You are what you think…

A few months ago I went to a reunion with some former teammates. We all played volleyball together in our teenage years and then went on to intern together during college. I had not spoken to most of the women there in over 10 years. It was incredible to see how each of them was so grown up and changed, yet still the same fun, relatable girls I grew up with. We got caught up in the usual manner...jobs, kids, current projects and goals. Stroller Strides was, of course, a major topic of discussion for me as it fit into the category of job, kids, and current projects and goals. It felt so good to be sharing something that brings me joy and pride with my friends.

In the course of our catching up one friend commented that I seem to live a “charmed life.” That comment stood out to me that day and has stuck with me ever since. It sneaks into my mind as I’m driving like a crazy woman trying to make it to preschool drop-off on time. Usually one of my children is crying, one is talking a mile a minute and the other one is yelling at the talker and the crier to be quiet so he can have a turn to talk to Mommy. I know when we get to school I’m going to have to pull all three kids out of the car for a total of five minutes for the drop off and then usher the little ones back into the car and to drive just five more minutes down the road to get them out again. I am tired because I stayed up too late the night before. I need to have my eyebrows waxed and I’m wearing a hat to mask my bad hair. The chaos elevates my heart rate and makes me grind my teeth. I want to hit mute on life and then I think…”I am so lucky.” Seriously, I find myself thanking my lucky starts that my kids are in safe car, going to a good school, and they are able to communicate well. I think that they must really love me and want my attention. My son has a good lunch packed, they all have clean clothes and are healthy, etc. Suddenly I have a million reasons to be grateful. All because someone told me that my life was good. I never realized just how powerful words can be until I started to notice how often that phrase “a charmed life” pops into my head. Life is good. It truly is. I love feeling happy about where I am at and who I’m with in this world.

On a similar note, one of our Body Back members recently commented that I have “such a positive outlook on life,” which got me thinking again. Why do I feel so good? Is it just the “charmed life” comment filtering my perspective? I think it helps, but it isn’t the only reason I feel good. It’s more than that. I think I’m happy, because I’m constantly thinking about how happy I am. That only happens because I set myself up to celebrate the little things. Positivity takes practice. It’s like a muscle we must train…EVERY DAY!

So here’s my advice…give yourself many opportunities to notice the good in your world and then do it. Look out the window at the great weather, light a candle, hold your baby tight for that extra moment before you put him down for a nap, look up a positive quote, pull out an old picture that brings back a good memory, call a friend who makes you laugh, smile, leave your hubby a love note, play an upbeat song in your kitchen or car, dance with your kids, stretch, meditate, read a book. Whatever lifts your spirit is your daily workout. Don’t skip it. Soon you’ll be the one with “charmed life,” and “positive outlook.”