Positive Attitude + Trying

Sometimes the power of thinking positively and just being willing to give something a shot truly amazes me. 2013 has already been so great, and we are only 8 days in. Rather than setting specific/unrealistic goals this year, I decided that I am going to remind myself to stop, take a deep breath, and try.

Try to eat better. Try to exercise more. Try to be more focused at work. Try to just be happy, no matter where I am, or what I am doing. Just try anything that I put my mind to.

I am already so thankful for things that 2013 has brought me: an entire week off work (2 if you count the week in 2012), lots of time spent with family and good friends, a 12 week long sewing class that started tonight, and one other huge accomplishment...a new job/promotion at work.

Those two weeks off really allowed me to relax and reset for the year ahead. While I had a few ‘to-do’s’, I was careful not to overbook myself, and spent plenty of time reading, relaxing, movie watching, and working on some craft & sewing projects.  I truly focused on myself, and what I wanted to do with my time – it was fantastic!

I was also able to spend time with two of my very dearest friends that were in town from Florida and California. Although I did not have a long time with each of them, I cherished every minute. They both have a way of reminding me of who I really am, and no matter how much time passes in between seeing either of them, we can always pick up where we left off – the proof of real friendship. We support each other, share stories, catch up, and root each other on in the happenings of life.

Along with old friends, I was able to spend time with newer friends, too. I went out dancing with some girlfriends, spent New Years with great people attending a comedy club and a couple of bars, and had friends Sunday night dinner. I made lampshades for my bedroom (to go with my beautiful new bed/bedding Santa brought me), and pulled out my sewing machine to make myself a new jacket. I also got a sinus infection, did some deep cleaning, and had to put the license plates on my jeep (hey, not every-single-day can be a winner). The moral of the story is, I tried to focus on me, enjoying my time, and being happy - and I succeeded.

You just have to try. Yesterday when I REALLY wanted to head home after work, I went to the gym and ran instead. Today, when I forgot socks for Pilates at lunchtime, I went anyways. I chose salad instead of a heavy meal for lunch. I set small goals at work to help me achieve the larger goal of playing catch-up from being out for two weeks. I just thought about trying to make choices that would make life a little easier and make me feel good.

I also applied and interviewed for a job that seemed too good to be true. Everything about it was exactly where I wanted my career to head – my resume was so inline with the roles and responsibilities it was almost unreal. The only thing stacked against me was it being a couple levels above my current role. Rather than get discouraged – I tried. I applied, made the correct connections, and did my very best to prepare for my panel interview. I left completely content in knowing that I did the best I was able, and no matter what the outcome, I was happy with what I brought to the table, no regrets. I was supposed to hear yesterday, and a last minute phone call pushed the follow up out to later this week. I woke up today with the hope that I might hear, but prepared for the decision to come tomorrow or later. When I saw the meeting request pop up for 3:30 today, my nerves went into overtime.

The nerves were excitement. Not knowing, but remaining positive and hopeful. The decision had been made, and there was nothing I could do but wait and see. To hear the words ‘we would like to offer you the job’ was a dream-come-true. I felt as if everything I have worked for since high school and college was finally happening. Any doubts that others had in my being promoted were proved wrong. I went in knowing that I was ready and could do it, and I think the people interviewing me must have seen that. I know the role will be a lot of work and responsibility, but I am ready. I am going to more than try.

This resolution of trying is working out for me so far – I think I may just stick with it. When the odds are stacked against you, even if it is as small of a detail as forgetting socks, you can make the choice to try. Do things anyways, focus on the positive and benefits of the choice you are making, and things will always have a way of working out just as they should.