resolutions

“I didn’t even know I was unhappy until people started commenting on my new bubbly lease on life,” says a client of mine who lost 80 pounds over the course of a year. Yet one of the most exasperating things about losing weight safely and healthfully is that a loss of two pounds a week isn’t always noticed right away by friends and family.

You’ve been doing well making a change, and then something threw a monkey wrench into your formula for success. Make no mistake — setbacks suck. You’re right back where you started. Actually it’s worse. Because you’ve set off that part of your mind that whispers, “See, you can’t do this. Just give up. Give in. It’s not worth even trying.” This is a truly dangerous moment. Because if we listen to this voice, not only do we not change this time, but we decrease the possibility of ever changing because we lose faith in ourselves.

Welcome back! Last time we created an intention statement and you have been reading it aloud daily. If you haven’t been able to do it everyday, don’t beat yourself up. Everything is a process and it may take some work. Activating willingness is a key. The intention statement is the visualization of the life you want to live. Being willing to live a vibrant and vital life will propel you into success.

The inauguration of Barrack Obama represents a turn toward our better selves. Humility. Mindfulness. Compassion. Honor. Respect. Service. Giving back. Making a difference. It is the fulfillment of Yes We Can. But it is only the beginning.

The following quote is taped to the inside of my medicine cabinet; it reminds me that everyday is a new day to connect with something greater than myself.

Are you having fun yet? I think of fun in two ways. First there’s the possibility of actually enjoying a new behavior. That’s especially easy when we’ve chosen something potentially fulfilling — learning the two-step, getting to know your new neighborhood, getting the pile of papers off your desk, following your dream of getting a pilot’s license. The more you can find ways to make your new habit fun, the more likely you’ll stick to it. Do it with friends, create a contest with your kids to see who’s better at it, make it into a silly game.

Whatever you are working on, you will not do it perfectly. The trick is not to never goof up, but not to turn goof-ups into give-ups. In order to keep motivated and not give up when you blow it, it’s important that you use what you learn from your tracking — I said I would exercise 30 minutes every day and I haven’t done it once — as information, not as the chance for self-punishment. The more you criticize, blame, shame or guilt-trip yourself, the less well you’ll do.

Isn’t it interesting how constant change is the driving force in our society, yet the hardest thing for us to change is ourselves?

Every January, fitness clubs across the nation are packed with people who have the best of intentions and big plans for transforming themselves. By the end of February, almost all those newcomers are gone.

Although I prefer intentions to resolutions, January is a time of starting over with a clean slate. Be it ‘Juiceless January’ (meaning no alcohol) or ‘Gym January’ (we all know what that means), many of us partake in some sort of cleansing and/or fitness ritual. In addition to making my (always long) lists of hopes, dreams and intentions, I am ramping up my yoga practice.

Every week we highlight the best articles, blogs, news, videos and interesting Web tidbits to help you live green, be healthy, and connect with your sense of spirituality. Read our roundup for info that just helps you live better. We hope you enjoy this first set of feel-good links in 2009 and wish all of our readers a happy new year!

What are your resolutions this year? If you’re like many people, you’ve got a goal in mind: lose weight, make a change in your job or relationships, treat yourself better, or otherwise embark on an Operation: Transformation!