Problems

Losing Weight

One of my missions in life is to be conscious of my body, and being a healthy weight is important for that. I have carried a bit of extra weight around most of my teen and adult life, and lately have not been OK with it. I decided to be proactive and make some changes, one being to lose a bit of weight. I found that exercise is somethign i enjoy in moderation, and if i want to be fit I need to exercise vigorously. I have begun the exercise part by visiting the gym four or more times a week. I also made a fitness goal of running three miles, and it has been tough so far. I am half way there with my fitness goal. 

My weight has dropped from adding in exercise regularly, but I know I need to change some eating habits as well. I decided to try a calorie counting app, and I have been loyal to it for the past three weeks, and boy it has really helped. Seeing what I eat and how much each item is worth in calories made me make much better choices. It has been going really well the last week, and I have been reaching my goal!

I have felt much better about acheieving my goals, and about my health in general. 

ignorance

How to Spread Joy

One of my missions in life is to spread joy. I want people to be happy they met me, and not happy to see me go. I know that some critics are unavoidable, but in general I want my presence to be celebrated! This is a list of ways I can spread joy everyday.

Love myself fully, this would mean I always know my own self worth no matter what the circumstances.

Use gentle communication, and the power of listening. Others feel loved when they feel listened to and understood. I will spread joy much more effectively when I speak in a gentle tone to those around me.

Be myself. I am funny and wholehearted when I am authentic. People enjoy my sense of spirit and love for life.

Be open. I am a good peson and my struggles and victories are ana inspiration to others.

Be objective. People trust and respect someone who doesn't take sides and isn't quick to judge. I am capable of seeing all aspects of an issue and opening up possibilities for problem solving.

If I continue to practice these in all areas of my life I will gain much more understanding of how to spread joy, and will be able to add more items to my list!

My Funeral

Imagining my own funeral, I hope there are many mourners, people who have loved me and have cared about me. Perhaps I have gained some recognition and have speeches

 and the place is so full that people are standing. Wow! I would be dead, but to have that impact in a positive way would be exactly what I want with my life. This is how you can begin with the end in mind which is the second habit in the "Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. It places my goals into focus, and does away with petty everyday nonsense. Although it is hard to think about the fact that I am mortal, I need to know what I am ready to build, and pass down to my children.

My Resource

I absolutely love books. I have been a reader since I was young. I have found that there are a lot of fantastic self help books that are out there. I have been reading as many as my brain can handle, and it has been life changing. I haven't always loved self help books. When I was about 15 I skimmed through "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" By John Grey, but I recall thinking how irrelevant it was to my life. I was given a copy of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" By Stephen Covey by a sister, but never read it. I am dissapointed I didn't read those books and apply thme more effectively to my life. However I am so glad I am doing it now.

Since I really missed out with the "Habits" book, that is the first book I will discuss. However now that I am an adult I am reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. This is the first of many posts that will discuss ideas from his amazing book that I am attempting to establish as my own habits. 

The first habit in the book is "Be Proactive". 

Being a proactive person wasn't in my nature, but i am changing this habit. I used to be a reactive person, and my language showed this immensly. I said things like "I can't" or often placed blame on others "It was their fault". These are not proactive. I need to change my language and take more personal responsibility. "I can control my own feeling" "I choose" "I prefer". The best way for this to be planted firmly in my memory, is to place reminders all around me. I write it on my white board, and sticky notes on my mirrors, and fridge. 

Another important aspect of being a proactive person is to let go of things you can't control. Stephen calls this our circle of concern and the things which we have control over is our circle of influence. When we become more proactive these circles interlace and become almost as one, and our concerns become our influence. The things we cannot control can consume our life and stress us out. I was one that allowed my circles to have to large a discrepancy between them, and this caused me undue anxiety. I honestly have been amazed at how relaxed I feel about everything, now that my circles aren't so far apart!

If you haven't read "The Seven Habits if Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey you should consider adding it to your list of books to read, because it is well worth it!

Plant your roots

A few days ago, my daughter and I were enjoying a day at our park, and they had many entertainers for everyone to enjoy. We were at a nice grassy knoll and a troop of japanese drummers began to play. It was wonderful to listen to and also to watch. After the man who runs the troop was showing groups of children, and adults, how to play. He explained that you must first plant your feet firmly on the ground, and put in your roots. I loved that this is how you must begin, and it applies so well in life. You must have your footing solid before attempting anything new. I really loved seeing my daughter follow his instructions and use his technique to bang on the drums. It was an amazing experince.

if you are interested here is a video with some talented drummers.

http://youtu.be/rV6z8g54lb4

What?

The point of this blog is to continue to affirm my direction. my new direction in life is one of a positive mentality, and self care. I have to spend every day keeping my thoughts focused on the direction I am heading, and not fall into my old negative habits. I can easily backslide, and if I do I will keep a positive mindset.

This blog is a way to keep track of everything that I find, read, and work on during the journey i just have begun. I will be focused on making myself a better human in this world. I can be kind and loving to myself and all those around me.

This blog is mainly about my positive changes that I am making, but since I love a good dose of humor, and am also working on exercise, it will include those aspects as well.