What honestly inspires me to be better? Good question, let me dig deeply for an “Aha” moment.

I’d have to say that It’s a mix of seeing someone absolutely crush a project, watching a puppy learn to navigate stairs, and that overwhelming feeling of peace when the desk in my home office is actually clean. All summed up, I’m guessing this isn’t all that impressive but, it’s kind of like the “butterfly effect” of small actions, you know? A pleasant email or text message, a ten-minute walk on a sunny day which makes me want to stop being a human-doing-nothing-productive and move my ass to start being a human-doing-decently-well. It’s about being in the right place, right this very minute, and realizing that me in the future is just me in the present, only with fewer excuses. Sound like a plan?

Since you asked (or subtly suggested) here is my very personal and lighthearted “Do More Often” proclamation for self-improvement:

1) I need to drink more water, mainly because of CKD (look it up) and that hydration helps with that as well as making me feel like a functioning adult instead of a wilted houseplant.
2) I need to smile, even when it’s fake and choose positivity and trusting that it works out, even if my cheeks hurt.
3) I need to take a “Tech Sabbath”; one Saturday or Sunday without my phone so that I can prove I can handle reality. (Trust me, this one will not be easy.)
4) I need to read physical books. My phone is for scrolling and my brain deserves better than seconds of YouTube or IG.
5) I need to stop in the middle of the road and help a turtle. I’ve done it before, highly recommend it, advise everyone to do the same. (Just watch out for the asshole drivers in both directions.)
6) I need to unsubscribe from emails (we ALL do) and declutter my digital life.
7) I need to focus less on overcomplicating simple decisions. Let’s face it folks, spending 30 minutes picking out something I do not need (but want) on Amazon just isn’t productive.

And, in the “Do Less Often” column:

1) Stop explaining myself to people who misunderstand on purpose.
2) Stop eating emergency” snacks, something we ALL do, don’t deny it.
3) Stop checking my phone in the first 15 minutes (or less) of waking up.
4) Stop pretending that I can multitask. (I cannot, and now my coffee is cold).
5) Speaking of coffee, stop thinking “Do I really need another coffee?” and just make it.
6) Stop re-reading that awkward text I sent back in 2019.
7) Stop waiting for perfection before I finish a project.

It all sounds so very plausible, doesn’t it? At least, that’s what I keep telling myself, as convincingly as possible. From this point forward, I will listen to my inner critic and stop listening to that dramatic little voice in my head. I will remember that I’m a person, not a computer, stop trying to always multitask because I’m currently burning my imaginary toast.

It’s all about trying to be a better me, one step at a time. I just hope I don’t trip.

From the Writer’s Workshop: Write about something that inspires you to do better. List seven things you need to do more often, and seven things you need to do less often.