Money Mindset

This is a topic that I do not delve into often or ever really.  Rarely, do I bring this topic up with friends. I don't ask them if they invest in the market or retirement.  These are both uncomfortable topics.  They need to be addressed and considered though.  I have a friend that retired at the end of last year which is incredible.  For me, at this point, retirement is out of the question.  Perhaps that is why I chose to focus on health and wellness a more sustainable lifelong job. The service industry is hard on the body.  Balancing out focusing on my physical health and decreasing my time serving has added years to my life. (Or so I am telling myself).

Back to the topic at hand--what is my money mindset?  I am content with my financial situation. I have been fortunate to make decisions that have not hindered me.  I can choose to treat myself to dinner, travel, etc.  It is a position of contentment, not growth.  I can put money into my savings and I am okay with it.  Yet, how do I go about growing the money I have?  Why has it taken me this long to address this?  It all goes back to my mindset.

I should be pursuing passive income is what I am realizing.  If you really look into this topic--I have a poor outlook. I have one stream of income. I have a belief that I can earn a certain amount of money but I self-sabotage.  I have been taught negative beliefs about money.  Money doesn't grow on trees is a great example of a negative belief and I heard this throughout my childhood.  Live below your means. All of these limiting beliefs.

I want to change that. I am currently listening to a podcast dealing with finance.  It's interesting.  And something that I should have tackled years ago.  I set up an IRA and have just let it sit.  It is intimidating to think about trading. I have the means to do more. I am scared to risk it.  I need to think bigger, do better and consider more. 

I remember my last trip to Las Vegas.  Most people go to Vegas to go to the casinos.  I go to Vegas to eat.  For real.  The food factor is insane.  I have found most success off the Strip with the food factor.  Yet, the last trip, we decided to test out a table.  I told Maghan that I had to change my money mindset.  I couldn't think about it as throwing it away (this is typically how I think about casinos.  Earned money that I am throwing away.  And, believing that, does make it happen.)  Instead, I told him we should promote that we were releasing the money. That it was a positive thing.  We approached the roulette table with a fifty dollar bill. Put the chip on black and doubled our money.  It was great!

So, I know that in that situation, changing my mindset helped me be fine with whatever happened.  I wasn't thinking about it in a negative connotation.  I was able to get out of my own way and be successful with it.

I have one friend that we do discuss finances, growing businesses and investing. I love it.  If I am honest with myself, it all goes back to trying to be perfect and not be judged. I have this nonstop record of my mom's voice saying--you don't want to look stupid.  On repeat.  

And, this is something that I have done to myself.  No one is judging me.  They are only concerned with their own situation.  I create these theories that have led to limiting beliefs.  I need to change my inner story about money, looking stupid and judgment.

This seminar is going to be great. It's insightful and although I was hopeful for a little more direction today in regards to trading/investing, it is beneficial to look into mindset and limiting beliefs.  I can start today.  I am going to.

Sober January--what I have learned so far

Day #8 of not drinking this month.  Maybe I thought it would be more difficult to do.  Limiting my social interactions possibly has aided the process.  But, realistically, I am okay.  I even increased the amount of days.  Initially, I planned on concluding this experiment on January 23rd--two weeks from today.  Midway through last week, I contemplated adding more days.  It feels right.  I am sleeping better, get up feeling refreshed and have been cooking more at home. I should curtail some of the sugar intake.  I have the perfect opportunity to truly eat clean and see how eliminating sugar, white flour, gluten affects my body.  I purchased popcorn and blue corn tortilla chips and they have been my downfall.  I love chips and salsa!

I participated in a little home self-care yesterday. My friend, Rachel, gave me a goodie bag for christmas.  I receive facials from her every other month or so and she treated her clients to a fantastic assortment of self-care products.  It was ideal. There was a hand hydrator and a foot driven product.  Both of these speak my language.  My hands could use some TLC as of late.  They look dehydrated, dry, etc..the hand salve was perfect.  She included a sugar scrub for lips, too.  It was a very thoughtful gift bag.

I am trying to be an adult this month.  I know, hard to believe, but necessary.  I set up my annual vision appointment (something that I always manage to do.  I believe in healthy eyes even if I loathe the obgyn and dentist).  My optometrist retired last year after the pandemic hit.  Prior to that he was semi-retired. I had been seeing him since 2003 or 2004.  Him retiring was difficult for me.  I have an opportunity to seek out a new optometrist or stay at his practice. Originally, I wanted to try out someone new. I have met a few optometrists from working at high end bars.  Then, I realized, why leave?  They have all of my files at their office.  They have been really good to me over the years.  Why not try out their new guy?

I also figured out an acupuncture appointment. This is something, electively, I have been thinking about.  It has been since 2018 that I have received acupuncture.  My ankle was jacked up and I was trying to heal it without going to a doctor.  I can be incredibly stubborn for those of you who don't know me.  I have difficulty going to the doctor willingly.  

Acupuncture is fantastic.  I feel that I need a sort of reset.  And, timing wise, it should work out great.  No drinking, ample hydration and some eating clean.

Planning my road trip is getting more interesting.  I think we are going to try to make paella one of the nights.  A way to honor our trip to Barcelona.  It was such an epic trip.  The food was incredible.  I hope we attempt a meal that includes vermouth, olives, tuna and potato salad, sardines, even. We sampled our way through the city.  Maybe this trip we will include other cuisines to truly honor food.  I am inspired!

I want to expand my culinary skills.  It is time.  I am great at cooking the things I enjoy but why am I not doing more?  A question to ponder while enjoying this beautiful Sunday.  I have a class this afternoon and some other admin stuff to attend to. I might post another insert since I was lazy yesterday.  We shall see...

Ratios

I figured out New Orleans rental situation. I ended up choosing the spot near Tulane. I loved the idea of the spot near the Marigny but she tacked on multiple fees which seemed silly.  I wanted a place that was straightforward.  

Shari found our spot in Florida.  It looks great.  A little residential but with fantastic amenities.  If I were younger, I might want more of a nightlife.  But, I prefer day drinking and so this will be perfect.  

Today was productive.  I saw my trainer and taught three classes.  My trainer brought it!  She changed up the TRX and it was fantastic.  I am going to feel it tomorrow.  

I walked to the store, paid some taxes and considered more of my trip.  I keep returning to being gone two weeks. Why? Typically, I work on the weekends and so if I extend my trip, what does it matter?  I should enjoy the drive, seeing people and exploring new areas.  I might stop in Austin on my way back.  I really have no idea what I want to focus on.  I have time to think about it.

Ironically, I listened to my new favorite podcast today and the host discussed thinking versus doing.  He asked what I think my ratio is.  I think probably 80% cognitive and 20% action.  He suggested flipping the ratio and aligning it more with a 30% thinking, 70% action. Even mentioned that it would be difficult to do and that you might push back. For sure, I see that.  I like analyzing things to death, lol. But, I would be more productive if I changed my mindset.  Maybe more 60.40?

He brought up another good point--efficient versus effective.  Sure, I have had many efficient (or productive as I like to say) days.  But, have they been effective?  I need to push for more effective days and not settle for efficiency.  I am very good at that.

My white board is helping and I need to add to the vision side of it.  It's all a work in progress.  And more than I have done in the past.  Keep moving forward, learning and being genuine.

All in motion

It is happening. Road trip to Florida, 2022!  I keep trying to decide the best route/stops and how long I should stay in each place.  Shari and I are meeting in St. Petersburg for five to seven days.  Neither of us wanted to fly.  I really have no desire right now.  It is a little shocking to me but it seems unappealing.  A road trip feels like adventure.

I can teach remotely, too.  I figure drive to Dallas which makes for a long first day.  Stay the night, teach in the a.m. and then drive to New Orleans.  I found a few airbnb's that look perfect.  One near the Marigny and the other near Tulane.  I am conflicted.  The one near the Marigny looks grittier and eclectic.  The one near Tulane has beautiful lighting and ample restaurants, coffee shops, bars.  I have stayed in the Bywater and most recently, in the Garden District.  I am open to anything really.

From NOLA, it will be a straight shot to St. Petersburg.  I thought about where to stop between those two cities and really there is nothing.  Mobile is two hours away.  Pensacola is another hour and a halfish.  I have bad associations with Panama City Beach from my childhood.  I stopped there on a cross country trip in 2007 with former friends in Phoenix.  I truly did not want to stop in Panama City. They did. We walked along the beach and had a bite to eat before heading west.  

I don't want to stop in Tallahassee.  I think I might extend my stay in NOLA and just drive to St. Petersburg on Saturday.  I don't know.  I am conflicted.  I know that I want to arrive in St. Petersburg mid-afternoon, at least.   So, it might be preferable to find a spot to shorten my drive.  Or, I suppose, I could consider a spot on Friday in St. Petersburg.  That might be the best option.

The way back, I am also trying to determine the best way.  Would it be better to drive past New Orleans to break up my return to Dallas?  Should I even stop in Dallas or keep going to Amarillo?  There are many options.  And I do not need to rush this. I don't want to.

Adventure will be here sooner than I am ready for...I still need to figure out a rental car.  That is a whole other story of frustration.  The prices for when I am looking are triple what they are in two weeks.  Does not make any sense.  I am chilling in the meantime with the knowledge that everything will work out.  I do not doubt that, at all.  

Enjoy your night!  Hopefully, I will have more concrete plans in the next week. Shari found us an airbnb with a pool and a hot tub.  It is a little north of St. Pete.  I liked all of the amenities and liked that it wasn't located on the beachfront. I kept thinking about the parking, the people, etc.  This will be more chill and more my speed.  

New Thai massage spot

I woke up this morning and thought about self-care.  What could I do to treat myself today?  Facial?  Pedicure?  Massage?  

I had a pedicure a few weeks ago with Lindsay.  I am not due for that service for a few weeks.  Facial was similar.  I received a facial a few weeks ago.  Three, at most.  And, I want to see if there is a big difference from not drinking wine and drinking more water.  I need to increase my water intake a little bit.  I am curious to look into that.

I thought about a massage or reflexology.  Typically, I frequent a thai place near my house.  I have been going there since 2015 and mostly enjoy it.  My last experience was not great.  My therapist stood outside of the room, chatting it up with another therapist for about six minutes after my appointment had started.  I remember, laying on the table, trying to tamp down my irritability but the more time that passed, the more pissed off I became.  There was no coming back from it.  It was a lousy 90 minutes that I could never get back.

I could arrange an appointment with another therapist there.  I thought about that.  But, it seemed too soon after the last service and if I saw the girl, I would return to that shitty state of frustration.  There is a spot even closer to my apartment which is also a thai massage place.  I have had an odd experience with them, too.  I won't go into that one. Nevertheless, I couldn't force myself to consider making an appointment there for the same reason. I left, felt justified and decided that I would not frequent their establishment. Perhaps, I felt more strong about this one.  I will eventually return to the initial place.  I have had many great experiences there.

I haven't given up yet.  I google thai massage and five spots pop up near me.  After some investigation, I determine the spot I want to check out.  They offer a combination massage--part reflexology/part back, arms, hands.  And, they have a special right now.  I text them to look into setting up an appointment.  They open at 11 am, daily, and so I waited to hear back from them.

After 11, I still haven't heard from them.  I still haven't given up.  I try to call them.  No answer.  Then, I return to the search results and call another spot.  This woman answers and from there my appointment is handled.  Maii, from Silk Thai massage, was fantastic.  Cute spot, inviting and put me at ease, immediately.  The service was great.  She was attentive and offered to do my neck and shoulders since we had time left.  I realized that this would be my new spot moving forward.  She could customize a reflexology and upper body treatment (which is truly what I was looking for).  My feet feel great and my calves are definitely not as tight.  

I love the korean body scrub but need to break up with it for a bit.  In the last four months, each time I visit, there is a new rule or regulation. I understand we are in interesting times, but they don't notify you of any of the changes when you set up the appointment.  I'm kinda over that.

It is snowing again in Denver.  We need it but I could do without the intense cold.  It feels frigid!  I thought about picking up some ramen but I am too lazy to actually leave my apartment.  And, paying a delivery fee, plus tax, and driver tip is a little ridiculous.  I think it costs almost as much for the fees as the ramen.

Staying consistent and feeling more comfortable doing it.  Next month, I will be driving to Florida.  It is going to be an epic trip!  Just need to figure out a place to crash,lol.  Enjoy your night!

Day number three

Day #3 of soberish January.  Started off great.  I slept eight hours which is long for me.  Typically, I wake up around 6 but today I was up at 7:30.  It threw me off a little.  My sun salutations were delayed, time in the dry sauna and then I didn't meditate.  I was definitely off.

But, fantastic, too.  When is the last time you have slept in?  And, it was pure sleep.  No waking up at 3 a.m. to analyze my life or some of my choices.  Perhaps, I started my day a little later than normal but I was productive.  I have been consistent the last few days.  Wake up, dry sauna, sun salutations, smoothie.  I read a little of Atomic Habits before considering the rest of my day.  I had a walking date with Brie and a few other tasks that I had scheduled.  Finally looking through my gratitude jar and decluttering my coffee table.  I swear, the table is clean for a day and then overrun with letters, bills, notes, to-do lists.  It all ends up on the table.

I have a white board where I am writing down tasks for the day and month.  I had made a notation of having my newsletter written and ready by the 5th.  It is crazy that I could have tackled this before the end of December.  Instead, the task remained untouched until this afternoon.  Once I got started, it was easy.  I had less distraction and mistakes.  I remember when I first embarked on creating newsletters or other graphics.  I would get so frustrated!  Small clicks where I would delete paragraphs or make a huge mistake.  It was uncomfortable but necessary.  I realized, early on, that I could only rely on myself to complete these tasks.  Especially the graphics aspect.  Maghan would look over the work and make suggestions but he never attempted to do one himself.  He did manage to get them printed off, one time, which was great.  I still utilize the UPS store to have that task handled.  And, from my frequenting the shop, I have made a few friends and clients.

I forgot to unsubscribe from an add on to one of my streaming services.  I feel foolish that I am paying for this since I knew when the free trial ended.  I suppose that is a lesson in handling tasks when not drinking.  The upside is that I will watch a few favorite shows during my soberish January.  More reading is happening, too.  It isn't optional. I know that I benefit from it and actually have three books going on right now.  All I need is a fiction book to throw into the mix and I will be set.

Tomorrow morning will come early.  I have a sunrise yoga class to teach and prep for.  I will hopefully go to sleep while meditating.  Try out something new.

Stay healthy and happy.  

Reflections

Happy 2022!  I feel like today is the first day of it.  I was finally semi-productive.  Paid rent.  That is always a task that has to be handled.  It snowed in Denver on Friday night which sort of extended the holidays.  I woke up on Saturday morning with the intention of teaching a class at my apartment.  The snow inspired me to stay in bed and postpone greeting the new year.  I was receiving text messages around 6:30 inquiring if we were doing a group session.  Meanwhile, I was getting texts from a co-worked asking about the scheduled cleaning party.  She was in Ft. Collins and said the roads were shitty.

I rescheduled the yoga session for Sunday and made breakfast.  Champagne with grapefruit.  Always a good way to begin the year.  Etoile is my sparkling of choice.  I found it in 2006 while touring Napa Valley.

It was a blah sort of start.  Crappy weather, cold, dreary.  The cleaning party was brief.  I think we all knew it seemed ridiculous that a fraction of the staff showed up to be accountable. No kitchen staff and a few of the other servers were held up--weather and otherwise.  I was thankful it was quick and painless.  I returned home and contemplated my next move.  January represented three weeks of not drinking.  My last day to imbibe was Saturday.  I could finish the etoile and continue with other bubbles.  I didn't think there were other stores open and I was too lazy to look too hard into it.  I settled for what I had available and made the most of it.  

I forgot to address another one of the podcast questions. What is my favorite way to refuel?  Of course, I love self- care and am a huge proponent of it.  Pedicures, reflexology, body scrubs come to mind.  I also enjoy tarot cards, journaling, looking at inspirational quotes to be motivated to do something different.  I wish I had a bath tub.  That would be an improvement in daily self-care.  I love where I live and have been in this space five years.  Is it time to move on?  Check out a different location of the city or even move somewhere new?  I had a dream of Montana last night.  Hmmm....could I withstand the winters?

I intend to focus on creating new habits and being better every day.  2020 imploded what I thought I knew of life, 2021 illustrated more pivoting/adapting/building and 2022 will see some of that to fruition.  With self-care and renourishing included.  I want to do more.

Today is the first day.  Continue to be consistent and grow.