S.O.S. Blog #1 - 01/01/10

Welcome to the new decade - and my new blog. While taking a shower awhile back I started thinking about how much I dislike washing my hair, with all the drying and styling, etc. that follows (even though I only spend about 4 minutes blow drying and rarely do more than brush into shape). Then, it occurred to me that I could change that negative feeling into something positive by considering instead what a joy it is to have someone else wash my hair. Within moments, memories of my sister massaging my scalp at her barber shop brought a smile and changed my perspective on the day.
Why not, I thought, apply that same principle to other negatives in my life? So, a blog idea was born. Each entry will share a positive spin on a negative situation. Sometimes it will reflect someone else’s positive attitude or experience (wait until you hear about my son Michael), and hopefully it will help you to find more smiles in your life.
Being a professional organizer for the past 20 years, I also want to share some tips that relate - even if remotely - to the Positive Spin of the day.
Here’s Tip #1: Instead of planning a long list of New Year’s resolutions - or saying, “I never keep them, so I’m not even making them” - just choose one simple, positive goal for this day, week, or month. Keep it simple and short. For instance, instead of saying, “I’m not going to eat anymore junk food,” tell yourself, “I’m going to allow myself one treat each day this week.” Then, next week you may resolve to allow yourself one small treat each day, the following week you can change to one healthy treat each day. Keep it simple, keep the time short. If your new resolution works for a week, you can renew the same one for next week until you’re ready to move on.
Also, be sure to reflect on your progress each day. It’s important to congratulate yourself on even small achievements and let that strengthen your resolve for the next day. Reward yourself each time you stick to your plan (no, not with a bowl of ice cream!). Give yourself a pat on the back and tell yourself, “Good job!” or “You did it - hooray!” See that smile on the face in the mirror? That’s what your true goal should be.