One Down, Eleven to Go

I cannot believe that the first month of the new year has already passed. We were just ringing in 2010 and now it’s already February. How does this happen?

In reviewing my goals for this year and the progress I’ve made thus far, it would typically be my inclination to detail everything I haven't yet accomplished.  In the alternative, I must take to heart the advice of my pseudo-therapists (either my sister or my BFF, depending upon the day). Rather than dwell on those areas in which I feel I’m not quite up to par, I instead need to congratulate myself for my successes to date.

You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

E-lim-i-nate the negative

And latch on to the affirmative

Don’t mess with mister inbetween

You got to spread joy up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum

And have faith, or pandemonium

Liable to walk upon the scene

I always seem to go off on some lyrics tangent, don’t I? And what’s up with all these things that are surfacing from the deepest recesses of my mind?

Back on point.  I have been writing and posting. Every. Single. Day. It’s a far cry from that Pulitzer and admittedly has been my biggest struggle. Even though I think I always have to be witty or insightful, I’m realizing it doesn’t really matter what I relay as long as I continue to do so.

I’ve been a bit more enthusiastic about the daily photo challenge. Yes, it’s just as difficult to come up with 365 subjects (are we tired of weeds and trees yet?), but I am having fun learning all the bells and whistles of my camera and experimenting with composition.  Of course I have a lonnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg way to go since I’m still taking 50 pictures to get THE perfect shot. But is there really any harm in that? In addition, I’ve been playing around with the different effects available through Photoshop and am having just as much fun with that. (Did you notice the fresco filter I used on the photo in my Dreamin’ post?)

I also devoured two books in January: Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Olive Relin, as well as Night by Elie Wiesel. Both are excellent reads, not only for the writing talent but also for the powerful stories behind them. We all struggle and we all seek inspiration; borrow, rent or buy but read these books!

Lastly, but in no way the least important, I’ve done remarkably well in attempting to exercise more, eat less. I lost 11.4 pounds in the last month! Interestingly, I recently had a craving for a ham and cheese sub and “real Pepsi.” I knew it wouldn’t kill me, so I indulged. Know what? It didn’t even taste that great. I’m thinking I’m getting used to taking better care of me.

I’m looking forward to posting more accomplishments in the months to come. I’m glad you’re along for the journey and appreciate your feedback to date. Love the comments; keep ‘em coming!