Hard Work

"Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." (i)

Genius or any kind of success in life isn't usually based on how smart or talented we are. I'm sure you know many talented or brilliant people who haven't accomplished as much as those who have learned how to work. My sons groan every time I tell them that I'm more proud of how hard they work and how nice they are than how smart they are. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that they do well in school but my oldest has never been in more trouble than when he got a hundred percent on the test and eighty percent on his homework assignment.  

As an adult it's easier to recognize that hard work in and of itself brings satisfaction. When I make the time, I actually enjoy cleaning. I love working hard to produce a new novel. You probably have interests and hobbies that you enjoy, even though they're difficult.

Becoming physically fit is one of those areas that is hard work. Most people exercise because they want a certain result such as weight loss, strength gains, or a more toned appearance. But what if you exercised because you actually liked it? Is that really possible?

It is possible to enjoy exercise, even during a really hard workout. Here's the secret: perception. If you can shift your perception and convince yourself that fitness is enjoyable it can be. I can talk myself into or out of quite a few things. Fitness is one of those areas that I've learned to talk myself into a good attitude. It doesn't work every time, but as I'm running (and wishing I could lay down on the side of the road and call my husband to come get me) I say to myself, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." Most of the time my body buys into mind's perception and I feel better.

How do you talk yourself into working out?

(i) Thomas Alva Edison Quotes - http://thinkexist.com/quotation/genius_is-inspiration_and-perspiration/146542.html

Vacation

Home from vacation and so excited to tackle life again! I love how vacation just reenergizes me. I'm all excited about running, writing, being a more fun Mom, and cleaning those toilets until they shine. Okay, I'm just kidding about the toilets. The boys halfway job of bathroom cleaning is just fine with me! But I am excited about spring and having a fresh, happy attitude.
Hope you all have a wonderful Easter and enjoy Cadbury to the fullest. Those people are saints, I tell you.

Positive Thoughts

Yesterday, the yoga instructor challenged each of us to write something positive about ourselves every day this week and stick it on our fridge or mirror.
Why is that tougher than it should be?
Here's my thought for yesterday - I'm a very loving mom. I think my boys are wonderful and I enjoy being a Mom more than I thought possible.
Today I'm struggling. I finally decided to go with - I'm a service-oriented person, I usually put other's needs before mine and look for ways to help.

What about you? Care to share something positive about yourself? It can be physical, mental, intellectual, spiritual. I'd love to hear what you love about you!

Love Every Part of You

Have you ever been on a diet? How many times? If you’re like most of us the answer is probably, “I start a new one every morning!”

One study found that 86% of Americans want to lose weight. (i) Really? 86% of us are not happy with our shape?

With 66% of Americans fighting overweight issues (ii), it does make sense that many are struggling to lose those extra pounds. Of course we want to be healthy, but do we really have to look like a model?

As Christians we are blessed to know that we are children of God and He loves us. That alone should be enough to make us feel good about ourselves. He wants us to be happy and I believe He also wants us to be healthy so we can accomplish all that we can during our sojourn on earth.

But to be healthy and accomplish our work we also have to stop comparing ourselves to others. Let’s take charge of our health and love the body we're in. The really cool thing about embracing your shape and unique beauty is if you feel good about yourself it will be easier to improve your health and lose weight.

Ideas to help you love your shape and size:

1. Bury the scale under your laundry pile - try to focus more on how your clothes are fitting and how you feel. If you want a true indicator of improvement try a fat percentage test or measure yourself regularly with a tape measure.

2. Lift weights in front of a mirror (it’s okay to do this in a sports bra, at least if you’re in your bedroom without your teenagers laughing at you) - watch how your muscles contract and realize that you are strong and beautiful.

3. Don't compare yourself - Everyone has their own strengths. It might be easy for your friend to stay thin, but maybe she couldn't lift her 95-pound ten-year old and carry him to the doctor when he broke his arm (that was a proud moment). Try to compliment and be happy for other people instead of letting that darn jealousy take over. Looking for the best in others will help you feel better about yourself too.

4. Pray – We’ve been instructed to pray over our fields, flocks, homes, etc. I think it is also important to pray about overcoming food addictions, to pray for help in finding the time and energy to exercise and improve our health, and to pray for confidence. The Lord wants us to be happy. Turn to him and He will fulfill those needs.

5. Exercise - whenever you allow negativity to creep in, go on a walk or bike ride, turn on some music and dance, drop and do twenty pushups, try some yoga moves. Make yourself move. The endorphins will start dancing with you and you really will feel better. (iii)

6. Fake it until you make it. I know this seems, well, fake. But I promise if you put a smile on your face and pretend you love your body, you can change your attitude and eventually the smile will feel more natural than the frown.

7. Be grateful for the health you've got. Whenever I'm on a run and want to quit I tell myself, "Some people would give anything to be able to run and they can't." Focus on the blessings of being able to move, breathe, and serve your family, neighbors, and those in need with your healthy body. 

8. Write down the things you love about your body. If you get a bit depressed about the dimples on your thighs (please tell me someone else has those too) focus instead on how toned your calves look or the fact that your biceps are really responding to all those curls.

Focus on taking care of your body and I promise your body will love you back.

Cami Checketts is a wife, mother, author, and exercise scientist. For exercise routines, please refer to her blog – fitmommas.blogster.com. Her latest novel, The Sister Pact, will be released in July 2009.

 

i. Addressing Body Image in Eating Disorder Treatment

Author: Meghan Vivo

Date: 3/11/2009

An Interview with Anna Treacy, MPH, NCHES

ii. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm

 

iii. The Most Important Exercise Tip By Robin Lloyd, Special to LiveScience

http://www.livescience.com/health/060530_exercise_good.html

 

 

Link to this post - http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com/2009/05/love-body-youre-in.html