During
the month of January, I focused on getting out of bed happy every morning. I
have looked forward to the start of every day, even if the day before didn’t go
as I would have liked.
Today
marks the end of the first month on my transformation journey. I’ve found that the
hardest part is fighting temptations of “comfort food.” About four times this
month I indulged in treats like pancakes, muffins that taste like cupcakes, and
french fries. Usually people say the hardest part is getting started. Others
may say the hardest part is being consistent. Both are very valid thoughts.
This time I took a different approach getting started. I desired this journey and
couldn’t imagine going another day without it. So beginning this process was
not difficult at all. And oddly enough, remaining consistent this past month in
regards to exercise has been tremendously easy. Though I’ve tried to make
changes in my life before, you would not have found me speaking the same way
about my efforts back then. My outlook has changed; therefore, my results have
changed. Now, if I can just curb my comfort food/sweet tooth…
On
January 1st I did a workout DVD but on January 2nd I did
not exercise. I forget exactly why, but I think I just didn’t feel like doing
it that day. I remember trying to make myself feel better by saying, “At least
I worked out yesterday.” On January 3rd I knew I could not let that
happen again. So, all this month I have exercised six to seven days a week. I
got into such a good groove that certain weeks I forgot to take the seventh day
off to rest. I have been doing Jillian Michaels’ DVD, Banish Fat Boost Metabolism, 6 days a week. Towards the end of the
month, on top of doing the DVD workout, I began running on the treadmill for 45
to 60 minutes. My body has been feeling quite good. I’m most proud of myself
for being consistent and not allowing a bad moment, bad feeling, or negative
number to affect my pursuit.
My
downfall, though, has been not controlling what I eat. If I were looking to
simply maintain my physique then I could say I did excellent this month. But
that is not my goal right now; improving my physique and overall health is my
goal. So, this month I would give myself a “B-minus.” I made up my mind that I
would be disciplined when it came to exercise this month and I was. However, I
did not apply that same dedication to altering my eating habits. At least once
or twice every week, I caved into eating too much of the “good stuff.” It
really is mind over matter. Next month I will focus on eating those comfort
foods in moderation. As for this month, I am now 4 pounds lighter.
Without
hesitation, I would give myself an “A” for the month regarding my commitment to
reading. I told myself I would read one thought-provoking book this month and I
read three – The Secret and The Power, both by Rhonda Byrne, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I’ve also
been reading the Bible every day. I have completed the book of Genesis, am almost
done with the book of Matthew and am making my way through Psalms and the book
of Proverbs. In addition to those books, I am reading I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. That is my leisure novel.
It’s 897 pages long, so it may be another month before I’m through with that
one. I’m extremely proud of myself for not only reading more than one book this
month but for not stopping a book before it was finished. For me, the act of
following through is 100% success.
I
posted entries on my blog for the books by Rhonda Byrne, but did not do so for The Alchemist. Let me say that this book
was so great I finished it in just a few hours. This story of a boy named
Santiago calls for you to examine every aspect of your life. Absolutely
anything we desire can be ours despite any obstacles, past or present. Just because we may have had a rough upbringing in
poverty, abuse, or neglect, does not mean that has to be our story. Just
because our parents may not have graduated from high school or college doesn’t
mean we can’t either. Just because we grew up eating unhealthy and never
exercising doesn’t mean that is how we have to continue our life. Just because
no one around us has ever lived outside the state they grew up in doesn’t mean
we can’t live wherever we choose. Just because you have settled in a career
that allows you to live a comfortable lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to let go
of your dream to be something else. Just because your family, friends, or even
parents think your visions are foolish doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish them. Just
because something seems unrealistic doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just because
you have psyched yourself out with negativity doesn’t mean you can’t psyche
yourself up with positivity. This is just a taste of what this story conveys. If
you have even a tiny desire to seek true happiness and fulfillment in your
life, to step out on faith for something you have wanted so long, or to open
your eyes to see the how life is providing open doors for you every day, then
read this book. You will not be disappointed!
I
am grateful for where I am today and where I am headed. It feels good to be a
work in progress while actually doing work.
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