Ready, set -- pause!

All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking
—Friedrich Nietzsche.

Do you have writer’s block once in a while? Have you experienced a growth spurt, especially around the middle or where bottom meets chair? Perhaps your ankles swell after a day’s work at the computer when inspired prose sailed through your fingers onto keys and screen? If any of this sounds like you, it may be time to acknowledge one of the realities we face as we pursue our passion for story and the word.

To write, we sit.

If your life resembles mine, in December my chair feels more like a top spinning than a calm place from which to write. Life hurls extra work at us now: cleaning the house and decorating, shopping, baking, gift wrapping, cooking meals fussy and festive, hosting or attending social gatherings. And don’t even mention that low-key statement, some assembly required.

Whatever holidays you practice, all the extra work must be completed by the date they roll around. Deadlines are nothing new to us as writers. But during this merry season, tasks are heaped on top of looming requirements of editors and agents, or on top of self-imposed target dates we must meet if we’re to achieve our writing goals.

December’s time crunch can be a stressor, and you might want to stop the merry-go-round to pause for some time to yourself. In keeping with the gift-giving of the holiday season, why not give yourself your own present—the gift of a nice, brisk walk? You don’t have to wait for 2009 and another set of New Year’s resolutions. You can make a modest start now and reap the benefits. Medical science tells us we receive physical and mental goodies when we walk most days of the week, even for only ten minutes a day.

All of us know that walking for exercise can set you on the path to better health, but do we realize it can spark our creativity as well? Research and testimony support Nietzsche’s assertion. Just google around and you’ll fine a plethora of articles and studies on the walking and wellbeing connection.

Do I sound preachy? If so, I apologize. In writing this post I’m hoping both to encourage you and to help myself. After cheering you on, if I don’t walk, I’ll look pretty foolish, won’t I?

So, here’s a tip: go to www.walkscore.com. This new site has checked out more than 2,500 neighborhoods in America’s 40 largest cities. You can enter an address somewhere in the Silicon Valley and get the environs’ instant walkability score, along with a map of locations such as parks, coffee shops, theatres, markets, etc.—even fitness centers—the types of things you might want to enjoy during your walk. This is useful whether you’re shopping, visiting, or aimlessly roaming. You can check out the neighborhood’s walking potential before you’re even out the door.

As you bring in the New Year, here’s another quote to ponder, one by Raymond Inmon. If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. May you have hear whispers of many angels this holiday season!

Days of Dreams Come True: the mystery of success

This is a departure from my usual topic, but I have a writing success to share. This happy event got me thinking about persistence, risk, and the before and after of success. So, I'm taking the liberty of sharing my musings here, in hopes of bringing a little inspiration to your day.

(I don't think my blog today is all that off topic, since the success we dream of can also be increased strength, better cardio vascular health, good nutrition, or reduced weight.)

Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.

--John Updike

Dreams. I've always believed in them, that they come true. John Updike did, too--the above quote came from his memoirs.

In my own case, I can honestly say that every serious dream I've had in my life has come true, in one way or another. Maybe it's because my dreams were realistic in the first place, although some of them I'd never expected to become reality. Or maybe it's because I'd worked hard to make things happen, although some things were indeed beyond my control. Or maybe it's just serendipity, plain ole good luck. But whatever the cause of a dream fulfilled, dreams do come true, and I think we all know this.

I'm often struck by the idea of the before and the after of a dream come true. We don't know what's just around the corner--we can't know the future.

The second before something great happens to us, however strong our suspicions that what we long for might come about, we can't ever know we're on the threshold. We can't know that our wish is about to drift down from its star and take concrete shape in our world.

What if we'd given up on our dream in that second before? Stopped striving, stopped working so hard? Stopped caring?

Published authors say that the name of the game is persistence. That once we have a manuscript, we'll never sell it if we don't submit. They tell us if we don't get past the first, or second, or hundredth rejection, if we allow those no's to stop us from submitting, we'll certainly never place our work with a publisher. They say we must persist, that we have to keep submitting in the face of rejection, which means we have to keep on taking risks.

With every submission, there is the risk of rejection. This risk is universal, experienced by every writer who submits work with the goal of publication. I've had best-selling authors tell me that even they get rejected!

My point? before, we don't know.

Then, an infinitesimal instant takes us from before to after, and the yearned-for milestone occurs. In a writer's case, that yearned-for event more often than not is publication.

After, we respond, we feel--joy, satisfaction, increased self confidence--a variety pack of emotion--because our reality has changed. Our dream, or a step toward that dream, has actually come true. What a mystery this seems, the mystery of success.

The other day, when I made my first sale (of a short story entitled "Chateau"), I happened to travel from Tokyo to San Jose, California, winding up a family vacation in Japan. That morning, and all that day, for that matter--in other words, during the entire before--I had things on my mind: forcing my jammed suitcase closed and hoping its weight wouldn't result in excess baggage charges, getting to the airport on time, trying to sleep during the long, red-eye flight, and upon arrival home with severe jet lag, dealing with unpacking and laundry as I strove to renew a normal schedule ASAP. I certainly wasn't thinking of what might be happening with a recent submission to a magazine publisher.

Then, it happened: I found in my in-box an e-mail saying my story had been chosen to appear in a magazine, with a contract included to sign and return to the publisher. Before time snapped its finger, I had no idea that in less than a second, a dream of mine would come true.

Now, I'm in the after. I walk on the other side of the door that leads from unpubbed writer to published author (pending the appearance of the issue, of course.) I've sold my writing.

Though a modest success, this milestone feels like a great success to me, a key step on the way to fulfillment of my dreams. Which reinforces my faith in the mystery that every day is a day of dreams come true.

I'd love to hear comments on this mystery of dream come true, of success, however great or modest. For example, the time you received "the call" that your manuscript had sold, or that an agent offered you representation, the time you finaled in a contest, the time you finally got to type THE END in a hard-wrought manuscript. Or non-writing successes, non-writing dreams come true. For example, the day you got the promotion you worked so hard for, the time your tyke learned to tie his or her shoe after your patient teaching, the moment that special someone first declared his or her love. What was happening just before that milestone? What was your world like after? What did you feel?

Dreams big and little, the mystery of the before and after. Thinking of this inspires me, makes me hang on, helps me keep the faith--which means I keep trying, keep going for the gold. Maybe some day there will even be that mysterious moment just before I find out my novel has sold.

Does thinking of this mystery help you, too? If so, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear your musings about the before and after, of what makes you keep the faith and believe in what you are doing. What were you doing before the yearned-for happened? What was the after like? How did you respond? How did you feel?

xo,

Rita

P.S. Here's a link to another writer who sold to the magazine the same time I did.
http://www.dixiebelle.blogspot.com/2008/06/second-chance-for-phantom-rose.html.
For further inspiration, go there and read what she has to say.

I'm back (but groggy)

After a wonderful family trip to Japan with my husband and daughter and our former next door neighbors of seventeen years, I'm back and (I wish) raring to go. I do have to say that since I don't deal well with jet lag, it'll probably be a few more days before I'm up to speed.

Thank goodness Japanese food is healthy, because I ate and ate and ate, throwing all caution to the wind. However, I did make up for this a bit with a walk in Hibiya Park in Tokyo, and also took advantage of the fitness center at the Westin Hotel in Kyoto, where I rode the exercise bike, did some gentle working out with weights, and even swam a few laps. This seems to have paid off--miracle of miracles, my scale here at home says I'm exactly the same weight as I was when I left three weeks ago.

Vacation can be a bonanza, as long as one doesn't pig out too much. Walking every day to tour around is certainly much more active than my sedentary occupation as a writer!

Tomorrow I have my first session in almost a month with my personal trainer. I'll let you all know how it goes. I sure hope my muscles haven't turned to jelly.

And I hope you're doing well with your own diet and exercise goals.

xo, and ciao for now,

Rita

See you in mid June

Hi, all!

I can hardly believe I haven't blogged since Valentine's Day, but I have a good excuse. I've been working extremely hard on my novel, "Lost Mountain," and finally feel ready to market it in earnest. It sure has been a lot of work, but a labor of love.

Although it's been tempting to be sedentary and just write, write, write, in front of that laptop all day, I've been careful to keep my appointments with my personal trainer, working out with him, and walking and biking for cardio-vascular exercise. Interestingly, my weight has remained stable (I've been dieting, but not extremely strictly.) Even though my scale shows no weight loss (no gain, either), lateley, people always seem to be telling me that I look slimmer.

I mentioned this to my personal trainer and he reminded me that five pounds of fat is twice the size of five pounds of muscle. He even showed me a model of both. That visual was so compelling to me that I'll never forget it. His take is that I'm probably losing some fat due to my gentle dieting, but also I'm probably gaining muscle mass. So, if I lose three pounds and gain a pound and a half of muscle mass, it looks like I've only lost 1 1/2 pounds, but I've actually achieved a double success! And it might actually look like I've lost three pounds instead of the 1 1/2 on the scale. (At least, that's my way of thinking--this isn't scientific at all, since I'm no expert, just an enthusiast.)

I'm wondering if any of you also have experience with this phenomenon? Looking slimmer, but not losing weight while you diet and work out. If so, let us hear your comments. Post away!

Before I start abovementioned marketing blitz for my novel, I'm taking a vacation with my family. We'll be in Japan for the next month. There, I'm sure I'll find fertile material for all kinds of stories.

I do plan to keep up my exercise program as much as I can while I'm away. I'll check back in when I get back to let you know how it went.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a safe, blessed, and fulfilling month. May you make continued progress on your goals, and may all your dreams come true.

And here's to vibrant health through nutrition and exercise, wherever we may be over this wonderful, wide world.

Talk to you soon,

xo, ciao,

Rita

Valentines for US!

Happy Valentine's Day, one and all. As a writer of women's fiction and romance, this day feels very special. But then, Valentine's Day is always special.

This morning, in the shower (the place where brilliant ideas spring) I thought of how many of us do special things for our loved ones on this day. Cards and candy for the children, cards for relatives and friends, and in my own case, I'm cooking a candlelight dinner for my husband. But as I stood in the shower, warm water flowing down my back, I realized one thing--I hadn't thought of a Valentine for myself.

Now, you might ask, if my dear husband comes through with something special for me (as he always does) why think of something special for me? Shouldn't the focus be on him, my lover?

Yes and no, I say. Suppose my husband wasn't around for some reason? Suppose I'd never married? Suppose I was 'twixt and 'tween significant others? Or I didn't really want a significant other at the moment. Shouldn't Valentine's Day, the day for love, be celebrated in those circumstances, too?

So today, I've decided to give myself a Valentine, in the form of a walk around the park. Exercise keeps me healthy and strong, helps me shed pounds I need to lose. Exercise reduces my stress. These things are true gifts.

So...I'm even going to take my walk before I buy groceries for dinner. That way, I'll be in the perfect mood for cooking and setting my candle-lit table.

Other gifts to myself are good nutrition, another blessing I'm working on. Even a spray of perfume--the scent a gift to last hours.

On this day, during this week, I'd love to hear about valentines you give yourself. And if you haven't thought about this before, you know what to do. There's still time, after all. Just like any day can be a mini new year, any day can be your valentine's day.

Happy day, one and all!

xo, ciao,

Rita

A New Year, a New Month

It's February 3rd already, and I had intended to write this blog on February 1st. But life is like that. More often than not, things don't go as we intend.

Now that we've moved into the second month of the new year, I've been doing a lot of thinking about recommitting to goals. In January, we feel like we have a clean slate, with all possibility before us. Fresh from celebration of year end holidays, we start on a high, formulating goals for the new year. We begin to take action to achieve them.

Then, real life taps us on the shoulder. We get a cold or flu. Our kids get sick. Our husband works late, or has stress on the job, or we work late or have stress on the job. We can't seem to find time for our writing, and what we do write doesn't flow. Details vary, but we each have our story. No wonder we don't have time for exercise, or we grab that candy bar or bag of cookies or that bowl of ice cream. One action leads to another. They feed on each other. This leads to what I sometimes call "The Februaries."

Hang in there, mates! Traveling in the boat with you, I certainly don't have stunning answers, but I've been mulling over this for the past several days. One solution, I think, is to realize that every month, every week, every day can be a mini New Year.

So, it's February first now. Yes. I know. February 3rd. But I'm redefing the date--today is merely February 1st + 2, a perfect time to review goals and recommit! No focusing on what wasn't accomplished in the past month. If I focus on anything, I'll remember what I did right in January.

I'm going to look at my goals again, the ones I posted on this blog. Would it help you to do this, too?

Then, I'm going to recommit and start up again. Like Scarlett O'Hara, I'm reminding myself tomorrow is another day.

I'm also appreciating recent comments made by Janice and Jordanne.

Janice talks about waning excitement now that February has arrived. She's noticed posts slowing down on some of her goal-oriented e-mail loops, and talks about struggles with her current writing project.

Jordanne sends some wisdom about JOY being the real stuff of life. She offers us a quote by Sathya Sai Baba: "For at least the next week or two, ask yourself these two questions each and every day: Did I bring joy? Did I find joy?"

These two posts remind me of the preciousness of the mutual support we give each other here. Janice's post inspired me (finally) to write this blog entry because I could see she and I have been noticing the same thing. Jordanne's post inspired me to realize that our mutual support brings JOY to our process.

So, may we enJOY the steps we take on the journey toward our goals. May this new month be the start of more JOY as we take steps toward progress. May we realize the JOY in the struggle and the process, however shaky.

At this new beginning of February, I wish you a month of progress and JOY.

Thank you for your support!

xo, ciao,

Rita

Getting there, little by little

It hasn't been easy, getting back on track, and I can't say I'm there yet. But today, after the third session with my personal trainer since the end of a cold fraught vacation, I'm feeling good. Three sessions with my trainer, J in the past six days!

At the first session, J was easy on me, because I asked. At the second, he worked me harder. Today was the hardest of all. I've never done a decent pushup in my life, and today, with his encouragement, I did twenty! Not pushups on the floor, mind you, but using a big exercise ball. And they still count.

Now this may sound pretty good on the surface. Maybe even like I'm back on track. Problem is, until today, I'd been allowing my sessions with J to be my only exercise. I'd been skipping my cardio, my daily walks.

This morning I decided I'd go out for a nice fast walk in the park. But then I sat down in front of my laptop. And, wouldn't you know, it started to rain--a copious, cold rain.

I stayed chained to my computer, working on some final tasks for The GOTCHA. (See my last post if you don't know what The GOTCHA is.) Time zoomed away, and in less than two hours I'd have to leave for my work out appointment. It looked mighty like I wasn't going to fit my walk in after all.

Guilt weighed on me, harder and harder. I almost couldn't stand it.

I checked my watch. I still had time. Something clicked inside me--I thought of my treadmill gathering dust in the bedroom.

Then, I committed!

I pushed my chair away from the desk, traipsed upstairs, grabbed a book on writing craft, and climbed onto my treadmill. I pressed START. For a half hour, I walked to a great read, a book called "The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life," by literary agent Noah Lukeman. Luckily, this book's type is big enough for me to read it as I walk on the treadmill.

Now, at the end of the day, I'm patting myself on the back. Not only did I work out today with my trainer, but I also did cardio for the first time in over a week. A small step, perhaps, but in the right direction.

Maybe tomorrow I can do the same. If you've fallen off track, I hope you can, too.

xo, ciao,

Rita

'Fessin Up

I haven't blogged in a few days, and I'll confess: my cold beat me up. I've been working on The GOTCHA, a writing contest run by my local RWA chapter (Romance Writers of America.) I'm coordinating part of this worthy venture, and results are coming in. A contest, a cold, and a vacation -- all happened at once, making me busy, sick, and lazy.

Fessin' up about the lazy part -- for days, I couldn't breathe. My nose felt like two cement cones had been shoved up my nostrils, and that wasn't exactly conducive to exercise. So I didn't. Not as much as I'd hoped, anyway. I'd figured on six days of skiing during vacation, but wound up skiing three. So much for my confession.

On the other hand, yesterday was better. I still have the cold, but kept my appointment with my personal trainer. He went easy on me, but I did do most of my routine. In spite of my cold, the workout felt good.

Tomorrow's my next appointment, and I'm gonna ask him to work me hard. The key thing, I figure, is to get back on track. So, I'll pick myself up, and continue my program.

Has anyone else had a setback? Everyone does, sooner or later. That's why I offer you my little story. If I can 'fess up and recommit, so can you. If not, you could pray for a parking space. If that sounds like a non sequitur, see Gin's comment to my January 9th post.

Have a great day.

xo,

Rita

Staying Commited during a Slowdown

Do you ever feel life conspires against you, stopping you from meeting your exercise and nutrition goals? Maybe you have a tight writing deadline and it's all you can do to keep daily life going while you chain yourself to your keyboard. Or the kids are sick and a whole day (or entire week) is turned upside down like a kicked bucket, and your exercise plans slosh out. Or the day job throws a crisis, smashing your plans into smithereens, and for lunch you hit the vending machine, grabbing a Snickers bar.

Here's the big question: how remain committed to exercise and good nutrition when life gets in the way?

Today, that's what I'm asking myself. After two glorious days skiing at the Heavenly Valley resort here at Lake Tahoe, I've come down with a cold so nasty it borders on the flu. While my husband and daughter hit the slopes I'm sitting at the dining room table in our timeshare, banging at my laptop, surrounded by a cache of pain relievers and decongestants so big I could open a store.

This week I'd planned to get in my quota of four or five days of active exercise via daily skiing, but now I’m feeling too sick to ski, or even to walk outside in the cold. But I’m going to stay committed anyway, and I won't beat myself up. I’ll give myself some time to heal, then resume my activities. Here’s my plan.

Pause and reflect. While I’m cozying up in front of the fire, I’ll let myself enjoy this period of inactivity. I’ll read, watch TV, and work on my computer. I’ll enjoy a book I’ve just bought, French Women Don’t Get Fat, and use it for nutritional inspiration.

Set a date to resume my routine. That date will be tomorrow or Friday, when, if I feel up to it, I’ll ski again. If I don’t feel up to skiing by then, I’ll check out the fitness center here at the timeshare and take a gentle walk on the treadmill. If the weather’s sunny, I'll nix the treadmill and walk outside in the crisp winter air.

It seems to me that when life slows us down, it’s crucial not to blame ourselves. Self chastisement subverts success. When I beat myself up I feel like a failure. That throws me into a downward spiral and I get off track. This time, I’m going to be gentle with myself and implement my two-step plan.

How do you stay committed to your goals when life gets in the way? How do you stay committed?

Before I say ciao, please welcome new "member" Sherry, whose goals I've summarized and added to the January 4th post, Look Here for Inspiration. Glad to have you, Sherry!

xo, ciao,

Rita

Celebrating Subtle Changes

Sometimes change creeps up on us, especially when we're starting something new--better nutrition, increased exercise, or the first few pounds we've shed. But the change exists, even if we don't yet notice its effects.

Today I have a celebration to share: I can still ski, and better than before! My legs and ankles sport new strength, and my balance has turned dependable. I hadn't noticed these changes on a daily basis, but they come through loud and clear on the slopes.

Although in my mind and heart I'm always a spring chicken, my body does feel effects of increasing chronological age. I love to ski, but I hadn't done so in at least five years, thinking maybe I was getting "too old." Perhaps I had good reason to think this, because the last time I skied I was out of shape and struggled down the ski runs.

Now, things are different! Since October '07, I've been working out with a personal trainer, (I'll call him "J," to preserve his privacy.) My workouts with J have included ski conditioning and strength training.

Though there's lots of wonderful powder up here in Heavenly Valley at Lake Tahoe, yesterday the skiing was hard because all the runs couldn't be groomed to my liking due to continuing falling snow. That means I had to exert myself more to glide down that mountain without falling.

Several times, I caught an edge of my ski on snow. Each time, I recovered, not falling even once! Five years ago, I would have fallen.

I attribute this happy state to my workouts with J. The results show on the slopes!

Well, that's all for now. I want to head out and get back into that snow.

Who else has a celebration to share? Or a challenge? Please put them in a comment to let us know. I look forward!

Yours for vibrant health and the good life,

xo, ciao,

Rita

Look here for Inspiration

I promised I'd summarize everyone's goals and put them together, so I’ve taken a crack at briefly restating what you’ve said in your posted comments. Read further to see how inspiring you are!

I’ve enjoyed reading about your all your objectives, including those for your writing and personal lives. Its good to express the totality of our goals, because it stands to reason we'll increase our chances of success by linking health practices with our lifestyles. I’ve limited this summary, though, to the main purpose of this mutual support blog: exercise, nutrition, and weight loss.

Here's what you've said:

Annie: She’s succeeded in losing weight. Since some has crept back up, she wants to lose again and knows she’ll feel a whole lot fitter after that. She’s looking forward to feeling competent and in control of her life and happy that she’s followed through on what’s important to her. You paint a wonderful picture of the future, Annie, and we’re happy to help you in your efforts. We feel sure you’ll succeed.

Beppie (a.k.a., “Mom”) would like to lose a specific number of pounds. Very busy in many areas of her life—family, publishing, job—she want to set priorities and work out a schedule of how to fit all her time-absorbers together into something approaching a reasonable mix. Winning goals, Beppie, and we're here to support them.

Gin wants to make lifestyle changes, and her doctor agrees. She’s planning to use her gym membership actively now, and to eat more fruits and veggies. Fantastic, Gin! We’re right there with you!

Janice says she’ll give thought to her 2008 goals. We look forward to hearing them, Janice!

Jill hasn’t “declared” her goals just yet, but says she likes the idea of this blog. We’re looking forward to hearing more from you, Jill!

Jordanne is looking for more peace and calm and balance, and sees her challenges as order and discipline. She’s looking forward to a great year and to success in her goals. Jordanne, we’re looking forward to following your progress and helping however we can.

Magdalena: She loves to walk outside, traversing the hilly streets of her town, in all kinds of weather—snow, sleet, heat. She advises dressing for the weather and getting outside, knowing it will bring a smile to our faces. Magdalena, you are an inspiration! We look forward to hearing your successes.

Sherry has created a new plan for herself, a “writing, promoting, cleaning, exercising, nutrition and emailing plan,” in her words. Her plan includes time slots for important personal, family, and writing activities. You have to see it to appreciate it. I for one, am impressed with her very interesting approach. Check out her plan at her blog at Sherry's Plan. Sherry certainly has inspired me.

Wendi: She used to exercise daily but slowed down last year, and is ready to get started with a more serious routine. Her idea for 2008 is to start every morning on the elliptical. She likes to be accountable, and thus may pop in and report her progress, thought she’s not aiming for a specific number of pounds to lose. She’s looking forward to the motivation we’ll share on this blog. We’re looking forward to sharing that motivation, Wendi.

As for me, I want to remain steadfast with my current exercise routines and to continue eating lots of fruits and veggies and minimizing saturated fats. I’m so glad I’ve started this blog and have you all to share with!

I'd love to see comments to support each other in the above, and reports on progress. They can be daily, weekly, or less frequent. I do think the more frequent the better, to hold ourselves accountable and to support each other. Shall we give it a whirl?

Once I've had a chance to exercise today, I'll report my progress via a comment. I hope some, if not all of you, do the same.

We're on our way. Good luck to you all!

xo, ciao,

Rita

Goals and Challenges

Thanks for posting answers to the questions I've asked. I've enjoyed reading your answers.

It seems a common theme is balance. With so many responsiblities pressing on us, it's easy to get off track and abandon our program. We do so many things and care for so many people -- for our families, friends, our colleagues. We work hard for our editors, or for our bosses on our "day jobs." We do so much for others, there's hardly time for ourselves.

To me, this mix adds up to LIFESTYLE. Any program for exercise, nutrition, and/or weight loss, must fit into our own personal lifestyles, whatever they may be. This is something I learned through my participation in the Stanford study. It's something I'll share with you in later blogs.

By the way, if you haven't seen the article about the Stanford study which was such a big help to me, here's the link to it.

Since more people seem to be "joining" this blog, I'll wait a day or two and then I'll try to compile everyone's goals. That will show us where we stand.

Then, I'll post some of my own tips. I'll also be looking for guest bloggers to tell us their tips.

Meanwhile, keep checking in. Make your comments. Post your successes, your challenges, whatever. I'll post mine, too. Post as often as you want. If daily reporting helps you, go ahead and do so. If weekly is better, that works, too. During the Stanford study, I reported my progress weekly.

My next post will be about getting off the couch. Hope you enjoy it!

xo, ciao,

Rita

2008 -- A Clean Slate

Happy New Year! 2008 and a clean slate--isn't this wonderful?

So, here we are, joining together in our goals for exercise and nutrition, and maybe weight loss or maintenance. As I write this, most of those who have expressed interest in this blog are writers facing the downside of our passion--hours and hours in front of the keyboard. Many of us writers have day jobs, too, and often those are sedentary.

As time goes on, more people will join us. People who aren't necessarily writers. But, writer or not, most of us nowadays face nutrition and exercise challenges. It's long been in the press that we have a problem with obesity in this country. So, whatever your occupation, if you're here to join with others to be part of a solution, you are welcome.

If you haven't read my post of December 31, 2007, try to take the time to do so. There, I've asked some questions about how we should proceed. I'd love to hear your answers and other thoughts you have. I promised I'd post my own answers, so here they are.

Question 1: Sit back and close your eyes for a moment and imagine this is December 31, 2008. What dreams (or concrete goals) would you like to be able to say you've made come true by then? They don't have to be about exercise and diet, but it would be good to tell us how they connect to exercise and diet.
My answer: On December 31st, I'd love to tell you I've obtained an excellent literary agent to represent my works of fiction. I'd like to say I've tweaked my two novels to make them the best they can be, so I can proudly submit them to my agent. Since that will require untold hours sitting at the computer, I'd like to say I've been steadfast with my exercise routines, that I've maintained my current nutrition standards of minimal saturated fat and lots of vegetables and fruits. I also have goals for my "personal" life -- to be a good wife and mother, a good friend, a good sister and aunt, and to keep a good house. (Those last goals are more fully developed on my writer's website: www.ritastclaire.com.)

Question 2: On December 31, 2008, if you've met these goals or made those dreams come true, what will your life be like? What changes will you see?
My answer: I'll be full of excitement and energy. Having a great literary agent will tell me I'm on my way to being a published author. And, with the vibrant health and energy that come with good nutrition and exercise, I'll feel especially ready. Succeeding with my weight loss goal will make me feel really good about myself, and I'll love being able to wear more stylish clothes. For me, success with diet and exercise and success as a writer are linked in my mind.

Question 3: What specific challenges do you face right now?
My answer: I feel like I never have enough time to get everything done. Another problem is that once I get writing, I don't want to get up to do anything else, and that includes exercise! When I'm working fast and furious on a novel, or anything involving writing, I don't even want to take the time to eat right.

Those are my answers. What about yours?

I'll be back on January 3rd. At that time, I'll share some tips I've learned.

And, if you can make the time on this first day of the year, go for a walk. Inside your house or outside, even if just for five minutes. I'm going to do that. I'm getting off the couch today!

See you back here on January 3rd.

xo, ciao,

Rita