Being Flamazing This Year

 As I have mentioned before, I am responsible for coming up with activities for our branch Relief Society (women's organization). For our January activity, I came up with  "Be Flamazing". I wanted to approach this year with themes of positivity and self improvement.

Pinky the Flamingo

Why "Flamazing"? I owe that to my friend Tammy Nunn. She is the Relief Society President in her branch in Louisiana. 

Right after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, Tammy did an activity to help the women feel "flamazing" about themselves and each other. She used Flamingos as her theme, hence the term "Flamazing". She gave me a bunch of flamingo themed decorations and items. Together we adapted the idea and I ran with it.

Pinky the Flamingo gave little hints via the Facebook group about the activity for a couple weeks before the activity. Pinky asked the women to bring a scripture that had meaning to them as well as a quote that gave them pause to think or insight into something they were struggling with. Pinky asked for book recommendations as well.

I came to the activity that day with books and a list of quotes. I talked about what we put into our minds is what is going to come out in our thoughts/actions. I referred to to old computer programming term of  "Garbage In = Garbage Out"

I shared several books that have made a positive impact on my thoughts and attitudes over the years. I listed some quotes that hit home for me. I stressed having a positive outlook about ourselves and setting goals that improved our minds, attitudes, spirituality, and outlooks rather than usual goals lose weight or eat healthy. 

In short I was hoping to inspire them to be and feel like the "Flamazing" Women they are. I also gave them each a small journal and pen to record inspirational thoughts and quotes that they come across. 

I didn't realize just how much the idea of  "Being Flamazing" resonated within me until more recently. While going through all the stress and turmoil at work the last few months, I found myself telling others that this year was going to be a year of positivity. I was actively trying to squash negativity and promote positivity. During this time I was hugging those that needed hugs, smiling as I greeted coworkers, and in general trying to exude a positive attitude. I tried really hard not to criticize or put down others' efforts even when they made my job harder. While I didn't realize it at the time, I was being proactive about my own happiness at work.

One of the Quotes that I shared at the activity was "I Choose..." by Miranda Marriot. It reads as follows:

I choose to live by choice, not chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated, to be useful, not used;  I choose self esteem not self pity; to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others.

When it came down to making the decision to quit my job. The choice was made with the thought of how to remain positive and be happy this year. I knew that I couldn't stay in that position and remain happy. If I wasn't happy I would quickly become negative. I knew that I couldn't be positive and promote a positive attitude with the way I had been treated. 

What I didn't realize, was how much that decision was based on the above quote. You see, I chose to live by my choice, I made a change, I was not letting myself be used. I chose to protect my self esteem and to listened to my inner voice.

I wonder if I would have been focused this way if I hadn't planned an activity on "Being Flamazing". Sometimes the activity is for the other women and sometimes it is for me. What I know for sure is I am going to continue to Be Flamazing this year.

2025 will be my Year of Positivity.