Thanks for starting this challenge @_Lilac_! I wonder if it might be helpful for all of us who want encouragement, whether it's to stick to healthy eating, exercising, or just living a more peaceful healthy life if we can share some more tips or quotes that inspire us? Everyone's path is unique, what works for one may not work for others but that's ok, so whatever we share if it fits for you great. I'd love to learn from others what keeps you motivated or helps to keep you on track...
Here are some of the things I've learned along the way:
1) Slow and steady, have patience, (the hardest part is getting started). Life brings many ups and downs and so does trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. I try to be my own best friend, and not beat up on myself (again work in progress) when things aren't going in the direction I hoped, Also reminding myself perfection isn't realistic, so if I stick to my plan (eat healthier & exercise), for the majority of the time, knowing I will blow it, then it's easier to stick too.
2) I try to "move it" everyday (even if it's turning on some great music and dancing around the room - enough to get my heart rate up and it makes me happy - love music and dancing - don't worry if you're not a good dancer, I'm not). Exercise doesn't always have to be formal - like going to the gym. Take opportunities to move, park farther away, take the stairs..I had some arthritis in my ankle, was painful and swollen but sat in a chair and lifted my legs, sometimes you have to get creative with exercise.
3) Build in some kind of reward for the goal you've set, something to look forward to whether it's renting a movie, going for coffee with a friend, massage (or if you can afford it a trip). I'm hoping to meet up with some friends at the end of this challenge in Las Vegas! They don't have to be big rewards whatever you can afford. I also have a "cheat meal" once a week (over Christmas I had more than one!).
4) I lead a stressful life, like many of us. I try to make a place in my house that is my retreat (in the evening, I'll light a candle, turn on music or the news, dim the lights, drink my herbal tea and have me time). A goal I have is to start to meditate, and live more mindfully. I need to find peace in my chaotic life and realized the only way to get it is for me to make it happen. I'm also finding exercise helps me with my sense of well being.
5) Lastly remember the definition of insanity, which is that you keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. I try to move on, learn when it isn't working and try something different.
Anyway here are some of my favourite quotes, love to hear from others:
- "Age wrinkles the body, quitting wrinkles the soul" (Douglas MacArthur)
- "Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th" (Julie Andrews)
- "If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you"
- "Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must but take a step." (Naeem Callaway)
We all can do it, one step, one day, one moment at a time. Don't loose sight of the big picture!
