Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. — Helen Keller

I went to a birthday party last night and it was a lot of fun. I am also looking forward to the Pink Partini party on April 9 to celebrate Pink Magazine turning 16 years old—very exciting! However, there is one party I never want to go to, and that’s a pity party. I was reminded of this recently when I texted my woes to a friend: I don’t feel good. I’ve sucked with eating healthy the last four days. I hate myself for it. I feel like crying.

Her response: “This is not for me.”

Me: “What? Yes it is.”

Her: “No it’s not. It’s for you.”

When self-checkout first came out, I thought it was kind of fun getting to scan my own groceries and play cashier. It seemed rather perfect if I only had a few items to pick up. I could just run through, scan, pay and go without getting behind the weekly shopper with the bulging buggy.

Fast forward several years, and I no longer care for self-checkouts. Like most things brought to fruition to make things a little extra convenient, it has now taken over and changed everything. There are certain stores that if you shop after 8:00 or 9:00 o’clock at night, self-checkout is your only option. Frankly, I have a full-time job, so at the end of my grocery shopping, I don’t want another one as cashier when my cart is filled with supper, cleaning supplies, paper towels and a 22-pound bag of dog food; there simply isn’t enough room, and it turns into a ridiculous, stress-inducing situation.

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

— Chinese Proverb –

It’s only February, and I want a do-over. This year has not gone according to plan. Asthmatic bronchitis pummeled my health for almost all of January, so I feel like my new year is a bust. How are you doing?

If you are in the same boat as me, already seeking a do-over, I understand. I’ve decided to not dwell on what I haven’t accomplished and grant myself permission to simply start fresh in February. You should give yourself permission for the same. Let’s let January be our mulligan and tee off 2020 again! 

If you know from the get-go you’re not going to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not weak. You’re simply making the wrong resolutions. Trust me, if something is of utmost importance to you, you will stick to it no matter what. I know cutting carbs is hard, and saving money is impossible when you barely can make ends meet. Finding a new career is intimidating, and the thought of going back to
school is horrifying. Finding new love is paralyzing and calling it quits turns you inside out.

Fact: Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, but, if you want something bad enough, it is easily achievable.

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.  
—Carl Jung–

Almost every day I find myself wanting a do-over, meaning going back to the moment I woke up and begin again. This desire is usually fueled by a long to-do list that is not being checked off fast enough, or at all. Regardless how many tasks are on the list, most go undone, even though I’m full-throttle slammed all day long. It’s exhausting.