Words

I am going to stop complaining.

How often do you decide to instantly change something you don't like about yourself? Deciding to suddenly stop doing something can often create expectations that are hard to meet. This isn’t always the case, sometimes you decide to change something in your life and you never turn back.  Most things, however, take time.

So instead of declaring you want to change something about yourself, try taking a few deep breathes in the morning, maybe while you take a shower, and decide on an intention for that day. Not forever, not the next day – just for that day. Today, I won’t whine. Today, I will love everyone that annoys me. Today, I won’t yell at every Washington driver on the road. Today, I will brush my teeth for 2 whole minutes and floss. Today, I won’t watch 2 hours of The Bachelorette. Today, I will be the sweetest boyfriend/girlfriend in the known universe. Today, I won't eat five doughnuts or hope no one sees me in the Taco Bell drive through. Today, I will be present with my children. Today, I won’t smoke a cigarette. (I am only guilty of some of these.)

Just focus on today, because you know you have no control over yesterday or tomorrow.

And PS - If you do slip up and light up on a day you promised yourself you wouldn’t – don’t put yourself down. You are human; you are allowed to make mistakes. Instead of reprimanding yourself, be kind, tell yourself that you love you and you will stick to your commitment the next time. 

-a

photo: wit and delight