Show Up

I started P90X today.  Chest and Back.  And the Ab Ripper X.  It wasn't the worst or hardest workout of my life, but that is probably because I took it slow.  What I like about the workout is everyone on the screen has a different goal for each rep depending on the level they are at.  Tony (the host) emphasizes that you should pace yourself but also push yourself.  It is nice to be able to start the program at my own level and be able to work my way up without feeling like I've already failed for not being where everyone on the screen is at.

I think this is my hang up a lot of times in life.  I get excited about doing something for my health, whether is be nutrition, or exercise, or whatever, and when I can't do what is expected, or I fail at it, or I forget to do it one day, or I cheat on my diet, I throw up my hands and just say "forget it. I've already failed." And then I continue to fail every day because I quit trying.

I hate to quote Tony Horton (because that is just so cheesy), but during the work out he said the most important part is to "just show up."  Just start the workout.  Just press play.  Do your best, and move on.  It's actually really great advise.

So just show up.  Whatever it is that you are working on in your life.  Fitness.  Health.  Being a better parent or spouse.  Reaching goals at work.  The first and most important step is to just show up!

Happy Veteran's Day.

Feel Good on Friday

I find that I am more motivated to take care of myself physically when I feel good about myself emotionally and spiritually.

Here is a list of five things I did today to feel good about myself and about life.

1. Take ten minutes to clean and organize a spot in my house that typically goes ignored.  Today, it was my food storage.
2.  Sit down with a notebook and a pencil.  Daydream, scheme, plot, and plan things that I would like to do someday.  It may never happen, but I will get excited just thinking about it.  And why not get excited?  You never know!
3. Put on really good music.  Like Shakira.  Or Taylor Swift. Or Michael Buble.
4. Send a text, email, facebook message, or old fashioned letter with stamp if you have the time/energy, to someone I've been thinking about recently, but haven't talked to in a while.  I'll say "Hi, I hope you're doing well!"
5. Pay my bills and organize my finances.

Phew! 

What small things do you do to un-clutter your mind and soul?