September 3, 2021 - I’ve been really proud of myself this week. UVM classes started on Monday, and it’s been going really great. I’ve had a wonderful time teaching and I feel like what I’m doing something that matters to the students and they are into it, which is awesome. The thing I’ve been proudest of is really being on top of things in terms of my personal health. I have been riding my electric bike (Dream Machine) to work, which ends up being around a 30 mile round trip each day. I’ve also been doing great with drinking a bunch of water, and I have been having salad in a jar for lunch each day - super awesome!

So, the school week ends of me on Thursday, and because I was feeling so good last night I decided to “celebrate” by making various life and nutritional choices that made me feel crappy and like a loser when I woke up this morning. In fact, the first thing I thought when I woke up today was, “What an idiot.” But, I’m happy to say, the second I thought this morning was, “Make today a great day.” It made me so happy to think that, and also it made me laugh a little bit and recognize that I’m not perfect, and I’m doing my best and I should cut myself some slack.

I really love the mantra practice of repeating some affirming phrase like, “Make today a great day.” It’s a way to reset your mind, and lay a good foundation in your mind, instead of one based on judgement.

To do this mantra practice for yourself, this is what you can do right now. Come up with a simple phrase that you need to hear today. It could be anything, just be sure it will make you feel good to hear it, and make you feel more like You. Once you have that, let the phrase run in the background of your mind, laying down a foundation of thought. You can be doing today’s class while you are doing that - highly recommended :-) - or you could be going about your regular day. Come up with a set amount of time. Maybe it’s a few minutes, or maybe it’s a hour. Keep this positive phrase running in the background. The internal volume of it might go in and out, and that’s ok. After you are done, notice how you feel. I’m pretty sure you’ll feel good. Try it out. :-)