The discipline of writing something down is the first step towards making it happen. Forty realistic things to do/continue doing/stop doing in less than four months (in no particular order):
1. Travel to a place I’ve never been (One down Pass-a-Grille, FL 6/2019) 2. Try SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) 3. Go see a local band 4. Buy a lottery ticket (Done! Not a winner!) 5. Try 4 new-to-me restaurants (Done!) 6. Learn how to make Finnish braided bread and do it 7. Buy an outfit that’s out of character…better yet, let a friend choose (Done!) 8. Celebrate with friends (Done x2) 9. Meet my dad for the first time in a decade (Done x2) 10. Finish my home office (Done!) 11. Go to a local coffee shop (Done!) 12. Create a big list of things to do before 50! (Working on it!) 13. Eat a vegetable I’ve never had before (Done!) 14. Try a new hairstyle or color (Got it cut shorter than I've ever had it!) 15. Watch the sunset with Tony (Done!) 16. Read 4 more books (Done!) 17. Toes in sand, beer in hand (Done!) 18. Schedule a regular massage (May done, June done, July done!) 19. Take a short trip with mom (This fall) 20. Run a 5K (wasn't up for extra cardio -teaching a lot of Jazzercise classes right now!)
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I love my dogs. I love ALL dogs. They make me happy until they make me very sad (Cue the song "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan and heartbreaking doggie eyes looking at you from behind wire cages...) I look at my two guys sprawled in a soft, fluffy dog bed and think, these are two lucky pups. But I’m lucky too. They make my life better and, in a funny way, they reinforce some of life’s little lessons.
We are taught at a young age (intentional or not) that appearance is how you judge yourself and other women. It becomes a nasty habit. Critical thoughts about yourself upon gazing in the mirror. Critical thoughts about other women while out in public or watching television. Out of insecurities created by ridiculous standards, we learn to be harsh towards ourselves and one another.
When I started taking group classes at the Y and then Jazzercise, I met amazing women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. I witnessed true beauty in effort and movement and kindness and humor and just BEING. The combination of seeing this beauty in others and gaining confidence by strengthening and challenging my body helped me let go of some of my insecurities. I still don’t always like what I see in the mirror. But when I think about it, really think about it…the critical thoughts are unwarranted. I don’t deserve them. Neither do you. You mention your cellulite or batwings or poochy belly or jiggly bum. I see a woman who has a strong body full of potential not only because of physical activity but because of LIFE. You encourage and inspire me. I want to encourage and inspire you. I want to be your instructor or your trainer but not just because you want to fit into a specific size or see a certain number on the scale…but because your body and your mind and your heart are SO MUCH better for it. Beautifully healthy, strong, confident and able to take on all the wonderful things AND all the mess that life has coming your way. You are beautiful. Own it. |
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