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I had an epiphany this morning. A small epiphany, but possibly one with rippling effects.
This morning, I was dropping my son off at school, and I was chatting with his teacher. I knew his teacher before the school year started, as she and I had taught at the same school for one year. I have always liked her, and I consider her a friend.
So. I was chatting with my son’s teacher and she was confiding in me the troubles of her recent house purchase. In her words, she’s “going to be eating Top Raman all summer.” She was laughing –but also serious– when she asked me, “If you were my sister, what would you tell me to do?” In my most honest, heartfelt, encouraging Big Sister voice, I told her what I thought and basically told her she was doing the right thing. Then, I promptly went to Starbucks and bought her a latte and a chocolate treat because I wanted to do something nice for her.
As I drove away from the school, after delivering the aforementioned treats, I thought how I should do the same thing for myself. Not necessarily the Starbucks treats, but the giving-myself-sisterly-advice part. And if I were to give myself some sisterly advice, what would it be?
So what is the nice thing I did for myself?
I had 45 minutes of free time (between dropping off one child and picking up the other); instead of dashing here and there with errands, I found a nice quiet parking lot and wrote out my thoughts. I acted like a big sister/best friend, and this is the advice I gave myself:
- As far as moving goes, take it one step at a time. Take at least one step forward every day, whether it’s a phone call to a utilities company or a couple of packed boxes. Everything will get done. This is not a life or death scenerio. Don’t forget to smile and breathe.
- As far as your unhealthy eating habits go, you need to make a plan. You know what to do. This isn’t rocket science. What did Michael Pollan say?
“Eat food, not too much, mostly plants”
- And if sugar is like crack cocaine to you, then maybe it’s time to quit completely. 100%.
Do you ever treat yourself like your own best friend? Do you ever take your own advice?
***This post has been linked with the Inspired By series.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
hmmm, right now - I am my biggest cheerleader. I am really trying to make a go at my business yet I don’t really have anyone telling me “you can do it” (except for you because I know you would say that being a potential best friend and all)
Somedays I am amazed on what is expected as women - especially moms. We do so much with so little in return. I love that you wrote out your thoughts. I wrote in my little journal last night. Hope you have a fantastic day!
Ah yes. Funny, but I did treat myself today. Took my son and me out to lunch. Normally am fussing about budgets and so on. And this was utterly frivolous. ALthough I wish I hadn’t mentioned Pizza Express because he absolutely HAD to go there once I had. Note to self, don’t suggest places, just go where you want to go! (OK I did actually enjoy stuffing my face with Pizza!)
totally unrelated to this post but just came across this and thought that it would be super helpful to you: http://www.frugal-mama.com/2010/05/the-ultimate-moving-checklist-for-families/
You are such a thoughtful friend ~ to give your friend advice, get her a Starbucks & Treat ( you should’ve treated you too! :D) and really, for taking time for you, to put you first. I think you gave yourself the BEST advice about moving. As far as the sugar, maybe just plan a little every day ~ 200 calories worth of something you really want as Jillian would say
Great post! I usually don’t take my own advice as often as I should, but I’m learning to listen to myself more. I’m also learning that it’s so, so important to be your own best friend!
@ Denise~ I am your biggest cheerleader! I think what you’re doing is awesome. And I agree with you about what is expected of moms…{sigh}
@ Mo~ The important thing is that you enjoyed yourself. Otherwise, it wasn’t worth it. : )
@ LobotoME~ Thanks so much for the link. I checked it out and it’s just what I need. (I tried to email you, but it bounced back to me — I’ll try again later.)
@ Danica~ I know, I know…”it’s all about moderation…” But what if that isn’t working? I think there’s too much grey area in that.
@ PP~ It’s good that you’re learning to listen to yourself. A good lesson to learn!
Interesting article, Im putting on my facebook to let my friends read it.
As an aside note, Thanks for using the photo of my sister acording the license it was specified, All success for you
Martintoy