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
Showing posts with label weight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
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
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
Thursday, January 3, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
