Revisit those New Year's Goals

Does reading those words cause you disappointment? Do you remember where you wrote down the goals?

There should not be shame associated with pursuing goals. Let yourself off the proverbial hook. Any time you make a goal, you are daring to believe it is attainable. Nothing wrong with that! 

Here's where we tend to go wonky: We fail to make a plan -OR- We fail to execute that plan. Again, there should be no shame. 



Are you still trying to remember where those goals are written down?
I had to look for mine, too. 

So, what do we do, now, that half the year has gone by?

Again, ditch the shame. Pull up your big girl panties or tighten that belt and let's see how we can salvage our intentions from six months ago and feel good about ourselves!

Write it down. Perhaps you have forgotten what the goals were. Perhaps you are in a different mindset or place than you were after last Christmas. Consider altering those goals.

Map out a plan. Whether your goal is to learn a new language, graduate with a degree, become a "MOMpreneur" or whatever, use a calendar to make a long-term goal date. Then, note short-term goals on dates, starting now, stepping toward your long-term goal date. Be realistic. Example: "To get healthy safely by (date)," instead of an unrealistic goal "To lose 700 lbs in the next 30 days." One of these examples is the wiser and realistic goal! Be clear. Example: Map the plan to achieve that health and wellness goal, as in signing-up for a fitness class, making healthy meal choices, lose 5-10 lbs in next 6 weeks, getting more sleep, etc.

Believe in yourself. Yes, you can do this! If you had enough positivity and courage to list these goals, you have more than enough to stick with it! Speak kindly in words of affirmation to yourself. "I am smart. I am an overcomer. I am making progress. I am gonna hit that first goal!" 

Execute the plan. Don't forget where you put this plan. Keep it in front of you ...daily. Don't compare yourself to other people who accomplished their goals. If you can learn from them, that's great. Congratulate them. But, YOU have a smart plan for yourself. Work it.

"But, what if I mess up?" Again, let's not beat ourselves into a bloody puddle of worthlessness. Start from where you are and work the plan. Ask yourself if an adjustment is needed.

Celebrate Progress! It's ok to throw yourself a party! When you've worked hard toward that first short-term goal, toot your own horn! Hopefully there are positive people in your life who want to celebrate YOU!

As for how my goals are coming along... I'm working the plan and have had to make a necessary adjustment or two because life happens. Does this connect with you? Let me know, below!

December Advent Week 1

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

Smiling at 50: New Year's Goal Accomplished!

(photo by Dane Allen)

I did it! Actually, we did it!

Before the clock struck 2014, my friend snapped a pic of my goal for the new year to run a 10K, 6.2 miles. If for no other reason but that photo, I had to accomplish this goal. 

(photo by Giovanna Gomez)

I downloaded one of the free 10K training plans from Coach Jenny Hadfield and made my plan of attack allowing for injuries, schedule and weather. As fate would have it, Tennessee experienced one of the coldest and longest winters on record further proven by our gas and electric bills.

Another reason to accomplish the goal is my age. I will be the big 5-0 years old on June 28 at 8:08am! That's half of a century! Crazy!

My honey was the epitome of encouragement at every step. His words spurred me to get up and go for it when I wanted to stay snuggly and warm in the 20 degree weather. He warned how I would regret not cross-training in Zumba.

Our ImpACT Challenge 2014
Race Bib I wore on my back
for the 10K

Further drive came with the ImpACT Challenge 2014 online group of like-minded friends pursuing weekly fitness and nutrition challenges for a healthier lifestyle. Each week starting in January, we set personal ACTion goals with several challengers deciding on either a 5K or 10K in or near April. 

A 10K is not run just once, but run many times in training prior to the actual event. I chose to run intervals building anaerobic threshold, strengthening muscle and endurance; thus preventing injuries. My "run" is really more like a slow shuffle and I'm a newbie at running so these are truly baby steps forming me into a better athlete. It sounds weird to classify myself as an athlete, still a hard-fought category I have right to claim.

Race swag, bib & chip

On April 12, 2014, together we decided to run "our" race the way we trained and not in competition with any other person or time. My legs were tired from the over-zealous session of Zumba the day before. It's only 6.2 miles, but it's my first; therefore, it feels like 26.2.

The best feeling was to cross the Purity MOOsic City Dairy Dash 10K Finish Line with my hubby, hand-in-hand! My time was slower by several minutes. The next best feeling was to have family and friends cheering us at the finish line!

(photo by Emily Allen)

Now that my New Year's Goal has been accomplished, I've been asked what is next. There are a couple more items, my honey and I want to check off the Smiling at 50 List, but we believe we will continue to run toward more finish lines!







During the timeline of the ImpACT Challenge, I became an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador! Another goal reached! More on that, to come!