Welcome to the first blog on the Calm and Sense website. My hope is that this can really be a two-way dialogue, even if I never meet you face to face. I see this as our place to discuss new products, to share tips about relieving stress, and to help each other find the path to more health and happiness.
I wasn’t sure what to write in my “inaugural blog”. Then I went searching for my voter registration card and after fruitlessly pawing through files and drawers I finally looked in my “Miscellaneous Correspondence” file. In it was four or five years worth of letters and notes that I sometimes refer to as my “atta-girl” file. You know, when you get a note from a co-worker or friend that affirms that you have done something meaningful or kind and it makes you feel too good to throw it away. I was struck by the fact that even though I have kept those tangible reminders of the positives, I rarely pull them out when I am feeling discouraged or defeated. Why are we so quick to rehash all the little things that have gone wrong at work or at home, but we are slow to pull out a mental atta-girl and remind ourselves that indeed, we have had successes? Do we cause a lot of our own stress by focusing on tasks that didn’t get crossed off this list today, and forget to balance it with acknowledgement that even the little things we do make a huge difference to others?
So, what’s in your atta-girl or atta-boy file that you take out when you need that reminder of the positives in your life? Tell us about these things and more in the comments.
8 Comments
Looks fantastic!!!
Can’t wait to come see and experience!!
I am very proud of you- good luck!! I will be thinking about you on your first day, your first week, and your “milestone” day!!!!!
Congratulations Susan! And, kudos to your web designer (Hi Tom!!) It’s been exciting watching this unfold and cheering you on from the bleachers!
My favorite form of stress relief is a good laugh and Susan, that’s something you always have on hand in both the best and worst of times. I urge those in Raleigh to stop by the store and meet Susan and witness first hand her warm, wonderful wacky personality and humor. For those of you visiting via the internet, bookmark this site and visit often. Susan has a reputation for “far exceeding expectations” (oops, sorry slipped back into corporate), but you will be amazed.
All the best,
Lorraine
First, let me ‘atta girl’ you for making a dream come true! What a wonderful example of bringing a passion to fruition. And i know that while there was a ton of hard work that went into this, there’s a bunch of great stories that you will have to share one of these days that will bring tears to our eyes from laughter.
My ‘atta girl’ file is not tangible, its the comfort that I can reach out to the people i’ve met over the years throughout the country. And no matter what the distance is now between us, i can pick up a conversation as if no time has passed. There’s something about friendships - especially long distance - that make me feel strong, connected and reassured, just by touching those with whom i’ve shared experiences. When I need reinforcements, that’s where i turn.
My best wishes Susan!!!
As a former colleague of Susan’s, I can attest to her diligence and fortitude and also to her fun, wacky personaliby and ability to far-exceed expectations. Susan was a mentor to me back in the late 80’s and early 90’s–I even followed her to grad school! Since then I have left the corporate world and have been a stay-at-home mom of three for over 10 years now. I’m also a care-giver to my two boys who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Having three pre-teens, two of whom are in wheelchairs and need lots of extra help is much more stressful than corporate life ever was. Prayer, church and reading God’s Word are some of my favorite forms of stress relief. I also love to exercise too, whether it be climbing on the eliptical, doing a pilates, bodypump or fitness bootcamp class or just walking the dog, exercise is always great for stress relief! Best wishes Susan, I hope I can make it down to Raleigh one day to visit the store in person!
Just the serendipity of life - to find your email about the new terns in your life, to greet me on a sunny Sunday as I can smile and acknowledge all the good things that happen in my life.
Thank you for being there (and I hope your birthday was grand!)
Nancy
Susan,
Congratulations on the store’s grand opening. I hope it went well. I love the Name! If I ever get back to North Carolina I will visit. Meanwhile I will enjoy visiting the website and I look forward to the online shopping.
Chris
Susan,
Congrats on the grand opening. The site looks terrific and I very much liked your initial blog post.
I don’t keep an actual file, but I do try to keep a mental “Roladex” of atta-boys. I also find the best way to get myself off my own pity pot is to get up and do something for someone else. The feeling I get when giving of myself without expecting payback is the best blues-buster I know.
Love the web site… and love the creative ideas being hosted at the store too - just wish I was closer so I could partake!
As for the “atta-girl” topic - I like to unwind in the evening with a glass of wine. I stock up on some different selections that I’ve never tried before (they can be very inexpensive with BevMo’s 5 cent sale right now) so that they are handy. Before thinking about what has to be done at home that night (dinner, dishes, etc.) - look over the labels for an interesting choice, pour a small glass, and go sit outside or by the fireplace, put your feet up - and really experience it. Use the SIGHT, SMELL, TASTE… process and truly enjoy the color and the legs that you see, the scents and aromas you can identify , and the flavors you find!
Hopefully, this small break in the day’s cycle allows you to relax and take your mind off things for a bit… and carry that mood into your evening.