Esteem boosters and busters

Something you should never, ever do: place a mirror flat on the counter and then bend over it. Talk about Ugly with a capital U! Take my word for it. Don't try it.

Which reminds me of a magazine article I read that was about how to boost your self-esteem. It said to get rid of your 10x magnification mirror. Totally made me laugh because it's SO TRUE. I borrow my mom's super-magnified mirror from time to time for superior brow-plucking, but the depression factor from the sudden appearance of a billion flaws far outweighs the precision eyebrows.

Oh! And I recently heard the greatest advice from my stepmother, Anne. (Hope you don't mind my sharing this, Anne, but it was so empowering!) Did you know that you can refuse to step on the scale when you go to the doctor? You know how they always make you weigh in and take your blood pressure before you see the doctor? You can actually say "No, I don't do that" when the nurse asks you to step on the scale. I didn't realize until Anne pointed it out how depressing it is to step on the scale at the doctor and hear an unexpected number. It clouds my head and depresses me for hours. Next time, they're getting a polite "No, thanks."

Switching topics, this morning after having mostly gotten over the anxiety of speaking yesterday, I got an email requesting me to speak again, this time just for 20 minutes in a Sunday school class. I feel a mixture of feeling honored at the request and simultaneously feel extremely nauseous. This one would be much lower pressure, but still, do I want to put myself through that again? The jury is still out.

Oh, I meant to ask this yesterday, but can I persuade anybody out there to do Body for Life with me? Twelve weeks to a fantastic body. Anyone? I'm three weeks in, but I know there is a high level of risk that I may quit before I reach my goal if I don't find some partners. Go get the book, and then give me a call. It's hard to work out and eat well when everybody around you is gobbling up all the Christmas party goodies. Think about it. Whether you have 5 pounds to lose or 100, let's help each other get there! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? do you realize that reference is 22 years old?? yikes. no, don't think about it. This is about feeling better about yourself. (I plucked a gray hair this morning. I know, I know. I'm not in denial, but it was screaming at me.)

Oh, and people keep asking me about whether I'm still biking. Let's just say it's on hold. I mean it's freakin' cold out there and I'm somewhat of a wimp. (Those who know me are saying "Somewhat?") Anyway, I'll get back to it. They should make heaters for bikes. Don't laugh. They should. For real. I should look into that.

That's all for now. Got any esteem-boosting advice? Send it right on along. (Or simple esteem-boosting words of affirmation are welcome too.)