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
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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
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
Monday, January 21, 2008
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
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
Thursday, January 17, 2008
'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
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
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
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.
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
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
Monday, January 7, 2008
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
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
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
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