Saturday, June 30, 2012

June 30

Tell yourself you are too strong and courageous to hold on to the resentments of the past.  Forgiving yourself does not mean you have to deny that you did something wrong.  Don't waste the present thinking about the past.


I am too strong and courageous to hold on to (onto?  What is the rule for that?) the resentments of the past.

There have been a lot of things in my life that I have had to forgive myself for.  Sometimes, forgiving yourself might make you feel guilty, like you are denying that it happened.  I love what Diana Fletcher said about that.  It doesn't mean you have to discard the past, it simply means you can move on.
AMANDA

Friday, June 29, 2012

June 29

Don't be afraid to suggest peaceful solutions.


First of all, I asked Brie yesterday to update but she still hasn't so I apologize.  I am seeing her tomorrow so I can harass her then.  Until then, you are stuck listening to me.


I am never that person in an argument that tries to end it.  I know that is bad, but I personally love debates.  I think as long as they are not personal it is fun to test your opinion by contrasting it with someone else's.  However, if an argument is getting out of control, I don't think you should be afraid to walk away.  Look at what happens to The Real Housewives.
AMANDA

June 28

Apologize to people you have hurt.  Even if you can no longer say you are sorry to them, send them good thoughts and let it go.


I have found myself reluctant to apologize a lot which is just stupid.  Would it really kill me to say I am sorry when I have hurt someone?  I blame the stubborn genes I get from my maternal side.  The regret that comes from not apologizing is a lot worse than just saying "I'm sorry."  I am going to try to live from this principle.
AMANDA

June 27

Set aside special time in your days to keep up with friends and relatives.


I had a great outing with my sister (who also serves as my best friend) and my really cool cousin Danielle.  My sister got a tattoo and we went out to dinner.  It was wild and a lot of fun.  I have a lot of time in my life set aside for friends.  I see my cousin once a month for dinner, I see my friends every Saturday for movie night, and I think there have been about four days total in my life that I haven't talked to my sister.  I agree with Diana Fletcher that we should see our friends often; it is good for the soul.
AMANDA

June 26

It is better to have fewer clothes that you feel good in than have lots that you feel drab in.


I absolutely detest shopping for clothes so growing up, I usually relied on my sister's hand me downs and my mom's love of dressing me up like a doll.  I like simple, conservative clothes (I think I am the only woman who had arguments with her mom when she wanted me to show more skin than I was).  I am really happy with my clothes right now; they are comfortable and flattering.  If you feel like yours aren't, cleaning out your closet and giving your clothes to Goodwill always feels great.
AMANDA

Monday, June 25, 2012

June 25

Don't get caught up with shoulds.  There is no deadline or necessity to have a partner, get married, or have kids.  Don't judge yourself by others' lives.


I didn't date in high school and always felt like kind of a loser because of it.  Why?  High school couples for the most part are annoying and caught up in each other's lives so much that they can't disentangle themselves to make their own decisions (there are exceptions of course).  I recently made a before 30 life list with a bunch of fun, adventurous things I am going to do when I am single.  When I looked at all the exciting things I would be doing, I felt enormously grateful that I would not have to check in with anyone else.
AMANDA

Sunday, June 24, 2012

June 24

Plan your meals ahead of time so you don't end up eating junk.


I have mentioned before that I am counting calories so I have been pretty good about planning meals.  My biggest concern is protein since I am a vegetarian.  I think this is especially important when you go to restaurant.  Plan how much you are going to eat beforehand so you are not just shoving in bread (not that that ever happens to me)...
AMANDA

Saturday, June 23, 2012

June 23

Stand up straight.


I really don't usually have this problem.  Since I am 5 feet 2 inches, I am generally shorter than everyone else.  I have noticed that really tall people have worse posture than shorter people (haha take that Kate Moss).  I was recently at a party with a bunch of people that I felt extremely uncomfortable around and I felt myself shrinking inside of myself.  The look of pure panic on my face also probably did not make me look really confident.  I think simply straightening up can make you feel capable and confident.
AMANDA

Friday, June 22, 2012

June 22

Today, think about your sleep and eating habits.  Are you preparing yourself for a time that you might need to be strong and healthy?


I have actually been counting calories lately and have lost 3.4 pounds.  I highly recommend this method for even though I am losing weight I still get to eat ice cream on a daily basis (this is very important to me).  I also have been getting a good amount of sleep and I feel great.  Of course, I should probably exercise more since I can't get on the elliptical machine for more than fifteen minutes without craving death.  Small steps...
AMANDA

June 21

Dance today and don't let anyone tell you that you are not happy.


I am meeting a friend in the city tonight for dinner and got to have lunch with my sister.  I am having a good day, but I know some people want you to share their misery if you are having a bad day.  Actually, when I am in a bad mood, I prefer other people to be in a good mood to make me feel better.  But since I am hugely better than the human population, other people to spread their bad mood far and wide.  Don't let them get you down today!
AMANDA

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

June 20

Start going to bed earlier.  It will influence how you deal with life's little annoyances.


I go to bed at approximately 11:30 every night and I really love it actually.  That is the time that I get to watch movies which (as you may have noticed) is one of my main hobbies.  Last night, for instance, I stayed up late to finish an obscure Scandinavian movie, Zero Kelvin.  I do agree that it can influence how you deal with people.  I think you need to figure out how much sleep you need and then find a way to make it work.
AMANDA

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

June 19

Stop and breathe completely.  Let the air completely fill your abdomen.  This is how you should always breathe. Slowly and completely.


I know it seems kind of obvious but stopping and slowly breathing actually has helped me get control of a situation in the past.  CHECK!
AMANDA

Monday, June 18, 2012

June 18

Some decisions you make will be bad, some will be good.  Regardless, you still have to make decisions.


I think often times we get caught up in feeling guilty and trying to gauge what other people want when we make decisions.  When I was younger and went on vacations with my family, we would often just sit and stare at each other, wondering where we would go for dinner.  We would try to read each other's minds.  "Does he not like Italian?", "Will she be disappointed?", "Is she sick of _____?".  It got to the point of just plain stupidity.  I think we just need to let all that stuff go.  If someone is blatantly not voicing their opinion, obviously it doesn't mean that much to them.  Of course, I am focusing on the smaller stuff.  I think impulsive decisions that you regret later are part of being young and you should just go for it.  I think I would regret not doing something more than I would regret pursuing a misguided adventure.
AMANDA

Sunday, June 17, 2012

June 17

Face the fact that not everyone will like you.


Happy Father's Day, everyone.  I got something that I hope my father will really enjoy and we already had a discussion on politics!  I think that means he will have a good day.


Heaven knows not everyone likes me.  You know it especially when people blatantly tell you they don't like you, which is always a good time.  I think this should apply to romantic relationships as well.  Not everyone will be attracted to each other.  I like goat cheese, some people hate goat cheese.  It doesn't mean that there is something wrong with goat cheese (curse the thought!) but it is simply not for everyone.  Lesson to be learned from this post: we are all goat cheese.
AMANDA

Saturday, June 16, 2012

June 16

Stay away from people who hurt others.


At various points in my life, I have had that friend, the one I know is not a good influence on me.   I have had some great friends who I know make me a better person so when I compare them to mean people, I think "what the hell am I doing hanging out with this person?".  I recently had a friend who was just plain rude; I think it came from a lot of pent up anger she had about people that she hadn't dealt with.  Regardless, I don't see her anymore and I am thankful.  There are too many great people in the world to waste my time with the cruel ones.
AMANDA

Friday, June 15, 2012

June 15

Be gentle today.  This does not necessarily mean be a wimp.  Just making someone's life easier today will help people share in your happiness.


I would like to think I do this every day (save a couple days a month) but in reality, I can probably be harsh some days.  Today, I am going to try to do small favors for the people in my life I see today.  I think, at least for me, it is the tiny things that add which determine if I have a good day or a bad day.  I will do my best to influence someone's day in the former direction today.
AMANDA

Thursday, June 14, 2012

June 14

Look at yourself through eyes of love.  You have the power to make yourself age gracefully by continuing to treat your body well physically and mentally.


I am going to keep posting these messages partly because Brie is vacationing in Mexico and partly because I want to be up to date for once.  I think I am very good at making sure I am constantly feeding my brain with new knowledge.  However, I don't exercise or eat as well as I should.  I recently started counting calories and am planning to work out later today.  So far it is going pretty well so I am definitely working on this happy action.
AMANDA

June 13

There is a difference between being prepared and making yourself crazy.


I often worry but not about dangerous scenarios.  I worry about money, my health, romance, and other people's health.  I don't often sit up worrying I will get kidnapped, for which I am grateful.  I trust that I will know what to do in a dangerous situation and that is enough.
AMANDA

June 12

Write down a dream you had as a child.  Don't worry about the how.


I dreamed that I would be a travel writer.
AMANDA

June 11

Laugh every day.


I just wrote a couple days ago how much I laughed in Denver.  I also saw Brian Regan perform a little while ago and plan on seeing Jim Gaffigan in a couple months.  I am silly when I am with people I love but I can be kind of buzz kill when I am around strangers.  I will try to fix that.
AMANDA

June 10

Make your bed cozy and comfortable.


I just glanced at my bed and it is unmade and has remotes on it.  I plan on making it today though; it is not usually like this!  I just got a new comforter with polka dots so I cannot be accused of bad bed!
AMANDA

June 9

Do not close your eyes to possible abuse around you.


I have never seen signs of abuse with any women I know, thank goodness.  You really don't know what you would do in that scenario until it happens to you, I guess.  I am hopeful in thinking I would take action.
AMANDA

June 8

Post reminder notes around your house so you don't forget things.


Hello, everyone!  I just got back from a really fun trip to Denver.  I saw beautiful mountains and red rocks.  However, the best part of the trip was spending time with the amazing group of women I went with.  I don't think I have laughed that hard in a really long time and we did some wild things that I never would have done alone.  I highly recommend girls trips; they are very rejuvenating.  Anyway, I have tons to do today so I made a to do list which counts.
AMANDA

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

June 7

Think of something you are really good at and call it your superpower.


I am pretty good at charades.  I also can read really quickly.  Wow.  Those are lame superpowers.
AMANDA


I am getting to be pretty good at being happy on purpose! Happiness is my superpower!


xx Brie

June 6

Close your eyes and say "I am beautiful and amazing!" Next time you hear yourself criticizing you appearance say "don't talk about my best friend like that!"


I am beautiful and amazing!


I think as women we are generally down on ourselves for our appearance.  Also, if we feel comfortable with our appearance, we think we are being vain.  Today, I am dressing up and plan on feeling great about myself when I walk out the door.  We will see how that goes.
AMANDA


I am beautiful and amazing!


I am completely comfortable with myself, and I definitely feel like I am being extremely vain. I don't know how to fix this. I don't want to be obnoxious, but I definitely do not want to keep feeling this terrible. 


xx Brie

June 5

Learn how to accept a compliment.  Say thank you and smile.


I love compliments!  They are never just a casual thing for me; they help brighten my day.  I know people who have no idea how to accept compliments and almost seem to argue with you when you give them one.  It is incredibly annoying.
AMANDA


I am the incredibly annoying person who argues with compliments. I just don't agree with the compliments! I don't see myself that way. A few days ago, I made it my goal to accept compliments, though. I will say thank you and smile.


xx Brie

June 4

Stand up for yourself.  Acknowledge the good choices and the bad choices.


Sometimes when I stand up to myself, I get the whole "You are so sensitive" routine in return.  That's okay, because I have realized that it is more important for me to tell someone when my feelings are hurt than having to endure a few jabs back.  I also tend to focus too much on the bad decisions and not enough on the good.  I was reading a web page earlier that asked people what their favorite high school memory was.  I cannot think of a single one besides memories that deal with escaping.  Yikes.
AMANDA


I'm in the same boat, Amanda. I am always told that I am "too sensitive". I am done being a doormat. I am going to start telling people what I want and don't want directly. Ol' Liz Lemon is going to get what she wants!


xx Brie

June 3

Close your eyes this minute and say "I am grateful and happy for this moment."  Smile.


I am grateful and happy for this moment.  Especially because it is Sunday at 12:21 and I am still in my pajamas.
AMANDA


I am grateful and happy for this moment. I am sitting in bed and it isn't too hot. I am also listening to some lovely music.


xx Brie

June 2

Don't lie about anything today.


This seems hard but so far I think I am going strong.  I had a friend once that would lie about the stupidest stuff and it got incredibly annoying.  It makes you seem insecure and it is just humiliating to be caught.
AMANDA


I have this horrible tendency to say things like "It's okay" and "I'm fine" when it is definitely not okay and I am most certainly not fine. I am really trying to work on being more honest with my feelings. I just don't want to start a big conflict. Sometimes I don't feel justified in feeling certain things. When I am upset about something, it might not seem like anything to the person I am upset with. That is when arguments start. But I need to start being honest. Nothing will ever get better unless I do.


xx Brie

June 1

Don't ignore the signals your body is sending you.


I think this is a nice idea but it is kind of unrealistic.  Obviously, we are all going to have to wake up at a certain time to be up for work or whatever.  Also, sometimes we don't have access to food or water when we are hungry or thirsty.  Today, though, I am going to try this out and listen to what my body is telling me.  Whether or not I will be able to satisfy my needs remains to be seen.
AMANDA


When my body is starting to feel bad or run-down, I definitely listen. I take a day to rest and I make sure I am getting enough proper food. When I am feeling extra tired, I go to bed early. I agree with Amanda on the whole food and water thing. I try to always keep a piece of fruit with me when I go somewhere for more than a few hours, though. And I usually always have a bottle of water on me.


xx Brie

May 31

Skip and dance.


I know a lot of people say "I am so bad at dancing" but I happen to possess the inability to try.  I physically cannot make myself dance at weddings or um...where else do people dance?  Anyway, I know I should try to get out of my shell or what not.  In the meantime, I will choose to skip.
AMANDA


I adore dancing. When nobody can see me. I sometimes skip when taking walks and I do a dance move here and there when I'm really happy. I guess I just don't go to many events where dancing is going on. Want to dance with me, Amanda?


xx Brie

May 30

Look for five ways you were courageous today.



  • I did a presentation
  • I had two normal conversations with a guy I have been kind of uncomfortable and awkward around
  • I wore navy blue and black together (which is apparently a big deal)
  • I blew off work and took a walk instead
  • I took a photo and wasn't a baby about it (I am not photogenic in the slightest bit)
AMANDA



  • I spoke with my dad about my feelings
  • I made a big decision about my career
Sorry, guys, I'm not having a busy day, haha

xx Brie

May 29

Your imperfections are part of your charm!


All right, maybe I can buy that.  I mean, some people think that being extremely stubborn and shy is charming, right?  So far, I have no takers on that one.  However, I do like the idea of incorporating your imperfections into your whole personality package instead of trying to hide them.
AMANDA


Let's see, what are some of my imperfections? I can't do this post. I'm perfect. I'm kidding, of course :) I'm definitely far from perfect, though, if you ask my boyfriend he will disagree with that statement. As far as physical imperfections go, my nose is crooked and pointy and my chest is as flat as that of a 12 year old girl. I speak way too fast most of the time, and I slur my words together sometimes so people can't really understand me. I also sing a lot. And I can't carry a tune. I worry way too much, to the point of making myself sick. Speaking more positively, though, I speak really fast because I'm usually really excited about things I'm talking about. I sing because I'm happy. And I worry because I have a big heart. I have also been told that I resemble Audrey Hepburn (probably because of my short dark hair and my body) so that's a plus!


xx Brie

May 28

Be alone.


I think we actually just talked about this a couple days ago.  I like being alone.  I am actually alone right now, just listening to music and puttering around.  However, I am usually doing something when I am alone rather than just listening to my thoughts.  I will try today to just sit and think.
AMANDA


I've become less content with being alone. I like to have my time every day to rest and re-energize, but I feel like I'm passing up a lot of opportunities by being alone all the time. My boyfriend said something really thought provoking a few days ago. He told me that people don't really remember their time alone, but they remember the time they spend with others. I'm going to try to create more memories with friends. I realize I took this post in the opposite direction, haha. I'm having plenty of alone time today, though.


xx Brie

May 27

Make today fun and pleasurable.


Let's see.  Today I read, had lunch with my sister, did some laundry, and listened to Soft Machine. I think I am taking this post too seriously!!  Actually, I am enjoying my incredibly boring day but I should do something totally fun and exciting.  I will get back to you.
AMANDA



I didn't really do anything fun today. I went to the library and shopped for some gifts for friends. I spoke to my boyfriend on the phone for a while, so that was really fun! I think I'm going to talk to him later tonight, too. We like to watch movies at the same time while talking on the phone (like in When Harry Met Sally!). 


xx Brie

May 26

Think of what people have said about you.  There are probably good and bad things mixed in there.  You don't have to believe the bad stuff.


Bad stuff people said about me:

  • Bitchy
  • Snob
  • Lazy
  • Prude/hermity (is that even a word?)
  • Not hot
  • Doesn't enjoy stuff like I should
  • Disrespectful
  • Inexperienced
  • Stupid (or at least "not as smart as I thought you were when I first met you."  Like wtf?)
  • Condescending
  • Too quiet
  • Too sensitive
  • Harsh
  • Rude/mean (well, those were special circumstances)
  • Bad taste in music
Well that was depressing.  Now the good stuff.
  • Beautiful
  • Awesome friend
  • Deep
  • Super intelligent
  • Super pretty, cute
  • Well-spoken
  • Cultured
  • Great eyes, hair
  • Wise
  • Funny
  • Good writer
  • Great little figure
  • Tiny waist
  • Nice
  • Good conversationalist
  • Bad ass (and no, it was not said sarcastically.  Actually, it probably was.)
  • Sweet
  • Interesting
  • An enigma (a guy said this to me once.  I felt like Angelina Jolie or something.)
  • Quick witted
  • Bravest person they knew
  • Strong
  • A hero
  • Inspiring
  • Most driven person they knew
Wow, that was interesting.  I did not expect these results; I forgot how nice people are!  Maybe I am just blocking out certain insults but I found this uplifting.
AMANDA


I don't know if I will be able to equal Amanda's amazing post!


Bad things:

  • ugly
  • bitchy
  • stupid
  • lazy
  • closes out the real world
  • flat chested (it's true, I just don't like to hear it, obviously)
  • snobby
Good things:
  • amazing taste in music
  • stunning/gorgeous
  • kind
  • funny
  • friendly
  • light
  • inspiring
  • brave
  • really pretty eyes
  • fantastic legs
  • fun/silly
xx Brie

May 25

Write down 50 positive adjectives about yourself.


50?!?  Good gosh.
1. Brave
2. Cultured
3. Intelligent
4. Dedicated
5. Loving
6. Caring
7. Ambitious
8. Loyal
9. Determined
10. Funny
11. Friendly
12. Thoughtful
13. Entertaining
14. Fun
15. Generous
16. Interesting
17. Romantic
18. Silly
19. Wise
20. Hopeful
21. Idealistic
22. Accepting
23. Liberal
24. Knowledgeable
25. Helpful
26. Open-minded
27. Patient
28. Purposeful
29. Clever
30. Witty
31.  Protective
32. Family-Oriented
33. Serene
34. Easy going
35. Philosophical
36. Retentive
37. Adventurous
38. Grateful
39. Dreamy
40. Sweet
41. Tireless
42. Tolerant
43. Unique
44. Inspirational
45. Understanding
46. Veracious
47. Worldly
48. Well-read
49. Virtuous
50. Calm


Wow.  I didn't think I would or could do 50 but I did!  Now you!
AMANDA


This is such a daunting task! I'm not looking at Amanda's list until I'm finished, so I will probably have a lot of repeats.


1. kind
2. logical
3. funny
4. cultured
5. understanding
6. liberal
7. fun
8. crafty
9. stylish
10. healthy
11. caring
12. sensitive
13. attentive
14. determined
15. worthy
16. protective
17. literary
18. creative
19. adventurous
20. inspired/inspirational
21. romantic
22. thoughtful
23. surprising
24. emotional
25. hopeful
26. peaceful
27. artistic
28. intelligent
29. eloquent
30. graceful
31. loving
32. tireless
33. whimsical
34. dreamy
35. off-beat
36. gentle
37. happy
38. interesting
39. pretty
40. unique
41. silly
42. generous
43. loyal
44. dedicated
45. brave
46. friendly
47. bright
48. powerful
49. energetic
50. passionate


Wow. We do have a lot in common, Amanda. I already knew that, though :)


xx Brie