It’s almost Valentine’s Day and I have a pep talk for you today! I want to talk about committing to yourself and to your health goals starting now! Most of us start out the new year with good intentions. Some of you wrote long new years resolutions, but often these don’t seem to stick for more than a few weeks. All of us can get caught up in the daily “rigmarole” with work, duties outside of work, etc. etc. And not only do we get caught, we get stuck! I want to help you get unstuck and to feel more energized and loved!
First, the only person who can really give you the love you deserve and want is you! So even if you’re single reading this or if you’re not…you need to go no further than your mirror and take a good look! You are also the only person who can get yourself “unstuck” and move forward towards your goals! How? In the book 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart, Dr. Neal Barnard says, “Focus on making short term changes…these changes will lead to long-term habits!” He is right! It’s the day to day little changes that lead to long lasting results! So for example, let’s say you need to get your butt back to the gym, start by going two days a week. Then three…and so on! Build up and don’t give up! Put the dates in your calendar and stick to it! If you don’t plan it…it’s never going to happen! We forget, we make excuses…La di da di da! I confess! I’ve been there and done that! However, once you get yourself back into a routine and make it a habit then you will start seeing the results! However, you have to make a commitment to doing it consistently for at least 28 days! This goes for any kind of healthy practice, whether it is yoga, meditation or switching to a healthier diet! 28 Days…You can totally do this! Right!? C’mon! Get your calendar out and set some dates…with the most important person in your life = YOU!
Again, the main thing is to just start! Commit to yourself and to your life! No one can exercise, eat right, get adequate sleep, or drink more water for you. That is solely your responsibility whether you are single or with a partner this Valentine’s day…and you know this already! Your job is to love yourself, your body and your life so totally and completely, so that it spills over into other areas of your life causing your life to ignite! Sadly, there are enough people walking around like the “walking dead” without fire in their eyes or a light in their souls. Find your passion and DO IT!
Take a little time every day for something you are passionate about. Something that makes you excited…and if you don’t know what that is or haven’t found it yet, then it is time to explore! How exciting!!! Try something different! Go out of your usual routine. Take a short trip. Visit another city! Sign up for a class in something that interest you! It doesn’t have to cost a lot! Just pay attention to what makes your heart leap, stirs your inner being and awakens you in the middle of the night! Also, if you’re in a funk in regards to Valentine’s day then ask yourself where can you make a difference for someone else? At school, I had my students make Valentine’s cards for veterans. How about writing a few cards and taking them to a retirement home and ask they be given to a few residents who are without loved ones? That would surely bring a smile to someone’s face! I can guarantee it will!
As my friend Oscar likes to say and write all over my home town, “Do Good…Feel Good!”
What are you going to do today to ignite yourself?
What short term changes will you make? Whatever you do…
…Please remember this!
“You Actually Have Everything Inside Of You, All Of The Equipment Necessary To Feel If Something Is Right For You Or Not.” ~David Wolfe via Food Matters
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Wishing You Much Health, Happiness, Love and Fun Adventures!
Nina
Urban Vegan Chic
