Tag: New Years Resolutions

OMG, the finish line!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, I Feel Good!
Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels.com

I wanted to experience the waves and adulation of cheering crowds and the loud bells and whistles on race day! A lovely professional photograph and medal would be sweet too! Instead, I arrived at the finish line of my virtual 10K alone, but with a new appreciation for all that motivates, inspires, and strengthens me in my health and wellness journey. 

I worked diligently with a local YMCA training club. I was well prepared but wasn’t crazy about the logistics of getting to and from the big event, let alone twenty-five thousand athletes and visitors. Finally, after an awful night with little sleep, I woke late and set out on a personal timed race. At this moment, I saw my first motivation (me!) and an intense need to get the job done! I told myself that this day was like every other one, that I needed to move, and that the exercise made me feel great! Days like this are often solitary for me but no less powerful.

As I completed my 10K, I realized how inspired I’ve been by family members no longer with us. Some had significant health issues. Some wished they could have been more active in their adult years. I also thought about people I know who wish they could be more physically active right now but can’t. But then, I saw their faces as I exercised – grinning, smiling, waving, and encouraging me on race day!

I previously shared how much I enjoyed practicing with the YMCA training group and missed my team! But on race day, I felt their presence and was empowered and inspired by their stories. Some had injuries and overcame illnesses. Some managed busy schedules and stressful jobs. One shared how depression and a breakup challenged her. Today, we’re all now on the other side of everyday challenges. This realization made me feel pretty darn good!

I approached the finish line (a hot, sweaty mess!) with a smile. The sun shone, the clouds held the rain, and the day was unseasonably warm. Once again, I realized the outdoors and exercise can feel like a spiritual, grounding and life-affirming experience. I cooled down and thanked God for my safe journey. I felt great at the finish line and look forward to doing this again!

Ready, set, go!

Featured by ETWellness, posted in Finding My Place in Health & Wellness, Fitness, Health cooking and eatting!, I Feel Good!, Lifestyles

Damn, I need valet services for parking at the health club in the new year. Sadly, it’s business as usual, with plenty of parking by month’s end! Change is challenging, but there’s much to learn about managing new resolutions. Here are a few things I’ve discovered.

January is the perfect time to focus on the power and potential of R-words! So many of us are reassessing, reimagining, recalibrating – you get the picture! We know something didn’t work for us last year and want a fresh start and do-over. “Renewal” is my favorite inspiring R-word, and it comes up in my meditation, exercise, and writing. I’m always thinking, committing, and strengthening my will to renew and find greater joy in my life. What’s your R-word?

We endured a heck of a year, and we’re so much smarter! I enjoyed walking four or five days a week last year. I proudly marked my days on a large wall calendar. Excellent job, I thought as I assessed last year, but I also concluded I need more strength training and challenging cardio. So my plan for 2023 includes new workouts and more creative, healthy ways to manage my low-energy days!

January 1st is a tough time to hit the reset button, so consider another day! One Health & Wellness article suggested change and new beginnings can begin on birthdays, any day, week, quarter, anniversaries, or any momentous day! For example, I started getting my annual physical on my late mom’s birthday. The date is easy to remember and honor her. I’m also motivated by her passion for eating right, regular exercise, and enjoying the outdoors. Her birthday is now a nice healthy habit!

It’s always a great time to embrace wellness, welcome change, and challenge our thinking about what’s good for us. Best wishes for a happy new year!

How S.M.A.R.T are you?

by ETWellness, posted in Uncategorized

I welcomed the gift of a one-day workshop on goal setting. This was a freebie! I thought, why not Zoom in and participate? I’d like to share my experience.

We started with a deep dive into the past year. We discussed Corvid-19, job disruption, WFH, vaccines, masks, etc. Well, you know “our” story. We then focused on what we could do differently and what we had the power to change.

We took a fresh look at key domains in our life (spiritual, emotional, vocational, financial, social, physical, parental, intellectual, and avocational). We examined limiting beliefs that held us back and how we could bravely slay those beliefs with new attitudes and thinking.

You probably know the acronym or roll your eyes at the thought! S.M.A.R.T goals are often discussed in the context of work. Our goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, risky (reasonably), and timely. In this workshop, we explored personal goals (and careers) with new purpose and excitement.

I considered each domain of life with an ambitious goal or two. We broke down our goals into specific tasks over months, weeks, and even days. We learned how to journal and periodically reassess plans.

Fun fact: rewards are critical to your success! When I exercise 5X weekly, I order a movie or visit a beautiful local park. When I meet my monthly goals, I might purchase a pound of Star Bucks coffee or bake. If I meet quarterly goals, I’m looking forward to new clothes!

Taking a S.M.A.R.T look at all dimensions of my life was inspiring and fun. My big goals and dreams became smaller, manageable, and less stressful. One of my avocational interests was to write more this year. Well, look at me now! I’m on track and reevaluating other goals. No more New Year’s resolutions for me! I’m planning to work hard and be smart with my goals!