i think i’ll go with happiness today.

September 9, 2010

choices
i can’t believe there are only 2 days left of the work week. yesterday was quite nice.

elements of the day’s success included:
✰ a peaceful AM run

✰ a work day that was just busy enough. initially i got overwhelmed when my pager started going off early (and often!). BUT — almost like a message from above — in the parking deck, i ran into (not literally) a coworker known for his preternaturally laid-back attitude, and i decided to take a cue from him. i took a deep breath and acknowledged that i can only be in one place at once and i can only do the best i can. i also made a conscious decision to just enjoy the work day. it worked.

✰ good teaching/learning.

✰ an hour of focused board prep after work (huzzah!). no internet. no distractions — just me and the giant packet of infectious disease knowledge. (and my jet pens!)

✰ time spent in the kitchen making a great meal (details below). i am happier when i take the time to cook and eat good food.

✰ 20 minutes of reading in bed (almost through with american wife).

✰ 8+ hours of sleep (OHHHH YES.)

not only can i look back on yesterday and feel good about how i spent my time, but i think i enjoyed it while it was all happening. it’s pretty simple: i woke up and made good choices.

simple . . . but not easy. because (and i don’t think i’m alone in this), the funny thing is that when i get tired/overwhelmed/stressed out, i often want to give myself a ‘break’ and disconnect. i lie on the couch and watch TV or aimlessly surf the internet. i don’t make dinner (or clean up). i don’t study. all in the interest of ‘treating myself’.

but the mystical salve of the couch cushions doesn’t have healing powers. and i like myself — and my life — better when i can channel my energy into something positive, like yesterday.

i was thinking about my day this morning when i came across this post from one of my favorite sites, unclutterer.

a little excerpt from the post:

At the heart of uncluttering, organizing, productivity, and all the issues we discuss here on Unclutterer is personal responsibility. If you don’t change your behavior, if you don’t take responsibility for your actions, you will continue on the same path you’re dreading. As long as you are of sound mind and body, only YOU can change your life.

* You can get to work on the project and meet the deadline.
* You can put your clothes in the hamper at night.
* You can sort through the clothes in your closet and keep only the items that fit, look good on you, and represent the person you want to be.
* You can create a meal plan and stick to it.
* You can organize your linen closet.
* You can return e-mails within a timely manner.
* You can sort through your mail immediately when you walk in your house.
* You can use a calendar and plan your day.
* You can take a risk.
* You can be happy right now.
* You can follow your dreams.

i like the mix of small things and larger ideas in this list.

i would add
♥ you can eat a snack if you’re hangry
♥ you can choose to be nice
♥ you can empty the dishwasher
♥ you can leave work on time sometimes
♥ you can say no to things you don’t have time for

i hope some of you find this inspiring as well! what would you add to the list?

———————————————————————

9.8.10

workout: 5 miles easy — i didn’t bring my watch! 9:15/mi perhaps?

in the kitchen: this evening’s dinner was brought to you by the latest issue of clean eating magazine. it looks more elaborate than it is!

roasted pork tenderloin with plums, peaches, and wild rice + grilled zucchini
josh is finally over his GI affliction and we both really loved this meal.

board prep: 1 hour of infectious disease. did you know that you need to prophylax against rabies for woodchuck bites, but not for chipmunks or squirrels? (well, now you do.)

4 Comments

  • Reply Jenny March 10, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    I loved your post today!
    I am hunched over my computer, stressed about writing my thesis. I have not run for four days, all in the name of stress and work taking priority. But your post today made me think I *can* carve out the time to go for at least a short run today, in the name of my sanity.

    I hope you have a nice, happy day today!

    /Jenny

  • Reply Chelsea March 10, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    I&#39d add: You can require your spouse/partner/kids etc help you with responsibilities around the house without feeling guilty. They live there, too.

  • Reply Jenny March 10, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    Puh, I didn&#39t make it to running yesterday but now I am heading out the door.

    So I guess I&#39d add
    *You can fail to get it all done and not beat yourself up about it. Tomorrow is a fresh start!
    😉

  • Reply Sava March 10, 2019 at 7:26 pm

    This is one of those posts that really rings true for EVERYONE.

    We have all been there.
    We know that when we get frustrated we start to get lazy and unmotivated. When we get stressed we like to sit down and unplug from the rest of the world.

    But that makes us feel worse!
    You are a lovely example of how life really is as good as you want it to be!

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