Sunday, September 19, 2010

Good Things Come In Small Packages

How many times have you said that?

As I travel this journey I call life, some of the most wonderful things that have happened to me came in a small package.  It may not have been a traditionally wrapped package with pretty paper, ribbon and a big bow, but truly a gift I would cherish.

My life is abundant.  There are so many nice things I've received in my life, it's hard to pick just one to gush about.  Many years ago (twenty to be exact), a very special person gave me a gift of love from the heart.  She was always wanting to give me something so badly -- something I would treasure like a jewel.  The BFF had very little money and certainly didn't need to spend a wooden nickel on me.  The love she always shares with me from her heart is the greatest gift of all. 

As we shared coffee and conversation, she handed me a gift bag so small, one could say it was delicate.  She pushed it gently across the table and with a slightly embarrassed tone in her voice, she said, "Thank you so much for everything, Val.  I wish I could give you more."  I squealed with delight at the tiny, glitter covered gift bag!  As I gently removed the tissue paper, a one inch by one inch square box peeked through.  Beautifully wrapped with a satin ribbon and a cluster of satin bows.  Attached to the most beautiful box I had ever seen was a note card, so small, so delicate that read: 

Whenever you are lonely, or even feeling blue,
You only have to hold this gift, and know I think of you.
You never can unwrap it, please leave the ribbon tied,
Just hold the box close to your heart, it's filled with love inside.

Ahhhh!  Such a treasure in such a small package.  One that sits in my curio cabinet amidst my fancy shmansy collectibles.  I cherish this small box and dust it with love and care for it just as if it were a piece of fine crystal.  I'm always grateful it's not glass, I never have to worry about breaking it.  It happens to be my most cherished gift in my cabinet.  Surprised?

You're probably wondering what this has to do with Believers are Losers.  Everything!  It has everything to do with it if you take a moment and think about it.

By adding just five minutes to each of your exercise sessions, imagine the impact of that small (yet achievable) package.  Five minutes is hardly noticeable -- except on your waistline.  Good thing, small package!

You jump on the scale just knowing you shed at least 3 ell bees this week (I like the sound of ell bees, it makes me smile).  Dang it!  Only 1.5 ell bees.  Great progress in a small package!  Movin' in the losin' direction!  Good thing, small package!

If you're craving a burger but you just love cheese on it, could you be just as satisfied with a "smaller package" by adding other favorite, flavorful toppings and hold the cheese?  The sense of pride you get when you do this just supersized that package!

Good things that come in small packages are immeasurable, except in weight management.  The small packages you unselfishly treat yourself to show up on the scale, the measuring tape and the sense of pride you feel that make you wanna kick up your heals!

It's true!  Good things come in small packages -- what's in yours?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

A Pocket Full of Sunshine



When you read the title, did it make you feel good?  Did you get an instant visual in your mind?  Did you smile from head to toe or grin from ear to ear?  Did it make you want to kick up your heels -- just to see if you could? Did it make you want to whistle a happy tune?

It's astounding how so few words can make all those good feelings POP!  It's funny, I'm always looking for uplifting quotes.  This one today just struck a chord.  I've repeated it over and over in my mind so many times since I read it early this morning.  That said, I'm having the best day ever!  Most days are great days for me, but today is remarkable.  I know it's the quote.  I've repeated it to myself so many times, my self talk is trying to press the STOP button, or at the very least, Pause! Positive thoughts make you want to do all the right things and make all the right choices all day long -- and often carry on to the next day.  They can make you feel so good that you want to reach out and share them with others who might need a boost. 

One of the questions on the Discussion Board of the Facebook group, Believers are Losers,  was "what do you do non-caloric to get yourself through a period in the day when you need a pick me up?"  Today, I found a new answer, thank goodness, otherwise all that self talk would have been such a waste!  Next time I need a pick me up that is no calorie, fat-free, and sugar-free, I'm going to reach out and share my pocket full of sunshine.  Ironically, I'll be making someone else feel good while I'm believing I'm a loser!