Three Nice Things -- Day 31

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 31:

1) My faith is natural and strong. God loves me. I know this. I have always known this. Trying to live in a way that pleases Him motivates me. Last night, when I was exhausted but unable to doze off, I felt Him. He was telling me to go to sleep, don't set the alarm, virtual church is OK this Easter. Suddenly I was able to sleep. I like the peace I get from my faith.

2) My sense of humor doesn't fail me. I fed the cats before Zoom church, so I could concentrate on the day and its special significance. I opened a new can of pumpkin puree for Connie (it helps keep her regular) and it had a magic effect on her. She had to have more. Not during the hymns. Not during the sermon. No, she waited until I was supposed to be in prayerful meditation. Every. Time. She would literally put her face in mine. She would knock stuff over. So much for my prayerful meditation. Instead of contemplating the meaning of the day, I was mixing pumpkin with her Gerber baby food. Then, as soon as the service was over, she curled up into a tight little ball and fell sound asleep. Of course she did. I thought it was funny, and I bet God did, too.

3) I love baseball. My Cubs beat the World Champion Rangers, Anthony Rizzo's Yankees swept the Astros. I like that my passions rescue me from darkness. I realize not everyone has that relief.

 

Three Nice Things -- Day 30

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 30:

1) I take my fences clean, like a good hunter. That's one of my favorite lines from the book Gone with the Wind. It's how Grandma Fontaine compliments Scarlett for the pragmatic way she looks at life: "You take your fences clean, like a good hunter." That's me at my best. I handle the shit that comes my way. I think about my friend John (post below) and his approach to his health -- he ignores problems until they become unmanageable and impossible to ignore any longer. I like that I'm not like that. I felt that twinge in my heel and I'm getting it taken care of. I'm getting my teeth fixed. I recognize that, when you live alone, you can't afford to wait for someone to take care of you. I take my fences clean, like a good hunter.

2) I was kind. I remembered to tell Gregory I'm sorry he had to see our friend John at his worst (see post below) and that I appreciated how lovingly and responsibly he responded. It seemed to help Gregory as he was suffering. I like that about myself.

That's all I've got for today.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 29

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 29:

1) I am my mother's daughter. While running errands Friday, I was first greeted by name at the bank and then at Walgreen's I was teased good naturedly about my perpetual use of coupons ("Save $3 on 8 Gerber Baby Food;" my Connie Cat gets her meds melted in the Gerber Turkey every morning). While having dinner with Kathleen Wednesday, Sophie from my yoga class recognized me and waved at me through the window. Looking back on this I felt very deja mommy, because everyone knew her in that small town. While this isn't a small town, it is a community and I like that I'm a part of it.

2) I bargain shopped. I need good shoes with cushion at the heel. I asked my chiropractor what she recommended and she said, without hesitation, "Nike." So I went to DSW and got two pair (one black, one white) of Revolution 7's on sale. I think they will serve me well both at the card shop and racing up and down Hollywood Blvd. next month at the TCM Classic Film Festival. Plus, since my plantar fasciitis flare up happened to coincide with DSW's sale, I saved about $20. I like myself for hauling ass to the store, trying on shoes and saving money instead of taking the easy way and clicking at Amazon.

3) I used social media wisely. Yes, Twitter can be a hellscape. If you're into paranoid conspiracy theories and hate, you'll be at home here. (Lately it's been that the Baltimore bridge collapsed because Maryland's governor and Baltimore's mayor are black and Secretary Pete Buttigeg is gay and, therefore, incompetent.) But it does always have almost instant links to the baseball video. I skipped the ugly MAGA bullshit and stuck to the Yankees. My favorite-most ballplayer, Anthony Rizzo, executed a head's up tag and seeing him do something that smart made my day. I like myself for mastering the tool at hand without being dragged down into the Trumpy mire. That is a form of self care.

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 28

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 28:

1) I am good at laundry. Now this is distinct from enjoying laundry. I don't. I am a very lazy person who would prefer to not do chores at all. That said, my magical ability to make stains disappear does please me. Somehow, while shopping at Whole Foods, I got a cherry pie stain on the faux shearling collar of my coat. (I'm not exactly sure how this happened.) As soon as I got home, I treated it with OxiClean and the stain disappeared even before I could launder the coat. Yay, me!

2) I'm passionate about my passions. A friend once told me he wished he cared about anything as much I care about everything. Thursday I felt what he meant. It was not only Opening Day but the full schedule for the TCM Classic Film Festival was released! I was giddy with geeky glee. I like that about myself.

3) I thanked the woman at the front desk. I've had a crown lengthening before, so I declined a consult before next week's procedure. I know what to expect. I also know I'll need pain killers for days afterward, and I thought I'd make life easier by getting those prescriptions filled in advance. When I picked the scripts up, Edith, the practice coordinator, reminded me to eat breakfast on the day of the procedure and pop one of the painkillers before I come in. I thanked her "for taking such good care of me." That made her smile. I like that I personalized my thank you and added to it a bit.

Three Nice Things about Me -- Day 27

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 27:

1) I treated myself. At the end of each weekend, I put any leftover cash in a beer stein on my counter. Tonight, when I had dinner with Kathleen, I ordered a chocolate martini and we split a dessert, and I was able to pay with cash from stein. I like myself for working on that age-old retirement dilemma: how to enjoy today without jeopardizing tomorrow.

2) I changed up my makeup. I switched from foundation to BB cream nearly a decade ago. I haven't made any significant changes to my regime in years. I've seen ads for Jones Road and decided to give Miracle Balm a try. The look is subtle but a little brighter. Anyway, I like that I can see myself with new eyes and freshen my look.

3) I feel the love flow. Roy Hobbs was pressed up against me when I began this post. Connie Cat took his place and settled in for a tummy rub as I completed it. I like that, when I touch my cats, I appreciate the affection moving back and forth between us.

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 26

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 26:

1) I used my words. Marilyn Lands won her election for an AL State House seat today. I helped her cause by writing GOTV postcards. I celebrated by writing a few more for FL vote-by-mail access. I like that I do more than shake my fist. I am fighting for democracy and Democrats.

2) I took care of me. Started the day with yoga. Had a session with my shrink. Went for laser therapy on my heel. I've been upset about some of my relationships: Henry, John, my oldest friend ... I like that I concentrated on myself physically and emotionally, which helps me keep perspective.

3) I used the remote wisely. Some things really get under my skin and depress me. Monday I watched part one of a documentary about abuse that went on at Nickelodeon. I didn't expect it to affect me the way it did. There are more episodes in the series, but I won't be back. I'm sure it's an important story that needs to be told, but I'm not in a place to see it. I like that I'm learning to protect myself.

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 25

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 25:

1) I got my geek on. I attended a free online forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library called, "The East Wing: Expanding First Ladies' Impact." I learned little new about JBKO herself, but the historians spoke highly of this biography of Pat Nixon, a woman I'm curious about. I like that I take the opportunity to indulge and learn more when I can.

2) I paid cash for my pedi. I stayed home last weekend and saved enough to pay cash at the salon. I wasn't going to charge it -- I have a credit card that I use to earn miles but I pay it off every month -- but still, it felt good to peel off $5's and $10's. I like myself for paying attention to money but not depriving myself.

3) I didn't want to, but I did it. I discovered that Rachel, my usual yoga instructor, is off this week and someone named Clare is teaching her classes. I am not very good at all  but I'm comfortable with Rachel! I have no reason to believe that Clare won't be an effective teacher and I liked myself for clicking "confirm," even though "cancel" was tempting.

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 24

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 24:

1) I learn and appreciate. I watched this week's movie group film today: Psycho. I've seen it literally countless times, but this is the first time I've watched it since learning how Hitchcock was influenced by Chaplin's silent films. Seeing it through that prism I noticed so much of the subliminal, silent, visual storytelling he does. Yes, the dialog is iconic ("A boy's best friend is his mother") and the famous shower scene wouldn't have been as intense without the music. But the set designs, and the way the camera lingers on the details ... I like myself for learning something over there and applying it over here.

2) I did some more research. Yesterday I mentioned I'd made an appointment with a podiatrist to get my heel twinge checked out. Today I think I'm going to cancel it and visit my chiropractor instead. I'm having oral surgery soon which will mean anesthesia and pain killers. I don't want to introduce more medications to my life right now, so I think I'll give my chiropractor a crack at it first. I like that I'm proactively looking out for myself.

3) I enjoyed the affirmation. I changed my Facebook profile pic. It got likes and a ♥ almost instantly. I liked that I allowed myself a moment to notice and smile.

Three Nice Things about Myself: Day 23

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 23:

1) I learned something new. I found about Rita Lakin. Her story is inspiring. A 31-year-old widow with three sons, she found herself in Los Angeles with no means of supporting her family. She taught herself to be a screenwriter and for most of the 60s and 70s wrote for network TV. No training. Just a desire to feed her boys but "not work at Woolworth's." When she retired from TV she began writing cozy mystery and had 9 "Gladdy Gold" mysteries to her credit. What a life! I'm so glad I fell down the internet rabbit hole and met her today. I like myself for my curiosity.

2) I tried something new today. My friend Elaine is into Too Good to Go, an app that allows you buy "Surprise Bags" of food from local stores/restaurants at a deep discount. It's food that likely would be disposed of otherwise. Elaine says she has a freezer filled with stew and pizza from a bistro in her neighborhood. So today I tried it. For $7.15, I got a grocery bag of bakery from Whole Foods. Two kinds of muffins, a whole loaf of wheat bread, double chocolate chip cookies and a half dozen bagels -- all for $7.15! I like that I got out of my comfort zone and saved money.

3) I did something about my left heel. At least I think I did. I made an appointment with a local podiatrist because my left heel twinges sometimes. It's not constant and it's not a pain, it's just a feeling I'm aware of. It goes away when I ice it. Anyway, I had heel spurs 25 years ago and it was awful. I don't want to experience that again. So I doctor shopped. I booked an appointment online but haven't heard back. I'll call Monday. But here's the thing: I liked that I was proactive.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 22

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 22:

1) I made her laugh. There's a problem with my new dental insurance coverage and their website. While trying to get it ironed out with their IT, I made their rep laugh. I like that what I'm learning about customer service and translating it into being a better customer.

2) I allowed myself a lazy day. I didn't get dressed until 3:00 today. But you know what? So what! I took garbage out and scrubbed my microwave, so it's not like I was a complete slug. I like myself for giving myself the latitude to be lazy and read.

3) I waved the wand around. It's not that Roy Hobbs doesn't get daily attention, because he does. But I give him affection, not exercise. Today I waved the cat wand around and he had a grand old time, leaping in the air and making delighted little cat noises. I like myself for knowing my big guy so well and giving him what he needed today.

 

 

Three Nice Things about Me -- Day 21

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 21:

1) I redeemed myself. I distressed a card shop customer today (see post below) but I also did well. Two 20-somethings wandered into the store while my bosses (Jen and CeeCee) and I were having a lively conversation about which items we wanted to buy for ourselves. We said "hi" to the girls, told them to ask if they needed help finding anything, and went back to yakking. There was something tentative about the way they were browsing, so I peeled away and approached them. Turns out they were foreign tourists who were overwhelmed by our store, which I think appears cluttered. In heavily-accented, broken English, one of them asked for our "leathers." I still don't know what word she was trying to say, but she mimed opening a book and scribbling. JOURNALS! I took them over to that bookshelf and introduced them to our prettiest hardcover journals. They each chose one. I made a sale of about $65 and they left smiling. Best of all, Jen and CeeCee saw I could take the initiative and do good.

2) I'm trying to accentuate the positive. I know I should think more about my success at the card shop today and not my fuck up. So that's what I'm trying to do. Positive self-talk! I like that I realize I'm a work in progress.

3) I had the green beans. I ate a lot of crap today, but I did have a bowl of green beans while I was watching TV. Not a conventional snack, but I like that I'm making gut-healthy choices.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 20

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 20:

1) It was only $1.75. I have been more careful with my money in 2024 but today I did something stupid. I bought a train ticket I couldn't use. In years gone by, tickets were good for 90 days, but as of February 1, they're only good for 3 hours on the day of sale.  I should have familiarized myself with the new rules before I bought it. I felt like a ninny. And then I put the brakes on: it was only $1.75. I realized how the negative self-talk begins and I stopped it.

2) I walked instead of taking a rideshare.  I met Elaine and Will for lunch at Shake Shack, about a mile from the train station. I allowed myself enough time to walk it instead of taking an Uber. I'm glad I gave myself the exercise, saved myself the money, and got in touch with The Loop again.

3) I remembered to say thank you. At Christmastime, Elaine gave me body butter. I recently started using it because my skin is so FREAKING DRY! I told her about the relief it provides. I liked myself for remembering to tell her that her gift continues to be appreciated.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 19

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 19:

1) I said "thank you" again. Two years ago, I had just hired Rita. She was aware that mid-March was my work anniversary and sent me a fruit-and-chocolate bouquet, saying she was "forever grateful" that I took her under my wing. The photo of her gift showed up today on my Facebook memories. I took a moment to shoot her an email and let her know again how much her kind gesture had meant to me. There's a lot of bitching about Facebook out there, but if it wasn't for the platform, I wouldn't have remembered exactly when this happened and I wouldn't have been spurred to act. I'm glad I did.

2) I was the hub. Tomorrow I'm having lunch downtown with Elaine. I invited Will, the man who brought us together with movie group, to join us. I'm usually pretty passive about social gatherings, so I like myself for taking the initiative.

3) My wallet stayed in my purse. Today's lunch was leftover pizza and dinner was the chicken I had defrosting. I like that I'm being more thoughtful about my spending.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 18

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 18:

1) I used coupons. I'm OK financially now, but who knows how long my retirement will last? What if my hours never do pick up again at the card shop, or the stock market tanks and my mutual funds are worth less (or worthless)? I don't want to sacrifice today's pleasures because of a dire future that may never unfold. But I don't want to be stupid, either. Using coupons today to stock up on Gerber baby food (I melt Connie Cat's meds into it) and a free pizza for lunch/dinner was smart, and a form of self-care.

2) I always wave back. Today a little boy in stroller waved at me and I waved back. The woman walking her dog on the other side of the street ignored him. Maybe she didn't see him? Whatever. I always wave back. Whenever I'm near the Chicago River and the tour boats float by, I wave back at the tourists. I wonder how many vacation pics I've been in over the years. It's a tiny thing, I know, but I like myself for waving back.

3) I included lip balm. I hand out "blessing bags" to the homeless people I encounter. The staples are always a breakfast bar, a $1 bill, Kleenex and two single-use packs of Purell. I had included Hot Hands, handwarmers I got on sale at Target, but I ran out and besides, it's not that cold day in/day out anymore. So what can I add that I can afford? I found a big jar of 48 sticks of lip balm, various flavors, for just $25, or about 50¢/each. I figured chapped lips are a year-round problem, right? Today one of the gentlemen I help out on a regular basis called out to me on the street to tell me how much he liked the fruit flavors! Of course I gave him another bag, this time with a coconut lip balm. Anyway, I liked that I used my imagination, and that my choice was hitsville.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was very snappish in movie group tonight. People were annoying me left and right and I didn't respond well. But this is supposed to be positive self talk, right?

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 17

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 17:

1) I can get to yes. Last weekend, I took my friend Nancy out to lunch for her birthday. It didn't go well because she grumped and bitched about everything. When she invited me to join her this weekend, I was tempted to decline because really, who needs the agita? It occurred to me, though, that she might feel bad about how her birthday celebration unfolded, too, so I gave her a mulligan. I'm happy to report it went really well, and she told me that she and her husband "always love spending time" with me.

2) I'm open and receptive. The outing with Nancy and her hubs was lunch but first a Purim spiel. I'd never been inside a synagogue before. I loved the play the congregation put on, with a multi-generational cast and Beatles music. It was inspiring and educational and I'm glad that my own faith is strong and secure enough that I can explore and respect someone else's. Attending an event in a synagogue felt both very Christian and very American to me, which leads me to ...

3) I'm a stereotype, but I'm OK with that. Scrolling through my DVR I happened upon All the President's Men, which I haven't seen in years. Watching Woodward/Bernstein battle for the integrity of the Constitution inspired me to write my Postcards to Voters. I like that I work to be an involved citizen.

 

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 16

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 16:

1) I'm the cool aunt. I had lunch with my nephew today. We talked about his career aspirations and the upcoming baseball season. I like myself for being someone he's so comfortable/willing to spend time with me.

2) I'm doing something. I've known the guy who does my hair since high school. Today, as he was clipping and dying and styling, he shared that he agrees with me that Trump is "a threat" and he can't believe "anyone would vote for the guy." This is a big deal from someone I know just could not bring himself to vote for Hillary in 2016. So, I asked, if you believe the man is a threat to democracy, "what are you going to do about it?" He had no reply. I like myself for having an answer to that. I've signed up to be a monthly donor to Biden's campaign and laid in a supply a postcard stamps for outreach and GOTV. As more opportunities arise, I'll do those.

3) I had the peaches. There's an apple crumble in the refrigerator. I wanted to heat it for my late-night snack, but I went the less fattening/more nutritious route. I liked myself for making the choice that was better for me.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 15

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 15:

1) Two out of three ain't bad. I had three things on my "to-do" list: 1) mail Patrick's birthday gift; 2) change my dermatologist appointment; 3) write up the meeting minutes from our last condo meeting. I knocked out 1) and 2). So I didn't get to the third! I'm trying to celebrate what I've done, not beat myself up over what I didn't do.

2) I listened to my gut. I know there's a connection between hydration and gastrointestinal health. When my gut started feeling wonky, I reached for the water pitcher. I'll also do another round of stretches. This is literally self-care.

3) Two out of three ain't bad -- redux. I don't have a third today. But the point of this exercise is to be nice to myself, not critical, so I'll just leave this here.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 14

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 14:

1) I remember who I'm talking to. Three people, 54 minutes. That's how long I was on the phone, ironing out a problem with my new dental insurance carrier. My coverage doesn't begin until June 1 and didn't need to expect to talk with them for weeks and weeks, but I received an email saying my first premium had been billed to my credit card and to check my account on their website to review the bill. Huh? Why was I billed already? Why can't I access my account on their website (like the email instructed me to do)? I admit it was frustrating but I worked at being cheerful -- next level, Stepford Wife cheerful -- because I realize the people I was speaking to are not the ones who generated the bill and the email.

2) I'm especially good if you have fur. Yes, I was patient on the phone call above. But I realized, as I was on hold and being transferred from representative to representative, that patience required concerted effort on my part. Dealing with the breakfast drama provided by my two cats while I was on the phone? That came naturally. Connie -- who is elderly and slowly losing her sight and hearing -- begs for food and then is often startled by the bowl I put down for her. The same bowl she's had for more than a year. Completely understandable if you're blind-ish, deaf-ish, and have a brain the size of a plum pit. Roy Hobbs tries to get into the refrigerator every time I open the door. Of course he does. He knows that's where the hot dog buns are and his favorite thing in the entire world is stealing plastic bags like the one the buns come in. I think of Elaine, who keeps trying to train her cats to conform to certain behaviors, or Jen from the store, who is something of a germophobe and would never countenance a cat's paw anywhere near food storage, and I smile. Connie and Roy Hobbs are perfect as they are and as long as they are safe and happy, I do little to curb their natural behavior. I like that about myself. I'm not perfect, but I'm a pretty damn good cat mom.

3) I shared the knowledge. I contacted my former art director with what I learned about the ins and outs of dental insurance. She'll need new coverage on the same day as I do, but she's busy with her freelance work and probably doesn't even know where to start.

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 13

 

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 13:

1) I make notes in my pocket calendar. That's how I remember that next week is my friend Patrick's birthday. I got him a silly little gift (a milk chocolate man wearing white chocolate boxer shorts) that I know will make him laugh. I like that I make small expenditures that let people know they matter to me.

2) I made him feel better. I ran into the owner of the deli I used to frequent. He had to close his doors and he was heartbroken. I mentioned that I thought of his space often and that he was the man who introduced me to sweet kugel. He remembered that I always ordered chicken in the pot and he promised to email his recipe. He put his whole self into that business, so I'm glad I was able to let him know his efforts were appreciated.

3) I lined up new dental insurance. My current coverage (COBRA) expires June 1. If I want a prospective insurer to waive any exclusions, I have to have that policy in place ON June 1. So I shopped around and spent about an hour on the phone but I have a new carrier/policy. Since I worked for large companies since I was a teenager, I have never had to shop for insurance before. I did not enjoy this exercise but I got it done. If I don't take care of me, no one will.

 

Three Nice Things about Myself -- Day 12

My blogging buddy, Kwizgiver, wrote a post that really resonated with me. She detailed how self-care helped her helped her prevail during a (ridiculously) tough month. Her tips were very wise and so doable! So she has inspired me to take one and integrate it into my own life.

Since I can be a pretty harsh self-critic, this is the one I chose. I hope I can do this every day during March. By then it should be a habit, right?

Three nice things about myself -- March 12:

1) My patience paid off. John sent a goofy response to my goofy email. YAY! That means the lines of communication between us are, indeed, open and flowing both ways. I've been very worried about my self-isolating friend but had decided to give him space to work out his own problems. In his own way, and in his own time. I take today's rather silly interaction as evidence that I made the right choice and I like myself for respecting his privacy. (<<< Not easy.)

2) I followed up. I shot an email to Elaine. She's a good friend and I think I take her for granted sometimes. I like that I was more careful of her feelings.

3) I returned to yoga. I will never be good at yoga, but after missing two consecutive weeks, I was creaky and stiff and, well, I sucked. It's never fun to get up and go over to do something you know you're not good at. But it's good for me! I'm glad I took care of myself by making myself go.