Something Is Different

   I have been informed (repeatedly, and with increasing frequency) that "something is different" about me.  My increasingly irritated response is "Nope. Same ole' me.  Nothing has changed.  Maybe you're just noticing me for a change."  However, with the vast majority of important people in my life saying this, I decided to delve into an investigation of this theory.

   I DID make a new years resolution to stop complaining.  I also made a valiant effort to keep it.....but, you know me, I do put more thought into my complaints before I let them jump out of my mouth (MOST of the time), so I suppose I may be coming across as less negative.  In addition to that, I decided that I'd practice random acts of kindness on a daily basis.  This one seemed like a fairly big undertaking, then I reminded myself that I live in Virginia, and a random act of kindness could be as easy as giving someone the right of way, or letting someone merge in one of our famous high traffic areas full of rude drivers!  So, that's actually been working out pretty well.  I won't swear I've been randomly kind EVERY day, but DEFINITELY a couple of times a week!

   I'm back on track, working towards a Masters degree.  Is that something that would make me seem "different"?  I certainly feel more knowledgeable, and purposeful, but not different so much.  I've made some significant changes in my spending habits, so my paychecks seem to go farther; again, not really a "different" me emerging.

  I'm surrounded by loving, supportive, encouraging, and inspiring people at work and at home who make it easier for me to be a loving, supportive, encouraging, and inspiring being.  You are who you spend your time with right?  I have, in the past, had an affinity towards lost souls, fixer uppers, and straight up poisonous people.  Cutting that nonsense out of my world has certainly made me feel stronger, healthier, and more at peace......but am I "different"?

  Look in the mirror girl!  Do you even recognize yourself?  The "same ole' me" now possesses a more positive attitude, a more openly kind spirit, a bigger brain, a more responsible bank account, a stronger sense of and respect for myself, a peaceful heart, and as it turns out, they are right.  "Something is different".  I'm different, I'm better, I'm enough, I'm proud of me, and I've learned how to love myself.

 

Keep Smiling and God Bless!