Among the many goals and dreams I choose for 2009, I have decided to put my health and fitness at the top of my list for the next 3 months. Maybe you decided something similar. Lots of people go on diets in January. Studies show that less than half of them have anything to show for it 6 months later. I intend to be among the successful minority, but I know it is hard.
Oprah spoke very candidly on her Jan. 5 show about how she really let her life get out of balance and I can truly relate. Balance is one of those things that would be easy if life never changed, but unfortunately change is constant. Just getting older makes it harder to succeed.
I agree wholeheartedly with Oprah – being fit and at a healthy weight requires deliberate self-love and self care (sometimes to the point of being selfish). It also requires a specific plan which includes changes. Oprah also talked alot about loving and accepting her body right now, exactly the way it is. I like that idea too and it fits with the way I use EFT in my life and with clients. We still live in the present moment and accepting what is is part of building positive energy.
A recent New York Times article suggested that we get the best odds for succss by making BIG changes because we see the results more immediately. I think that is true although I have been an advocate for small changes too. I know I have already made some big changes this week, just to get my momentum going.
I’ll be blogging about the changes I make in my life over the next few weeks. I know I will have ups and downs. It will be good to hear from others of you who are trying to do the same. As a coach for others, I also need support from caring friends.
So here’s my plan so far. I am today embarking on Day 2 of cleansing. I am using the Isagenix program that has worked well for me before, but honestly I usually only do one cleanse day at a time. Doing 2 consecutive days is a big change and also helps me be mindful of my cravings. The first day went well and I slept like a rock last night so I am gearing up for another good day. The hardest part has been smelling the delicious foods my son makes for himself all day long while he’s home for his college break. He’s here one more week and I will just have to deal with it. I love having him home so that’s a small price to pay.
In specific terms this means that I intend to lose 10 pounds in about 10 weeks, to trim my waistline to about 26 inches so I get a 0.7 waist/hip ratio, to exercise at least 6 days a week for 30 minutes or more and to get about 20 minutes more sleep per night than I did in 2008. Notice how I am being very specific here. This is an important tip for YOU too! I have a little book with my measurements and weight in it and I will check in with myself 2 times a week. I am also doing my morning journal to keep track of my feelings.
I am planning to get closer to my personal goals before teaching my EFT Waist Management seminar series later this month. I’m sure I’ll learn something along the way that will be helpful to my students. Stay tuned for my next update.
