Have you ever had one of those days, you know, the kind when you wake up and it might take a tidal wave or a heavy crane to get your out of bed? I had one of those this morning. It took more than 30 minutes just to convince myself to get out of bed instead of calling in for a mental health day.
Once I was out of bed, things just seemed to get worse. My coffee ended up on my first outfit so I changed. The butter from my Eggos on my second outfit. I managed to make it to work in my third outfit. It's a good thing I did laundry over the weekend.
I maintained a grumpy and irritable attitude all day long. At lunch, I spilled my soda on a coworkers shoes (she was wearing sandals). Then I dropped bar-b-que chicken on my khaki pants. By that time I'm certain my wardrobe wished I had not left my pajamas.
Hours later I'm home, I've eaten a microwave dinner in pjs and I'm ready to go to bed even though the sun hasn't set.
This day reminded me of one thing, sometimes you should go with your first instinct, it's probably the right one. When your body is screaming that it needs a break or your mind just wants to hide under the covers for a random day, why not go ahead and do something for yourself.
I fought my need for a mental health day and ended up grumpy and pissed off when I should have used a sick day and curled up with a good book and a mug of tea.
So how would you spend a mental health day?
If you had the time and it wouldn't traumatize your work schedule or coworkers, what would you do. For a single day you can take a break and so what makes you feel better. How would you spend that day?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Pleasure of Post-Its
This might be a little off topic but I just have to praise post-its today. Getting new office supplies always makes me a little cheery but today I opened two new packages of post-its in my office and I couldn’t help but grin.
You see the weather has been quite gray of late and I’ve been a little on the bummed out side. My post-its are friendly, over sized AND have lines on them. The lined post-it takes the invention of the post-it into a new stratosphere. But when you add enough room to write plus bright, happy colors, all is right with the world. I have an orangey-pink (or pinky-orange), a soft lime green and a pastel pumpkin pad. This covers all my bases and I can make notes to myself to my heart’s content.
I brought the pleasure of post-its home from the office. Yesterday I reorganized all of my archived email into a more productive (and easy to find) system then updated my many desk post-its with the TO DO for next week. After that I had to go to Staples on my way home so I could purchase the post-its for my office, hence the pleasure of organizing on my relaxing Saturday.
I am reminded that sometimes all it takes is a little thing to make me smile. So what makes you smile?
Do you love fresh school supplies at the end of summer? Or the scent of garden soil in the heat? Whatever you love, consider writing yourself a small reminder (on a post-it of course) to look at any time you’re feeling a bit of stress.
You see the weather has been quite gray of late and I’ve been a little on the bummed out side. My post-its are friendly, over sized AND have lines on them. The lined post-it takes the invention of the post-it into a new stratosphere. But when you add enough room to write plus bright, happy colors, all is right with the world. I have an orangey-pink (or pinky-orange), a soft lime green and a pastel pumpkin pad. This covers all my bases and I can make notes to myself to my heart’s content.
I brought the pleasure of post-its home from the office. Yesterday I reorganized all of my archived email into a more productive (and easy to find) system then updated my many desk post-its with the TO DO for next week. After that I had to go to Staples on my way home so I could purchase the post-its for my office, hence the pleasure of organizing on my relaxing Saturday.
I am reminded that sometimes all it takes is a little thing to make me smile. So what makes you smile?
Do you love fresh school supplies at the end of summer? Or the scent of garden soil in the heat? Whatever you love, consider writing yourself a small reminder (on a post-it of course) to look at any time you’re feeling a bit of stress.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Unsolicited Questions
On Monday I mentioned I would offer some fun responses to a few of the dreaded questions and comments we often receive as 30 approaches.
Feel free to add your own using the comments section.
I’ll post any I receive in another blog.
Don’t you hear that biological clock ticking?
My clock’s defective. It never ticks, bongs, gongs or rings. Have you tried the mute button? It works great.
Your eggs aren’t getting any younger.
Are they getting older? Do they go stale? What science is this? Suddenly I’m 30 and I’ve started storing old eggs, that’s just nasty. (And a little contrary to the science I’ve heard about.)
It’s too late to start over.
Says who? It’s never too late until you’re dead. (Unless you believe in the afterlife, then it’s really never too late.)
Isn’t it time to settle into a normal life?
What’s normal? Do you mean boring?
If you don’t start looking, you’ll never find the right guy.
Is he hiding under a rock? Or maybe the “right guy” has an expiration date?
Who will take care of you if you don’t have children?
I’m planning on pygmy aliens taking over the world. I’ll greet them when they enter the atmosphere and ask to be taken to their leader. Either they’ll kill me or make me a sex slave; either way, I’m covered for my senior years.
You don’t want to grow old alone.
What makes you think I’m going to suddenly like people more as I get older?
Please send me your responses to unsolicited expectations/questions about turning 30.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Quote from Unconventional Ideas
Today I’d like to introduce you to an idea from one of my favorite websites –
The Art of Nonconformity.
“At all stages of life, people will gladly offer you unsolicited lists of things you “must” do, be, or have. Most of the time you can nod your head, walk away, and ignore them.”
Quoted from Chris Guillebeau creator of http://www.artofnonconformity.com in his Short Collection of Unconventional Ideas.
30 is one of those times, those “stages of life” when people all over will give you lists. I’ve written before about the lists you may have made of things you wanted to do before turning 30. I’ve even mentioned how one author made a success of her series about her own turning 30 list [link to the previous blog entry]
But reading Chris’ entry I was reminded about those “other” people who may be providing lists that are filling your head, putting you down or just increasing your dread of the next birthday. Such lists may come from a well-meaning mom, sister, cousin, friend, dry cleaner, boss or just some random stranger on the street. If anyone and everyone seems to feel free to comment on your life’s aims and desires, maybe we should start commenting back.
I’ve made a list of the common expectations I’ve heard from the well-meaning and strangers.
Don’t you hear that biological clock ticking?
Your eggs aren’t getting any younger.
You cannot go back to school now; you’ll be older than everyone there.
It’s too late to start over.
You should know who you are by now.
If you haven’t found yourself by now, maybe you were never lost.
Isn’t it time to settle into a normal life?
Shouldn’t you be working the system you’re already in? (This apparently applies to work and life equally.)
If you don’t start looking, you’ll never find the right guy.
Don’t you want to be married?
Who will take care of you if you don’t have children?
You don’t want to grow old alone.
AND THE LIST GOES ON & ON.
I’ve decided to follow Chris’ advice and nod, walk away, and ignore. Then move on to something more interesting.
What about you? What do you do with the unsolicited advice about turning 30?
Later this week I’ll share some fun responses to the above questions.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
New Entrepreneurs
I read an article in USA Today earlier this week that argued how new small businesses and entrepreneurs will be the ones to turn around the economy, not big business and government.
This started me thinking, who has the biggest and best chance of starting over with a new enterprise in the present situation - US.
Unlike our older counterparts who are losing their steady jobs just a few years from retirement, at 30 we have the opportunity to take a chance without threatening our entire future. Then unlike our younger counterparts, we have the experience and skills to be successful as entrepreneurs.
Whether you are suddenly unemployed, looking to earn some extra dough or just ready to make a change - now is the perfect time. Women at 30 are well placed to take advantage and start a new enterprise right now.
So what will you do to change your life (or change the world)?
This started me thinking, who has the biggest and best chance of starting over with a new enterprise in the present situation - US.
Unlike our older counterparts who are losing their steady jobs just a few years from retirement, at 30 we have the opportunity to take a chance without threatening our entire future. Then unlike our younger counterparts, we have the experience and skills to be successful as entrepreneurs.
Whether you are suddenly unemployed, looking to earn some extra dough or just ready to make a change - now is the perfect time. Women at 30 are well placed to take advantage and start a new enterprise right now.
So what will you do to change your life (or change the world)?
Start thinking, get moving, and your one GREAT IDEA might just turn around the fate of our world!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Be thankful for a moment
I’m traveling a lot for my day job which means I spend a lot of time in hotels, airports and strange towns. This week I’m calling Texas home. After a delayed flight and getting lost I managed to get to the hotel and then the office where I am working this week. Being around other travelers I’ve noticed that traveling is the time for complaining.
The present situation for the traveling public is a grim one – rising prices meet falling service. So wherever I go, I find people who are more than willing to complain about whatever situation they find themselves in.
What struck me today is that instead of whining and complaining, I’d rather be thankful. While sitting in my rental car earlier this morning I made a list of all the thinks I am happy about today:
Heat (winter will be here before I know it)
Air conditioning (to balance the heat)
Comfortable hotel bed
Money to eat out
Clean air to breathe
Comfy shoes
People who love me for who I am
Books to read
Stories to tell
Take this test today, no matter what your mood:
Stop for one minute, just 60 seconds, and list things you are grateful for today. Don't overthink this, just make a list in a rush.
Hopefully you'll that small activity will perk up your mood.
The present situation for the traveling public is a grim one – rising prices meet falling service. So wherever I go, I find people who are more than willing to complain about whatever situation they find themselves in.
What struck me today is that instead of whining and complaining, I’d rather be thankful. While sitting in my rental car earlier this morning I made a list of all the thinks I am happy about today:
Heat (winter will be here before I know it)
Air conditioning (to balance the heat)
Comfortable hotel bed
Money to eat out
Clean air to breathe
Comfy shoes
People who love me for who I am
Books to read
Stories to tell
Take this test today, no matter what your mood:
Stop for one minute, just 60 seconds, and list things you are grateful for today. Don't overthink this, just make a list in a rush.
Hopefully you'll that small activity will perk up your mood.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fake it ‘til you make it
I’m still thinking about body confidence this week because so many women have concerns as we get closer to 30. Whether you’re worried about a baby belly, early crows feet and laugh lines or just having to fight harder to maintain a toned physique; it doesn’t matter – our bodies worry us.
Getting back to your bathing suit worries. Just QUIT worrying. I promise that very few people are really looking at you or judging you when you’re sitting on the beach. They’re too busy worrying about their own flaws.
If you cannot get beyond your worry that your body isn’t perfect then try fakin’ it. The summer will be over long before you work your way through all possible body issues. So instead, try one of my favorite activities – FAKE IT!
Don’t go off on a tangent about what women fake in life. I don’t advocate faking your intimate moments. BUT I do advocate faking body confidence for as long as it takes to make it true.
Tell yourself you look hot or tell yourself that you are confident in your body. And keep having this conversation with yourself whenever you can until you believe what you’re saying.
Getting back to your bathing suit worries. Just QUIT worrying. I promise that very few people are really looking at you or judging you when you’re sitting on the beach. They’re too busy worrying about their own flaws.
If you cannot get beyond your worry that your body isn’t perfect then try fakin’ it. The summer will be over long before you work your way through all possible body issues. So instead, try one of my favorite activities – FAKE IT!
Don’t go off on a tangent about what women fake in life. I don’t advocate faking your intimate moments. BUT I do advocate faking body confidence for as long as it takes to make it true.
Tell yourself you look hot or tell yourself that you are confident in your body. And keep having this conversation with yourself whenever you can until you believe what you’re saying.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Dust off the swim suit
Summer is officially in full swing. If you haven’t gotten out to the beach or the pool yet, now is the time. If you are like many women approaching 30, you might be avoiding showing your skin in public. Whether you’ve put on a few pounds due to having children, or adopting the sedentary lifestyle of an office worker, you might be hiding yourself from the world.
Dwindling self confidence is one of the most common reasons women fear turning 30. This doesn’t have to be how you live your life – hidden, ashamed or nervous. Instead, use the heat of summer to get off the couch and into the sun.
If body confidence is slowing you down, I realize that no one can make you confident. However, there are a few resources to help remind you that you are beautiful and worthy just as you are.
You’d be pretty if…
Dara Chadwick
This is a mom’s report about how to help your daughter maintain a healthy outlook on her body by changing the way we talk about our own.
Body Confidence from the Inside Out
Penny Plautz
Penny Plautz stresses activities to help you recognize and work on the mental and emotional issues that create confidence in the body you live in. Instead of focusing on a strict diet and weight loss, this book encourages you to love the body you’re in, not just the body you dream of.
These are a couple books I’ve read recently to help boost body self-esteem. There are hundreds of other titles available so if you need a boost, find the book that works for you.
Dwindling self confidence is one of the most common reasons women fear turning 30. This doesn’t have to be how you live your life – hidden, ashamed or nervous. Instead, use the heat of summer to get off the couch and into the sun.
If body confidence is slowing you down, I realize that no one can make you confident. However, there are a few resources to help remind you that you are beautiful and worthy just as you are.
You’d be pretty if…
Dara Chadwick
This is a mom’s report about how to help your daughter maintain a healthy outlook on her body by changing the way we talk about our own.
Body Confidence from the Inside Out
Penny Plautz
Penny Plautz stresses activities to help you recognize and work on the mental and emotional issues that create confidence in the body you live in. Instead of focusing on a strict diet and weight loss, this book encourages you to love the body you’re in, not just the body you dream of.
These are a couple books I’ve read recently to help boost body self-esteem. There are hundreds of other titles available so if you need a boost, find the book that works for you.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Breaking an Age Barrier
I came across an article today that ran in USA Today a couple years ago. The article was titled Girls will be 30-year-old women and focused on how younger girls have started using spa services including manicures, pedicures, massages and facials.
What does this have to do with 30-year-old women you ask?
It’s not really a stretch. Once upon a time (about 5 years ago), the only people needing (or using) regular spa services were women who were consumed with getting older, ie the 30 year old woman. Our mothers expected to start looking “older” as they approached 30 and at that time reaching that age meant women had to seriously focus on creams, lotions and body maintenance.
For good or bad, the 30 age barrier has been broken when it comes to beauty and personal care products. Instead, females start partaking as early as 8 to 10 years of age. While I don’t necessarily support 8 year olds getting manicures and facials, I do support girls of all ages taking care of themselves. So if teens and women in their 20s are now looking at using sunscreen, putting on moisturizer and drinking tons of water to maintain their young skin – I’m happy that we’re taking care of ourselves, even if beauty is the stronger motivator over health.
Now that you’re turning 30, the good news is that you don’t have to suddenly start worrying about your health or your looks.
Chances are you just need to keep taking care of yourself. Pamper your body and your soul often and soon you’ll find that age is just a number with very little meaning about the value of your life. So start planning to take a break this weekend; visit a spa for a massage or just get a polish change at the nail salon. You’ll be happier (and more relaxed) by taking care of yourself.
What does this have to do with 30-year-old women you ask?
It’s not really a stretch. Once upon a time (about 5 years ago), the only people needing (or using) regular spa services were women who were consumed with getting older, ie the 30 year old woman. Our mothers expected to start looking “older” as they approached 30 and at that time reaching that age meant women had to seriously focus on creams, lotions and body maintenance.
For good or bad, the 30 age barrier has been broken when it comes to beauty and personal care products. Instead, females start partaking as early as 8 to 10 years of age. While I don’t necessarily support 8 year olds getting manicures and facials, I do support girls of all ages taking care of themselves. So if teens and women in their 20s are now looking at using sunscreen, putting on moisturizer and drinking tons of water to maintain their young skin – I’m happy that we’re taking care of ourselves, even if beauty is the stronger motivator over health.
Now that you’re turning 30, the good news is that you don’t have to suddenly start worrying about your health or your looks.
Chances are you just need to keep taking care of yourself. Pamper your body and your soul often and soon you’ll find that age is just a number with very little meaning about the value of your life. So start planning to take a break this weekend; visit a spa for a massage or just get a polish change at the nail salon. You’ll be happier (and more relaxed) by taking care of yourself.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Change is around the corner
I’ve been caught up with working on my book marketing and my day job and have gotten behind on blogging. For that, I apologize. But things are going to change.
For the next few months I will be developing a new website about how we can change the world, one person at a time. While that site is in development, I will still be updating this blog.
The blog will be updated 3 times per week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
I have not forgotten how easy it is to get caught up in the negative swirl of change that happens when you approach turning 30. I’m still fighting against that negativity by keeping this blog positive.
Please keep your eyes open for regular updates on this blog. I’ll keep you up to date will all my upcoming travels and projects – including a new presence on Facebook, articles on several websites regarding turning 30, as well as an updated website that will connect to this blog.
So keep your eyes open and this blog will be back in the swing in no time.
For the next few months I will be developing a new website about how we can change the world, one person at a time. While that site is in development, I will still be updating this blog.
The blog will be updated 3 times per week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
I have not forgotten how easy it is to get caught up in the negative swirl of change that happens when you approach turning 30. I’m still fighting against that negativity by keeping this blog positive.
Please keep your eyes open for regular updates on this blog. I’ll keep you up to date will all my upcoming travels and projects – including a new presence on Facebook, articles on several websites regarding turning 30, as well as an updated website that will connect to this blog.
So keep your eyes open and this blog will be back in the swing in no time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
