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Growth & Goals

Embracing My Inner Pollyanna

woman with balloons no apologies for positive attitude bloominash

When I was younger, a few people mocked me for being too positive. I was too much of a Pollyanna, it was nauseating and I was naive. Or at least that’s what I was told. I don’t know why it affected me the way it did. None of those people are still in my life,…

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3 Simple Habits That Are Changing My Life

habits one day at a time

The way we build and break habits endlessly fascinates me. When I read The Power of Habit last year, something shifted. I stopped worrying that a fleeting (and sometimes not so fleeting) desire for a drink would turn into an actual drink. This book helped me to pay more attention to what my brain was…

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A Sober Birthday: 32 Life Lessons

Birthdays feel a lot different as I get older. It’s just another day, really. Not because I’m depressed about aging or anything, but the celebratory nature of it just isn’t there. I wish I was one of those people who could make everything a party. Every holiday, every birthday, every accomplishment and milestone becomes something…

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No More Excuses: A Reminder to Put In The Work

put forth your best effort, and teach your children to do the same

“Do as I say, not as I do.” I had an epiphany last night. My 9 year old daughter and I had a serious talk about her grades, and the amount of effort she’s been putting into her schoolwork. She’s creative and intelligent, but also not necessarily motivated by “good grades”. Rather than ask for help…

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It’s Ok To Just Keep Showing Up This Year

just keep showing up

It’s a new year as I write this post. 2018. Somehow, it feels like just another day. Maybe because it is just another day, hm? My biggest achievement in 2017 is that I stayed sober for each of the past 365 days. I’m not one to knock New Year’s resolutions or goals. Anything that kickstarts…

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I Stopped Apologizing For Not Wearing Makeup

I won't apologize for not wearing makeup anymore

“Sorry I’m not wearing makeup, it’s been one of those days.” I’m somewhat embarrassed that it’s taken me this long to stop apologizing for my face. The last few times I apologized for wearing makeup, it was primarily to men, and I remember them looking mildly awkward about it. Not awkward that I was without…

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3 Ways I Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

The kids won’t go to sleep. The neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking. The HOA fees are due and I’m broke. The IRS won’t leave me alone. My child is sick. The hot water heater broke. That person won’t just do the right thing. Ugh, what a day. Mommy needs to unwind. Pop, pour, sip, gulp,…

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Tackling My Addiction to Social Media

“Taking a break” from social media isn’t nearly as intense as it is from drugs or alcohol, but it’s still not easy for me. A lot has been written about the advantages and disadvantages of social media, by people much smarter and more educated than myself. I’m not going to get into the statistics and…

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Why Not Just One Drink?

walking for anxiety

It’s 5:42 am, and I’m writing this because I’m too tired to think and this seemed easier than trying to write my book. Honesty is the best policy, guys. I could go back to sleep, but I am determined to create a new habit. That new habit is writing every day, no matter what. I…

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When Comparison to Yourself is the Thief of Joy

weight loss 2012 losing 50 lbs in 5 months sobriety recovery before and after pictures

There’s a thought that always runs through my head, every day, all the time: “You can do this better.” Continuous improvement is important to me, and probably to you too. There’s a catch to the “you can do this better” thought, though. The catch is: “and you have to either do it better, or not…

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