Painting the Fresh On

Christmas break is over.  Today was back to work and back to reality.  I have heard it, as I'm sure you have, referred to as "back to the grind."  Usually uttered with a tone of negativity and maybe even a grunt of disapproval thrown in for effect as well.  Shoulder slumping.  Can't forget the shoulder slumping.    

But here's what I decided last night as I was leaned against my couch painting my nails.  It's not a back to the grind situation.  It's an opportunity to start fresh.  Not only because it's a brand spankin' new year but also because it's the start after a break.  And sometimes all we need is a little break to help us take a different perspective.  A new beginning does not deserve the negativity of "back to the grind" but rather, because it offers an unveiling of possibilities, it is completely worthy of a high five and positivity. 

My this whole going back to work and new year thing is a unicorn in disguise viewpoint was helped along by my visit with Karen yesterday.  We went for a mid-afternoon shopping excursion followed by an early dinner with a side of goal setting.  If you will remember with me, Karen is the friend I went through grad school with and she is the friend I trained for and completed a half marathon with and she is the friend who pushes me while I push her back.  

Yesterday, with our shopping bags on one stool and our butts on two other stools...we both had the frank realization some improvement is needed in some areas.  You know you have a good friend when they help you grab the mirror and hold it up and look into it, really look into it.  After honest talk and the willingness to accept responsibility, we both came to two goals each.  I'm not referring to them as resolutions because really, they aren't that.  They are goals.  Straight up need to go through a process to get to the end.  No magic.  No quick fix.  Hard work.

Karen's goals are her business.  But I'm going to share my goals because accountability is a must for me.  And call me crazy...I'm just the sharing type. 

Goal Number One:  Finish this getting healthy journey.  I have come a long way but there is still a bit to go.  I am confident in finishing this goal.  Running alternated with a Jillian Michaels DVD that makes me want to cry and being strict with my eating what came from the ground and had a mother philosophy will get me there.  It just takes work and time. 

Goal Number Two:  Stop spinning in my thoughts about the things in my life which I have no control over and start adjusting my attitude to tackle those things.  I'm not sure if that's clear so let me say it this way too.  Quit over analyzing and trying to know the end all the time.  And when those feelings creep up, replace them instead with the attitude of gratefulness and happiness.  Power of positive thinking and attraction put to use. 

Now, exercising and eating are easy.  Real easy.  Changing thoughts?  That's a whole different story.  But I'm going to give it a strong will powered effort. 

So after arriving back home, I felt refreshed.  Ready to tackle this next phase of my life.  

I'm twenty-eight and a freaking half which means I have one more half to finish the journey of making it the best year ever.  Half full.  It's half full.  And it all started with painting my finger nails last night.  This sounds corny, but I believe when starting a new beginning, looking the part is important.  Put together.  Be put together people.  It helps put the rest of your life together as well.  That's my two bits.

But don't let the notion of being put together stop you from answering a text message with those wet nails because you are aware the sender of said message knows your nails are wet and is simply trying to get your goat.  Because it's important to win in those situations.  It's important to smush your fresh paint to make a point that you are not too serious to partake in ridiculous banter.  Because you know what?  You can always repaint the nails.  You can always start fresh.  Start over.  Begin again.  

However you want to say it.  You and I get a new beginning as we head into 2012.  Let's not go "back to the grind."  Let's dive in and work hard and go through the process to create something better. 

Sure I wanted to whine this morning about my alarm going off at four thirty, but then I remembered it was time to think unicorns.  Yes, you heard me.  Think unicorns.  So I popped up, worked out, drank coffee, and read part of my book club book before work.  And I felt content.  All before seven thirty in the morning.  Here's to kicking those two goals of mine in the pants.