The Kat Files

My life is pandemonium right now, and I’m surprisingly happier because of it. I have a bunch of irons in the fire. Some are way more enjoyable than others. I’m working on making my dreams a reality. It is awesome to set goals; however, I must remind myself that the satisfaction of achieving those goals comes from the journey or the process in fulfilling them.

I’ve started rehearsing for the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee show. I’m taking an Acting for Film and Television Workshop on Saturdays. I’m working full-time as an instructional coach at Holy Ghost Catholic School. I’m blogging. And, I’m trying to lose 19 pounds by December 31st, all while taking care of my fur babies and meeting the other demands of my personal life. No two days are alike which makes trying to successfully balance it all interesting at times.

Last week was challenging because I had a work commitment every day (except Friday) after school. Needless to say, I did not get in any extra exercise. I had to choose between exercise and rest. I chose rest, so that I could be my best during rehearsal and at Saturday’s class. Thankfully, eating clean and being active at work is helping to keep my weight in check. I am currently in the reemergence period of The Clean 20 program which will last another two weeks. At the end of that period, I will post an update. I do want to share that I am down another 1/2 pound which puts me at a total loss of 7.5 pounds since September 2nd. Woot-Woot!

In Other News:
#8 Read one book a month for self-improvement. This month I read The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin. I’ve always been fascinated by personality assessments and learning how personality influences decision making, job performance, etc. While those assessments share some specific aspect of human nature, Rubin’s framework is based solely on meeting inner and outer expectations and how people respond to them when making decisions, reaching goals, and handling relationships. A variety of personality types can share a tendency. As I have mentioned previously on my blog, I am a Questioner. According to Rubin, “Questioners question all expectations; they meet an expectation only if they believe its justified, so in effect they respond only to inner expectations” (6). Finding out my tendency has been helpful to me. It has helped me understand why I am unable at times to complete a task or make a decision, or it explains my resistance to meeting someone else’s requests. If you, dear reader, are interested in finding out your tendency, visit Gretchen Rubin’s website to take the Four Tendencies Quiz. Let me know your tendency if you decide to take it!

My life feels like a whirlwind at the moment. Unlike a season of sacrifice, it is challenging in a way that is both energizing and exciting. I love learning, and I’m beginning to love getting myself out of my comfort zone and seeing how far I can push myself creatively. At times, it feels exhilarating, and other times it feels terrifying. The one constant, though, is the support and encouragement that I receive from you, dear reader, along with my awesome friends and family. Happiness!

“When we understand ourselves and how our Tendency shapes our perspective on the world, we can adapt our circumstances to suit our own nature – and when we understand how other people’s Tendencies shape their perspectives, we can engage with them more effectively.” ~ Gretchen Rubin