Sometimes you have to force yourself to do certain things. It’s for your own good.

This morning, I forced myself to sleep in. I typically wake up around 6 am so I can have some quiet time before Makenzie wakes up. Today, I made myself stay snuggled up in bed until 7:30.

Then, after making and eating breakfast, I forced myself to stay on the couch all day. I feel better than yesterday, but know rest will do my body some good.

Side note: I look super young when I’m sick. I promise I’m not 16.

I had to force myself to stop negative thoughts. I hate feeling lazy. Sitting on the couch all day will do that to a person. I momentarily started feeling down on myself and “gross” – but I stopped all of that nonsense pronto.

Then, more nonsense appeared in the form of guilt for having M chill with me on the couch all day, watching TV or reading books. I’m still a good mom. She still loves me. Heck, she probably loves me more for allowing her to watch a marathon of recorded Word World episodes today.

I had to force myself not to poke my eyes out from watching the same episode 4 times in a row. How can kids watch things over and over and over?

I couldn’t laze about completely. I still had to force myself to use my brain and plan for Sunday’s class.

I had to force myself not to laugh too hard at Makenzie’s antics singing “Needof the Red Nose Redoor”. I didn’t want to have to change my underpants. Remember the joys of leaking “they” don’t tell you about?

Now, I have to force myself away from the alluring call of Nyquil. Oh, to knock myself out from feeling the cold ickies!

• Did you have to force yourself to do anything today?

Today was a good day! All of your uplifting quotes helped me to start the day off right. This one from Anna @ Active Fingers really stuck out to me:

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and some absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Then, I read this one (which I shortened a bit) from Jess @ Eat Drink Breathe Sweat:

“When you’re tempted to be in a bad mood, go look in the mirror and say, “Listen here, self. You need to cheer up. Get your joy back, get your peace back. I’m not going to live this day defeated.” You have to stay on the offensive. Don’t wait until you’ve been down for three days before you decide to do something about it. The moment you feel that discouragement trying to come on you, rise up and say, “Nope, that’s not for me. This is going to be a good day. It’s the day the Lord has made.” – Joel Osteen

After that, I kind of had a heart to heart chat with myself. And I chose to make this day count for something good. To live it fully and love fully – myself, others, this pregnancy, my God, my live, everything. I have a feeling it will come as a daily battle at this point, but its worth the fight. I filled my day with good things.

I went to the grocery store to restock on food that I know helps me feel good and that I enjoy eating – like apples, strawberries, eggs, broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes, oats, cereal, honey Oikos yogurt, bread for my current egg w/ toast or pbj addiction. I also stocked up on things for the baking and fudge making I have awaiting me.

I made a point to continue my month of others with a full heart today. I’ve still followed through with acts of kindness every day - ranging from simply going out of my way to say hello to a worker we passed on the hospital tour when others just walked by…or spending a few hours organizing and sending out holiday gift exchange material to you all. Don’t worry. I loved doing that! It’s going to be fun. 😀

Today, I shared my act of kindness with Peter. I could tell the work on the car was really wearing him down today. He has to work out in the cold, so I decided to make him a cup of hot cocoa to bring to where he is working.

It totally surprised him and really seemed to cheer him up. I love my man and feel so lucky to have him in my life. I wanted to be sure he knew that after my recent attitude.

Then, I spent my afternoon during M’s nap relaxing and chatting via Google Chat with my good pal Lisa. And I simultaneously enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa on my own.

I will now spend my evening with more things I love – an easy dinner of crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches…

…time with my lovely sister…

…and our regular Tuesday night tradition of watching The Biggest Loser. See you all tomorrow for another great day. Like I said, I’m determined.

• Coffee or hot chocolate? That was my afternoon beverage debate today. I usually relax during M’s nap with a bit of blog reading or email catch up and  a cup of decaf. Clearly the hot chocolate won out today.