"Woke up this morning feeling like starting my own little grassroots movement for the month of March 2012. I invite you to join me to Listen In and Think Positive! for the entire month of March. Ever wonder how many thoughts floating around in your oh so active mind are positive? How many are negative? I invite you to join me this entire month in taking a second to take notice - to track those pesky little thoughts and to make a change - Listen In and Think Positive!

Is there a person in your life that whenever they walk towards you down the hall they just always ruffle your feathers? Stop and listen in - think about one thing about that person you appreciate and are grateful for, and smile:-) Feeling overwhelmed with your life? Stop and listen in - think about one thing about yourself that you are intensely grateful for, and smile:-) Is there a person close to you who is getting you down? Stop and listen in - think about one piece of information that person has shared with you that you are grateful for and possibly even treasure, and smile:-) Is the bus late again, or traffic at a standstill? Stop and listen in - look up, don't think, just look at the nature around you and share some gratitude for the intense beauty in the world, and smile:-) 

LIKE if you commit to joining Listen In and Think Positive! for the month of March 2012:-)"

Lovely, isn't it?  Pass it on!

I stood up and walked across the room.  "I sure do like to look at you,"  said my husband with a smile on his face.  Did I say thank you?  No.  I made a face.  "I look terrible,"  I protested.  No make-up.  No shower.  Still wearing filthy clothes for walking the dogs and working in the yard.  Not only did I reject the compliment, I felt irritated.  "Well, I still like to look at you."  Does he see something I don't?

My weight had been creeping up since January and I felt self-conscious.  I started the year off on the wrong foot as far as forgiveness goes. Proud of a minimal holiday weight gain, I had resolved to start right in on a diet and exercise plan January 2nd.  Well, my normally foolproof system didn't work this time around.  After a couple of weeks I was holding tight to a couple of pounds.  But I had let go of my resolve. 

I decided to let my weight be for a while and redirect my focus.  Since my unsuccessful diet attempt I had spent a few weeks in a serious funk.  I wanted to make a change--what about accepting myself the way I was?  Accepting that winter might add a few pounds.  Accepting that I may have to explore another way to shed weight.  Accepting that the timing wasn't right.  And so I turned to my morning pages.  I started every day by writing the words--accept yourself.  My mantra.  A persistent reminder to be gentle.

Well, that's easier said than done when your jeans are cutting into your waist.  March's gorgeous weather finally had me running again.  On the other hand, March's celebrations had me eating birthday cupcakes and an insidious deep fried Twinkie.  Two pounds grew to 6.  I stuck with my mantra through the sweets and the celebrations, the sweat and the pavement.  And by the time April rolled around I was absorbing the change.  Buoyed by physical exercise and positive reinforcement I finally felt ready to shed the weight.

A month later exercise is working.  A healthy diet is working.  Accepting myself?  I'm working on it.  Accepting compliments in spite of my perceived appearance could be a new mantra.   Yet...this is still a challenge for me.   I wonder how much more accepting I would feel if I saw myself through my husband's eyes?