Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Inventory Optimization

This year is one of the strangest that I can recall living through. It has simultaneously flown by at lightning speed and dragged on at an excruciatingly slow pace. While that seems contradictory, and it obviously is, I think that comes from the fact that so many things have happened, while at the same time we are "missing" all the normal things we would experience.

One thing is for sure, this year will be one that defines our decade. At least unless the following years have something even worse in mind. Now, I am not saying it will define us in a negative. In fact, I think it can be quite the opposite. Of course this virus is a tragedy, so many lives have been lost, and most or it was preventable with proper precautions from the start.

Still, we as individuals can learn from this. We can take this time of unrest and use it to implement positive changes. We can be more adaptive in our social interactions, taking this example to be conscientious that there are always those with immune deficiencies among us, even when pandemics are not rampant.

We can focus on the fact that the jobs that are considered "unskilled labor" are the same ones deemed "essential" now. And we can make sure we remember that when we vote on things that impact those jobs. We should all care about raising wages for workers that do so much for us all.

In addition to changing our attitude and social behaviors, we can also take this time to refocus our own lives at home and restructure our businesses as well. Now is the perfect time to start on inventory optimization. Not only can optimization help reduce overstocking and reduce materials and costs, if you choose the right tools, it can also help predict future demands.

The harmonization is probably my favorite aspect, though. Things run so much more smoothly when everything is in sync. And the Artificial Intelligence run operating system, plus the use of a Cloud platform, makes the accuracy impeccable (99% reliability). 

Since my own endeavors have been a little slow, as of late, I have been working closely with my cousin in law in my mother-in-law's care and the management of my late father-in-laws business and estate handling. Cloud based services make it so much easier for us to stay connected and well informed.

We have recently brought in a few new people into the fold, so the easy, seamless operation of the cloud is so helpful. I love knowing that we are always on the same page, even though they are across the country. I love the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we have the best support available. Capable hands make all the difference.

Aside from that, I am just trying to remember that perfection is important in some areas (as in, no mistakes with inventory and such) but that having a "perfect" year or life, being the perfect mom, etc, is just not attainable. I am learning to find acceptance in the fact that not only are flaws normal, the uniqueness is what makes life truly special and beautiful. So instead of wishing for perfection, I am just enjoying another day in this beautiful disaster. I hope you are enjoying yours as well. Stay safe, friends.  

Monday, August 10, 2020

Investing In Me

My last post talked quite a bit about self confidence issues and working to build up my self esteem. One way I have been doing that (for well over a year now) is by working on my weight. I have been doing Keto and technically fasting to an extent, but it is mostly only because how how much I choose to eat and what time I prefer to eat at.

I am not a planner, at all! I am very disorganized in all aspects of my life. I hate counting and measuring and tracking. That is what has caused me to fail at other fitness goals in the past. I could probably see faster results with those methods, but my whole goal is not to let my life revolve around my weight, and I think by making things that strict, I would be causing it to be "a thing" that makes it seem suffocating, setting me up to fail.

Lately, I have been considering supplementing my efforts. While I have seen(painfully slow, but still meaningful) results, I can tell that my body shape has been changed by my children, diet, and lifetime lack of fitness. Even if or when I reach my goal on the scale, I can see that my body will not take the shape I want. I have lose skin and lumps and bumps. I never got the "pregnant" fat belly, it was always "busted biscuits".

So, I have been researching plastic surgery. I have actually always considered plastic surgery, even back into my teens. The only real factor that kept me from actively considering it was the cost. However, we are more stable financially than we have been in the past, and I am starting to realize that sometimes you need to make an investment in yourself.

I tend to feel selfish when I consider "wasting" money on myself, especially on something that can be argued is not a need. It is still hard to not feel bad about it, but I have started to realize that mental health can be as important as (or even more important than) physical health. This is something that will help me immensely with my body image and my concept of self worth.

I have even considered how this can be a positive for my family as well. I will look more appealing to my husband. If I possess more self confidence, I will set a much better example for my daughter (and my soon, too, really) on loving yourself. Thankfully, she is extremely confident so far, in spite of my terrible example. But as she gets older, I want to be a help to her, not a hindrance.

So anyway, I have been looking into who might me the best plastic surgeon for me. I was particularly looking into liposuction, but in doing so I found that one of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons around is actually very close to where I live. And the offer cheek reduction. My facial fat is one of the areas I still haven't seen the results I was aiming for.

I still haven't nailed down exactly what I will have done, but I love that I have a solid starting point and I have something to look forward to. I like feeling like I deserve to do things for myself sometimes. I like being excited, and I am. 

Say Cheese!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It is so cheesy and cliche, except that it's true. Photos are meaningful. They are an archive of your life's mot precious moments. The memories that you will cherish when you are old and gray and pass down to your great grandchildren.

So, it's important to actually capture those moments. I know for so many of us, that cam be very hard. It is especially challenging when you don't feel confident in yourself. You'd rather avoid capturing your "flaws". I relate, completely. And I am actually trying my best to work on it myself, since it is a huge struggle for me.

A huge part of self confidence is mental, you have to accept that you look good as you are, and you can even accept that it doesn't matter how you look, because real beauty comes from within and the people that love you will do so no matter how you look. I wish I had the mental stability to do that.

Another thing you can do, is work on your "flaws" in reasonable ways that help boost your confidence (not in ways that are harmful to your health or sanity.) For example, I have been working on my weight, and while I still have many flaws, I feel much better about myself with the pounds I've lost gone.

Similarly, some years ago I had cosmetic dentistry done to fix my broken front teeth. My teeth have always been bad and having broken ones right in the front was a huge blow to my confidence. That made me wary of taking pictures and of smiling in general. If a similar issue is concerning you, I highly recommend looking into smile design. Not only will you likely feel better aesthetically, but it is beneficial physically as well.

Getting my teeth fixed helped me so much when it came to photographs. I still hate photos of myself, which I am working on, but at least I feel like my smile is as good as it's going to get, and I can accept that. I am glad that I can show happiness in my photos without second guessing myself. Who wants to look back on memories where they are frowning or pouting? I sure don't, and I don't want my kids looking back and wondering whether their mother was unhappy spending time with them.

We only get one life, and I intend to make the most of it. I want to remember everything and make sure my kids know they were loved. I want them to show pictures to their great grand kids of when they had the "best day ever" at the beach with their mom. I want them to have proof of every cookie baking mess and frosting face birthday and everything in between.

That's the biggest thing I realized. One day, I'll be gone, and all my kids will have is the memories we made and the physical form of those memories, the photos we take along the way. And I decided "who cares if there are ugly ones?" Life isn't always perfect. Why should the photos we take have to be? Isn't it better to have real memories than no memories? I certainly think so. Even if I still have to work hard to battle my demons every time I reach for the camera.

Saturday, August 1, 2020

How to Help a Spouse With a Problem

Relationships have both good and tough times. Unfortunately, many couples don’t know how to relate when one is struggling with an issue. This is mainly because some people choose to hide behind their problems instead of discussing them. It is best to visit couples rehabs before the physical and emotional distance causes irreparable damage to the relationship. You won’t be sorry you put in the extra effort to save your marriage.

If your partner requires space, give it to him or her


This may seem counterproductive, especially since the absence of communication has been the cause of breakdowns in relationships. However, sometimes, when experiencing a tough time, some people need space to think about their options before discussing what they are going through.

People have different reactions to the challenges they are facing. Couples are not any different because each partner has their unique traits. You need to appreciate the kind of person your spouse is and provide support accordingly.

If he or she will resent any forceful attempts from you to make the problems go away, it is best to give it some time. However, don’t allow too much time to go by without addressing the issue.

Sometimes listening is enough


It is natural for couples to stand by each other and help lessen the burden one partner bears. However, sometimes trying to fix things does more harm than good. It is great to have an opinion or even voice it, but there are times when the best you can do is to give a listening ear.

This way, even when you offer your advice or opinion, your partner will be confident that you understand what they are facing. Additionally, allowing your spouse to speak will help them come to terms with the issue.

Seek help from a professional or third party


If your partner has trouble confiding in you out of concern of overburdening you or possibly out of shame, it is best to seek help from someone who can get him or her to open up. Some couples, depending on the foundation of the relationship, have a difficult time communicating during tough times.

During this period, each one suffers quietly, and this often breeds resentment. Instead of allowing things to become worse, it is best to seek a third party’s assistance, preferably someone in whom your spouse can confide.


Use the support system you have at your disposal


As a couple, what has been your support structure? Who are your confidants? It could be your family, friends, or anyone who shares the same beliefs as the both of you.

While some people find it easy to discuss their challenges with strangers, some are more comfortable talking with those in their circle. This is especially important if the problem is too big for you and your spouse to solve. You never know, one of your close confidants may have the solution to your problems.

Read your spouse’s body language


If your spouse has trouble initiating a conversation when they have a problem, you should be the first to bring it up. Quickly identify any changes in behavior so that you can find out what the problem is before your spouse falls into depression.

For example, is he more on edge? Does your spouse indulge in more alcohol than usual? Have their sleeping patterns changed? The responses will give you a glimpse of how troubled your spouse is, so you can raise your observations when you seek to find out what is wrong.

 

Work through the problem as a team


You and your spouse are partners, through the good and the bad. If you have been making important decisions together, then the problems your spouse faces should not be any different. You need to work through this as a team.

Let your spouse know that they are not alone. Whatever challenges they face, you will find a solution together. If the problem is as a result of an addiction where therapy is necessary, take the time to attend some of the sessions. This will encourage your spouse to do everything to overcome their problems.

Be patient and understanding


This is very critical, especially if your spouse’s attitude has strained the relationship. You need to be patient and understanding, especially if they are trying to come to terms with their situation. Keep communication lines open, even when your spouse doesn’t want to talk.

Being patient to someone who is lashing out can be tough, but it will be worth it if you don’t respond with indifference or anger. If your spouse feels your support, he or she will be more positive about confronting the situation. The issue will also be resolved much faster if you both confront it together.