Trippin'

We had a pretty good time recently on a trip to Virginia. We got to visit some family there, which was awesome. We spent time at a national park, a historic battlefield, and in Washington, D.C. 

Our little girl was such a good traveler. Our 4.5 hour flight leg turned into a much longer ordeal. As we were about to take off, the pilot announced we had to go back to the gate to inspect a mechanical problem. We waited in the plane for almost two hours before we could depart. The girl didn't sleep at all during the delay or the flight, even though it was nap time and she was on Dramamine (for legitimate motion sickness, not just to drug her). We missed our connection and had to wait for the next flight.

But she did awesome. We had snacks and books and music and art projects. We watched music videos. We took a couple of restroom breaks. It was a long day for all of us, but she was a trooper.

The way home was a breeze. She slept during 90% of the longest leg of the trip, and I got to watch 1.5 movies. 

Tiny airplane bathrooms are not that easy for changing a blown-out diaper, by the way. 

Journal

I was reading through personal journal entries from two to seven years ago, and I was amazed at the value of those entries to me now. There were so many little details that I had forgotten, and it hasn't even been that long. I remember things differently: just a few major events and details stand out in my memory. However, the small things that I don't remember as clearly are also meaningful. I read about my experience in deciding if marrying Aaron was the right thing to do. I read about our plans for the future. I read about my roommates and friends before marriage. I read about my early work experiences. I read about some significant moments when I received peaceful reassurance that I was in the right place at the right time. 

It was a reminder to myself to be more consistent with a personal journal and to look back on it occasionally.

The 100 Percent Rule

It is amazing how commitment makes a difference in goal achievement. When I started the process of getting back in shape, I bought new running shoes. That was a financial commitment, and it motivated me to get running again. 
I had a race in mind. I put it on the calendar. I was planning on it. But I didn't register, and then I saw another race on a calendar. I couldn't decided which, so I didn't sign up for either. Suddenly, I slowed down with my training.  

What happened?

I didn't commit to either race by registering and paying money. Because I didn't commit to the choice, I lost motivation. 

I saw a TEDx talk that is really profound. It talks about how committing to something 100 percent can empower you to take control of your life. Here are a couple of quotes from the talk that I like:

"100 percent commitment is easier than 98 percent." - Harvard Business School 

"Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again." - Michael Jordan

Give this talk a watch. It's worth 17 minutes of your time.
"The 100 Percent Rule That Will Change Your Life" by Benjamin Hardy
TEDxKlagenfurt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj-91dMvQQo