It's My Job

This morning I had a chance to reflect on several people who made a difference in my life. Family, friends, preachers, teachers who sometimes said or did the smallest things, made a difference and I carry those things forever. Maybe it was a "don't do that" or a "this is what you should do", or even "that look" across the room. At times it was a gift or loaning something to me until my parents could afford the item I needed. I had the best "hand-me-downs" a girl (and even an adult) could ask for. At other times, it was a chance or a second start. God knows I've needed second, third, and I'll just stop counting chances. 

I only hope that I can do the same.  It's the one way that I can attempt to adequately say, "Thank You". It's not always easy. Actually, the gift giving and the little acts of kindness are fun and easy. Whatever you have is a gift anyway. 

The advice, the "don't do that" part is more difficult. I'm not perfect, that's how I learned this. The older I get, the less I hold back. I'm sure it causes resentment, but I would be remiss if I didn't share what I've learned through my life experiences as those before me have done. If only I had listened....

Before my late Mother passed away, we were having a big laugh about her knowing everything and generally being in my business when I was growing up. Her reply was, "That's my job". So when I re-gift whether its a treat, a hug, a word of wisdom, or I'm just "telling you like it is" remember, "That's my job". 

How many people helped mold you? Are you sharing your gifts and your life lessons or are you being complacent? Are you doing your job? Make a difference, be an influence. 

That pile on the floor

It seems insignificant doesn't it? A pile of jeans on the floor. Waiting for the the washer. To someone losing weight, it's an NSV (non-scale victory). When you've gained weight, a pile of jeans is not usually in your dirty laundry. They are avoided because you can't fit into your old ones and you refuse to buy that larger size. You resort to sweat pants, yoga pants, anything with a stretchy waistband.

So here's the reason that I now have a pile of jeans on the floor. (Please excuse the messy room. This is my candid shot on the way to the gym.) Progress. Little by little, I'll get there. I have lost 14.7 pounds since January. Since I started using My Fitness Pal, my weight loss is  at 27 pounds. (We won't mention the last time that I lost 40 pounds.) No, I haven't lost fifty pounds,or even twenty yet, but a quick glance in the mirror gives me more inspiration and it should give you inspiration too.  Don't get caught up in that competitive trap of saying, "I've only lost_______". Only? Really? Proudly state how much weight you've lost and say, "Thank You" to that compliment.

We deserve those moments and we worked hard to achieve them, so be proud of the 1 pound weight loss, the jeans that fit so own them, the stairs that you can walk without getting winded and use them as motivation. Do it for you.