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

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

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

Getting ready for 2008

Here it is, New Year's Eve. I'm on vacation in Colorado, with limited internet, so I haven't been able to post until now.

Anyway, a number of people have expressed interest in participating in this mutual support blog. I'm excited to have people to share with.

As for me, I want to make sure I keep up my own program of exercise and nutrition (and also weight loss) in 2008, and joining with others will help me stay on track. In addition, I feel I've learned some things in 2007 and would like to share them. I know some of you have made progress in 2007, too, and you also might have tips to share.

Today, I'm thinking about how we could proceed. What suggestions do you have? How can we support each other?

For starters, I'll blog a few times, starting on January 1st (I hope), to give my take on a few topics. I'll ask for feedback and comments. Hopefully, that will get the ball rolling and we can go from there.

Maybe some of you will contribute your knowledge and enthusiasm for exericise and nutrition by guest blogging, too.

Here are my questions. Please reply via comments on the blog.

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? Since life is organic, sometimes things aren't discrete -- they're linked and just flow. Thus, goals don't have to be about nutrition and exercise, but it would be good to tell us how they connect to nutrition and exercise. And remember, we can take things in baby steps, one day at a time, one minute at a time. The grandiose often doesn't work.

2)On December 31, 2008, if you've met your goals or made these dreams come true, what will your life be like then? What changes do you see?

3)What specific challenges do you face right now?

I'll post my own answers to these questions. I'm looking forward to see what others have to say.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE! Here's to less sedentariness (is that a word?) to good, healthy nutrition, and to healthy and happy weight!

Rita

Ready, set -- for 2008

Hi, I'm Rita. Thanks for stopping by.

Do you want to incease your exercise and eat more healthfully in 2008? Have you promised yourself you'll lose weight? If your answers are yes, you're in the right place.

I've started this blog to support goals for exercise and healthy eating.

For umpteen New Years, I've made a list of goals. Every list included goals for exercise, diet, and weight loss. Finally, I've acheived a bit of success.

I'm now exercising regularly. I'm eating less saturated fat, and more vegetables and fruits. I've lost twenty-five pounds. (I still have quite a bit more to lose.)

My success is partly due to a study conducted by Stanford University Medical School. The purpose of the study was to find out whether computer-generated phone calls could help people exercise. The Stanford computer called me, and I reported the time I spent exercising. After a year in the study, I was consistently meeting my exercise goals.

Recently, results were made public, and an article by the AP was picked up by the international press.

Here's a link to the article. There's even a picture of me.

Click here to see the article

I never thought the AP article would be picked up by hundreds of newspapers and media websites across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and in far-flung places like Spain, Italy, and China. The explosion of this article made me think I have something to offer to others who are on the exercise and diet path, striving to advance toward better health (and, yes, better looks, too.)

So, I've started this blog--to help get myself and others off the couch. And, to help us when we're at the table.

I hope you'll join me in this experiment, sharing challenges and successes with each other. Please post your comments and tips. Working together, I'm sure we can help each other succeed.

Please understand I'm not an expert. I'm an ordinary person who wants to stay on the path of exercise and healthy eating, a person who wants to join with others. What a great feeling that will be!

For the next few days, I'll make some more preliminary postings. On January 1st and after, I'll get more specific.

One request before we start: please, please, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet regimen.

Yours for vibrant health and the good life,

Rita Horiguchi