I’m pretty sure that’s the title of a made up self-help book. But it seems relevant here. I hadn’t intended to step away from blogging. But stupid busy work life with a smattering of illness got in my way. Today,  however, I got that superhuman feeling that comes when you finally feel better after being sick. So I decided to drag out the laptop and pick up where I left off.

A few updates about what’s been happening the past month or so.

• I had the honor of celebrating a dear friend’s marriage and serving as her maid of honor. The past month included the bachelorette party and wedding. The bachelorette party included a great ziplining adventure and fantastic brewery tour with a really fun group of ladies. The wedding was a beautiful and fun experience on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It was wonderful to see my friend get married surrounded by such great people and such beautiful landscapes.

• In other news, I started an intensive physical therapy program to bet my back, back in shape. And its been going really well. I have far fewer pain days. I can sit longer w/out pain. And I am up to almost 400# on the leg press! I’m about 1/3 of the way through it. I’m excited to see how I feel after a few more weeks. And while I’m doing this program for my back, I’m focusing more on upper body strength at the gym. Watch out triceps. My attention is on you!  No more hiding in the back of the classroom 🙂

• Next up, work. I’ve been devoting a lot of time to my work. A difficult choice. My work is extremely important to me. I believe strongly in what we can do for the community. But we are very short staffed and could use a few more pennies. Which makes this work even more difficult. I’ve pushed hard over the past several months to help bring our work to the next level. And in the process, put myself in a position for expanded responsibilities. Which is of course, exciting, but means a lot of work.

Let’s take a moment to do a daily mission. Whatya say? Today’s mission is “Are you an alchemist or a leopard”?

As the wise Gretchen Rubin puts it ” Alchemists seek ways to change or re-direct our fundamental natures; we’re dissatisfied with ourselves; we’re often tempted to behave, and make choices, that don’t comport with who we really are. Leopards don’t try to change their spots. They know who they are, and they don’t worry about everything they aren’t.”

I think I can safely say, I am an alchemist. I am jealous of leopards, like my sister. Which tells me (from a previous mission)  that want something different. I am happy with many of my fundamental natures. But I feel am I on a continuing mission to find the best way to channel those natures and change the ones I don’t like. This journey is about understanding who I truly am so that I can be the best me I can and love that person wholly.

I haven’t given up on this Life Dailies mission. Thanks for reading and sticking with me on the way.

-Teresa