When I was a little girl my mother used to tell me about a woman who influenced her life. Her name was Barbara Benson Walker. One day my mother knocked on Barbara's door, she was not expected. After a few moments my mother was greeted by Barbara, with a swollen face and a slightly misshapen smile. Mrs. Walker had just returned from the dentist where she had endured a root canal. Amazed that Barbara had risen from her resting place to come to the door at all, let alone answering an unexpected and untimely guest with a smile, my mother asked in wonder "How do you do it? How are you happy all the time?" Barbara smiled again, amazingly without wincing, and replied in an unbelievably cheerful voice :"It takes work."
That story has always stuck with me. As I have matured I have come to realize the truth of Mrs. Walker's words. Happiness is a choice and yes, it takes work. The choice to push aside annoyance and frustration and treat someone, possibly the source of those negative emotions, with love and respect can be very difficult. But perhaps it is not the other individual whose feelings are spared by such a gesture. Trust me, I have tried it both ways and when I fail to be positive and loving, no matter what happens I feel terrible. The best characterization of what negativity does to me is that cartoon character who is stuck under his own individual black rain cloud. No one else is getting rained on or struck by lightening -- but I am. So as a favor to myself I am WORKING harder at being positive and loving -- no matter what happens.
Yesterday's workout is still doing a number on me. Just in case you are interested I did weight training, Arms and Legs. I wonder if those workout programs that promise a great body in 30 days forgot to add the disclaimer *sure you will look great -- but nobody will notice because you will be unable to walk or move at all and thus be bedridden.* He he he :)
As far as the 'diet' side this was the menu yesterday;
Breakfast: Vitamins, Banana with 2 TB Peanut butter, 16 ounces of water
Snack: Kashi TLC Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bar, 8 ounces water
Lunch: Spinach, tomato, onion, cilantro salad with extra virgin olive oil and rice vinegar, 8 ounces water
Snack: Banana with 2 TB Peanut butter, 8 ounces water
Supper: Lemon, Rosemary seasoned Salmon Fillet, Spinach, tomato, onion, cilantro salad with extra virgin olive oil and rice vinegar, 8 ounces water
As for my other goals, I was pretty good. I did spend the entire morning with a towel on my head - but I did my hair before I left the house, avoiding my usual hasty ponytail. To be honest I just did a messy french braid and accessorized with a head band -- but it is a start, right?
Today I am doing an eight mile bike ride -- maybe more if I feel really good. I will let you know how it goes!
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