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Maybe you noticed that my blog has a new title.  I think it better reflects the goal of my blog, don't you?


A couple months ago, I let Abbi know that she needed to sign up for an activity.  We had taken a bit of a break once she started high school because she wanted to make sure that she could handle her homework and projects.  And while I can understand the anxiety, she's done just fine.  

Abbi has done lots of activities (usually involving water because we are convinced that she is part fish).  I'll admit, I was surprised at her choice.  Ice skating.  We've only ice skated maybe twice ever in her life.  It can be difficult to be a fifteen year old beginner skating with kids half your age.  There were so many tiny people sliding and falling on the ice around her.  But she did it and she did it with a smile. 

Waiting to get on the ice.

When was the last time you tried something new? Learned a new skill?  Developed a positive habit?  Tried a new food?

I'm trying something new.  Well maybe its a few things.  And I'm telling you all about it.  I'm learning to trust myself more, turning negative thoughts into positive thoughts, and not letting outside things affect me so much. 

I've always been indecisive.  And while I haven't exactly pinpointed why, it's likely that it comes from not being able to trust myself to make a good decision.  What ifs loom in my mind.  Consequences of the decision swirl around my head.  It brings to light all kinds of questions.  Do I have all the information?   Is there something else I haven't considered?  Could there be something else going on here?  It's enough to paralyze you into doing nothing.  Or better yet, have someone else make the decision for you.  At some point, though, I must learn to make my own decisions.  Trust that I have all the information, trust that I've considered all the options, and be willing to deal with what happens next. 

It can be easy to listen to all those negative thoughts in your head.  Or even outside your head.  We are bombarded with images of size 0 celebrities with salon perfect hair and makeup.  Who are wearing designer outfits and coordinating boots.  Or even closer to home (and reality), the women who look all put together - who have handsome, attentive husbands with their well dressed and well mannered children.  Driving their luxury SUV and living in their custom built McMansion. Don't get me wrong, I have no judgment here.  I only say this because I live in a neighborhood where this is what you see all around you.  You feel like you have to live up to this.  You have to be this version of perfect on the outside.  And oh, I'm so not.  But instead of feeling defeated by this or feeling like I'm not _____ enough, I'm learning to be okay with it.  I'm real.  I actually had three people tell me that last week.  It was kind of bizarre considering I don't know that anyone has ever said that to me before, but I'm thankful.  I don't want to be fake or pretend I'm something I'm not.  I've never been good at that, and I suppose that's a good thing.

Remember last week I told you about carrying your own weather?  I saw something my friend Cindy posted on Facebook this week.  I loved it.   It's a new word: Unf*ckwithable.  It's an adjective and here's the definition: when you're truly at peace and in touch with yourself, and nothing anyone says or does bothers you, and no negativity or drama can touch you.  This is what I want to be. 


So grab a friend and try something new!!  Friends will always support you, listen to you and be there for you - whether you are learning to turn negative thoughts into positive ones or your falling all over the place on the ice.  I'm pretty lucky to have some absolutely wonderful and fantabulous friends. 

And speaking of fantabulous friends, I want to introduce you to one of Isaac's very best friends.  Her name is Katie.  She is one of the non-family kids I adore the most on the planet.  She and Isaac have been friends since kindergarten.  They are great and silly together.  I've heard of stories of Katie helping Isaac clean out his desk and Isaac helping Katie carry her books.  For the last three years, Katie has made it on Isaac's birthday party invite list.  I even recently had a long-term substitute teacher ask me "what's the deal with Katie and Isaac?" I'm not sure that this kind of friendship, loyalty and craziness is typically seen in third grade.  This week, it's Katie's birthday.  So happy birthday Katie!

This is what happens when you tell them to lean in together and you lean to the right to show them. 

So a few of you got on me a little bit today about not having my blog post up sooner.  I'm sorry it's late.  I played a couple quick games of Jenga with the kids tonight after dinner.  I'll try to get back to posting on Sundays! 

I'd love for you to leave a comment.  What new thing are you going to try?  Do you like the new blog title?