Integrity check: a battle of the scruples

An odd thing happened when I originally wrote this post: it disappeared. I save my work as I go, but on that particular morning I couldn’t recall my actions. And when I reopened the document a few minutes later, the entire post—along with another piece of writing—vanished. Autosave didn’t seem to be on its game, either. I wondered if my post went missing because it isn’t the kind of story a person wants to admit “out loud.” Curious? It all began upon returning home from the post office with three books of stamps. The conflict? I only purchased two. Honest truth? My initial reaction went something like this: #blessed… immediately followed on its heels by: You know you need to return it. I did, of course. But not before the archetypal angel and devil suspended over opposite shoulders argued their points. The postal clerk thanked me for my kindness. Yet I simply did the right thing.

When did you last encounter a battle of the scruples?

Image source: familyshare.com.

How to jump start your day: a quest for the Holy Grail

Fantasy: I am so excited to begin each day that I jump out of bed in the mornings. Reality: I silence the alarm, squint at my cellphone and weep a little on the inside when I realize it’s time to get up. As much as I like my day job, what I’d like even more is to find that reason to jump out of bed in the mornings. Yes, I’m grateful, thankful, blessed—which the wooden sign hanging over my kitchen window calls out to those who enter the room. But aside from my morning coffee, there’s very little that excites me about the ritual I perform once I’m awake. This past weekend, however, I broke free from my daily routine and enjoyed a mini getaway up north. I’m convinced this deviation from my everyday agenda is the Holy Grail required to jump start my days. Mission: Figure out how to make it work Monday through Friday.

What gets you excited to jump out of bed each morning?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Admit it: you can’t do it all

 

Contrary to the reflection you see in the mirror each day, you are not a super hero. At least not the kind who wears a cape and tights underneath your ‘regular’ clothes. Even when our plans are noble and involve lending a hand or going above and beyond, something else often suffers in the long run. It could be precious time with loved ones, an extra 30 minutes of Zzzzzs, a healthier snack alternative or the ultra-fine line between sanity and madness. My unsolicited advice? Whatever you question: Does it make you bitter or better? Do you feel angst because you missed out on BFF time, are you falling asleep at work, does your body lack proper fuel to propel you throughout the day or do you feel stressed rather than blessed? Recently I saw myself in the latter description and made a necessary change that, although not easy, ultimately replaced agitation with calm. And that’s better for everyone.

Is it time for you to make a change?

Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.