Unapologetically Myself (musings on self-confidence).

this is all I want for her

Because I like to surround myself with the young-folk I have number of friends who turn forty this year.

(it blows my mind I had this blog when I turned forty.  please to take said disbelief as foreshadowing of shifts to MizFitCome.)

Because Im a semi-INTROVERT who shuns the small talk– we’ve had myriad conversations about aging, changing life perspective & goals we have for time that’s left.

In all of these conversations Ive found myself in the role of Oprah.

I play annoying-Oprah.  The Oprah who *repeatedly* shares how much better life is after 40.

(Im misfit enough to say this irritated me in my 30s.  It felt condescending.  Im certain, in my over-zealousness to convey the same sentiment, I potentially sound condescending. Im now such a  fervent believer I cannot help myself.)

40 is not afraid to live this out loud.

I also share with my friends a musing from Francis McDormand  (paraphrasing).

She (essentially) said 40 was no longer being ‘checked out’ by the young boys & 40 rocked because she no longer saw herself through their eyes.

Only my eyes matter.

Im not sure if it is because life feels too short to fret about what others think?

(I came to that early in life)

Or because turning 40 is a nudge toward What are you waiting for?! If you dont embrace & love *you* how will anyone else?!

(I was late to marry. I waited until I came to that notion.)

Or just because it’s too damn exhausting to try & be anyone else other than who you are?

(Thats me. Thats why my online brand wholly meshes with who I am offline, too.)

Regardless, it was right before turning 40 I finally captured in two words what I longed to convey to others.

It’s what I am.

It’s what I want for my child.

It’s what Ive found myself repeatedly explaining recently to friends online and off.

Being Unapologetically Myself is quiet. It’s neither boisterous nor showy. It’s an authentic, natural expression of whom Ive grown to become and what my gifts are.Being Unapologetially Myself is listening. It’s realizing I do not know everything. It’s knowing when to ask for help.  It’s listening to my gut above all else.Being Unapologetically Myself is being willing to stand up.  For myself. For others. Not fearing being alone in my beliefs or being wrong out loud.Being Unapologetically Myself is being honest with myself.  It’s admitting I have faults.  It’s being candid with myself about who I am & what I need to work on.

Being unapologetically myself means Im ever evolving, changing and growing…

although not ‘sans-skull’ grown-up yet!

and, for me, is about being comfortable enough in my own skin to realize there’s room enough for us *ALL* to rock.

Now you.

Help me & spare my friends another TheGreatAndMighty O was right!!! rant:

No matter your age–how do you define “unapologetically myself” or self-confidence?

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I can lie to YOU, but I cant lie to myself.

Although lord knows I tried…and Im talking about it over at Attune Foods.

Disclosure: I’m an Attune Foods Ambassador and am compensated for my efforts on their behalf.

Mo’ disclosure: I consumed Attune Foods products years & years before being compensated for my efforts.

Tags: getting real

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I Couldn’t Help Myself….

I had to step on the scale this morning. I just had to.

Ugh. Not what I wanted to see but totally what I expected.

Hey, I’m ROCKING the weight maintenance. My weight has been consistent since August. That’s a HUGE accomplishment for a prior yo-yo dieter. In my previous life I was only ever in 1 of 2 states: losing or gaining.

Of course I want to lose these last 10lbs, but right now may not be the best time to get all gung-ho with the weight loss goals. With Christmas in less than 3 weeks, The Husband’s birthday a few days before, a holiday cookie decorating date with Little Guy and an office Christmas party to attend (SO excited I get to dress up for something!) it’s just not realistic. Notice I didn’t say impossible. Of course, anything’s possible. I just don’t want the pressure during the holidays.

Why do that to yourself?

Nope, I’m simply going to keep doing what I’m doing: staying conscious and making good choices. It may seem like it’s not working in the weight loss department when the scale doesn’t actually go down, but it is and it will.

On to my day in food! I must admit, this whole food photo journal things is getting really fun for me.

The day started out with an old favorite…

Quick Whole Grain Banana Pancakes – Click here for the recipe.

Mid-morning I made a snack…

It looks fancy because I had to do a recipe photo shoot for The Laughing Cow (I’m one of their Community Leaders.) I’ll be posting the recipe for the pinwheels on The Laughing Cow blog in a few weeks.

Lunch was AMAZING!

I had some leftover steak so I whipped up a Cheesesteak Wrap. SO good.

While making dinner Little Bean had some Snapea Crisps and so did I.

Dinner was a quick chicken dish I whipped up. Some whole wheat noodles, peas and leftover Thanksgiving gravy was all I needed.

I had the bowl pictured and a little bit more. It was good!

After dinner I hit the gym. Wednesday night is BodyCombat!

Now I’m enjoying a cup of tea and a 100 calorie bag of popcorn. The kitchen is closed and I’m going to bed right after Revenge. American Horror Story will have to wait until tomorrow. I’m exhausted!

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