Where have I been?

Watching a lot of MTV. One of my college BFFs came into town before a work event we had to attend. We seriously might've watched 24 hours of MTV...a nice combo of the hills and the city.

Nebraska City at the Lied Lodge Center for my work's trinneal (every three years...how do I spell that?) Staff Gathering aka Work Retreat aka Conference.
Ten days.

Returned to Omaha to leave for Kansas City the same day...got into KC late...left for Nashville super early.

Nashville. Celebrate goddaughter's 4th birthday. Actually felt the most relaxed I'd felt in a long long time...something about the innocence, curiosity and joy of children!

Kansas City. Omaha.

And here I am.

A few pounds heavier, a couple of surprising zits and somehow some weird renewed sense of health...at least a direction I want to go.

This is what happens to me...all of the time...when I know my routine will be thrown off, I sort of give up...I'll try for the first few days to keep a workout and eating routine. I'd even planned and prepared for a cleanse at our retreat...but I didn't have it in me. The last day of the retreat I had an epiphany...finally. I've talked about the enneagram before...the whole I don't like to be out of control or experience bad feelings I'll just eat my feelings/emotions and take seconds epiphany.

So, two weeks off does not do a body good. I exercised as I could. I swam which I haven't done in a long time. I ran. I used the elliptical machine. I danced a TON. I also drank more than I normally do...and ate lots of food that I normally don't get to eat. And i'm seeing the results on my thighs and hips and face....

BUT.
BUT.
BUT. I'm not beating myself up. I had to correct a few people who were talking about their bodies in weird negative ways...and I had to remind myself to be gentle to myself, too.

Lives don't change with ridicule and mocking...I think lives change, even our own, when we get into a true relationship with ourselves....mind, body and soul. Let's get to know ourselves this week...

If you're interested...keep track of ways that you're learning about yourself this week...blog, tweet, facebook, email about it. Can't wait to meet you. :)