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Joyfulgirl1979

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ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: 5/20/2010

Very proud of my clients today, and proud of myself for being a clear and compassionate voice with them, even when I can't fix it. My supervisor and I are back on a positive rhythm. Worried that this weekend will not really interrupt my stress cycle.

RESOLUTIONS: Criticize my significant other less

I am habitually more judgmental about, and more verbally critical to, the people I am dating then to any other loved ones. I am trying to figure out why in therapy, but I want to make an ethical choice not to down talk someone I love and respect.

July 18 - July 24

title 18 · sun 19 · mon 20 · tue 21 · wed 22 · thu 23 · fri 24 · sat
Overlook D's fashion choices unless it is a special occasion or he asks.
Verbalize a related good point about him when you are tempted to criticize.
Remind yourself that you are easily embarassed when he is awkward.
  • average this week: 0% positive!
  • all time average: 0% positive!

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

Being around people in their early 20s reminds me how good it feels to take care of myself now that I am 30. Passive whining is hard to be around but at least I can know I do that less now.

ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: 5/3/2010

Productive finally after feeling tapped out at work all last week. Bored with my stay-at-home weeknights but also glad I am not spending money. Friend forwarded a pic of S.O. and I together. So cute but weird to be publically dating after so long.

INSPIRATION BOARD

All I ask of myself is to work well with the psyche I was given.

— Deva Kyle (a friend)

PERSONAL COMMANDMENTS

  • Let kids be kids and treat adults like adults.

PERSONAL COMMANDMENTS To Each Their Own

  • Other people's money, food, religious and sexual choices are not open to commentary, unless they somehow affect you.

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

Whether you know it or not, someone is counting on you to show you care or stand up for what's right.

RESOLUTIONS: Be a more attentive pet owner.

The cat annoys you sometimes but he brightens your day too. Spend time with him and make sure he is healthy and stimulated.

June 20 - June 26

title 20 · sun 21 · mon 22 · tue 23 · wed 24 · thu 25 · fri 26 · sat
Feed and water Smudge twice a day.
Play with Smudge for at least ten minutes each evening. Not cuddling, play.
  • average this week: 0% positive!
  • all time average: 20% positive!

RESOLUTIONS: Tidy House regularly

Every little bit helps. As your mom said, "just give it a lick and a promise." It doesn't have to be perfect.

June 20 - June 26

title 20 · sun 21 · mon 22 · tue 23 · wed 24 · thu 25 · fri 26 · sat
Do dishes before bed.
Hang up re-wearable work clothes and put clothes for washing in hamper.
Check fullness of trash every morning and take out promptly. This includes wastebaskets and bathroom.
  • average this week: 0% positive!
  • all time average: 5% positive!

RESOLUTIONS: Punctuality is Credibility, Attempt 2!

I am not sure why my punctuality has gotten worse in the last few years. But being on time is a way to be kind to myself and the people I love. And it is a way to show respect for, and earn respect from, my clients and colleagues.

June 20 - June 26

title 20 · sun 21 · mon 22 · tue 23 · wed 24 · thu 25 · fri 26 · sat
6:30 is time to wake up on weekdays. Period.
Begin getting ready to leave one hour before desired departure time.
Accept that your most frequent trips take 60-90 minutes.
Arrive at destination on time!
  • average this week: 0% positive!
  • all time average: 15% positive!

ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: 3/15:Good exhaustion, wish the night was longer and morning not so soon.

Productive day, though started running behind at 1 pm. Anxious about getting up at 5 to do court reports. Saw the swanky parts of FH. Confronted colleague's racism concisely w/out making client self-conscious. Modeled polite self-advocacy with teen.

RESOLUTIONS: Practice "honey rather than vinegar" tactic at work.

Ask nicely for help from colleagues and partner staff at other organizations. Resist beginning dialogue aggressively. Negotiate without sarcasm when you meet with obstacles.

July 4 - July 10

title 04 · sun 05 · mon 06 · tue 07 · wed 08 · thu 09 · fri 10 · sat
Practice
  • average this week: 0% positive!
  • all time average: 10% positive!

PERSONAL COMMANDMENTS "Intimacy Skills" (phrase given by Shoshana Jedwab)

  1. Knowing the difference between acting deliberately and just acting out
  2. Resisting the urge to make someone upset in order to prove they care about my upset.
  3. "Tabling" a conflict for a better time and still enjoying myself.
  4. Staying with my unpleasant emotions without panicking
  5. Remembering the times my partner tolerated the same traits in me that drive me crazy in him or her.
  6. Getting used to receiving affection.

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

As relationships deepen, the stakes are raised and the work gets harder. This is not a bad thing even though it makes us want to run away.

INSPIRATION BOARD

"Doubt is what allows a single gesture to have heart."

— Fanny Howe

ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: Proceeding in the face of uncertainty

Saw my boyfriend today for the first time since our mini-break up. So much to like and so many unknowns, have a jumpy tummy now.

INSPIRATION BOARD

National Equality March on Washington

National Equality March on Washington

If we are not for ourselves, who will be for us? If we are are only for ourselves, who are we? And if not now, when? Hillel

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

The only way to effectively hide scorn and indignation is to soften and release those feelings. Rolling my eyes "on the inside" never works. It's probably easier to just change my attitude altogether.

ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: Everything's a mixed bag

Effective therapy, good quality time with Taylor, lost an 86 dollar metrocard! Oy.

LISTS Meaningful Splurges for Which to Save Money

  1. New Mattress to sleep better
  2. Printer and flash drive for school
  3. Home organization supplies: hanging sweater rack, more hangers, canisters for toiletries etc.
  4. Getting clothes tailored so I look and feel more together at work.

ONE-SENTENCE JOURNAL From: 3/12/2010

Weepy yesterday, bitchy today, but now at peace, and bringing in shabbos.

INSPIRATION BOARD

You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.

— Mary Tyler Moore

PERSONAL COMMANDMENTS

  1. Remember drama is rarely (but sometimes) worth it.
  2. Respect others' boundaries and limits.
  3. Treat service workers with respect.
  4. Stand up for children, the elderly, animals and the most vulnerable party in any situation.
  5. Advocate for your own health and medical needs.
  6. Set aside time to think about your problems BUT NOT WHEN YOU ARE FALLING ASLEEP OR JUST WAKING UP. (JANNAY MORROW)

SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD

You always have the right to change your mind. You can't always choose your priorities but you can be conscious, honest, and realistic about them. Navy and black shouldn't be worn together.