Hello from Mexico!

I don't know about you, but one thing I have missed most during the pandemic is live music. There's just something about being with the other fans, swinging and swaying, singing, cheering, crying, and laughing with the performers of your favorite music. I value that sense of fellowship provided by live music as a core way to connect with others and express my creativity. It's a must for me and my mental health! Four years ago, I attended my first "Avett Brothers at the Beach" event in Mexico and jumped at the chance to attend again this year.  What gives you joy?

"DO the best you can and that won't go unseen" _ The Avett Brothers

Ever made a decision that you really struggled with? Wrestling with all the information you have, your feelings and values about it and finally choosing an action - only to later learn more information that would have had you make a totally different choice? I believe that situation falls into the "hind sight is 20/20" rule and can be a hard pill to swallow!

Here's a tip to deal with hind sight, especially the negative self-talk that can hinder confidence after having a "hind sight" moment.

Repeat after me:

• I'm doing the best I can with the tools I have.
• I'm making the best decision I can with the data I have NOW.

I lived this recently, on my trip to Mexico. Long story short, I felt ill the day before I was supposed to fly south. Rapid covid test was negative, so was rapid strep and flu. I was advised that most likely I had covid, performed a PCR test (would take 2 - 5 days for the result) and canceled my flight the next day. Surprising enough - the next day I felt better and even more of a surprise my PCR test came back early - and negative. I had a decision to make. I did another rapid test; this one 32 hours after my first negative test. It was negative. This was the third negative test in two days and I was feeling better. I rescheduled my flight and one day late, I headed off to the vacation I had planned since June. Yay!

Plot twist, got a call the next day (Saturday) while lounging by the pool. My strep test had grown out and I needed antibiotics. Off to the front desk, bought the antibiotics, rested in my room that night to avoid passing strep to anyone and rest - I didn't feel 100%.

On to Sunday! Last day of the concert bonanza. I enjoyed my day and headed to the front of the pit, claiming my spot with all the other fans. As completely stoked as I was to be there, I just didn't feel awesome. And of course, I was barely 24 hours into my antibiotic treatment, so although I should not have been contagious, it made some sense that I might not be up to par.

And then Monday morning came and brought me a runny nose. Odd, to be developing more symptoms...You guessed it. My "pre-flight" covid screening test later that afternoon was positive. 

I don't know when I picked up covid. Did I have it before I came down? Did I pick it up in urgent care Thursday? Maybe in the airport Friday? Did I do something really irresponsible? Should I have just stayed home? As you can imagine - hind site was glaring a really judge-y stink eye at me.

Here's what I know. 

1. Beating myself up for something in the past is not the same as learning from the past.
2. Second guessing decisions that are behind me has limited practical uses.
3. I did the best I could with the data I had at the time I made my decisions.

We all have these "hind site" moments sometimes. They can produce guilt, shame, self-doubt, and fear leaving you stuck in decisions of the past. Don't be trapped spending energy on events you can not change. You did the best you could with the tools you possessed and the data at hand. Learn, and move forward confidently! 

Here's one of my favorite tools...

Insight Timer App -  I first began using this during a really stressful time and I was having trouble sleeping. Waking up at night, mind racing, anxious about getting my rest, tossing and turning and then I found this app. I could start a meditation and be just at ease enough to fall back asleep. Now I use it for sleep and have also used it as a meditation tool. It has a timer function if you'd like to sit in silence or guided meditations, too.

On tap this month...

February 17 - The Ultimate Triathlon, an evening about your finances, your physical health and your mindset. Starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes dinner at no cost to guests. Click here to RSVP by February 14 - **seating is limited**. Other speakers include Rachel Weiland of Edward Jones and Taylor Keyes of TK Training.

Creating inspiring health one step at a time!

Amy

P.S. Are you ready to inspire yourself? Schedule a virtual coffee chat here and create a life that has you lit up and thriving.