It Was A Good Step!

I went to counseling today. It was absolutely pleasant. The lady was lovely. She just listened to me ramble. And it felt so good to know someone wanted to hear me. Also to know that my circumstances were not unique and I can be better. I can't exactly describe it or explain it. I just know I felt relieved after my meeting with her. And I look forward to my next one :)

Walking the Walk

I walked to the Wellness Center today. And I gave the lady at the desk my information. I waited patiently for a phone call. I told the woman on the phone what's been going on with me lately and what I wanted to talk about. She listened and worked with me and assured me she would be there to support me. I have an appointment with counseling services on Thursday. I have finally scheduled a session with a counselor. It took me forever. It's my first step in being a better person.

Summer of Self-Improvement Indeed

For as long as I can remember what summer was like, I hated summer. Not 'cause of the heat. I love heat. But something bad always happened. Losing my dog. The divorce. My grandmother passing. Some boy ruining something. Some idiot from Upward Bound. Something. I've hated summer and never knew a summer that didn't leave me feeling awful about my situation and ready to move on.

Until this one. Seriously, I loved this summer. I found out a lot about myself and did so much. The whole self-improvement plan wasn't so great. Fairly certain I gained weight. There's no real change in my complexion. My hair is as dead as it's always been. But that's not the part that improved. I improved. I took steps to be a better person. And I have never felt closer to God. My spiritual life is exactly where I need it to be right now, and that feels so good you can't even imagine. I made sure that mentally and emotionally, I was heard. And in those two areas, I feel very healthy. It's such a wonderful feeling! And I have all the awesome people who spent this summer with me to thank.

I wrote letters. I saw the 1975. I watched the World Cup. I helped with Vacation Bible School. I went on my church retreat. I went to California. I saw 30 Seconds to Mars. And I spent copious amounts of time with people I love. I am a very lucky girl.

Ending the summer with Karla & Cristina is a plus. My niece was actually excited to see me. It melted my heart. I'm so glad for the time I spent at home. Now, off to new things!

Summer of Self-Improvement

SO FAR

• No make-up has been a success. I've actually been really self-conscious about it. But I feel my skin getting that little bit healthier.
• No blow drying or straightening. Hallelu! No burnt hair. It still feels smooth! That hair cut was all kinds of wonderful for me.
• No hair products has been really easy, surprisingly.
• The "diet" if you can call it that is eh. I said I'm not that serious about it, and I've been good about not cheating except for once a week which is what I allowed myself, but I'm thinking I maybe should be more serious about it. (lol the doctor weighed me today cries)
• Exercise. Whoo! I'm slackin'! I was so good the first week! Hopefully, with my aunt here, we can motivate each other.
• My teeth are whiter! Ever so slightly. I just want my dentist to be proud of me next month haha bless mouth wash, as awful as that stuff tastes. For whatever reason, no matter how many hours pass, whatever I eat after using that mouth wash tastes HORRIBLE. Ah well. Sacrifices.
• Went to the doctor today. She prescribed a face wash and a gel for my acne, so hopefully this stuff does what it's supposed to. I'm really excited about it.

I saw some wonderful people tonight at Silver Diner, and got hugs from Mr. Smeallie! Plus, afternoons with Margie & Charlotte always leave me in stitches from laughing so hard. Now I'm excited to spend some time with my tia who is visiting from El Salvador, make plans with people who I must see, and get super involved in church stuff with the Youth Group I love so much. And I WILL find time to reply to LuzKarime's letter, if not tonight then tomorrow. I feel focused. Not energized just yet. I think that comes after I'm fully in the swing of things. But I'm excited and hopeful. And optimistic! Always optimistic :)