A few days ago I was looking for something to reward myself for making progress toward my goals this year. I got this nifty calendar called Commit 30 for Christmas and each month you set a goal (or goals) and at the end of each 30-day period you review what went well, what didn’t and also how you are going to reward yourself.

When you’re trying to lose weight and such it’s not such a great idea to reward yourself with food even though pancakes sounded like a really stellar plan. In fact, I received an email around this same time for vegan pumpkin pancakes and I was fairly sure it was a sign for me to dive in headfirst with lots of syrup and the works. But alas, I refrained.

I finally decided on a new french press. My old one wasn’t doing such a great job. Plus this wasn’t an overly expensive item and it didn’t ring up high calories for my hickory root coffee. That’s right folks it’s not even real coffee so how bad can it be, I ask you?

Then I realized I had color choices. I could go with the traditional stainless steel, which had its own charm. Or I could go with the candy apple red.

I pondered this choice for far too long. I thought the silver seemed more sensible and adult-like. And then it happened. I heard that little voice in my head. She said, “Go on, girl! Get the red. Be bold.”

So I did. My little steel delight arrived on Sunday and every day since it has made me smile and also reaffirmed it was the right decision.

We all need a little more of that in our lives. Stop always settling for what seems sensible or what an “adult” should do. Who the heck knows what that means, anyway.

This silly, bright red french press feels like a small form of rebellion every day. But it’s also a reminder of what happens when you listen, really listen, to the quiet voice in your head. It’s usually the real you. Ignore the one who yells at you. Everyone thinks she a b&*%$ anyway.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G