Define myself A-Z

I know how to write a thank-you note, and I always do it. I was raised to say please and especially thank-you. Since I have no car, any time I receive a ride somewhere, I always try and say thanks a few times.

Equally important is my gratitude to God for the immense blessings I’ve had (and continue to have) in my life. God has put the most incredible people in my path, and led me toward opportunities I never imagined. For that I am grateful.

I am pretty straight up about certain things. If someone asks my advice, especially if we are close, I wont mince words. You’ll often hear me begin with “Okay, listen, I’m just saying….blah blah blah”.

Similarly, I will embarrass myself for the sake of making you laugh. If you call while I’m in the bathroom, I’ll call you back and say “Whoops, sorry about that, I was pooping. You know how it is”.

I try to do this at every given oppurtunity. I walk to work, carry totes to the grocer, recycle…I even bought eco-sneaks this week. I know that I am not perfect by any means AT ALL. But, I feel like if I just do a little more each day, it will add up enough to make some kind of recompense for the damage I’ve caused just by existing on earth every day.

Diligent: I have been working so diligently and consistently on several things in my life. My degree, my home, my relationships, and my physical health. I am really pleased that I have learned that just because you don’t see progress, doesn’t mean that its not working. Sometimes I feel like I am running with my eyes closed, praying its the right direction. Overall, hard work and diligence has given me some of the most worthwhile things I have.

Caffeinated! I loves me some coffee in the morning. Iced Coffee is one of my biggest indulgences, so pricey! I have a toddy, so I can make it at home, but sometimes I just want to have one made for me with a yummy flavor shot.

Breathing (still)

One of the things I’ve learned in Spinning class is the ability to breathe through extreme discomfort for extended periods of time. The instructor tells us that when our legs are burning from exhaustion, to push that out of our thoughts and think of our breaths. This is also difficult because your breathing has become so labored. I like to use this idea in other aspects of my life. Focusing on the sheer act of breathing can help you push through panic, discomfort, sorrow, pain, and other hurdles. I like that I can breath without being aware of it, but at any time I can take control of my breath.

Active is a word that I embrace to describe myself, but also shy from because of how entangle it has become with my compulsive behavior. I am proud that I work out 5-6 times a week, but I also feel obligated to do so. I want to move my body because I enjoy it, not because I am afraid of what will happen if I don’t.

Not having a car makes being active almost inescapable. I walk to work, class, the store, movies, etc. Getting a ride to places is a treat. This is a habit I hope doesn’t change. I like taht I dont’ have to pay for gas or insurance, and my carbon footprint is that much smaller. Also, walking gives me time to catch up on phone calls, listen to music, and just take in the city around me.

Being active at the gym is a huge part of who I am, and one of the ways I spend my free time. This is where the issue becomes clouded. Do I do this because I enjoy it? Or because I am afraid to gain weight? I have been trying to get into activity that embraces how my body moves, such as yoga (and hopefully rock climbing), in an effort to shift focus from calorie burning.

All in all, I am an active person, which is both good and bad…

Also:

Anxious
Amiable
Apple-Loving