When you consciously take up an ongoing practice - running, saying no (or yes), meditating, delegating, gratitude, kindness, speaking up for yourself, writing - and you fall out of your rhythm, out of your commitment for a while... when you find that it's just not happening, what else is there to do but stand up, smile, and jump back in again?Excuses, justification, apologetics - none of these do much, in my experience, other than produce a momentary boost of self-esteem.Even harsh self-criticism and shame are rather wonderfully twisted ways of producing self-esteem by showing you that you care and are not indifferent.After a rather interrupted August, here I am, standing up, dusting myself off, writing again.I'm pleased to be back.

Photo Credit: libraryman via Compfight cc