Jan 11th... Learning to Love this Process

Today I read a fascinating article by writer James Clear. He told the story of a German philosophy professor who had moved to Japan in the 1920's to learn Kyudo, which is the Japanese martial art of archery. 

The German man, Eugen Herrigel, also eventually learned Zanshin: a state of relaxed alertness. 

"Zanshin is being constantly aware of your body, mind, and surroundings without stressing yourself. It is an effortless vigilance."

In our own lives, this means "choosing to live your life intentionally and acting with purpose rather than mindlessly falling victim to whatever comes your way."

I LOVED that I read this article this morning! I had just finished trying to hammer out a new, simplified daily schedule. I need more hours in the day! I have goals and dreams, yet need to fulfill the daily practical chores and commitments. And for health's sake, that must include time for Spirituality, Exercise, Rest and a healthy Food Plan.

Later in this article (which I hope you'll read in full HERE) James Clear writes: 

"The point is not to worry about hitting the target. The point is to fall in love with the boredom of doing the work  and embrace each piece of the process. The point is to take that moment of zanshin, that moment of complete awareness and focus, and carry it with you everywhere in life."

For me, I would re-word one part this way: To fall in love with the process. His sentence about that struck me hard. I absolutely LOVE the process of imagining, planning, researching and creating a new painting. Love it!

Yet, have I applied that to the PROCESS of getting healthy?? Uh, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I usually have the final goal in mind! As in... lose this weight, get all health-i-fied, and get on with the rest of my life!

In fact I was just complaining this very morning to MyGuy that I needed to simplify. It's just getting too darn complicated! 

In addition to tracking calories, I was trying to keep up with grams of protein, carbs and fat; exercise; supplements; prescriptions; doctors appointments; support group meetings; and now per the doctors, the micrograms of Vitamin K in every bite, and to eat those same micrograms each day. Yeesh!! Tooooo much!

Ummmm.... I need to change my attitude.

I plan to re-read this article, and see how I can do that. How I can apply "effortless vigilance" - Zanshin -  to this process of gaining Health.

My book quote for today: "People don't fall off track because they do the wrong exercises at the gym. They fall off track because they stop going, just for a day or two, and then never go back. I've worked on this with thousands of patients, and it's the habit and routine of exercise that leads to success." --Younger Next Year for Women, by Crowley & Lodge

My verse for today: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" from Isaiah 43

Enjoy the journey... which I finally realize means to fall in love with the process!!!!

Retta

=^..^=

July 7th I Can Do Better

What's that emo we see on the interwebs? Face palm?

(photo credit)

That's what I feel like doing today. I JUST finished visting a blog I read once in a blue moon. And scrolling down past posts, one jumped out and smacked me right between the eyes. The post title is: 

How to Succeed at Weight Loss 

(And Anything Else) 

(Link to whole post Here) 

Sounds like an infomercial, right? But here's the thing... the blog writer, Bryan Ganey, has lost nearly 400 pounds, no surgery. 

You read that right: LOST 400 lbs. So, I have to give the man some respect, and at least be open to new ideas.

But that was the problem. What he went on to say was NOT a new idea to me. Ouch... it was all too familiar, in fact.

I looked up from the computer screen, and saw the little yellow sticky note I had stuck where I could see it every day. It was slightly curling at the edges, and dated 7/30/12.  I felt rather... I don't know... foolish feels about right... as I read it:

Make a Schedule... and FOLLOW IT!

Make a Menu.........and FOLLOW IT!

Yep, it was exactly what Bryan Ganey had posted about. Exactly.  Have a routine, and then follow it. Sigh...

The problem is, without the "doing" part, having a cute little sticky note with good advice doesn't do a bit of good. If I had taken CONSISTANT ACTION when following the instructions on that sticky note, I would have been at my goal weight now, and a lot healthier.

Consistent Action. That sounds familiar to me, too, as I type it out. Must've done a post about that, too. :-}

I've kept a daily "to do" list for decades. 

Planned my projects.

Made lists.

Made plans.

And here I sit, admitting it is just wasted ink without the follow through.

I can do better.

I can follow through. Like Mr Ganey writes, if we do that day after day after day... we will eventually see results. It will add up. 

I know I've written about this before. I've even "tried" before. But I think we must learn in layers... in levels. Hard to explain. But maybe we just have to ready for that next step. Be willing for that next step.

I'm not going to get all jazzed up and write out yet another plan or list or program. I've done all that. I'm just going to DO the part I haven't been consistent in doing:

FOLLOW IT.

I highly recommend Mr Ganey's post. Very good kick in the tush if you are struggling.

Never quit,

Loretta

APRIL 10th ReCharge & ReFocus Time

Hi Journal & Friends,

I've been wanting to do something for myself for years and years, yet always put it off, thinking it should be "earned". Such as a reward for when I got to X amount of weight loss.

Last week, I realized that I was worth it NOW. Sure, goals with little rewards along the way are fun. But this was different. I felt almost punished for having to wait so long. So... I did it. What did I do??

I couple of weeks ago, I went to a "real" hair salon and got my hair cut by a "real" hairdresser. Then last week I returned and had her put in "real" caramel highlights. 

It might not sound like a big deal to some of you, but it's been over THIRTY YEARS since I darkened the doors of what we used to call a Beauty Parlor. And I was nervous. But she was so nice and patient, and I feel maaahhhavelous that I did it!

Here are before pics:

And here's the after:

It doesn't look like "my" idea of caramel, but I like it fine. Maybe next time I should take a "paint chip" in with me. :-D 

Lastly, I just wanted to mention that I plan on taking the rest of April off from this blog, and do some thinking and catching up. 

I'm excited and motivated, and want to do some long-term planning. I might pop in occasionally to read a few blogs, and will try to keep up with my art blog (Here)  . And I'll probably sneak a peek on Facebook (my Facebook page)  now and then... but my intent is to hugely reduce my computer time. 

So... I hope you all have a wonderful April. I sure plan to! See all you wonderful people in May.

My book quote for today: "Being a warrior is not about the act of fighting. It's about being so prepared to face a challenge and believing so strongly in the cause you are fighting for that you refuse to quit." --Richard Machowicz, Unleash The Warrior Within

My verse for today: "Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord."

My quote for today:  "If you want to get there, you can't be a shrinking violet." --Craig Sigl

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 967

MAR 23rd Just Doing It

Hello to Journal & Friends,

I've been under the weather for a few days, but finally feeling good again. Even exercised today already. During my "down" time, I kept up with only a few blogs, spent less time on the computer, and did some thinking.

The majority of the time I spent online was reading art related stuff. And a funny thing happened... I thought less about food. It's as though my mind is like a newspaper... it can only have one major headline at a time. And if the banner headline reads "This Just In: Art Making A Comeback!" then there is no room on the front page for the "Let's Moan & Groan About Weight Loss" articles. They are relegated to the inside pages as if of lessor importance.

I'm not saying I think getting healthy is not important any longer. It absolutely is. 

But... at THIS point in my journey, I've done the research, and have found a way of eating that works for me. I'm happy with it, it's sustainable and healthy. It's low carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, with a bent to real and healthy ingredients (with some exceptions for now). My only thing left in this area where I need work is to stop eating too much of on-plan food. 

Stop making excuses. Just do it.

And I know I need to get consistent with exercise. I'm convinced. Don't need any more reading, don't need to yammer on and on about it. 

Stop making excuses. Just do it.

I don't need any more new recipe sites to follow. In fact, I've now stopped reading all but a couple of my most favorite. My all time fav is Lisa at 24-7 Low Carb Diner.  I am looking to decrease my time on the computer, so something's gotta go. And I won't be reading any blogs that post photos of daily foods eaten. I am NOT criticizing anyone who does that... it's just not for me. I keep saying I want to spend less time thinking about food... and this is one way to help achieve that goal. Now I need to DO it. 

Stop making excuses. Just do it.

I might be wrong... I might come back here in a month and have to admit my grand experiment went bust. But I've started reading a book that Deb at Satisfied With Good Things   recommended, and it's given me stuff to think about. It's called "Who Switched Off My Brain, Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions", by Dr Caroline Leaf. I'm only in the second chapter, but so far it's terrific. Yes, familiar ideas to me, but explained in a different way, with lots of references to the research and science behind it all. 

So... I've been taking a hard look at what influences my thinking. And that includes the internet. I hope no one is offended that I've cut you from my regular reading list... that is not my intention. But I need to make choices about time, and where I invest it. And I've been shifting my reading to more of my favorite art blogs and forums. I still plan to be around... just not as much. :-)

I'm done making excuses. Now I'm doing it.

My book quote for today: "To make wise decisions let your goals not your emotions guide." --Tommy Newberry, The 4:8 Principle

My verse for today: "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

My quote for today: "Two things happen under pressure: things get crushed... diamonds are formed. Just do it!" --from an old Nike ad

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 949

JAN 6th Balance vs Focus or... Getting Rid of the MinkJunk!

Howdy Journal & Friends,

It finally dawned on me one mistake I made last year. I don't regret it, really. I mean, we try stuff and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. 

My mistake? Thinking it was MY TIME to find "balance". 

I know, I know. Balance is a "good thing". I agree. 

At the right time. 

But for me, it was too soon. Or at least, for "my" definition of balance, and how that played out in my life.

FOCUS:

act of concentrating interest on something

center of interest or activity 

pay particular attention to

revolve around

zoom in on

focal point

to zero in

pinpoint

essence 

nucleus 

concern

theme

heart 

topic 

gist

hub

I'm working on re-focusing... on letting go of the extra fluff that fritters away my time and energy and doesn't get me any closer towards my goals. If I keep diluting my energies, it will only drag this out longer than it needs to be!

I want to fill my mind with things that help keep me on point. That'll be different for each of us, according to our belief systems. But here are some quotes that I believe are true, and can apply to most of us:

"The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary." --Thomas Edison

"You'll never achieve extraordinary results by taking average measures." --Skwigg

"Commitment is doing what is necessary, interest is doing what is convenient." --John Assaraf

"Your life is entirely what you decide it is. The universe starts in your head and spreads out into the world. Change what happens in your head and the universe changes."  --W Mitchell

"To succeed, you need to take that gut feeling in what you believe in and act on it with all your heart." --Christy Borgeld

"What I've found is that you can't make a half-hearted swipe at this and expect to be successful. You really need to throw yourself into what you're doing, commit to making big changes and do everything in your power to stick with them." --Jack Sh*t

"Some define obsession as negative. I say it's how you get things done."  --Mark Twight

"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." --Wayne Dyer

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." --Alexander Graham Bell

"My ability to concentrate and work toward that goal has been my greatest asset." --Jack Nicklaus

"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results." --Michael Jordan

"Don't join an easy crowd, join a successful crowd where the expectations are high and the payoff is great." --Jim Rohn

If you read those quotes and instead of finding some that resonate with you, you start arguing with the fine points, then you want to be right more than you want to change. Eat the meat an' spit out the bones. :-D

Bottomline, our success on this weight loss/fitness/health journey isn't just going to "happen". If we don't make it a priority, if we don't MAKE time to invest in our thinking, our mindset, then we are being unrealistic. We are playing with it... dabbling at it. We are a-hoping an' a-wishing and waiting for that "miracle" to just happen, without being willing to pay the price. 

The price? Time. 

Time spent whatever is the best way for each of us, individually, to improve our mindset. To throw out the old crappy thinking patterns, and replace them ON PURPOSE with truth: 

That we DO have a choice. 

That we CAN make healthy changes. 

That we are NOT victims.

Clean out the MindJunk 

and sow healthy ThoughtSeeds!

Don't know where to start?? If you don't already have resources, here's some I really like:

Dayne Gingrich, at Coach Your Mind  

Craig Sigl, Mental Toughness Trainer  

And a new one I just recently found, thanks to Margene at Believing It's Possible is Half The Battle:

Tommy Newberry, author of The 4:8 Principle (which I bought and LOVE LOVE LOVE)

We've all heard it a million times: What you focus on will grow.

Focus on the "fact" that you are a "food addict", and that reality will gain power.

Focus on the "fact" that you have a choice to HEAL and be FREE from being a food addict, and guess what??

Yep, that reality gains power.

I'm speaking from personal experience. No, I have no double-blind studies to quote, or letters after my name. But smarter folks than I am teach this, and I've found it is TRUE!! I refuse to keep claiming that label of Food Addict any longer. No more cop-outs. 

Oh, you say you're just being "honest", and you are not in denial?? Okay, fine. How's that working for you?? :-O

I won't argue with an individual about it, since we each have to find what works for US. But if it's NOT working for you to insist on wearing that label, then why not consider changing your mind?? Why not consider that every time you insist that you ARE still a food addict, you are giving away your power to a label, and making it your identity? 

Why not at least say I USED to be a food addict, and am now busting free!! That's what I say, and now it's TRUE in my mind and life. 

Try it.. what have you got to lose... except pounds. :-D

From Dr Phil's book: "Change your thinking to change your weight."

My verse for today: "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy."

My quote for today: "Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen." --Peter Marshall

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 872

DEC 9th Planning a New Adventure

Good Evening Journal & Friends,

Okay... nuff controversary. Time for some fun! Well, it's fun for me, anywhoo. ;-)

I mentioned recently that next year one of my goals was to pluck up my courage and open my very own Zazzle  store. I no longer feel as though I have to get "skinny" before I step outside my comfort zone. :-)

Zazzle is an online shop that takes our own designs and puts them on stuff. Everything from prints, cards, posters, key chains and stickers, to personalized postage, t-shirts, buttons and coffee mugs. And tons more, too boring to list here. 

Anyway, before I get involved, I'd like to make sure I really want my NAME associated with them. In other words, I want to check out the quality of their printing and merchandise. So, I bought some stuff.

And most of them turned out terrific! 

I'll be honest in my review... I bought 5 things and: 

3 were fabulous 

1 was just okay 

1 was a little disappointing  

The actual merchandise seems very nice. For instance, the apron is not flimsy at all, but nice, bright white heavy poly/cotton fabric, neatly sewn. Same with the coffee mug: nice size and fabrication. My minor beef is just with how the images turned out on 2 items. And one of those might be because I didn't read close enough to know how big the final image was going to be... not sure about that one. Here's the deets:

We got two mousepads... here

is the one Jim chose, from one

of his waterfall photos. He likes the

quality and richness of the image.

Here is mine. I used one of my 

designs, and stuck on text that

was meaningful to me. I think it

came out crisp and colorful; overall

I am very satisfied. The background

is a soft gray, and my mouse glides very

 easily over the silky smooth surface. 

Eek, I sound like an infomercial!

I love the sturdy white fabric of my apron,

but have to say that in person the image

is not as bright as I had expected. 

Perfectionist?? Me?? Why, never. ;-) 

My mug turned out bold and fabulous!!

I am drinking tea out of it this very minute.

The colors are strong and vibrant, and

I added my new Mantra: 

I Can Do Hard Things

And last but not least... we got Joey

her very own t-shirt! We love how 

she looks in it, and it's adorable. But,

this is the one I was most disappointed 

in. The photo was sooo much smaller 

than I expected. Good thing we have

her in person to look at, LOL!

We're starting to get frost and snow here

in Southern Oregon, so she can keep cozy

when she goes outside to Do Her Business.

Oh, and dig to China after the gopher that 

decided to move into our backyard!

So far, I am leaning towards a thumbs UP on opening my own Zazzle store. It would be called Art by Retta, with a bunch of my designs available to put on shoes, hats, t-shirts, ipod cases, mugs, posters, office accessories, blah blah blah... all the stuff I've mentioned and more. I'll just do it in my spare time. (choke choke... if you only knew what a joke THAT was, LOL!) 

But Jules at Big Girl Bombshell recently had a wonderful post on choices, time and our goals. So my Zazzle store will happen when I make it a priority. Period. Thanks for that nudge, Jules.

Anyone use Zazzle before? Would you recommend it? If I'm headin for a cliff, I'd rather know BEFORE I feel air blowing in my hair! Just doing my research before I decide. :-D

From Dr Phil's book: "Having specific carefully mapped out, vividly envisioned goals is an absolute requirement for success."

My verse for today: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless."

My quote for today: "Age is something that just doesn't matter, unless you're a cheese." --Billie Burke

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 844