I greet the Gal in Mirror each morning and say good night before bed. Do I remember this girl? Of course I do! She has held my hand and walked beside me for 62 years. At times, I cling to her like super glue, needing security and comfort.

At other times, I allow her hand to slip from mine, wanting to test myself and see if I can be brave and stand alone, yet I keep her within reach for a quick snatch. I speak with her daily, throughout the day.

We discuss life experiences, dreams, accomplishments, sorrows, regrets, and the journey. Sometimes we just sit with each other, letting the quiet wrap us in thought, evaluation, planning and sometimes just silence.

Sometimes she hurts my feelings, ridiculing me for not “being enough” or juggling more tasks and responsibilities. The dialogue can be tough and also a motivator.

Writing all the course responsibilities down helps but does not guarantee they are carried out. I want to, I intend to… along with conducting my two careers and a blossoming third one (which is the REAL reason I choose to take this course), family, crisis (my own and others), deadlines, other courses with deadlines.

I tell the gal in the mirror, these are not excuses. These are all real-life expectations and responsibilities. When the “old subby” comes knocking, she reminds me, “Do it Now!”, ‘I am all I need”, “Good Habits”, “Stay the course” …

I do have a lot on my plate (I want to accomplish so much!) that I know I have stretched myself very thin and physically it takes a toll on me. I have come home from work 2 nights physically exhausted, walked to the couch, plopped onto it and fell asleep.

One night, I ate dinner and then became “stuck” in the cement again. I could not pull out. I hung my head and let myself cry.

I got to the mirror and stared at her, the gal staring back. She reminds me, “ you’ve been here before and you succeeded. You can do it again.

You have set many dreams and goals and achieved them out of simple determination and belief in yourself. Just don’t quit. The small achievements are as rewarding and precious as the big ones.”

So, I may not be keeping up with every detail, every task, but the information, the lesson, is absorbed in the brain and I am completing tasks that I use to run from.

I have more confidence. The young girl who “believed she could” is smiling back at me from the mirror. I love her. I love Myself.