‘As if’ habits: getting serious about what you want

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Act as if you were already the person you most want to be. ~ Brian Tracy

How serious are you about going after what you want to achieve in the new year? I’d like to think I’m at the all-in serious stage—the one where…[read more]

How a life-changing adventure works

Twenty-two days after I started a three-week factory reboot, I boarded a plane for a life-changing adventure—an opportunity to practice many of the concepts I’ve been studying and writing about: setting intentions, working smarter, finding your support system and establishing a vision. It began with a three-hour flight to SeaTac, my premier ferry ride and 100 miles behind the wheel of a rental car that transported me to Washington’s Port Townsend off the Puget Sound. For four days, along with a fellow tribe of writers, I immersed myself into all-things literary—from tips and tools to hone the craft, to one-on-ones with our host, to free-writing sessions—while making time to explore the idyllic town, savor tea at Pippa’s and sample my first authentic Thai cuisine. Although still processing where to go from here, I’m determined to hold onto the space I created there—a low-key, stress-free rhythm—because it’s only life changing if I allow it to be.

What kind of life-changing adventure do you crave?

A new way to approach the New Year: what’s your word?

 

I think it would be much more sensible
if resolutions began generally
on January the second.
~ Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones’s Diary)

Resolution—a word that can conjure up anxiety, ill will, self-defeat—even before we put wings to it. For decades I’ve attempted to ring in the new year with resolutions, plans, intentions. This year, however, prior to the advent of Jan. 1, a single word settled upon my soul: “Exercise.” And because I already strive to incorporate 8-10 hours of weekly physical fitness into my life, my first thought sounded a lot like: WTH? But then I began putting pen to paper: Exercise… kindness. Exercise… my spiritual muscles. Exercise… self-control, self-discipline and my faith. Exercise… gratitude, creativity and my mind. And, yes, exercise my physical body. Each insight also includes tangible ways I can live out my word—a reference to measure my journey throughout the days and weeks ahead. It’s going to be a good year—I can feel it.

What’s your word for 2019?

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A timid sign of courage

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Resignation is the timid sign of courage. ~ James Joyce

Sometimes, no matter what I do, it doesn’t seem to matter.  The starting and middle points may look differently each time, but the ending place — or outcome — is relatively the same.  I might change my attitude or choose to travel an alternate route to get where I’m going, believing these little differences may modify the near or distant future for me and/or others.  But instead, I’m confronted with a familiar terrain.  It’s called resignation.  Eventually I learn that resistance is futile and, even with the best of intentions, I find it’s better to courageously accept that which I cannot change.  I have yet to perfect it, but I am learning that some things simply defy explanation and it’s easier to acquiesce than to put up a fight.  Throw in a little patience, too, and hopefully I possess a recipe for a successful outcome.

Do you resign yourself to the inevitable or work hard to change an end result?

Finding the positive amid the setbacks

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It was the end of January when I sprained my ankle, cutting off my plans to run in my first marathon and train for a triathlon.  Right around that time, I also started suffering with abdominal issues.  Between these two setbacks, my gym time has ebbed and flowed.  Some weeks I’m able to show up every day, barely limping in, while others I stay in bed with my good intentions.  One morning my trainer pointed out my weight loss and diminishing muscle mass.  But over the past few weeks, I feel like I just may be back in the game.  Not ready to run a marathon or enter any fitness competitions, but my endurance is improving, my muscles are becoming stronger and dare I say it … I’m filled with optimism for healthier days ahead.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned during the first half of this year, it’s to appreciate every day — each moment — I feel strong and healthy.  And to understand how quickly that can change.

Where have you found the good amid your setbacks?