My "Fat-Day" Fix-it

I'm a firm believer of ignoring the image norms of contemporary times. Instead, I think we should all learn to be comfortable and happy with ourselves, regardless of shape and size.

But that's usually easier said than done.

It is incredibly gratifying and a wonderful boost to my self-esteem when I get a compliment on my looks from a completely unexpected source. Kind or flattering words remind me that beautiful isn't one single concept; instead it means something different to everyone.

Writing a sticky to remind our selves that we are beautiful doesn't always do enough. Hearing "you're beautiful" or "you're so pretty" from a family member doesn't always ring true, because, after all, their opinions are biased. It's a pity our computers can't pick up on our emotions and reassure us on a low day (blast, no magic mirrors that can talk back to us either).

Instead, I find it helps me a little to pass a compliment to someone else on my low days. To see someone else smile because I took a moment to notice them and say something goes a long way in making me feel more content.

What do you do on your low days? What makes you feel more beautiful and confident?

Cold Cases: Some drafts should remain drafts

I was just trolling through some ancient blog drafts, trying to see if anything was worth elaborating & editing to post or if anything would inspire a new posts. Much of what I encountered was full of teenage angst. Angry little rants about the so-called injustices of my life. Teens are such dramatic creatures!

Other drafts were just half-baked ideas, aimless rambles that don't make sense anymore. I wouldn't know where to take them now, even if I tried to salvage those old posts.

So really, some old drafts are best left as dormant relics of old mind-sets and unprocessed thoughts.

Do you have any old drafts (or even published posts) that make you shake your head and wonder what the heck was wrong with you back in the day? Do share ;)

Facebook Free

I am officially, and very happily, Facebook free!

I'm no longer obligated to accept a friend request from someone I happened to have taken a class with eons ago or some 5th relative-x 20 times removed and then worry about which pictures are appropriate to share or what status is politically correct for everyone.

Several reasons led me to make the decision to leave Facebook for good. Some of those reasons include:
- a feeling of loss of control over what I was sharing and how far it reached (yes I like BestBuy, no I don't care for my face to be used in an advertisement that shows up in the newsfeed)
- an overload of information by others (I really don't care about what song you're listening to on Youtube right now or how many diapers your baby has gone through in the last day)
- having all new opt-out only "upgrades"
- a sense of a breach or loss of my privacy (this is a hot-button issue that is gaining a lot of attention and convincing many others to delete their Facebook accounts)

My day used to begin with Gmail, Twitter, Facebook and Google News. Now that I'm down one used-to-be-permanently pinned tab in my browser, I find it has freed up a considerable chunk of time. Surprising, since I didn't think I spent that much time on Facebook anymore.

At first I didn't know what to do with the extra time. It was very tempting to join another social network or a different forum to fill the space, but I've "been there, done that" and it was time to move on. Instead, I'm making a mental list of all the significantly more productive things I can do both online and offline (ie: blogging, research, catching up on real news, cleaning, journaling, etc.).

I'm very excited to have made a positive change in my life. This will help me pursue more productive and fruitful endeavors.

2012 Progress Report #1

The first eleven days of 2012 have been busy but uneventful. Somehow, the beginning of the year is always a time for new patterns and routines. Here's to positive changes and developing good habits.

Resolution 1 is a work in progress (WIP). It's a long-term project in the whole self-improvement journey.

Resolutions 2 & 3 are also in the WIP category. (And of course, Resolution 13.)

Resolutions 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12 are shelved to a later point in this year. They're all time-sensitive and/or time-permitting activities and there's just no room for them in January.

Resolution 8 is WIP-ish. I've got two pleasure reads sitting on my bedside table. Now it's a matter of finding some down time, picking one of them up and just reading. 4-12 books ... Let's see which end of the spectrum I land in by December 31, 2012. Any suggestions folks? I love fantasy, mystery, Arthurian era fiction, etc. Would love recommendations.

Resolution 10 is clearly WIP as well. This being my first post of the year, there is hope yet. I've already written & scheduled the second post and have an idea for the third that's rolling around in my mind and nagging to be started. And again, suggestions are welcome. Sometimes I want to write, but can't think of anything to write about.

Resolution 11 is coming along quite well. I'm happy to report that I've only had two slip ups in terms of posting time (something I fully anticipated and kind of accepted in my disclaimer post). I have, however, kept up with taking a picture a day and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll stay that way through the next 355 days. Oh yeah! So check out my PhotoBlog and leave some love!

I've also been a very good girl and made my list of mini-goals for January. I hope this, and a few other tools, will keep me on track and help me achieve everything I want to in 2012.

How's your 2012 going so far germs & gems?