it out there. Who knew that could be so motivating? Which reminds me...I'm due to institute another challenge.

I do yoga every day, if I'm healthy enough to do it. I have enough dvd's now that I can change it up and keep it challenging and interesting. I feel like a new woman after I complete a workout. I have addressed the issue of needing to get exercise, have acquired some much needed "me" time, and I have relaxed myself so I can be my best for the rest of the night and on into the next day. I only wish I had started this a long time ago...but better late than never...and better to be turning over that new leaf now so I can hopefully (finally) establish the healthy habit that is exercising for wellness and not just weight-loss.