The Time Is Now

I did it!!  I completed my first timed 10K today!!  I did a 10K today in 1:28:39 :)  I know to avid runners that may not be a super fast time but I am very excited.  I completed it. I wouldn't get swept at Disney :)  and that's really what is most important to me. 

One of the things I think about is how important it is to be happy with our own progress and where we are right now.  We can't start somewhere that we aren't :)  I know I'm not alone in thinking that it would be so much easier to run if I weighed less and in the past that has prevented me from starting.  How silly is that?  how human is that?  We all do it in certain circumstances.  We compare ourselves to others and how well they do something but you know what - they didn't start there.  And we have to start where we are.  If I'm in Boston and want to go to LA, I can't start in Phoenix.  I need to start where I am.  The same goes for any of our goals.  It doesn't matter where we are, we can get to our destination if we accept where we are and take action to get where we want to go.  

If walking is all you can do - do it!!  You don't need to be able to run. If you want to run, you'll get there.  If you choose to keep walking, that's fine, too.  There is no need to compare to others - we never come out exactly equal because no two people are exactly alike with all the same experiences and reactions.  It's just the way it is!!

So if you don't have a regular exercise routine, will you get out there today and start moving? Remember to listen to your body and do what you can do.  Tomorrow you'll be able to do a little more and the next day, even more than that.  

Please let me know how it goes.  Smile, be happy, and focus on all you have and have accomplished and more will come!!  Patience :)

January Challenge

Happy New Year!!

As the new year begins many people make resolutions for change.  The problem is that resolutions are notorious for not being kept.  I believe that is because we think of them the wrong way.

I gave up making resolutions but I do make goals both short and long term every year!  One of the important aspects of goals is to known and articulate why you are making them.  To say you want to lose weight is great but to say how much weight, by when, and why give it much more power.  Why do you want to lose weight?  Do you really want to or is it something you think you should do?  Have you given any thought to why you want to?  How will you feel if you do and how will you feel if you don't?  Is there a difference?  The deeper you can go into the reasons you want to do something, the better.  If the reasons are really important to you and you keep those in mind you are more likely to actually follow through on what is need to achieve your goal.

I have created a challenge for myself.  I believe in planning to make a change for 30 days.  We can do anything for 30 days.  If it feels good, we can continue it and if not - release it.  It's done.

I invite you to join me in this challenge at whatever level feels good to you. I will report back at the end of the month to let you know how I did and I'd love to hear how you did, too!

Every day in January I'm planning to do the following:

1. Meditate
2. Run or Walk (3 miles minimum each day)
3. Nature - get out in nature and enjoy the world around me
4. Mirror Exercise - before going to bed every night I will look at myself in the mirror and compliment myself on my achievements for the day (big or small) and tell myself "I Love You!" ***
5. Goals - review them morning and night
6. Inspiration - read inspiring books at least 5 minutes
7.Sit-Ups - Do at least 30
8. Push-Ups - Do at least 15
9. Fruits/Veggies - each at least 5 servings

*** The mirror exercise sounds "weird" to people at first but people who have done it have had wonderful results.  Often people may not even know that they have low self-esteem or harbor some inner anger or guilt that is actually holding them back.  In doing the mirror exercise, we allow ourselves to have unconditional love from ourselves which is the most empowering gift we can give ourselves. We deserve it.

Please share your thoughts, comments, and results with me.

Goals for 2014

It is important to have goals and to write them down. I believe in having goals in all 7 areas of my life
(financial, career, free time, health and appearance, relationships, personal development, and community/charity/legacy).  It is also important to review our goals daily - at least morning and night.  I will blog more on the importance of goals at some point.  Stay tuned! I'm not going to list all my goals here but I'll list a few and may add in new ones during the year (especially if I want to share positive results!).

Remember to make SMART goals.

1. I will run at least 5 workshops and/or retreats by December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
2. I will publish at least 4 books by  December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
3. RunDisney - I will go to Disney for a race and vacation by December 31, 2014.
4. I will have at least one other nice family vacation by December 31, 2014.
5. I will exercise at least 5 times/week thru December 31, 2014 at 5 pm
6. I will reach my ideal weight of 145 pounds by August  1, 2014 at 6 am.
7. I will eat at least 5 servings of veggies and fruits (and take my Juice Plus) every day thru December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
8. I will complete at least 14 races (at least two half marathons) by December 31, 2014 at 5 pm
9. I will run/walk at least 700 miles in 2014. 
10. I will go out with or spend focused one-on-one time with each son and my husband at least once per week between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
11. I will spend time with a friend at least once per month between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
12.  I will meditate at least 5 times per week between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 at 5 pm.
13.  I will read 50 books by December 31, 2014 at 5 pm
14. I will incorporate the success principles into daily practice between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 at 5 PM
15. I will offer free laughter yoga classes.