Back to NORMAL

Well, that took longer than I planned.  Doesn't it always for me?!?!  I need to evaluate for Christmas.  Either PLAN to stay off plan for a few days or DO WHAT I SAY and get right back on track.

I'm AM back now, but not before several days of NOT (partially due to some hardy PMS).  I'm on the same cycle for Christmas so I need to plan accordingly.

I stayed clear of sweets, but made up for it with BREAD.  Bread with butter and more bread with butter.  What was I thinking?  Risking a cold sore before so much social stuff in December.

I listened to an extremely timely Brooke Castillo class last night.  She did a series of free video classes over Thanksgiving and they expired last night.  I wanted to watch at least one so I could "see" her in action.  (I watched 2.)  Anyway, the one that was timely was on cutting back drinking -- which can be a fill-in-the-blank statement.  Cutting back sweets or alcohol or junk food or snacking.  You get the idea.  Cutting back or cutting out.

I keep saying I'm sabotaging myself and I don't know why.  I give up sweets and suddenly add bread?!?!  Her class made me realize my mistake.  I'm still FIGHTING and RESISTING my URGES regarding sweets (at least I was over Thanksgiving).  By fighting and not simply allowing them, I gave into pop-up urges instead (hello bread).  She has a suggestion to make a list of 100 urges times -- every time you allow the urge without giving in, write it in a book.  Most people will have the urge disappear long before 100 times of practice (some need another 100).  It doesn't have to be consecutive.  I have a notebook and this exercise starts today.

It sounds fun - I like a list and I like a COUNT of something.  Bring on the urges!!

Today is also FULL STRENGTH self-care.  The dog-crazy and holiday week took me back to baseline with a lot of my healthy habits.  Time to kick it back up today.  Hubby is out of town, youngest is working and it's only me and MY 2 dogs.  Aspen stayed for behavioral assessment and training - probably a week, at least.

I had a LONG car ride yesterday (over 3 hours) so I hit the podcasts hard.  I chose Gretchen Rubin.  I'm digging her stuff right now.  I like the dynamic between her and her sister.  She's logical, straight-forward and unapologetically herself.  When someone is totally authentic, it gives you permission to be too.  Being Gretchen.  Being ME.

Two take-aways - there is a site that allows you to compile a list of your favorite podcasts and instructions to listen to them that you can print and give as a "free" gift.  I don't have the name (I need to go back and write it down and then I'll share - I was driving).  I'm adding this "gift" for my girlfriends this year.  Bonus gift.  I love the idea.  It also makes me want to explore other podcasts too so I have a fun list of recommendations.

UPDATE - I looked it up ... here you go.  Gift of Podcast

Second take-away was from a listener.  She makes a theme every holiday season that she uses for gift giving and keeping an intention to enjoy the holidays.  Gretchen says they do this at the beginning of the year for the new year, but loved the idea for the holidays.  You take a lyric from a Christmas song (or any song) and make it your theme.  I won't use it for gift giving, but I will use it as a reminder for my intention for December.

All is calm, all is bright.
Comfort and joy.
Joy to the world
The stars are brightly shining.

You get the idea.  Take the lyrics and interpret them for your holiday.  (Fun when you hear the song and your lyrics as a little reminder.)

I'm copying, "All is calm, All is bright."  It's my INTENTION for holiday 2018.  It's a busy December and I want to stay calm.  All is bright - it's all good busy and I'll miss that if I don't pay attention.  This isn't a list to get through and cross off.  This is a season of family and friends.  Connection and good experiences.

This is so much fun!  There are so many awesome choices in song lyrics.  I went back-and-forth because I loved so many of them. This would be a great idea if you are doing a gift exchange - choice a Christmas lyric and theme a gift accordingly.  You can put your lyric on a tag on the outside of the gift.

Tonight is my PHB call and per usual, I'm up super early (hubby had an early flight and dogs wanted to get up too).  I'm also on my yucky day from the old monthly witch.  Not necessarily looking forward to doing the call tonight ... happens every Tuesday.  No point in acting shocked LOL!

I did a lot of cyber shopping this weekend.  I was panicked about not having any shopping done, but I ended up getting a lot of good deals.  I'll do some pictures and such when things arrive.

Today feels like "my Monday" in the best possible way.  A day of all ME and I super duper need it.  Have a good great spectacular day (let's upgrade!!) - later gators.