Last Day of 09

We had a great Christmas and I’m ready to welcome in 2010.  I went into this Christmas with a better outlook on my food choices.  It’s Christmas, there is no need to worry about the calories consumed on such a magical day.  There has to be balance, and part of that balance comes from removing guilt when you do allow yourself to enjoy foods that are thoughtfully prepared by those you love or that you have spent hours preparing.

I feel like I have taken an important step forward in finding balance.   Living a healthy lifestyle is all about balance: finding exercise you love to do and finding a new relationship with food.  I never thought I would ever say I love to exercise, but the feeling after I’m done working out is amazing.   I always walk away with a smile and a clear mind.  It’s the BEST feeling.

Most New Years are brought in with new resolves.  I’m not doing that this year. I’m going to enjoy the ride and all that I’ve learned about life this past year.   I’m looking forward to a fresh new year with new possibilities and opportunities to grow further.  It’s a blessing that I get to continue on this path with a great big smile 🙂

Happy New Year to you all!  Do you have new resolves and goals for your New Year?

From my heart to yours,

Christine

Snow Day

I’m taking advantage of this snow day. I have the fireplace on, coffee cup in hand, and my Christmas music is on my play list.  There is something about the first big snow fall of the year, to bring the Christmas spirit into a person’s heart.  I was talking to a friend on the phone this morning, and she has me thinking.  Nothing is black and white, and every one’s journey is different.  What ties us all together is the spirit of resilience and hope. 

What I’m left thinking about is how strong she is and how bright her spirit is. I don’t think she sees that.  If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of those who love us most.  If only we could see how much our journey can help others who are on a similar path. If we could let down the walls and reach out for support, which in turn can only help others.

So here’s a bit of random thoughts that came to me as I curled up on my couch with my hot cup of coffee.  These are just my opinions! I appreciate that we are all at different stages in our lives and I have so much to learn. 🙂

1. The only person you can control is you.  You can’t control the actions of those around you. There is just YOU and there is something very freeing and powerful in that knowledge. It puts the responsibility for happiness in life squarely on our own shoulders and releases the expectations we put on others.

2.  Your thoughts shape your day.  The power of the mind to bring about hope, joy, and success is amazing.  Tap into those areas that bring you the most joy, but allow yourself to feel the pain, the loss, and the grief.  We grow through adversity, and you can not truly experience the light without also experiencing times of darkness as well.  That’s when you truly appreciate the light of hope.

 3.  We truly do not know the strength that lies within our soul.  It’s there for the taking if only we wouldn’t convince ourselves that it’s impossible.  Allow the spirit of positivity and joy into your life, and give no power to the negative.  That negativity is just lies that we allow in and prevent us from moving forward.

4. Life is meant to be lived with pride and joy.  Remind yourself often of your goals. Write them out on sticky notes and put them up where you can see them every day.  Shape your daily choices around the goals you’ve set out.

5. Be good to yourself! There is no power to be found in being down on yourself.  It creates a cycle of negativity and you deserve so much good in your life.

6. I’m a Mom, and I often forget that my kids are watching me and learning about life through my eyes. I want them to see life in the best way possible.  They deserve to have a happy Mom that is excited about life and that will raise them in that zest and respect for a life full of hope and promise. 

7.  Give yourself permission to let go of others expectations, judgments, and opinions.  They haven’t walked in your shoes. 

8. We can be the most positive thinker in the world, but without action it’s pointless.  You also have to figure out “Why” you are striving for a certain goal.   Being a certain size really isn’t a goal. Why are you setting out to be a certain size? Do you think your issues will fade away once you are a size ____?  I’ve gone through that, and speaking from my experience, the same issues follow you no matter what size you are.  I finally figured out that my goal is to live an authentic life full of joy and purpose.  Taking care of myself through exercise, eating right, sharing, and finding joy in the little things bring about changes that allow me to keep the weight off.  But without action, the results can’t possible come to fruition.  I need to put in the work which does more for my mind and spirit than it does for my body.

Well, that’s about all for now.  Happy snow day for those in my area (I hear there are many with no snow out their windows). 

From my heart to yours,

Christine