I Choose Me

Creating the life I imagined, one choice at a time.


  • Change Your Outlook – Exercise

    Change your outlook – Change your productivity Post #4 in a Series:  Exercise In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on exercise.… [Continue Reading]

    Change Your Outlook – Exercise

  • Change Your Outlook – Journaling

    Change your outlook – Change your productivity Post #3 in a Series:  Journaling In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on journaling.… [Continue Reading]

    Change Your Outlook – Journaling

  • Change Your Outlook – Gratitude

    Change your outlook – Change your productivity Post #2 in a Series:  Three Gratitudes In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus… [Continue Reading]

    Change Your Outlook – Gratitude

Holly Napkin Rings

My Mom Never Slept I’m fairly certain my Mother never slept when we were growing up. She was awake to get the five of us pajama-d, brushed, and off to sleep. She was awake to prepare our breakfasts, lunches, and walk us to school. If I ever woke in the night with a bad dream or feeling sick, Mom could be found sewing at the dining room table or relaxing in her chair with a movie. ... [Read More]

For the Love of Checklists

I met you as a youngster, introduced by my mother. Integrated into my life, you organized like no other.   You guided me as I packed for camp, supporting me as I roamed. And when preparing to return, made sure my belongings came back home.   When teachers assigned schoolwork, you recorded tasks and dates. Providing a visual reminder, assignments were never late.   As the years passed and I grew up, you remained part of my day. Shopping, holidays, weekend chores, you continually kept chaos at bay.   I love the way you collect my thoughts, draining stress from my mind. But my favorite part is earning the right to check the box on each line.   With you by my side, I am my best me. Others ... [Read More]

Change Your Outlook – Random Acts of Kindness

Change your outlook - Change your productivity Post #6 in a Series:  Random Acts of Kindness In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on random acts of kindness. If you would like to revisit the introduction to this series, click here.  Use the links in the bulleted list above to access previously discussed elements of change. ... [Read More]

Change Your Outlook – Meditation

Change your outlook - Change your productivity Post #5 in a Series:  Meditation In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on meditation. If you would like to revisit the introduction to this series, click here.  Use the links in the bulleted list above to access previously discussed elements of change. ... [Read More]

Change Your Outlook – Exercise

Change your outlook - Change your productivity Post #4 in a Series:  Exercise In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on exercise. If you would like to revisit the introduction to this series, click here.  Use the links in the bulleted list above to access previously discussed elements of change. ... [Read More]

Change Your Outlook – Journaling

Change your outlook - Change your productivity Post #3 in a Series:  Journaling In his TED Talk, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor identified five research-based practices shown to increase happiness and productivity when built into your daily routine. Creating Lasting Positive Change Three Gratitudes Journaling Exercise Meditation Random Acts of Kindness Today, we will focus on journaling. If you would like to revisit the introduction to this series, click here.  Use the links in the bulleted list above to access previously discussed elements of change. ... [Read More]