30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 25

I am a prolific reader.  I know I've previously blogged about my love of getting lost in a movie.  That is nothing compared to my ability to get lost in a book.

I love to read.  I'm a picky reader, and cannot just read any book.  I'd love to have that capacity, as it would mean so many more books would be open to me (pardon the pun!)  I'm the person you find in QBD or Borders reading a page or two of a book that has taken my interest.  If I don't like the style, language or set out of a book, I just can't get into it.

I have a rule when it comes to books that have been made into movies.  I always try to read the book before I see the movie.  There are some movies I have never seen, because I have simply not been able to wade through the books.  I would love to see the Lord of the Rings movies.  But I just cannot get through the first 3 chapters of the first book.  Which is ironic, because I absolutely adored "The Hobbit" by J R R Tolkien and have read it a number of times.  Still, I can't get through the rest of his books.

There is another problem with this rule of mine.  I often find myself comparing the movie to the book and find it sadly lacking.  One of my great favorites is Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind".  Now don't get me wrong.  I love the movie, it is one of my top ten all time movies.  But sadly, it doesn't hold a candle to the book.

I have so many books that I could include as my favorites.  I can read a book over and over again.  Stephen King was an early favorite of mine, and I revisit his books regularly.  I like his earlier stuff much more than his more recent stuff.  I then discovered Raymond E Feist, and escaped into the worlds of Kelwan.  More recently I've discovered James Patterson and Michael Connolly.

I love to read about English history, in particular the monarchy.  Sharon Penman has kept me enthralled for many an hour during my late teens.

As a teen living in a suburb away from a lot of my friends, I indulged my love of reading for hours on end.  I was fortunate that I had a dad who loved to read as much as me, and while I didn't take piano or dance lessons, the money that would have been spent on those hobbies was channelled into the local bookstore instead.

We had a big old silky oak tree in our back yard and a pine tree in our front yard.  Any given weekend would find me resting in the boughs of either of these trees (it all depended on where the sun was!) reading my latest novel.  My idea of heaven.  If only we had a big tree like that now in our yard, I'd have no hesitation in encouraging my kids into its arms for an afternoon of losing themselves in the fantasy world of a good book.

As for me, I now try to find time to just curl up in a comfy chair in the sun on our back deck to indulge my passion for reading.  Sounds easy, but in these busy times, it's an extravagance I don't often have.  I do however try to take my book on my daily bus trip - even 20 minutes is a great refresher for the brain and a welcome change from a bombardment of electronic media that usually substitutes for entertainment on my commute.

And right now...I'm off to read Heroes of Olympus - the Lost Hero, the latest offering by Rick Riordan (a brilliant children's author) so I have a topic of discussion with my 10 year old when he has finished it too.  Joy.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 24

Ok, so we've hit the home stretch and I'm starting to get a little lean on my affirmations.

So today I am affirming that I love my life.  Sure, there are times when it's hard, when I feel like just walking away.  Those are the days the bills come in, the kids drive me insane, the house is a sty and work just gets on top of me.  I'll admit there have been more of these days lately than less.  There are days when I've just hung my head and cried (and I am sooooo not a crying kind of girl).

But then I find myself sitting back and taking evaluation of my life.  I can acknowledge the hard times, but I can also appreciate the good things in my life.  Bills mean I have a roof over my head and food on the table.  My kids fighting mean they are healthy and well.  The house is dirty because I choose to spend time with my kids rather than fastidiously cleaning.  Work's challenges mean my brain continues to be pushed, I'm constantly learning and I'm never in my comfort zone.  The fact that I work means I get paid and can afford the nicer things in my life.  And as for the emotional outbursts - they are recognition that sometimes I do just need to slow down and evaluate.

I also have a fab group of people around me who support me through the tougher times.

At work I have a special group of ladies who I can just unload to - tell them all my woes, whinge, moan and complain and then find myself saying that I need to just get over myself and get on with things.  These wonderful women keep me grounded and as sane as I get.

My husband puts up with the highs and the lows and does his absolute best to support me through my mood swings and hair-brained schemes.

My friends at home listen and give wise counsel, and sometimes just tell me to pull my head in when I get too off-track.

I've managed to get my head around my budget, plan the next 5 years financially and get back on track money-wise.

I'm a firm believer that when we want change in our lives, we are the only ones who can bring about that change.  So here I am, once again changing and taking my life back with both hands.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 23

No surprises here, I've already given the heads up.

I love jewellery.  I have a great collection of costume jewellery in all shapes, sizes, colours and designs.

As an introvert (I hear a lot of people laughing at that statement!), my jewellery is my barrier.  Like an actor, I take on the role that I need to take on in my life as I need.  I'm a firm believer in the fake it til you make it philosophy in life.  My bling helps me to get through so many new experiences every day.  Workshop?  I wear my facilitator's bling.  Networking?  Different bling again.

There are times when I've forgotten to put it on in the morning.  I feel naked without it.  It's as much a part of my persona as my quirky personality.

I've recently discovered party plan jewellery that is a little more expensive, a little more flashy and a lot more blingy.  It has taken more of a regular place in my rotation of jewellery, and while it gets a lot of compliments, I still find myself gravitating toward my costume pieces, which also get their fair share of comments.

So next time you catch up with me, let's see if you can work out what my bling is saying about me that day.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 22

I love my wardrobe.  It's not fashionable, it's not funky and it's not expensive.  What I love about my wardrobe is that it is me.  Comfortable, casual and an easy fit.  There is no pretence, no labels (well not many), just my own sense of style or lack thereof. 

My jewellery however is for another blog - hey, I just found tomorrow's topic!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 21

I love how I can get lost in a movie.  Tonight I watched "How to Train Your Dragon" with the family.  It's an animated film.  And yet I still find myself lost in the story.  I fell in love with the dragons (ok, I do have a soft spot for dragons already).  I was cheering for him.  Egging him on, taking his side and fervently praying that he would live through the final confrontation.  I was ready to cry (I even had the lump in my throat just waiting to overwhelm me).  That's how much I love getting lost in a movie.

There's nothing worse than those movies where 5 minutes in I just know I'm an observer standing on the outside.  Those are the movies that I spend counting down the minutes waiting for it to finish.  That pretty much describes any Winnie the Pooh movie by Disney and the Hannah Montana Concert movie.  I'm also sure it will happen when I'm forced to watch Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never" but sometimes there are sacrifices you make for your kids.

The ultimate movie experience for me was Avatar.  For three glorious (and not at all dragging) hours I was immersed in the fantasy world of Pandora.  3D made it all the more pleasurable as it felt like I could just reach out and touch the plants and flowers.  Pure heaven!!!!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 20

How good is sport?  I mean it's passion, it's love, it's hate, it's hurt, pain, elation, exhilaration.

I love my sport.  I can watch just about anything.  I am one of those women who love to watch men in sporting combat.  Most of my friends know my greatest passion.  I love Aussie Rules.  I follow the Brisbane Lions.  Ok, so this year has been a little disappointing so far, but that's the beauty of a passion - they take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

I love the athleticism of the game, the skills, the play, the strategy, and let's face it, the players!

It's not just the AFL though.  I love watching the cricket.  Not one dayers or 20-twenty.  The real cricket - test matches.

I love watching the strategy of bowling the same line and length over and over, with just a slight nuance of change in one ball that results in an edge and a wicket, or runs.  I've spent long days at the Gabba watching the battle for the Ashes and Queensland winning its first Sheffield Shield.

My dad loved his cricket and shared that with us.  I used to spend my Saturdays watching him play Warehouse Cricket at Bognor St at Tingalpa.  Then I dated (and married) a cricketer and the Saturdays were spent scoring his games.

I used to follow the Formula One, but found it too hard after the death of Ayrton Senna to watch.  Now I only enjoy the highlights on the news.

But give me just about any sport and I'll find something about it to captivate me.  It's the passion, the blood, the heart that keeps me coming back for more.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 19

Over halfway now and I'm beginning to slow down a bit.  What to affirm today?

Today I got a compliment about my hair - something that rarely happens.  The very lovely person asked if I had dyed it recently as it was so glossy and shiny and full.

I haven't coloured it for at least 6 weeks, but I have begun to use a quality cleanser and treatment each day to nurture my hair.  Unfortunately I have my mum's hair - very fine, very thin, and tending towards female pattern baldness as I get older.  So I'm giving it every chance to strengthen and shine.

I really didn't think that it was making much of a difference, but to get that compliment today really got me to thinking (and, I will admit, just a little bit of mirror checking).  Perhaps there's hope for me (and my hair) yet...

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 18

I got my second tattoo yesterday.  It's on my right ankle, right down on the knobbly bone on the outside of my ankle.

When I got my first tattoo, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't a particularly painful process.  Sure there were some twinges as nerve endings or clusters were hit, but nothing that made me think it was my first and last tattoo.  It was like someone drawing a razor blade across the skin - more an annoying irritation than a searing pain.

When I rested my leg on the table for my new tattoo, Clare, my tattooist, warned that this one was going to be a lot more painful than the first one, owing to the fact that we were going to be working on some very bony areas.  I braced myself, cos this one has a lot of detail and I really hoped that I would be able to get through it and not end up with half a dragon on my ankle.

So here's the thing.  It didn't hurt.  Again, some minor irritation, and the occasional nerve twitch, but otherwise all was good.  Clare even commented as she was working that she was amazed at how I was coping with the work.

So today I have to affirm that I love my pain threshold.  Having had two children and also a rotated vertebrae in my back, I must admit that all pain is not the same.  Perhaps it's that I can rationalise this pain with the worst ones I have endured and write it off as a minor inconvenience.  Or maybe it's that I've learned to live with some degree of pain in my life (my back will never be what it was in my teenage years ever again, no matter how much strengthening or surgery I have), and these other pains are all just part of something I've accepted.

Either way, with two pieces now complete, I'm planning piece number three.  Something on a wrist I think.  Design is in the works.  Savings are taking place to pay for the artwork.  I'm thinking it's about 6 months away, but then who knows...?

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 17

I love my ink.  I got my first tattoo in November 2010 - it's an abstract heart that incorporates the names of my husband and kids. For me, it's a tribute to my family and a permanent reminder of my love for them, and their love for me.

Today I get my second piece done.  I have decided on a celtic dragon design on my right ankle.  Dragons are a symbol of protection (among other things).  My dragon is facing forward, on full attack with claws bared and eyes blazing.  Again, for me, he is protecting me on a number of levels.  The right ankle is the one that is closest to the traffic when I ride.  My theory is he is my protection as I cycle.  I joke that Stef will never ride on my right again!

But even more, the fact that he's facing forward says that he is protecting me from worrying too much about what is to come, and to live each day in the moment.  I often dwell too much on what might happen and miss the great stuff that's happening in the here and now.  So again, this is my permanent memory trigger to look forward with hope and enjoy the moments we are in.

Photos to follow when the inking is done...until then, here's my first one.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 16

You know those people who can't speak in front of an audience?  Or a group?  Or even out loud in front of strangers?

I'm not that person.  I love public speaking.  I really enjoy getting up in front of an audience and talking.  I live for the days that I facilitate workshops and get the chance to interact with my audience.

As a student, I was on debate team and did various public speaking engagements.  I was always the one selected to speak on assembly, read The Ode on Anzac Day and speak in front of groups.

Funnily enough, I'm an introvert.  I draw my energy from within.  Which means I find it extremely draining when I work in groups - the energy to work in those groups drains my levels.  I often find myself working quietly in a room after those sessions, just to give my mind and body the opportunity to re-energise and rejuvenate.

Doesn't stop me from going back for more though - I thrive on that work and am so looking forward to the next few months as my job is giving me an abundance of opportunities to speak to and facilitate groups across my branch.

30 Day Affirmation - Day 15

This is a strange one, but I'm putting it out there.  I know this blog is supposed to be about affirming the things I like about myself, however this one is more something I own that I love.

I love my car.  I drive to work each day.  I park at the Gabba and bus it into the City.  My favorite part at the end of my work day is hopping off the bus and walking back to my car.  I love that moment when I round the corner and see my car.  It's the familiar in the unfamiliar.  I can't wait to get into the driver's seat, crank up the tunes and head on home to the ones I love.

How could I not love her !

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 14

I love my sweet tooth.  I know it's my Achilles Heel.  But let's face it, we all have to have a vice (or two).  I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, I drink in moderation (most of the time), so hang me, I love my chocolates and sweets. 

Of late, with my eating habits swinging back toward the healthy (yes, I can hear some of you laughing), I find the one thing I crave more than anything are raspberry tarts.  You know the ones - you can get them at most bakeries - a nice sweet short crust pastry filled with gooey, sugary, baker's jam.  Mmmm raspberry tarts (insert Homer drooling noise here)...

Damn, shops are now closed, will have to satisfy this one tomorrow on the way to work.  I can think of at least 4 bakeries on the way in.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 13

My ability to learn continues to surprise me.  Here I am at 40 and I am still learning something new almost every day. 

I've recently self-taught on Microsoft Project and Visio.  While I'm no self-professed expert, I do know my way around the programs enough to get through the tasks I need them for.

I love to learn new things.  I'm currently completing my Diploma of HR - can't say I learned much new stuff, but I did pick up some little tips here and there to assist me on my HR journey.

Even just learning new things about my friends is a great education.  How special do you feel when someone remembers something about you that you've talked about before.  I make a point of trying to remember those little things and mentioning them in conversation.  I want my friends to know that I've learned, I've listened and I'm interested in their lives.

My greatest learning came from a self-awareness session.  It reinforced something that a friend said to me long ago.  As I moved through the sessions, I remembered what my friend had said and I grew stronger because of it.  One day I must remember to thank that person for their comment.

Life is a journey of learning.  We can learn from what life throws our way and become better people and stronger people.  That in itself is a learning.  So now each day I find myself asking what I learned.  What was a lesson to take from the day.  And I'm yet to find a day where I haven't taken something away with me.  And so I keep growing.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 12

Ok, so there have been many personality traits in these blogs so far, and very few physical attributes.  It's no secret that I'm not 100% happy with my body.  There are some areas I would like to improve.

However after seeing photos from my friend Tracey's 40th hit Facebook yesterday, I've got to say that at the moment I'm loving my skin.  It's looking healthy and clear and balanced.

It's not often I can say that.  Since having chicken pox as a 20-something, my facial skin flairs up with a burning, itching, scaling dermatitis.  It's horrible, embarrassing and something that disappoints me.

Over the last fortnight I have made an active decision to nurture my skin and give it every chance in the world to be healthier.  It has been an interesting outcome, culminating in the photos on Friday night that made me look twice - there is no way that skin was mine!

I know there will still be flair ups.  Stress brings out the worst in my skin.  But I'll enjoy those times when I'm shining and healthy.  Like right now!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 11

I am competitive.  There, I've said it.  It's not a secret.  I like to win.  I am a bad winner.  I am a worse loser.  But I like being competitive.

It drives me to be faster, fitter, stronger.  I'm yet to find what it is that I'm the best at.  There's gotta be something.  I keep looking, hoping I'll discover what it is. 

I feel sorry for my sister. We spent our whole lives competing.  Thankfully she was stronger in the sporting arena, while I was academically inclined.  At least when we competed we both got to win.  I've described us as big cats sharing a cage.  Now we have separate cages I don't feel the need to compete quite so much.  Ironically we still excel at different things.

My favorite line is "I dare you..."  I often take dares.  Acceptance is often to my detriment.  I just love to show people that I will cross that line, I will do that stupid thing.  It's a weakness I know, but let's face it, we all have to have our weaknesses!

But being competitive has its drawbacks.  Being a Lions fan in the early years of this century was an absolute high.  Being a Lions fan this year can make you feel incredibly low.  My sport can consume me.  There are times when I'm a horrible loser and I say things that just aren't right, or fair, or even true.  My competitiveness sometimes gets me into a little more trouble than I can handle.  Don't come to the footy with me when my team is losing unless you're willing to pitch in with a little after match sledging.  I'm yet to get into a fist fight, but I know that the day is coming!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 10

Hmmm, we're a third of the way through and I'm slowing down.  What do I like about myself in particular...?

I like the fact that I can laugh at myself.  How do I know I can do this?  Every week I get up and do Zumba at local classes.  Every week I know I look like a total gumby.  Every week I laugh, and yet I find myself going back.

I'm not afraid to try something new, even if it means looking like a doofus.  And sometimes it pays off and I find myself enjoying that new challenge.  But a lot of the time it's a matter of saying, "ok, so I've done that now, I don't enjoy it, let it go"  I like that about myself as well - I don't have to keep doing something just because everyone else is and I feel obliged to like it. 

So keep on bringing on the new experiences.  I don't mind a giggle!

30 day Affirmation Challenge - Day 9

My inner voices are an interesting bunch.  They're relatively positive.  That doesn't surprise me, as I'm a relatively positive person.  I do have moments of disbelief, but I can generally talk through it.

The last few weeks have been a bit rocky for me.  I've had some real moments of self-doubt - both in my personal and professional life.  I've questioned myself over and over.

Funnily when I question myself internally, I answer externally.  I often giggle at the poor drivers in the cars around me, as the majority of these little dialogues take place in the commute to and from work.  They must look at me and wonder about the crazy woman laughing, giggling and chatting away to herself.  I've even been known to shout and rage at myself in real moments of self realisation.

So my affirmation for today is my ability to work through my issues, listen to the voices, rage against them, question them, vocalise them and ultimately move through my life without beating myself up too much over it all.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 8

I've always wanted to know what I'll be when I grow up.  I turned 40 this year and I still don't know.

I'm a reasonably intelligent person.  I know this because I've been told.  A lot.  I was helping a friend with their psych qualifications.  She administered an IQ test.  I think she was surprised how high I scored.  I wasn't.  I've done them before.

My problem is that I've never transferred that intelligence to just one thing.  I'm what you'd call a generalist.  I have a good general knowledge of lots of things, but no one real specialist focus.  I get really passionate about things when I begin them, but once I've mastered them, I get bored and I move on (or get moved on as my managers realise I need that constant challenge to motivate me to achieve).

Being a jill of all trades and master of none does have it's advantages though.  I'm great at trivia nights - I have an amazing ability to retain unusual information across all of my generalist areas.  If only I could turn that into a living!

So my affirmation for today is that I have never given up on realising my dream - whatever that dream may be.  I just need to keep trying new things, testing new waters, and eventually, I know I'll find what it is I was put on this earth to do.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll stop the moving around and ease into a life where I bounce out of bed every morning looking forward to what the next work day brings.  Here's hoping :)

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 7

Well what can I say, gotta say my self awareness is up there on my list of things I like about myself.

I have a great ability to manage my inner dialogue.  I find myself having incredible highs and despairing lows, and yet my inner dialogue is constant in that I can talk to myself to deal with my problems.  My friends know that sometimes when I'm talking out loud to them, it's really just my inner voice needing to pass muster.  Quite often I will answer my own questions when I begin to question things out loud - it's just another way for me to address that inner voice!

I have a beautiful friend who worked with me through a work personal & professional development program.  Through that process I learned more about myself than ever before and really began to understand the person I am, the reasons I am that person, how my belief system worked (and was moulded) and how factors in my life have been influenced during my childhood.

I know my limitations.  I know my comfort zones.  And I'm not scared to push those zones.  They've grown larger as I experiment with what I can do.  Every new experience becomes the next push in what I am capable of achieving.

I've learned to become more secure.  I've learned to trust that if others see potential in me, then perhaps I can trust in their belief in me.

But my greatest lesson has been learning to put my own voice forward when I have my doubts or feel uncomfortable and ask for help.  I'm not good at that.  The old me would say that that was a failure.  The new me says it's ok to stumble, it's ok to fall, as long as I get back up.  And getting up with a hand to assist is no failing either.

This week I stumbled.  I didn't fall.  But I did voice my concern.  And I got the reassurance I needed to know I was headed in the right direction.  It was a revelation and a fantastic learning for me.  I will use that lesson in future - that's another thing about me - I rarely make the same mistake twice, and I take learnings from my lessons.

So there you have it.  One week in, and still finding the positives.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - day 6

What a day - Mother's day is always a challenge for me.  So here's today's blog.  I feel blessed to have my two children.

My daughter and I are in for rough times ahead.  I'm in no denial about the trouble we will be to each other.  But for all of the arguments that lie ahead, I love the special moments we share.  We went a production of Les Miserables by Ormiston College.  We loved it.  We talked about it the whole trip home.  We loved the same things, criticiqued the same things and had the best time.

My boy is my little cuddle bunny.  He is ten now, and while he moves away from holding my hand at the shopping centre, he will still crawl into my lap for a cuddle each morning, and tells me how much he loves me.

My kids are the centre of my life.  I am consumed with guilt at the moment as work calls ever louder, and I really want to spend more time with them.  As they are gradually growing older, I so want to be there for them.  They may not remember the times when they were younger that work got in the way, but my earliest memories of my mum are around Grade 5-6 when she would be home waiting for us each afternoon with a glass of cordial and homemade pikelets or cake or biscuits.  I want to have some of those memories for my kids.

I don't want their memories to be of a mum who kept screaming at them because they weren't moving fast enough or when I was trying to finish the report at home ready for the next day's meeting.

So I'm using Mother's Day as my platform to change the time I have with my children.  It all begins tomorrow.  I'm going to speak with my boss about a part time agreement (ok only dropping one day a week, but think of the things I can do on that day to spend more time on the weekend with the kids), and maybe even a work from home day.

One or the other would be great, both would be ideal, but either way, if I want to make a change, I have to be the one to take the steps.  No one can change my life but me.  So here goes.  Wish me luck....

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 5

I love my sense of humour.  Ok, so it's a little warped and some really weird things can make me laugh.  

I'm not a fan of some comedy, never been a Lesley Neilson type (although I find it funny I don't seek it out!)  I love some Will Farrell movies, but other times think he goes a little too far or a little too stupid.  I guess you could say I like a bit of subtle comedy - where I do need to think to get the joke, and not have it hit me smack bang in the middle of my forehead.

So the comedy I like - American sit-coms - Friends, How I Met Your Mother.  Sometimes it just depends on the situation, how my week has been going, what my mood is like.

I love Adam Hills and Wil Anderson, and had a blast at Wayne Brady's recent show.  Tripod make me giggle (love, love, love comedy through music) and I love checking out the Comedy Festivals for new and emerging talent.

I love improv - have been to some great local shows and watched some amazing actors working through improvisational comedy.  Whose Line Is It Anyway is one of my favorite shows.  I love watching Ryan Stiles, Colin Mockery, Stephen Fry and Greg Proops making it all up as they go!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 4

Body parts - I love my calves.  Being a cyclist, they get better each ride.  In fact, in the last 12 months, they have really started to shape nicely. 

I once had a friend who was really turned on by a well shaped calf.  I think of him when I'm wearing heels and can see the way my calves look in them!  Haven't seen him for 15 years, but still makes me smile to myself when I do.

Strange I know that this is something I love about myself, but when we add all the parts together after 30 days, I'm hoping I'll realise that the sum of all parts equals learning to love myself!

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 3

Hmmm, what's it to be today.  Perhaps a piece of the body.  I love my smile.  I like to think it's warm.  I certainly know it's expensive. 

I had braces when I was a teenager and I certainly appreciate how hard my father had to work to pay for that expense.  I really found out the day after I had my braces off and chipped my front tooth trying to set my watch.  I thought my dad was going to cry.  We were a single income family, and getting braces wasn't an easy decision - it meant my family missed out on a lot of other things that that money could have been spent on.

Do love my smile though.  Like my eyes, it's expressive, inclusive and always ready to make an appearance.  I love that phrase "If you would like to spoil the day for a grouch, give him a smile."  I love the infectiousness of a smile.  I love that no matter what my mood, I can smile and the world somehow seems brighter.  I love that I was taught to answer the phone with a smile in my very first job.  That has always stuck with me, and I often have people comment about my phone manner and my friendly, smiley voice.

So do me a favour if you ever see me looking down in the mouth, give me a smile (and a hug never goes astray either), and brighten up my day for me.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 2

I'm going to go with a personality trait today.  It's something that my friends rib me about, but it's something that I'm inanely proud of...

Hi there, my name is Sue and I'm a nerd.

I love that I love geeky stuff.  I have no problem with being identified as a total dork.  I grew up loving Star Wars, technology, trivia, cheesy tv shows, musical theatre, 80s music.  I love to read.  I really enjoy learning.  I really believe I have a thirst for knowledge.

No one has ever tried to change this about me, and for that I'm grateful.  In fact I had total support from those around me growing up to live life to the fullest and embrace my nerdiness.  People who didn't accept me for who I was never lasted long in my life.

So next time we're having a conversation, you can throw in the occasional geek reference.  There will be no judgement - just recognition of a kindred spirit.

So until next time - may the Force be with you...always.

30 Day Affirmation Challenge - Day 1

So the aim of this challenge is to post an affirmation of something I like about myself for thirty days.  As Whitney Houston noted, "learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all."  So here's to day 1 of learning to love myself.

I love my eyes.  I don't wear makeup often, however when I do, the first comment I get is that my eyes absolutely pop.  I was never one of those girls who wanted to be a blue-eyed blonde.  I love my dark hair and chocolate brown eyes.  My dad has the same eyes and I've passed them down to my daughter.

They say your eyes are the windows to your soul.  In my case this is so true.  A dear friend who has now left us once told me that he could read to the very depths of my thoughts through my eyes.  However he also described them like pools of chocolate, so who knows what was the truth!

My eyes can snap with anger, fill with tears, throw the dirtiest of looks to someone who has done the wrong thing by me.  They can reflect absolute and total love to my friends and family, twinkle with suppressed laughter and throw the most flirtatious looks (although that is a little out of practice these 20 years past!)

So there you have it - the first thing I love about myself - the eyes have it!