DAY 506 Part 2, A Shiny New Year Full of Possibilities

Hi there again!

Okay, I've had my "booty seep" and my coffee, and am ready to go!

I have one thing to say to anyone who stumbles on this blog, who is just beginning... well, this IS January 1st. So, it might happen. ;-)

Never quit. 

Never. 

Always continue, no matter what. 

NO MATTER WHAT.

Do this for you, not for anyone else. And if you never quit, you will learn, grow and finally get good at what works for you.

What I write here is not from the perspective of an expert... someone with all the answers who has it all down. It's from the point of view of a student, one still learning. I write those things that I want to learn, that I want instilled in MY mind and heart. That I want to read and have influence ME. 

I have nothing to offer other travelers, except Encouragement and Hope. I cling to those with an iron grip... and that is what I try to pass on to others.

There was a time in my life when no one believed in me. I had tried and failed so many times, why SHOULD they believe in me?? I don't blame them at all. Yet still, do you know how deeply painful that feels?

But one person, my doctor, told me he believed I could do this. I had known him for about 20 years, and he, too, had seen me try and fail. But one day he looked me in the eye and said "I believe you can do this." 

That was powerful. Never underestimate the power of a kind word to another who is struggling. 

Celebrate who they ARE, not who they are not. Encourage, cultivate and uplift them. Be kind and offer words that UPlift, not drag down. You never know what might come of those seeds planted in their heart.

Finally the day came when *I* started to believe I could do this. Yes, I still had to work out the "how". To find a method that would work for me. It's been a long, hard journey so far, but I will never quit, regardless of what anyone else thinks of me. This is MY journey, MY life. And I believe in myself, finally.

Today is the first day of the month, the first day of a brand new year.

So... weigh-in: 332 lbs. 

That translates to 5 lbs lost in December. Finally going in the right direction!

And I did the tape measurement thing, and compared to last Jan 1st. Good news there: in 2010, I lost a total of 12.25 inches. Yay!

Sure, I wish I had made better progress in 2010... but there is no going back. There is only learning, growth, and going forward. So, on that note, on to my Checklist for 2011. 

It's nothing new and exciting. Just stuff I know to do, and want to be CONSISTENT this year with. 

That is my theme this year: CONSISTENCY.

(can click to enlarge)

My 2011 Small Stuff Checklist

Emphasis: Joyfully Embracing Consistent Focus

Focusing on all the small stuff that, together, add up to big healthy changes.

Intention: To transform scheduled routines into automatic habits that feel natural and produce joy, peace and a feeling of accomplishment.

Attitude: At this leg of my journey, I want to shift towards…

-celebrating who I AM, not who I am not

-a relaxed acceptance of what is/can’t change

-gratitude for my blessings

-confident knowledge of what is within my ability to change

-a focus on living fully and joyfully NOW, even as I travel towards my goal

-embracing the truth that it’s a “done deal”, it’s mine. I just have to get there. It is there, waiting for me, already accomplished.

Physical:

Calorie range 

Exercise routine 

Leg Stretching 

Walking routine

Liquid Vits

Vitamin pills

Weekly menu & food prep

Daily Routine chore list

Mental:

Flashcards

Goals List

Music

Visualization-ipod

Motivational books

Art books

Spiritual:

Bible

Gratitude, AM & PM

Emotional:

Business art 

My art projects

Household/craft projects

Computer:

  Journey blogs

  Read Art blogs

  Update my Art Blog weekly

Well, there you have it. I have no expectations of perfection... but having the checklist will move me closer to my goals than if I tried to do it hit and miss by remembering it all.

 I want to talk about the idea and benefits of a Checklist, but that can wait (too long already, sorry). 

Happy New Year, everyone!

From Dr Phil's book: "For you to succeed, you have to translate this knowledge, awareness, and insight into action."

My verse for today: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble."

My quote for today: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" --Dr Seuss

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=