I have been reading the Power of One More by Ed Mylett. I read first thing in the morning with my beloved cup of coffee. On somedays I even have one more cup of coffee. If you have not read the book I do recommend it. Ed is both easy to listen to and read. It has inspired some thoughts, question and answers in my mind.
I am not going to do a book review here. I just want to share a few thoughts with you.
Here are some questions to consider when reading. Does anything resound with me? Is there one more thing I can do or not do that would have a significant impact in my life? Is there anything that can help me to grow to be a better person? Is there anything here that can help me to encourage or help someone else?
Most of you know I am on a fitness journey and just an overall journey to be a better me than I was yesterday. In my fitness journey I have learned to listen to my body. I know that one more processed carb will make me bloat and fell very sluggish. I also know one more fruit or vegetable will help me to feel better overall. I do not drink enough water, so I asked myself what is one thing I can do to help me reach this goal? I know there are several things I could do, however I wanted to accomplish my goal of a gallon a day this week. The answer for me was to get a 65 oz water bottle for the day time. I also use my 21 ounce bottle at the gym. I fill it up twice in the am. That just leaves me 1 more 21 ounce bottle for the day. Tricking my mind I suppose but I just got tired of keeping up with the water. I may just invest in a gallon reusable water jug but will shall see. I have also been trying to add one more minute to my cardio daily. Now here is one you may not expect, if my body tells me to rest one more day, I do it. This was not always the case but I am learning to listen to my body. My body not my mental laziness.
I work full time and I am a full time caregiver for my Mother. I wish I could say that is easy peasy as my grandson says. It is not. I do not always respond very kindly. So I am trying one more time to adjust my schedule and my thought patterns. It is a hard thing to do when you have worked hard all day to come home and have to start all over again. Sometimes the same conversations, the same arguments, or is it? Perhaps I make it harder on myself. Recently I decided, that I would leave 5 minutes earlier when we need to go somewhere. I also decided that I would load up a little differently. Instead of trying to hustle everything and everyone at the same time out the door, I take turns. Load the stuff, Load Mom, load one boy and finish up with the other. Such a slight adjustment but it has helped. Now if I can just respond with silence instead of irritation when responding to others that will be a huge accomplishment. How am I going to do that? Simple take a deep breath and practice the pause before I respond at all. Simple not simple as I am in the habit of being a bit too quick with a snarky response. Pray for me.
Now perhaps none of this applies to anyone else out there. I have found myself asking what is one more thing I can do to have a great marriage? I need to remember to tell my husband thank you. Even for the small things, like making the bed. That might not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me. I need to make time for him. Yes unfortunately in this season of life I have to make time. I need to hold his hand or give him a little kiss as I rush on to the next to do on my list. Perhaps I should hire someone to clean or do my errands so that I have more time. We shall see.
Is there someone I see during my day that I could give one more smile to? Is there someone who just needs me ask how are you and then really listen to them when they respond?
Is there one more person I need to add to my inner circle to help me to be a better version of me? Am I the one more person that can help someone else be the best version of themselves?
I recently added a class and Social Media Coach into my life #Steve Black. The first assignment was to get several pictures taken. I was able to do that. It is not easy adding this class but I am trying different approaches to get it done. I am moving at a snail’s pace but I am moving.
Is there one more thing I can give up ? I am giving this one much thought. I am way too busy. I recently realized there are a few things I do out of duty, that perhaps I would be better off not doing. I am trying to be a light to others, but sometimes others attitudes do not help me shine a bright light. I know perhaps I should continue trying to encourage them, or should I ? If the people you are around are not ever happy or they are always tired, we must be careful not to be drawn into their aura. If is affecting my shine I am going to let that one thing go. Now how will I know which way to go with this decision? I will pray and then I will listen to God’s voice, he will let me know if I should let this one thing go or if I should try one more approach.
Sometimes I ask myself should I pray one more time? Some will say God heard you the first time. Some say ask until he answers. I say you do what you feel is right and I will do what I feel is right for me. I have decided to change my prayer time by adding something to it. I have decided that the people I am praying specifically for, I will get a picture of them and beside said picture I will list all the things I am praying for. This is strictly for me God does not need the reminder I do.
I hope that my rambling encourages you to look at yourself. Your one more thing to do or not do may be totally different from mine. That is just fine if we were all alike, the world would be a very boring place.
I decided to post one more picture. This one is of my husband and I. We are both actually smiling. We took one evening to take pictures together. We had not done this in over 7 years. Hard to believe. One of my beautiful daughters, Kristen took time out of her schedule to come be our photographer.
Be encouraged do one more thing today that makes you smile and feel incredible. Be the best version of you possible.
Coffee With Ms D 