Showing posts with label wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wellness. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

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!


Thursday, June 4, 2015

REFIT LoveRules Challenge Day 4


Are you schedule-driven? Type A? Have you ever been accused of being inflexible? Do you value process over people?

LOVE RULE #3: 
BE INTERRUPT-ABLE

While most of us would never publicly admit it, some of us have an unhealthy obsession with our appointment books. One small off-schedule issue and we're melting on the floor or throwing a tantrum. Wisdom: Customers/Clients are never an interruption. #PeopleMatterMore
When we make time for interruptions, we open ourselves up to opportunities to connect with those around us. Simple interruptions might include: 
  • midnight snuggles from a child who can't sleep
  • an impromptu late night movie well past your bedtime
  • meeting co-wokers for coffee or a quick bite
  • a last minute weekend getaway
  • breakfast for dinner followed by family game night, etc.

How interruptable are you? Don't forget that on the other side of that schedule, people are waiting to connect with you! 

When you FOLLOW @refitrev REFIT® Revolution (on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.) and SHARE this post on social media using the ‪#‎LoveRules‬ tag, you could win a huge love bomb in June!  Stay tuned...

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

For the Newbie Runner: Part 4


Walking: Not for the Wussy

Just because this series is labeled for the newbie runner does NOT exclude those who walk! I spoke with an ER technician who sees less injuries from walking than any other sport. For those who are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, walking is the perfect launch into a fit lifestyle. Most everyone can walk! Walking strengthens muscles and immune systems. Walking is the first activity a cardiologist requires of heart patients before leaving the hospital. Walking is a necessary warm-up and cool-down for joggers and runners. Walking is my choice for when I need to run, but experience the Idontwannas.

Start with a simple goal. Perhaps, at the local park or track you set a goal for a quarter mile or more. Go at a pace you feel comfortable. When you feel tired, try "fishing." Spot a person or an object and walk to that point. Remember, the first two weeks of any fitness launch is the hardest. Keep at it, get out there and walk, newbies!

Apps:  Help or Hinderance?

There are so many digital tools to assist those who are getting fit. When you pair the smartphone with a fitness app, the convenience and motivation can be a terrific boost and accountability. Many fitness and mileage apps provide an online version with even more details and friend searches. While most of these apps are free of charge, some offer an elite upgrade at set pricing for in-depth stats and "coaching."

Two apps which my hubby and I utilize and integrate with one another are RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal. While the latter helps to daily log your caloric intake, it factors the calories burned in RunKeeper (walking, running, etc.) against the totals for the day! Now, that's helpful! The only downer I've experienced is on some overcast days when RunKeeper wigs-out on my location and mileage.

For more Newbie Running Tips, be sure to check out: 
  • Shoes: All Feet are Not Created Equal
  • Intervals: A Mile is a Mile
  • Running Groups: Never Say Never
  • Stretching: Impatience can Cause Injury
  • Cross-Training: Getting Stronger all Over
  • Run Unplugged

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Guest Blogger: Tammy Webb-Witholt

You know those friends who add life to you? Those friends who see life from a multifaceted perspective? Those friends who are just plain fun to hang out with? That's who Tammy Webb-Witholt is to me!

We can go for long stretches of time --I mean looong-- and as soon as we see each other, the laughs start! Two words: Sister Vestal. I'm giggling, now! 

A beautiful lady, born to missionary parents and raised in West Africa, Tammy seems fearless (to me), thrives on culture, loves to write and speaks life into hurting and searching people. Top it all off...she's tall and blonde! Just beautiful! Venture over to Beyond the Silence for more of her soul-FULL and spot-on reflections. Grab a hankie, first.

I asked if I could share her recent blog post, thus introduce you to the jewel who is my friend!


THE SKINNY ON CONTENTMENT

Lately I’ve been paraphrasing Paul’s verse from 
circumstances, I’ve learned to be content. Whether rich Philippians 4:11-12, that in whatever or poor, hungry or fed, skinny or fat: I’ve learned to be content.

Oddly enough my version isn’t too far from the original. However the reason I’ve been quoting my paraphrase is because of a group of women in a boutique in Jackson, Tennessee.


Before I go any further let me say I’ve never been one to group shop. My husband, blessed martyr that he is, has a great eye and usually agrees to shop with me about twice a year when I need to reinforce my wardrobe. Other than that I’m not much of a shopper of clothes, especially since my clothes have gotten uncomfortably snug. I feel a bit like a overssize pillow shoved into an undersize case.

But in early April these ladies unknowingly gave me the gift of a lifetime, and ever since there has been a shift of monumental proportions in my thinking.

For you see since I was ten years old I’ve always been concerned that I was too fat. And there were some occasions, even as a young person when I put on more weight than I should. During my junior year of high school the soft pretzels in a Philadelphia suburb did me in. For a lifetime, I’ve struggled with weight and self-image. Actually it was more than that – with extra weight came a sense of self-loathing. Terribly unhealthy – but who knew?

However, during that day in April those ladies liberated me.  They were beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin. They realized that their purpose for being was defined by more than a dress size, and somehow in those joyous shopping moments I was set free!

Free I tell you. So now I quote – whether I’m skinny or fat I’ve learned to be content. I want to be healthy and active and that’s my goal.  The result may be a smaller clothing size, but until that day – I am content…

… and grateful to that beautiful group of ladies, who were of all shapes and size.


Be sure to check out Tammy's book, Harvest of Joy: A Mother-Daughter Memoir, offered on Amazon in either paperback or as an ebook.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Say What You Need to Say



Life is too busy to let words of life go unspoken.
I love you. I value you. 
I forgive you. 
Please, forgive me.

Of all of the useless words we let fly out of our face on a daily basis, shouldn't we be purposeful with words? 

  • Intentionally building a relationship. 
  • Strengthening love with family. 
  • Freeing someone's spirit from fears and insecurities. 
  • Defusing tension...real or imagined.

Giving someone a "piece of my mind" may seemingly endow them with more than they had. But, will my words tear them down just so I feel better about myself? Life is too unforgiving.
Is it worth it?

Words need to be spoken -or written- to call out that spark of greatness in a younger person's life which they cannot see.
Was there a teacher, school guidance counselor or youth pastor who saw your potential and suggested a profession?
How about an employer or department director who complimented your hard work causing your untapped creativity to surface?
Or, what about that sweet note you received from someone when you were going through a rough spot or grieving the loss of a loved one?

Words of life offer hope
Without hope, people give up in despair. 
Words of life give healing to wounded spirits.

Join me in swallowing down pride or insecurities. 
Say what needs to be said.
**Proverbs 15:23

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I'm Fit Possible!

After participating in a hashtag conversation on Twitter, an online runner-friend suggested I check into the social media community "I'm Fit Possible." So, I did and liked what I saw!

Addiction is such a strong word for all the fun I have on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and blogging! With my recent pursuit of a healthy lifestyle involving fitness and nutrition, I can't help but talk about it and share on social media about what I'm constantly learning, whether or not people comment, email or retweet. But, when someone does respond, OH MY GOODNESS! I squeal and jump up and down on the inside (sometimes, on the outside, too!).

I'm Fit Possible seemed like a perfect fit for my <ahem> addiction pairing my sharing with a healthy lifestyle as an "Ambassador!" Think of that! Me? 


I completed the online "I'm Fit Possible Ambassador Application," which is more like a simple questionnaire, uploaded a photo, clicked the submit button and that was that. In less than a week I received this response from the founder, Tara Gusmanis...
 I got a sweet, glass thermos!

"...You're in! Yay! Congratulations on becoming an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador! You are JUST the kind of person we need to make our community that much better!"

Much squealing and jumping ensued! 

What I had shared only with my hubby and a dear friend was my desire to become a wellness ambassador, but felt it may be a year before I would realize that goal. You do not have to become an ambassador to enjoy the IFP Community on social media and events. 

Am I a professional? Do I know all the answers? Nah. But, I'm enthusiastic about spreading the word and doing what comes naturally, talking and cheering for others! It IS possible to start as a late bloomer on a quest for a healthier self and be successful! 

We are social, big hearted, creative fitness enthusiasts.
We believe in unplugging and heading outside.
We believe that the best workouts are the ones done with family and friends. 
We try and sweat every day, but if we don't we won't sweat about it.
We love to try new things and if we love something, you'll hear about it. 
Oh and smiles, hugs and high fives are not negotiable.

If this sounds like you, come hang out online with other real people. Who knows? Perhaps you'll become an I'm Fit Possible Ambassador, too!

#ImFitPossible #andSoAreYOU!

"Sam"