Life Changes

I want to thank everyone who sent well wishes and prayers my way since the death of my Grandmother. Yvonne said it well...it is bittersweet. I end up with a smile on my face when I think of her and tears run down my cheeks when I think of myself. All the more reason to focus on her memory...lots of smiles! So today marks a special anniversary. One year ago today, I quit smoking. I had smoked for 6 years. Terrible, terrible habit and not very becoming. I enjoyed it very much, as most things that are bad for you are enjoyable. That is an awful irony. I quit cold turkey...no patches or gums or medication. It is behind me now. The problem is there is also more of my behind! I put on 30 pounds in the last year. Now for another life change. Taking off the weight. Actually, there is some much needed self improvement in many areas I am working on

Please do not think I am being critical of myself or too hard on myself. I am happy with the way I am taking my life right now. I have focused so intently on Charlotte and Zach for the last 7 years, that I forget about myself. I am starting to remember and include me in the process. That is a good thing. I am taking time to quilt, which I have set aside for sometimes months at a time in the last 7 years.

I am watching what I eat.

I LOVE red meat..but lean now. And I am adding more exercise.

I have been working on organization, and though I love Flylady and will continue to implement some of her ideas (I could not live without a shiny sink), I have changed my "mind set".

Just a change in wording can make all the difference. The word "Control" in the use of my Control Journal, made me feel almost OCD. I have since come across a system that I found to be so wonderful. In the change, an unexpected thing happened. The phrase Control Journal was replaced by the phrase "Home Management Binder" and somehow it felt more freeing. Now instead of the mindset of controlling my home, I am managing my home. Sounds much nicer and also gives me a lighter feeling. Hmmmm, the Bible says there is life and death in the power of the tongue. Words really do have power to make you feel one way or another. So I have went from this....to this.

Is it just that simple change that made all the difference? No, not quite. The entire layout of the binder is different. I am having a blast putting it together. There is actually an entire quilting section. Also, a section I set up for journaling between me and my Father, God, which I have not done in a while. For the next little while I will work on me. There are somethings I want to bring into my life and somethings I want to get rid of. Some things can stay. Others were there and I lost them or put them on a shelf. Am I being deep and philosophical because my Grandma died. No. I don't think so...I was on this path before she became ill. I am truly excited to take this on and feel a freedom I have not felt in many years. I think my children will appreciate it too!

So I have become a WIP instead of a UFO. It is not selfish to focus on ourselves once in a while. When we better ourselves, we make things better for those around us. Off I go!