Defining diet moment

So, I got on the scale, something I’ve been avoiding because I knew I’d hate the results. I was right, I hated the answer and I got mad at me. Mad enough to act. I know how to take care of myself and I’d let myself forget. So, I went back on a strict ‘food nazi’ plan designed to kickstart the weight loss. It isn’t some fad diet, but more like being aware of what I eat and making choices that fit the math of more calories out than in. The only supplements I’m taking are daily vitamins, when I remember to take them.

Maybe my motivation stems from knowing it can be done. I’ve done it before and forgot to take care and maintain what I’d worked for. That made me mad. I couldn’t afford to wait until the holidays were over.

That was two weeks ago.The first week I lost four pounds. I didn’t let myself get too excited about it because four pounds can be as simple as a bit of water. I told myself to just stick to it and wait. “Watch for it,” I said. When it goes past five, you are on the right track.

Now I’m excited. I’ve lost six pounds and I feel like I’m officially on my way back to a healthier me. I haven’t spent any time in the gym yet but I will have to add an increase in activity to the equation. Nothing of value comes without a bit of work. My only disappointment is that it doesn’t show yet. again I’m telling myself, “watch for it, it will.”

I hear a lot of people around me say that they are waiting until after the holidays to start eating healthier. That it is just too hard. I thought that too, before I got mad. I’ve gone through three holiday parties without slipping off my plan. I wasn’t even tempted. At the church holiday meal, while everyone went to the desert table I pulled a perfect, sweet, luscious Fuji apple out of my purse and dug in with total abandon. It made me happy. Attitude is everything.

A rewarding red pen day

I was paid the highest sort of compliment today. It was right up there with “gee, you’re gorgeous!” OK, so it was a statement that was way more believable than that - - and more important.

One of my writers told me he’d never had an actual editor before, and he liked it. He said they’ve looked over his work in the past and made the corrections but he’d never received the feedback he needed to improve his craft.

This comment was very special to me. I honestly want to be the person who helps others reach their potential. I want to see them earn recognition for what they’ve written. Most important, I want to see their confidence and skills rise.

As an editor, sometimes I feel the pressure of always wielding the red pen and being the bad guy. But, when someone comes back and says your comments are helping them, that makes me feel like the effort is worth it.

So, if you really want to encourage your editor, tell them when their inputs help you. If you can't think of something, tell them they are gorgeous then just smile and nod, smile and nod.