Spring Into Your New Year's Resolution

Yes, it’s March!! What happened to your New Year’s Resolution to make exercise and proper nutrition a part of your everyday life?

Not so good, huh? I know. Me too. I was going to eat 6 small meals a day which included a well balanced diet of proteins, good carbs and essential fats. I was going to meditate every morning before the start of my busy day and connect with my spiritual guru and then every night, before going to bed, I was going to review and digest the happenings of the day. Then, I was going to express my gratitude for all the blessings in my life before “I’d lay me down to sleep.”

The reality is that I’ve followed my perfect diet only 2 or 3 days of the week, not everyday. Although I’ve been good about my morning meditation, even if I sit for only 15 minutes in quite solitude, the profoundness of my spiritual quest isn’t as deep as I’d like it to be. As I move into the rest of my day, I quickly forget the promises I’ve made to myself and God and let my ego get the best of me. At night, when I’m finished with my usual 13 hour day, I’m just too tired to count my blessings.

So, now what? It’s March. The first quarter 2008 is almost gone, how am I ever going to reach my ultimate goal of being my “Personal Best”? How can I be the best role model possible for my students?

By restating my intention and resolve to improve my nutritional, physical and spiritual approaches all over again, NOW! As soon as I finish eating my salsa and chips snack, (which is actually a healthy and low calorie snack) I’m going to prepare for tonight’s healthy and well balanced dinner of chicken salad and a fruit bowl with yogurt for a late night snack.

Tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll count my blessings. Tomorrow morning, I’ll allow myself to retreat into a deep meditation and align myself with pure and honorable principles which will guide me through the rest of my day. And, I’ll eat proper meals throughout the rest of the day, and of course exercise (which, by default, is an easy thing for me.)

Let’s just resolve to evolve into our “Personal Best.” I know you, too, had the best intentions when you began your new fitness and nutritional program at the beginning of the year. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t where you think you should be. Reset your goals right NOW. Let me alleviate your stress about not staying on track. The truth is, life happens and sometimes we’re derailed from our path. The key is to acknowledge the fact that you’re off track. Once you’ve done that, just get back on it. It’s OK. This is a process. There’s no magic wand that any of us can wave to completely change our behavioral patterns. We must cultivate a new behavior slowly, deliberately and attentively, until it solidifies as part of our being.

Here are a few tips to help you get back on track.

Success is just below the surface:

1. To kick start your fitness regimen; take a short 10 minute walk outside. Spring is upon us and now is the perfect time for outdoor activity- even if it’s just a short walk after tonight’s dinner.
2. Pamper yourself a little tonight. Take a hot bath, give yourself a mini facial, just a simple cleanse, mask and moisturizer. Then put your jammies on and stretch the back of your thighs by reaching for your toes- hold for 20 seconds, (make sure you bend your knees and pull in your tummy).
3. Before going to bed, think of a loved one, and if they’re by your side, go give them a kiss and tell them how much you love them today and forever.
4. Then go spend some quite time alone, reminisce about your day. Count your blessings and feel gratitude. Declare and affirm your intentions repeatedly in your mind.
5. Sleep clear headed and with a sense of knowing you have lived a successful day to its fullest. Anticipate a bright tomorrow.
6. In the morning, you’ll be ready for a NEW day. Begin with morning meditation, just sit quietly, don’t think, just breath. Connect the blissfulness of a good night’s sleep with the anticipation of a brand new day.
7. Eat a bowl of oatmeal. (I like putting raisons in mine!)
8. Make a statement out loud, a declaration, about your recommitment and goal to your fitness, nutritional and spiritual growth. Write it down and, sometime today, share it with someone you trust. Accountability is part of a successful plan.
9. Make a list of tasks that need to be done today. Prioritize, you will attend to the most important ones first and if you get to the next, and the next, etc., it will be great!
10. Take action!! If weight-loss is your goal, take out that outfit that’s drifted into the “black hole” of your closet, and collecting dust, waiting for one of your skinny days to finally see the light of day. I know it’s painful and even nauseating to suck in your gut in that far just to snap the waist band closed. But, do it anyway and wear it today.

You might wonder why I’m suggesting you wear that tight outfit. I know it might literally be a pain to do this and I agree you will be uncomfortable for a while. (Oh, make sure you take a good look at yourself in the mirror before walking outside. I don’t want you to look ridiculous, be reasonable with your choice.) But, that discomfort is ok. Pain has been defined as an unpleasant sensation felt when one is seriously stuck, injured or sick. It is a gauge that monitors where we are at the moment. When the pain gets bad enough and you can’t stand the feeling any longer, you will take the proper measures to move towards relief and pleasure. Continue to declare you newly renewed intentions and goals and continue to move in the direction of pure and good natured pleasure. If you go off course, get back on the track. See you at the end of the road!