Category Archives: general-post

general-post, motivational

Reunited with one of my favorite shows

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I’ve been an avid viewer of What Not to Wear on TLC since season 1. Yup, I even remember long-haired Wayne of season 1. I love the show, and I’ve learned so much watching it — both about style and about self confidence. More on that later…

When I say I’ve been an avid viewer, I should clarify: I WAS an avid viewer. Until TLC moved it from Friday night to Tuesday night. Now, I only see it if I just happen to stumble upon it as a repeat later in the week. (Read: never.)

Friday nights were a tradition with my Mom! We’d watch together sitting on the couch, then after I moved to Nashville we’d watch together via AIM. The mother/daughter time was a wonderful bonus to one of my favorite shows!

Then… then it moved to Tuesday night. The one night a week I can’t watch. Mom and I find other shows to watch together, but none of them are our original What Not to Wear. None stand up to the high bar we’d set with that show.

Last night, however, I was actually free and I got to tune in for two episodes back-to-back. Mom and I chatted online through the show, discussing the style, attitude and the ending reveal of each participant. I was reminded how much FUN it is, and I was also reminded why I love the show so much.

It’s not just about fashion. Anyone who thinks that has never watched an episode, never REALLY watched it. Most style issues for the participants are a result of a deeper seeded issue that has led to a lack of self confidence. Often its a case of worrying so much about everyone else that the participant forgets to take care of themselves. Granted, sometimes its a case of just not knowing any better. Whatever the reason, though, you most often see not only a change in appearance, but a change in attitude and confidence.

The show makes me want to take more care in my appearance. The show reminds me how I present myself not only can change how people interact with me, but also how I think of myself. It reminds me that when I take extra care in my day’s appearance, I often have a more productive and better day.

I wish TLC would move it back to Friday, but since that won’t be happening, I’ll just have to wait until I get another Tuesday free. I look forward to the time with Mom, and I look forward to that kick in butt to step up and take better care of myself.

general-post

Forgiveness

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I noticed a couple days ago on BlogHer that it was “Global Forgiveness Day.”

According to the post:

This tradition of forgiveness began in 1994 with a simple downtown banner in Victoria, British Columbia proclaiming July 7th as “National Forgiveness Day.” As the tradition took hold and began to spread, it became evident that the act of forgiveness need not be confined to one nation. One planet? Yes, that seemed more fitting….so the tradition was renamed “Global Forgiveness Day” and here we are. (Post by Heather Clisby)

Since the day I read that post, I’ve chewed on the topic in moments of silence. Is there forgiveness I’ve failed to give? I’ll be honest, there is. Interestingly, though, most of the “grudges” I’ve held are ones for wrongs done to people I love and care about. I get angry for others faster than angry for myself. Things I could hold a grudge about with me personally, I tend to be able to forgive… though I rarely forget, choosing instead to learn from the past.

In forgiving others, a forgotten forgiveness that one must give, is forgiveness to self.

For example, I have a very loud conscience, and any time to do something wrong — to others or just in general — it screams at me. It nags at me. And I find myself needing to forgive myself and admit I am not perfect, either. Mistakes happen, and until I forgive myself, how can I ask or expect others to forgive me? I must grant forgiveness and learn from the event.

Granting forgiveness frees your soul. It lightens your load… especially when that forgiveness includes forgiveness of self along with forgiveness of others. Life is too short to hold a grudge and be tied to a negative time or event in your life.

I’ll work on it more with those “grudges” I still hold.  And perhaps someone out there who reads this will find forgiveness in their heart as well.