Bonus Day Off

     Thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (and my boss) I have today off! Slept in a little bit, went for a longer run and got some grocery shopping done this morning. This afternoon, I am going with Mom and Dad over to West County mall, to do some shopping and lunch and hit up Trader Joe's. So, a pretty productive day off for me! I think every Monday should be a holiday! (A girl can dream!!)
     As I was sitting here eating my breakfast, cruising through Pintrest, catching up on Facebook and reading some of the blogs I subscribe to, I feel as motivated as ever to stay on my path and get better. I know I had a rough weekend, but that is behind me. I just have to focus on my goals, have some patience and relax about it all . I mean for heaven's sake, I have my own motivation tattooed right on my left wrist!!
     In December, Jeremy and I headed down to the Florida Keys with my in-laws. It's a vacation we do almost yearly, or at least every 2 years. We started the vacation off in Key West, one of our all time favorite places. Last year (2010), on our trip down, the first night we were there, Jeremy and I got a few cocktails in us and got matching ring tattoos, which I love, but I knew this year I wanted another. I knew I wanted to get something inspirational and I knew exactly what I wanted. So, in true Dunham fashion, after arriving in Key West, having lunch, some cocktails and hanging out on Duval, it was time to hit up our tattoo parlor. We went back to the same place we had been the year before, and even waited for the same tattoo artist. I was a wee bit nervous, but I knew I really wanted this tattoo. So, I explained to him I wanted the word "Breathe" on my wrist, in a pretty color nonetheless. He gave me a strange look and asked why the word breathe. Jeremy and I both explained  it was definitely a word I needed to remember! So, he drew up the tattoo and we decided on a pretty blue color and we were in business. Now, the tattoo, hurt like hell!! But I didn't cry, mostly because Jeremy was telling me to suck it up and I always do that when I hear that statement (my dad said it a lot when I fell when I was little). After it was all said and done (about 10 LONG minutes) I looked down at my wrist and loved it. After I was done and admiring my new tattoo, I got to watch Jeremy get his tattoo and pass along the "suck it up" sentiment! He he!
       I considered getting this tattoo on my wrist,  a first step in this journey.  There have been times already that even though the word is right there for me to see, I have forgotten. I have disregarded it. But for some reason, when I woke up this morning and looked down I realized what it meant to me. That it was to help me along not only this path, but life in general. Because, anyone who knows me knows I sometimes need to just take a deep breath and "BREATHE". So, I will continue to use this as my motivation to stay strong when times get tough, it was the purpose in getting it after all. So, happy Monday to all, whether you are working or playing today, enjoy the day and breathe deep.