Today I was nice!
 

Okay, so that is not really true, but it could be. Angie's thread got me thinking about how much we all have to gain by being good to each other. I have heard it said that the fastest way to help yourself is to help someone else. I propose that anyone who would like to join me, let's make a goal to do something good for someone else every day. It does not have to cost money or take a lot of time, even holding a door, not getting mad at phone solicitor, dropping a quick note, or smiling at someone can really make somebody's day. What does this have to do with weight loss, you ask? Tons. Our attitudes, self esteem, and overall happiness are all affected by our weight. In the weight loss battle, we have much to overcome emotionally. Doing good makes us feel good, therefore making us wanted to try harder in all aspects of our lives, including WL efforts.

So, who is in? Let's post our efforts in order to inspire each other!

I'm in - and you were nice today - thanks

I just got done mailing a package of paperback books to a Mom that I know who has a son who is being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical center. The books are for her and her son to read as he undergoes treatment and then they can add the books to the mobile library cart for others to read when they are finished with the books.

This has been my way of expressing my faith for many years. I make sure I am kind to overworked cashiers, hold doors open for people with baby strollers and packages, and let a poor guy cut in front of me in the checkout line if he has one item and I have a cart full. I do think that trying to be positive, nice and kind will flow into other areas of our lives. The little things that we do not seek recognition for make our lives and the lives of others much brighter.

I haven't been here much in the past few months, but showed up to get some inspiration to get back on the LAWL wagon, even if I can't make it to my center very often. The first thing I saw was the "LAWL Boost," which got my hiney in gear and starting my own little "Boost" session. So someone else's kindness has impacted me already.

Okay Katie.. I was nice to my mother in law :)

WOW! You're going to be up for sainthood if that keeps up!

BTW... I was nice at school and lent my knives and equipment to someone who didn't come prepared to class.

You guys rule! Today the garbage truck picked up the whole street except for us and our next door neighbors. I called the city and was very sweet about asking if they would please come back for ours, instead of having a fit.

Oh, and Kristen, can I just say WOW!

:hug: WOW Kristen! You win! LOL

I called up my friend, who just lost her husband, on June 27th, and invited her out for coffee/beer/movies, whatever she wants.

ETA: Thanks Katie! I love the idea of posting a daily nicety. It will remind me to make a point of being extra nice or patient each day.

Great idea Katie. I'm glad you started today instead of yesterday...I am afraid I was quite Bit**y all day :(

Today I played "therapist" to a co-worker who needed to vent.

Don't get scared ladies..this was just a one time thing.. I wanted Katie to be proud of me :)

I don't think I did anything THAT nice today but I will try tomorrow!

i wasn't very nice to a few people today, but i'll sure try tomorrow.
but for the record, i was nice to the people i do like! :) ha.

great post katie!

Katie--perfect timing--just when I want to kick someone you come along with this great idea!

Yesterday I was nice and took DD#1 to get a pedicure and to the Texas Pharmacy Museum (she's only 10 and right now this is her career choice--fine with me!)

Today I had EVERY intention of getting up and getting a jump on the yardwork (DH is not eagerly anticipating the 2 acre jungle we will have to deal with after vacation). Not gonna happen today--last night the skies opened up and poured all night long. I love thunder and rain while I am sleeping-ahhhh. I would say the storm reflected my current mood but the meds I was on just made it more enjoyable.

I think I am taking DD and her sleepover friend (oh yes--mother of the year right now--2 sleepovers in 3 days "But moooommmm--I won't see my friends for 2 whole weeks....") to the Discovery Center to goof off. Lots of hands on science stuff to play with--new exhibit on MONEY which she is all about right now.

We are having some issues with allowance--I know they need one to learn about saving, wants vs. needs, but DH and I can't agree on the details--he doesn't want to just "give" them $ without them earning it but all the info in parenting magazines/websites says don't attach it to chores. They have chores that they do "just because we let them live here and eat". ANY SUGGESTIONS???

Lea Ann - When DD was younger, and before all the sports got in the way of schedules, we gave a certain amount per week just for living there, and then she could earn "x" amount more by doing certain chores. For example, if she vacuumed the living room she would get another dollar. I think when she was around 11 or so we gave her $5/week and then she could earn up to $10 more by doing chores. Which, by the way, she would go in spurts with. One week she would do the max, and then two weeks with not much, then two more weeks of everything, etc. Just a thought. And I'm not totally sure on how much $$$ we made everything, but there's a starting point.

thanks--I was leaning toward the $5/week right now. DH offered her extra for "yuck" chores--weeding the flower bed, etc. and she was all gung ho for about 5 seconds! I hate to admit it but my oldest can be quite a slug but my 7yr old is all about doing stuff--she loves it so I take full advantage while I can. Funny thing is my youngest is also the saver of the two so she ALWAYS has money and the 10 yr old NEVER has a dime!

One thing I taught DD since we never really stuck with the allowance thing was that whenever she got money for birthdays or holidays I would suggest, and she agreed, that I put 1/2 in her savings account and she could spend 1/2. Now that she's just turned 15 she has $1000 saved for a downpayment on a car. I think we started this when she was 8 or 9.

that's a great rule! They've both had credit union accts and 529's (old mutuals) since birth and they are starting to add up. I just tell my family to spend half of whatever they want to spend on gifts and put the other half in their 529. I think right now my girls probably have more $$ than me!! lol.

I forgot to post yesterday and say that DH forgot to bring me something really important to work, and instead of getting mad and being rude to him, I ran home and got it, and took him 2 of his favorite energy drinks to work, since he seemed like he was not feeling very well. It felt good to just be nice, and not bother with having a stupid fight.

those stupid fights (in hindsight!) take too much out of you!!

Isn't that the truth!

Lea Ann - We did the same thing sort of. We gave the boys spending money when we went out (with a limit of course) but they were expected to do their chores at home as being part of our family. If chores didn't get done, they got restrictions but it didn't affect their spending money. And if they did extras like helping dh in the veggie garden, helping with Spring cleaning... then they got bonus money (kind of like overtime). As they got older, we began to give them chores that they got paid for and got away from the spending money routine because we work for our income and we wanted to teach them the same way. My soon to be 17 yr old ds is now working almost full time, gives to the church and saves 1/2 of his income for emergencies and special things. He hates to take money from us for anything! Very independent! He buys his own toiletries, gas, etc., but will "allow" us to buy him lunch or dinner when we go out as a family. (to be honest, I love his wanting to support himself) My soon to be 14 yr old ds is still in the "put off" mode and is not motivated unless he NEEDS the money for something. (good grief!)
I think you are an exceptional mom and I know you'll find the best thing for your growing up babies!
Blessings,

Pearl--you are too sweet--about the time I think I am doing everything wrong, you come along and give me a boost--THANKS!!

I have gotten some great ideas from you guys and I really NEED for my girls to understand that not everyone has it so good. They are fortunate but have no idea, you know? DH is a spender (I think because his parents were/are so tight) and I am a hoarder (which is weird since my folks both worked and we had everything we thought we needed). Now I have one of each for kids and it's very hard for me--I think everyone should hoard--lol. As much as I LOVE the idea of them having their own money (instead of always asking ME) it's hard for me to let them buy goofy stuff (I know--goofy to me, but exactly what they want!) so i have to let go of that control and let them spend it, be broke, and hope they think a little harder and a little longer next time.

Doing better today! I make extra pots of coffee everytime I go in and see they are running low. I complimented a co-worker on her hair and another on post baby getting skinny.