Same Ol' Same Ol'

So, what's new in your world? I mean, what's really new? When was the last time you had a new experience? Or learned something new? Or tried something different? Maybe it's just the stirrings of spring, but lately I find myself longing for something new. In the past when that desire for something new and tasty would hit, I might seek out a new romantic relationship, take a trip to the mall, or try out a new restaurant. Today, instead of turning to men, shopping, or desserts, I am taking a new exercise class. It's called Muscleworks and it's free weights and resistance bands. Not really sure how I'll do but I'll give it a try.

What about you? What new thing are you adding to your life to give it flavor?

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear God:

Thank You for my life in this moment and this moment in my life.

Lit

Upping the Ante

If I want more results, I've got to put in more work. This week I am adding a fourth day of exercise. I will go to the 5:00 water aerobics class today. I will work hard in the class and not slack off when it starts feeling challenging.

What about you? Is it time to up the ante in your quest to be healthier?

Reality Check

One of Alberta's friends got the phone call we all dread. The one where it's the hospital calling about a serious accident involving your loved one. Your heart drops. Your mouth runs dry. Your eyes flood. You forget to breathe.

My mother likes to say, "We know where we've been but we don't know where we're going." Our heads are so full of plans and lists of things we simply must do. The past, present, and future - sometimes my head and heart straddle all three.

For today, I commit to live in this present moment. The past has passed. The future will surely hold both happiness and sorrow. The present requires my vigilant presence.

What about you? How will you manage to stay in the moment at hand?

Today I will:

1. Go to the 4:00 water aerobics class.
2. Meditate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Journal.

I Don't Wanna!

See, this is why I don't ask myself whether I want to exercise. The answer is invariably, "I don't wanna!" Or, "Do I have to?!" We all know I have to so no further discussion. I am going to the 4:00 water aerobics class - that's my commitment to you and to me.

What about you? Is that "I don't wanna" voice whining in your ear about something you know you need to do for your spiritual, emotional and physical health? How will you ignore that little voice and move forward toward your goals?

Lift Up Mine Eyes

Earlier this morning I thought about a scripture verse that includes the line, "I will lift up mine eyes." I thought about all the things I miss when I just focus on the joys and struggles that make up my little life. I miss out on the bigger picture and my place in the mosaic of this universe. I am here for a divine purpose that's much bigger than those three numbers on my bathroom scale. For today, I am opening myself to seeing what God wants me to see rather than just seeing my own self-created (and self-sustaining) mini-dramas.

What about you? What might you see when you lift up your own eyes? What divine purpose does the universe hold for you?

Today I will:

1. Tell the truth.
2. Ask God to show me a deeper truth.
3. Go to a water aerobics class.
4. Meditate for 15 minutes.

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Loving Yourself Just As You Are Is an Act of Courage

When I learned Usher's wife may have had a "serious injury" due to complications from cosmetic surgery, I was sad. Why is it so hard to love those sweet brown faces and bodies that we see in the mirror? What is this voice that keeps telling us we're not good enough just as we are?

Yes, I need to lose weight for my health but my soul - the essence of who I am - cannot be changed by a few pounds gained or lost. I don't want to be at war with my mirror or my psyche. I am learning to love me in this moment. For me, that's an act of courage.

What about you? Do you have the courage to love - really love - yourself just as you look right this moment? How are you guarding your mind and your being from toxic messages about what a grown woman's body is supposed to look like? How are you staying healthy emotionally and spiritually today?

Knowing and Doing: Closing the Gap

Sometimes there is a wide gap between what I know and what I do. For example, I know the basic steps involved in getting myself healthy. Sometimes, though, I just don't have the motivation or energy to follow those steps. I've been waiting to feel like exercising instead of just exercising. I can probably wait from now until the end of time and I still won't feel like exercising. I am learning to move forward even when the desire is not there.

I know couples who are and are not faithful to one another. From them I've learned that sometimes the only thing that keeps you faithful to your spouse is your commitment to your commitment. Your actual feelings about your husband or wife may fluctuate due to arguments and moods. However, your commitment to remain true to your promise of fidelity never fluctuates. I am trying to develop that same commitment to my health so even when I don't feel like doing something healthy (or especially when I don't feel like it!), I can keep doing what I know to be the next right thing.

What about you? Is there a gap between what you know and what you do? How are you bridging that gap so that you can move toward a healthier you? What is the next right thing for you to do to get healthier?

Planning for Success

This morning I decided to do an exercise schedule for Alberta and me. We already have a weekly food chart that lists what we're supposed to eat each day. Now, I'll add exercise to that chart. Once it's on paper, perhaps we'll be more likely to stick to it. For today, I will go to a stretching class at the wellness center. Alberta is going for a walk.

What are you doing to make your health a planned success rather than an afterthought?

I Honestly Love Y'all!

Okay, I went to the 4:00 water aerobics class. It was your love and encouragement that buoyed me (plus a fair amount of guilt for not keeping my word). Thanks so much for making an honest woman out of me!

Is It Me or Memorex?

If I don't post for more than a couple of days, here's why: I have not kept my public commitments and I don't want to face the truth about that. This "tell the truth" approach is hard.

I didn't go to the wellness center for the water aerobics class last week even though I had said that I would. My knee was hurting. However, I wonder whether I sometimes use my knee pain as a crutch (pardon the obvious pun). I think I could make it through a class. Okay, it's 3:22 now. There is a class that starts at 4:00. Let me go try on a swimsuit to make sure I have something to wear to class. Back in a second. Okay, the suit fits and I left it on. I'm leaving now to go to the class.

Thanks for keeping me honest.