In Middle school I was given a nickname that stuck with me, Smucker, due to my capped lips. It affected me so much that I became obsessed with not having chap lips and lived a life to not BE that girl. Fast forward today, I was asked if I was ready to be a coach and leader. Sitting with those thoughts, a part of me is ready. The other part questions that change, stepping forward. Today I thought back to how I changed my life to live not as Smucker. Now if I put as much energy into living what I want to be, how helpful could I be to others who are struggling. Today I challenge you to comment on traits you admire in your family, friends, coworkers and strangers. You never know how powerful that simple word maybe to that person.

As I navigate toward Awesome Possum Jenn 2.0, I have become more aware of my thoughts and feelings. Today I got really frustrated and angry with someone who did absolutely nothing wrong. What I became aware of was that I was projecting my frustration of myself onto him. He did not eat the two candy bars, I did. Have you ever got frustrated with someone? Have you wanted to pick a fight with someone just so you could change your focus? If you can't explain why you're doing something, it's time for you to stop and take a look. I'm trying my very best to explain how today went. However I haven't had this much sugar in a while... Sugar...

It's a great feeling as a parent when you realize your child was actually listening to you. It's an eye-opening experience when your child takes a lesson that you taught them and they questions your behavior based on what they've learned. Oops. This episode hits on my coat and the discussion my daughter and I are having about what size I should have purchased.

What do you do when you wake up and you don't want to get up? I mean you just WANT to sleep in. We all have to make a conscious choice if we WANT to get up or do we NEED to get up? This morning I wanted to stay in bed. I wanted to email some friends and drink a cup of coffee in bed. But there was something staring at me. It made me act as I heard a little voice in my head saying... "Aren't I a pretty coat? Such a lovely color." I started to slip into thoughts maybe I should return the coat for the larger size. It would be inconvenient to go to the store, but would save me hassle I'm needing to fit into it this winter. NEED I needed this coat to fit. I needed to be committed to Awesome Jenn 2.0. I got up. I pushed through thoughts of wanting to procrastinate and did what was required. Guess what it was not the end of the world and I do feel just fine. Get Up! Get Out! Be Awesome and Quirky!

Have you ever purchased something because you "hope" or "want" to fit an outfit?  It is just a coat. But I sit here worried I made a mistake. Huge mistake. I tried on 3, yes THREE, different sizes. (I know very Goldilocks) XL - loose and very familiar. Smaller than my old 2XL coat (my maroon sleeping bag). It was comfortable. It was recommended to me. I thought hard about it. L - fits well and I felt good. It represented 13 months of slow progress. It is this moment. I loved the color and look. I was told it looked slimming. M - never in my wildest dreams would that fit. I tried it on. Tight in places, but I could zip it, bend, move. It is the Jenn of mid-winter. It was for a committed Jenn to continue to shed the old self (including weight). Well it was 9F (-12C) this morning. I need this coat to stay warm. Join me in this Quirky Life as I Navigate to Awesome Jenn 2. Along the way, I will tell you more about my coat and if the leap of faith I took was the right sized coat.