I started writing this blog in 2007 and continue today, hoping it will make its way to anyone who feels stuck while trying to make lifestyle changes to live at a healthy weight. Changing behaviors can be tricky if we don’t evaluate our perspective and adjust our expectations and mindset. I believe the foundation of lasting behavior change starts with four key elements:
1.) Self-compassion 2.) A growth mindset 3.) Joy in the journey 4.) Gratitude
Self-compassion is recognizing our humanity. It’s realizing and accepting that no human can be perfect 100% of the time. Therefore, when we make choices that aren’t in line with our goals, it’s an opportunity to learn, modify and move forward. This is called a Growth Mindset, and it leads to lasting success and facilitates joy in the journey! The fourth foundation of lasting behavior change is the practice of gratitude for today and using the good feeling energy of appreciation to propel us forward into the actions we want to take.
Happiness
"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.-------Helen Keller What a...
Chasey Baby
Chase, 3rd Grade, John Stewart Elementary "Time is not the enemy, rather it is our impatience." ~Author Unknown Yesterday morning at my house was running right on schedule. We were all doing what we were supposed to in order to get out the door on time on the kid's...
Filler’ Up!
A major difference between a healthy lifestyle and a diet is whether or not it is not only tolerable but ENJOYABLE. There are many short term, wacky ways we can drop pounds on the scale quickly but we are looking to keep them off permanently. We are ready to...
Making It Work-Real Life Style!
"Ahhhh, Friday! The holidays are behind us, we have had a terrific week of being back on track, so let's spend some time today thinking about how we want our weekend to unfold. Planning ahead and managing our expectations is a major part of successful weight loss and...
"Good morning! I have ventured into the world of Facebook. I know I'm behind the times but sitting at my computer is one of my least favorite things to do for long periods of time! As you know, I write the majority of my blog entries from my Blackberry whenever a...
Tracking Your Food Intake = Knowledge = POWER
The research shows it over and over....tracking what you eat is a key contributor to weight loss. Now is the time to re-commit to diligent tracking if you the scale isn't giving you the feedback you want. We track to show ourselves a record of what we have eaten, how...
Snow!
"The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.. --------Ancient Chinese Proverb This quote may be "ancient" but it certainly IS true. It came to mind this morning as I pulled in my driveway from they gym to see 2 inches of snow piled up and more coming down...
See You Soon!
"Today is the day and I'm excited! I get to lead my first Weight Watchers meetings of 2010! I can't wait to see you guys! If you are doing great on your weight loss journey, we need you at the meeting so we can help you celebrate! If you did not finish out 2009 they...
Blues
"I don't know about you guys but I have that sinking feeling in my stomach about getting back in the swing of real life tomorrow! All the presents have been opened, gift cards spent, tree and decorations taken down and now it's back to reality. The holidays were so...
Take Action!
Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.. -----------Chinese Proverb Take 2 minutes right now to jot down 2 healthy things you will do for yourself today. No effort is too small! Mine will be (1.) Track every bite I eat and (2.) Stay within my...
Plan Your Work-Then Work Your Plan
"It's Sunday night and I'm just looking at my calendar and getting organized for the new week. We have 2 weeks until Halloween and then we move right into November. Wow. Let's make Halloween a focus point of our efforts. Give some thought to what habits you would like...
Peaks and Valleys
I have been thinking this morning about how everything in this life goes in cycles. The cycles are very predictable if we look for them. We don't have to do anything to make them happen and there is nothing we can do to stop them either. Think about the most obvious...
Good Bye 2008
is the last day of 2008. It's a day to look back and reflect on all that has happened throughout the past 365 days. Not labeling or judging.....just reflecting. Acceptance is an amazing thing. It calms us and allows us to step out of ourselves and just be. It is what...
The Here and Now
I thought writing a blog would be fun, easy and rewarding because I could encourage others to take steps to lose weight while keeping myself on the healthy lifestyle track as well. I love to write and I've learned how much I enjoy sharing stories of weight trials,...