Speak up and take back control! Many people feel uncomfortable being assertive, which often leads others to take advantage of them. Do you ever feel like you shouldn't say something because you might hurt someone's feelings? Does your spouse shirk their responsibilities around the house and expect you to pick up the slack? While it is important to serve others often, being someone's lackey is unhealthy and it's up to you to break that cycle. Kindly address situations where you think someone is taking advantage of your meekness. Being aggressive is a negative quality that people respond to with hostility. Making your voice heard maturely and positively is a trait that will take you far and build respect among your peers.  ¶ Monday, July 31, 2006

  Persevering through failure Of course try, try again, but when you don't succeed at something it's best not to beat yourself up or hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of achievement. Feeling as if you're a failure, simply for not reaching a goal, is not who you truly are. Do you think you're the only one who fails? Of course not! Most problems involve steps to their solution, and solving each step along the way IS an accomplishment. If you become discouraged during your weight loss journey or find your financial aspirations out of reach, keep trying! Some of life's most rewarding experiences make you sweat and persevere through hard times, only to emerge on the other side victorious and wiser for having worked so hard.  ¶ Monday, July 31, 2006

  The dangers of people pleasing No matter how hard you try, no matter how many hours you spend pondering and planning, and regardless of making your hardest efforts, you absolutely cannot please everyone. It is impossible. So do yourself a favor and stop now before you drive yourself further towards insanity. There are many drawbacks to being a people-pleaser. A big one is that you often put yourself in a position of subservience. Sometimes you even put yourself last, which helps no one. Remember that helping yourself and doing what you feel is important should be valued. Find worth in your own opinions and viewpoint, and don't let your desire to please others compel you to keep yourself in the background. Falling short of perfection only proves that you are a normal human being.  ¶ Saturday, July 29, 2006

  The value of friendship We all have a handful of acquaintances—those people with whom we work or see at the store and casually say hello to and move on. But a friend is someone you confide in, bring over for an afternoon cup of coffee, invite to your wedding, or cry with when a loved one passes away. You just feel a sense of safety with a friend. Don't wait until a rainy day to express how much a good friend means to you. Often we are unaware of how much we mean to others until they speak up, and likewise we never know how much another person might truly need to hear such affirmations. An approving, cheerful word of encouragement can thrill a heart. Be sure to always say kind words before you part, show sympathy during hard times and affection during wonderful ones. Life would not be the same without positive friendships. Express your gratitude to someone today who has made a difference in your world!  ¶ Saturday, July 29, 2006

  Understanding happiness Happiness is a state of mind, not a way of life or a destination that you'll reach one day. Bumps in the road of life are to be expected, and we cannot let them ruin our days. We often think that if a combination of factors would just fall into place THEN we would finally be happy. Satisfaction can only come from within, through truly accepting yourself, your life, and your circumstances. During this life you'll have many hard days—long work days, sleepless nights, worrying about the future, etc. This week, think about the joys of your life. Find creative ways to enjoy the little bumps in the road.  ¶ Saturday, July 29, 2006

  Storing up for the winters of life One of Aesop's most famous fables is about an encounter between a grasshopper and some ants. All summer long the ants had been toiling away, saving up grain for the long winter. All the while the grasshopper merrily—yet foolishly—squandered his time without a care in the world, without making any provisions for the cold season to come. When winter came, the grasshopper found himself starving and begged the ants for food. They replied, "If you were foolish enough to sing all the summer, you must dance supper-less to bed in the winter." While leisure time is important for rejuvenating an overworked mind, idleness is just a step away from foolishness. Think about the future that you deeply desire for yourself and your family. Chart and take wise steps towards it. There's nothing wrong with stopping to smell the roses, as long as you keep moving along the pat  ¶ Wednesday, July 26, 2006

  What nature teaches us about silence Too often we speak before we think and do not listen nearly as much as would benefit us. Today, examine situations where you might learn something by listening instead of talking. Some people can be challenging to relate to—a nosey mother-in-law, overbearing boss or coworker, or simply your child wanting your attention. Instead of justifying your feelings or explaining your point of view, use effective yet concise words and then wait for a reply. Good leaders are always marked by being good listeners. When a friend needs to talk, resist the urge to give advice right away and just listen. We have an obligation to tame our tongues and give people the courtesy of being an attentive and engaged listener. Wouldn't you want the same respect? Everyone deserves to be heard to the full measure. Give that thoughtfulness to someone this week.  ¶ Tuesday, July 25, 2006

  Be worthy of imitation They say imitation is the greatest compliment, but are your actions worthy of imitation? We are all in some setting of leadership. Whether it be as a parent, boss, or friend we should constantly examine the example we are setting for those around us. Are you being a positive role model? Are you treating others in a dignified way? Be a cheerful and diligent worker, parent, and boss to those around you. Children, especially, are like sponges taking in your every action and word—they naturally want to be just like you. So be mindful of your word and deed, you never know who might be watching and silently learning what you are demonstrating.  ¶ Monday, July 24, 2006

  Breaking the world's control over your emotions A lot in our past can be chalked up to inexperience, youth, and happenstance. But now, as an adult, you must claim your choices and their consequences as your own. Negative attitudes affect your life by creating cynicism, a pessimistic outlook, and often a lack of confidence. Take note of the ways you are escaping responsibility for your attitude. Do you continually blame situations, friends and family, or life in general for your poor mindset? The world has influence, without a doubt, but growing into a mature person means taking control of your emotions and attitude. Own them!  ¶ Monday, July 24, 2006

  Viewing the world though another's eyes When baby-proofing a room, what is the best way to do it? You get down on the ground and see the world through the eyes of your baby. Never before have such dangers and opportunities for mischief been so apparent! The same is true with relationships. Many times you may try to empathize with a person by saying "I know how you feel." But do you really? When a person cuts you off in traffic, do you curse them under your breath or throw an angry gesture? What if that person is really just having a hard day, dealing with an unruly toddler in the backseat? Attempting to view the world through another person's eyes builds empathy and thus a deeper understanding of that person. Think about others you conflict with before jumping to conclusions.  ¶ Saturday, July 22, 2006

  Applying "Carpe diem" to your everyday life We all have goals—some immediate, some far off in the distance. By working hard and focusing on what you want to get out of life, you increase the probability of achieving all of your dreams. In the end there are no guarantees, so make the most of each day by celebrating and cherishing the moment instead of looking forward. Want to try yoga but have been too intimidated? Tired of getting the same haircut over and over? Want to try for that third (or forth or fifth) child? Go for it! Tomorrow is not a promise. Seize the opportunities while you still can!  ¶ Friday, July 21, 2006

  6 Keys to Success? Well, PathConnect provides you with venue and the opportunity to work through each key and improve upon your life!

*from pathconnect.com

1. Burning Desire. The first step always begins with you. Harness your burning desire and set your goals!
2. Specialized Knowledge. PathConnect allows you to connect with others who have similar goals as well as those who have already achieved the results you want. Connect with these people. Find out what they have already learned. Model those who are where you want to be.
3. The Power of Decision. You have already taken the first two steps. Step 3 is up to you. Make the decision to follow through.
4. Self-Discipline. This is about accountability. PathConnect provides you with a venue to declare your goals. Once they are written down and facing you down, you need to channel your energy into facing them head-on and doing what needs to be done to achieve your goals. Seeing your goals, written and declared to the universe will resonate within you. Embrace it and empower yourself with the knowledge that you have done what less than 10% of people do — you’ve written down your goals.
5. Mastermind Group/Peer Power. This site is an AMAZING tool that allows you to tailor your peer group to your needs. You have the opportunity to build a wide and diverse network of peer power! How awesome is that? Support each other and hold each other accountable to your respective goals.
6. WWQB-FM. Wise words — use them. Ask great questions. Work on your beliefs — do they serve you? Focus on your desired outcome. And don’t forget to move your body! You can’t spend ALL of your time in front of the computer!  ¶ Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Poise in the face of frustration Whether waiting to see a change on the scale, dealing with your coworkers, or diligently putting in work and feeling unappreciated, losing your patience is very easy to do. By exercising patience with all people, you are allowing them to become better and to learn on their own through gentle guidance. One healthy byproduct of self control in the face of frustration is that it usually leads to encouragement and enhancement of your relationships. Happy families and friendships thrive on patience and learning. It may take time to learn, but the results are well worth it!  ¶ Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Overcoming your personal "stop signs" Many of us use our "limitations" as a stop sign for reaching our goals. While knowing our limits can safeguard us against injury and embarrassment, too often we use them as avoidance methods in our lives. What is holding you back from reaching your goals? How can you push beyond your comfort zone in a healthy way? Many dieters experience such limitations in on their weight loss journeys. Our bodies and minds are capable of overcoming much more than we could ever imagine if we just try. Today set new goals that may push you a little. Overcoming your personal hang ups and fears may be one of the most rewarding choices you'll ever make!  ¶ Tuesday, July 18, 2006

  Like Martha Graham, who said ...that "The body is a sacred garment. It's your first and last garment; it is what you enter life in and what you depart life with, and it should be treated with honor," Jenny Craig seems to know a thing or two about caring for your body and your self. In the Garden of Eden, eating was modeled as one of life's most pleasurable experiences. But then Eve took a bite out of that apple (so much for the low calorie, low fat, high fiber theory), and women (and men) have been at war with food ever since. Both of these quotes reflect this fact. Are your weight issues really a symptom of something else—boredom, depression, regret, or rejection? At the root of many issues is our self-loathing at worst, our self-indifference at best. Food is not the enemy. We are. Break the cycle of dieting and replace it with loving yourself enough to make good choices about your diet. Examine your eating habits this week. Are you honoring your body with your food choices? How can you love yourself back to a healthy relationship with eating? Take steps towards defeating the natural compulsion or craving that might take you down a path of regretful eating. Remember the sacredness of your own skin.  ¶ Monday, July 17, 2006

  Creating a positive environment though small acts Helping and supporting others is a necessary part of life. Take some time today to think about who might need your love and attention and then give it to them. Not only does this set a good example for your children, but it also reaps many rewards for both you and the person you are supporting. Think positively, create a healthy environment for empathy in your life, and start small. Sincerely thank the person bagging your groceries, open a door for a stranger, offer your seat on a train, or help out a little extra with the kids today. Before you know it your small gestures will accumulate into a more positive lifestyle!  ¶ Sunday, July 16, 2006

  The greater price of financial security Money makes us do crazy things we never thought we would do. A great example of this is staying at a job you dislike or working outside the home when your heart is at home with your family. While money does provide opportunities and liberation from certain stresses in life, unhappiness has a greater price. Let money enrich an already abundant life, not define or run it. Can you reprioritize your life in a way that you are achieving both financial goals and also fulfilling your dreams? Live the kind of life that excites you to get out of bed in the morning, one of color and joy. If money comes, great. If not, rest assured, knowing that your life is not defined by what you make but what you already have. The best things in life are free!  ¶ Saturday, July 15, 2006

  Getting specific about your goals Are your goals detailed enough for you to reach them? We all have aspirations and we are better off for having made them. But if your goals are too vague or unstructured, you'll find that attaining them is difficult. Wanting to lose 30 pounds is a wonderful goal, but it needs a plan to get you on the right track. These things don't happen overnight. Today, think about your goals and form a plan to achieve them. Write them down, chart your progress, refer to them as often as you need to stay on track, and most importantly, hold yourself accountable  ¶ Friday, July 14, 2006

  Is Your Job Making You Fat? Avoid Packing on Pounds Behind Your Desk

-- By Rebecca Pratt

Even if you love your job, it may be killing you.

Australian researchers found that men sitting at their desks more than six hours a day are nearly twice as likely to be overweight than those who sit for less than 45 minutes a day. While women fared slightly better—spending on average 20 more minutes on their feet at the office than men—researchers conclude that a sedentary job is a major health concern for both genders.

And it’s no secret that sedentary jobs (and lifestyles) have contributed dramatically to the accelerating obesity rate of the past 20 years. Put emphasis on the word ‘dramatically’—a study conducted by the University of Chicago in 2001 found that a worker in a sedentary career may end up with a Body Mass Index 3.3 units higher than someone in a highly active job. If you’re 5'5" this can mean an increase in weight from 140 pounds to 155 pounds!

Now that you’ve heard the bad news, let’s turn to the good news…

You CAN love your less-than-active job and be fit. Here’s how:


1. Be sure to eat. It’s easy to slog through a day of meetings, e-mails, and phone calls to discover at 4 p.m. that you haven’t eaten since breakfast. But, your body needs energy to get you through the day. Make it a priority to have a healthy and tasty meal—along with 1-2 healthy snacks. It is not a sin to opt for such shortcuts as microwave meals, as long as you read labels to avoid items with excess calories and sodium.

2. Compensate, compensate. Get physical to compensate for your sedentary workday. Join a gym, take an early morning run, or find time for fitness fun with your family. Buy one or two pieces of home exercise equipment that will allow you to exercise no matter what the weather.

3. Rework your network. Chances are, your friends and co-workers need help with their love handles just as much as you do. So, try some new activities that don’t revolve around food. Organize a bi-weekly volleyball game, walk during lunch, or play a quick round of mini-golf after work.

4. Bring your buddies on board. While you’re coaxing co-workers to modify those after-work habits, see if you can’t involve them in a friendly get-fit challenge during work hours. By sharing healthy potluck lunches, exchanging recipes, and providing moral support, you’ll find that getting in shape can be a team-building triumph. (You might even check with Human Resources or management to see if you can involve them in a fun or meaningful way—since healthy employees save $$$.)

5. Don’t eat due to boredom. Blacklist the office vending machine by stashing strategic healthy snacks (apples and almond butter, low-cal energy bars, nuts, or hummus and pita bread) that will give you a lift without adding to your waistline. If you know that occasionally you’ll fall—and most of us do—pick out ahead of time the items you can live with so that your dip doesn’t become a dive. Keep water at your desk; it’ll give your hands something to do when you’re stressed and will divert you from eating when you’re not really hungry.

6. Vary your routine. We all have them— those daily social rituals, like heading upstairs to the cafeteria for a mid-morning latte and muffin. You can still have those items…but make it sometimes, not all times. If you want to change your life in big ways, try some small changes, like substituting a yogurt and black coffee with skim milk half the time. You’ll save about 470 calories (660 vs. 160)! (And you’re taking the stairs up to the cafeteria, right?)

7. Lose the technology. Modern advances are great, but do you control them or do they control you? As much as possible, take advantage of opportunities throughout the day to get up and move! Deliver that memo in person, sit on a stability ball at your desk to improve your posture, park at the far end of the parking lot for a brisk walk to your building. You’ll be surprised how quickly minor changes can improve your energy level and help you get fit.

8. Choose wisely. Whether you normally go out for lunch or eat in the cafeteria, try to make your meal choices conscious ones. Learn how to eat out wisely, and remember how much better you feel come mid-afternoon when you eat healthy. If you find that your cafeteria or workplace doesn't offer healthy choices, check with the person who’s in charge of food service—you may be the person who tips the balance to get better options!

One in five Americans is obese; three in five are either overweight or obese. But sitting at a desk doesn’t have to mean you’ll be just another statistic! Incorporating these simple strategies into your workday will bring you one step closer to being a healthier, more energetic you.  ¶ Friday, July 14, 2006

  Learning to love healthy food at a young age You may have heard the phrase "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and it is certainly true. Western culture stresses the importance of regular medical care almost as much as it does a healthy diet for children. But which do we take more seriously? A French fry certainly won't cause obesity as long as it is the exception and not the rule. We can all make better choices for our children's diets. This week, think about substituting a sugary snack or cereal for something more nutritious. Include whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables in your meals instead of going through a drive-thru. The healthy habits your children learn today come from your example and will impact them for the rest of their lives. Give them the best you can and their bodies will thank you.  ¶ Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Weighing Some Tough Options Turning Someday into Today

-- By Mike Kramer, Staff Writer

It’s time for some cold, hard facts:

* You’re not going to be able to read every book that you want
* You’ll never have time to watch all of your favorite shows
* The house will never be clean enough
* There will always be another errand to run
* The grass will continue to grow
* Everything you buy will need to be dusted, repaired, maintained or disposed of in some way

This is not a critique of any lack of organizational skills on your part, or a reason to give up altogether. Rather, it’s a statement of freedom.

When you know that life will still be waiting for you tomorrow—no matter what—it gives you the freedom to make today count as much as possible. "Someday" is right now. Anytime. And that can be exciting, if you let it.

If we ever hope to reach our biggest goals (especially weight loss goals), we have to start making some tough choices. We have to start giving ourselves permission to ignore one thing—or several things—for the sake of something more important. What can be more deserving of our time?

Obviously, there are some realities of living that require attention. We need to work, eat, sleep and care for our families. Beyond that, though, everything is optional. The choices are completely yours. If you feel you don’t have time to pursue your healthy lifestyle goals, you can do something about it by making those tough decisions.

It’s difficult to accept this idea. We’ve grown up in a world not used to saying "no" or doing without. By now, we’re used to being pulled in 43 different directions. We’re uncomfortable with the idea that we may just have to let something slide. The trouble is, we get so caught up in trying to do everything that we retreat inside ourselves. We get tunnel vision on the next task and lose sight of other people and what’s important. In a pursuit of happiness, that’s a futile strategy. The only way you can be in two places at once is if your name is Dolly and you’re a cloned sheep.

I come before you today to give you permission to start letting go.

Someone smarter than me once said, "You can have everything. You just can’t have everything right now!" To reach your goals and live the life you want, it takes priorities and patience—the ability to choose between two competing wishes, and the willingness to set one aside for now and wait.

You can build the path that you want to walk on, and decide which steps to take. It’s important to you—to your health, your goals and your family—that you take some time to exercise and plan healthy meals. You should treat it that way and give yourself permission to take that time without feeling guilty. The irony is that by being healthy and taking time from your schedule, you’ll be able to take care of more of that "other" stuff in the long run.

Besides, is anything on your to-do list really more important than your health? When it comes down to it, those choices may not be so tough after all.

Louisa May Alcott once said, "Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." Read SparkPeople's interpretation and apply this idea to your own goals.  ¶ Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Enjoying the marathon Life is like a marathon. We run and run, not knowing where (or how far) the finish line lies. We focus so intensely on prolonging the race but sometimes—despite our best efforts—the race is cut short. Too often we don't relish the path of and enjoy the details instead of just pounding the pavement of life. What personal boundaries can you expand to help you enjoy your life? Today meditate on the simple joys: a warm bath, reading a book to a sleepy toddler, or spending quality time with your family and friends. All of life contains bumps in the road such as losing your job or an unforeseen illness. But it is up to us to determine the quality of our lives. Remember, we don’t always determine the distance, but we can determine the path.  ¶ Wednesday, July 12, 2006

  Workout Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents Workout Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents
Exercising with Kids Brings Plenty of Possibilities

-- By Liza Barnes Rothfuss, Health Educator



When I was pregnant with my daughter I asked a friend of mine, a mother of three, “Don’t you get bored staying home with the kids all day?” Looking amused she replied, “Oh, I find stuff to do.” Now that my own daughter is one-year-old, I know why this question entertained my friend…

Between nursing, changing diapers, preparing meals (and cleaning up after those meals), visiting the playground, and trying to squeeze in a shower, being bored is something I wish for! Life as a stay-at-home parent isn’t all about Bon-Bons and soap operas (thank goodness!). Stay-at-home parents work just as hard as those who clock in elsewhere, and often find themselves stuck in the same no-time-to-exercise trap.

Regular workouts can bring peace to your day and fitness to your body. If you’re desperate for fitness but can’t seem to find the time, all you need is some planning and a little creativity.

8 Ways to Work-In a Workout

Exercise with your kids. If your kids are old enough, let them bike while you run or rollerblade. Hiking makes for a fun family activity that keeps everyone shape. Or, create a fitness course in the backyard, complete with jump rope, jumping jack, and pushup stations.


Invest in a jogging stroller or a “kid trailer” for your bike. When you’re pushing or pulling one of these, you’re sure to get a good workout—your kids will enjoy it too! Another current trend is the StrollerFit class, where parents (with their stroller-age children) utilize strollers for a cardiovascular and strength-building workout.


Strap baby to you in a baby carrier. If your baby is too young to feel comfortable in a stroller, you can still exercise together. There are many comfortable baby carriers on the market, including slings, front carriers, and backpacks. Adding 10-20 pounds to your frame for a walk will boost calorie burn, helping you shed those extra pounds. And babies love to be held close to you. In fact, touching enhances brain development in infants, so as you get fitter, baby gets smarter!


Join a gym with child-care, or add it to your membership. Whether you don’t enjoy the great outdoors, or you live in a climate with blustery winters or lots of rain, outdoor exercise with the kids is not always an option. On-site childcare facilities offer convenience, and the peace of mind that if your child needs you, you’re only an intercom page away. Some gyms even have fitness classes for kids, so while you pump iron, the munchkins learn how to do the grapevine.


Sign up for parent-baby yoga classes. If these are offered in your area, parent-baby yoga classes can help you build strength and stamina, reduce stress, and provide you another opportunity to bond with your child.


Purchase some exercise videos. Yoga, Pilates, low-impact aerobics, and kickboxing can all be done on your living room floor with little or no equipment. Before you buy, rent a few from your local video store or check them out from the library to see which ones you like.


Improvise. If you miss your aerobics class because of a marathon naptime, pop in an exercise video or do lunges in the backyard with the baby monitor hooked to your pants. Don’t stress if you don’t get that perfect workout in every time. With exercise, doing some is always better than doing none.

Most importantly, put exercise on your “to-do” list. Make it a priority. If that means getting up an hour early for a run, then set the alarm and go for it. (To "Learn to Love AM Exercise," click here.) You’ll benefit in countless ways, plus you’ll be a happier, more peaceful parent for your kids.  ¶ Wednesday, July 12, 2006

  Valuing time before it is too late Often our days are busied with worry, stress, complaining, work, and a general wasting of time. Once we finally realize the value of our time, often for many of us it is too late. While your life might seem like a long time in the midst of it, truly it is a blink of an eye. Today, make more time to be present in your life. Even small moments—enjoying a cup of tea, calling a friend, reading a favorite book—should be enjoyed. Restructure your day so that you can get all of your work done, but allow for extra time to be spent on personal matters. Stop procrastinating!  ¶ Tuesday, July 11, 2006

  Boldly explore your dreams As we grow older, we reflect upon our lives—the things that we have done and the things we didn't do. Don't let this happen to you! What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Imagine the difference this could make in your life. Imagine how fearlessly you would march across the beach in your bathing suit! Break the habits of fear that are holding you back and forget the hundreds of distractions that seem to justify not trying new things! Achieve your dreams, take risks, build your vision and go boldly towards it.  ¶ Monday, July 10, 2006

  Being a creative problem solver Creatively approaching situations is an invaluable tool in life. While others might not always see things from your point of view, you will probably find that you are pleasantly surprised at the results of your endeavors. Draw upon time-endured and proven resources, but don't be afraid to strike out and try new ones. No time to get groceries today? Rummage through your pantry and try a new combination or a twist on an old favorite. Your family will appreciate the creative, new meal. Flex your brain muscles a little when approaching problems. You might be surprised how resourceful you are!  ¶ Friday, July 07, 2006

  Awareness through downshifting Often our first reaction to a stressful situation is to overcompensate and overwork to overcome whatever it is. Sometimes though, the best thing you can do it step away, take a breath, and come back to tackle the problem with a clear head. Replacing important things in your life with work only causes anxiety to build up—not to mention that it takes the joy out of life. Vacation does not have to mean physically leaving your everyday life and jet setting to the beach. Whatever relaxes you, brings more clarity, or calms your mind during times of stress can certainly be enough to rejuvenate! When logic tells you to quicken your pace and pile on the extra work, yet your heart is reminding you of the meaningful time you are neglecting with family, friends, and yourself, it's time to slow down. Often letting off on the gas for a period of time can compose and refocus your mind.  ¶ Wednesday, July 05, 2006

  Who is standing in your way? Imagine someone regularly tying small weights around your ankles as you try to climb a mountain. Doesn't sound fair, does it? But that's exactly what you can do to yourself, a little bit at a time, if you don't watch out. When you think of who and what is standing in the way of your dreams, it's easy to forget your own responsibility. Even the best of us can be guilty of unknowingly hurting our own progress. Procrastination, lateness, being disorganized, pessimism, not being honest with yourself, severe self-criticism, downplaying achievements, focusing only on weaknesses while ignoring strengths, keeping goals a secret, demanding perfection, giving up after a small setback—these are all ways you can make it tough to be (and do) your best. Smart systems, the right attitude, and a promise to keep going no matter what will make a world of difference.  ¶ Tuesday, July 04, 2006

  Seeing is Achieving Seeing is Achieving
Picture Weight Loss Success With Visual Cues

-- By Mike Kramer, Sparkpeople.com

Visual images hold amazing power. We can all still “see” the Challenger disaster, the flag rising over Iwo Jima, even our own high school yearbook pictures. The images are still with us today. And so are the emotions that go with them.

You can use this power to your advantage to help you lose weight. If you surround yourself with visual cues, you have a great chance of meeting that goal. A picture of what you want (or don’t want) to look like; a vacation postcard that you’re using as a reward; a picture of your kids who you want to stick around for – these images can stick around and pull at you even when they’re not in sight.

Seeing is believing. Seeing is also achieving.

How Do Visual Cues Work?
First, let’s look at how the brain processes information. The mind simply can’t keep up with the 36 million bits of visual data that bombard it every second. So the conscious mind doesn’t bother trying. It simply passes most of the info along to be processed somewhere else.

According to brain specialist AmyK Hutchens, 99% of learning is done on a non-conscious level. “That’s a fancy way of saying that vision dominates your brain activity and behaviors,” she says. Basically, what we see can determine how we act.

Seeing The Good Stuff
Your brain needs a method of filtering through the clutter and locking onto what’s important. This is where the science comes in. The “reticular activation system” (RAS) sorts through those millions of bits of data, making sure that you’re only aware of certain things. It calls your attention only to the details that you don’t want to miss, such as hearing your name in a crowd.

Have you ever bought a home or rented an apartment? Once you made a conscious decision to start shopping, it probably seemed like For Sale or For Rent signs were popping up everywhere. In actuality, the signs probably had been there for months, but you just noticed them for the first time. That’s because this specific priority was now “registered” with your RAS.

Weight loss is a priority that can be “registered” the same way. Mare Petras, a fitness expert who helped organize the first Great American Workout, sees this as a perfect reason to write down or put visuals to your goals. She explains, “If you put down a solid vision of how you want to look, your vision will pop up when you need it. In my experience, overweight people are sometimes powerless over impulses. Seeing a visual helps them to stop and think – and make better choices. It adds color to a black and white goal.”

Once you write something down or see a picture of your goal, your brain starts to work on that goal without you even realizing it. You’ll notice people wearing the same swimsuit you want; you’ll see bike and walking paths that you didn’t notice before; you’ll see healthier menu items that you skipped over in the past. You’ll be drawn toward making the right decisions.

Positive Pictures = Positive Progress
Another way visual cues can help keep your motivation high is through the power of positive association. Seeing a positive stimulus increases the production of serotonin, which is responsible for feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Seeing that same cue often enough builds a pattern of positive response that creates momentum. Soon, the positive feeling will transfer to your goals as well.

Dr. Daphne Stevens, a psychotherapist with 30 years’ experience working with weight control and fitness issues, says that this connection between picture and motivation only grows stronger as you achieve and see results. “Pardon the pun, but a sense of mastery ‘feeds’ on itself,” she says. “The satisfaction of doing positive things for the body substitutes for the quick-fix rush of sugar or simple carbs that put on the pounds.”

So write your goals down right now, plaster that fridge with positive pictures, tape an inspiring message to your dashboard, do whatever it takes to surround yourself with visual cues.

You’ll see success – both in your mind and in your life.  ¶ Monday, July 03, 2006

  Taking inventory of your gifts and blessings You'll probably spend some time this weekend thinking about the good things in your life and your loved ones. Before you do that, take a moment to just consider how lucky you are to be here in the first place. In the 21st century, we can experience more in a month than most people throughout history did in a lifetime. Instead of appreciating that fact, we usually just end up wanting to do and have more. We look at what's wrong rather than what's right. This is a perfect time to take a look at your life and priorities again. Can you make some extra time every day to just enjoy the moment and your loved ones? You've been given the gift of a lifetime of moments. Accept the gift and prove yourself worthy.  ¶ Monday, July 03, 2006

  Your smallest actions add up to something big Everything you do makes a difference. Even if you're not on the front lines leading the effort, you have a contribution to make. Without your contribution, no matter how small, so many other things would never happen. The world needs what you have to offer. You have no idea how the simplest of your everyday actions can effect your child, and even people you've never met. Chances are, you'll never know. But if you're looking for a purpose to work toward, all you need is the desire and the right perspective. Define yourself as your task, and that's all you'll ever be. Define yourself as your contribution to your family, and suddenly you're a very important part of a bigger picture. The biggest pictures are the ones where there's room for everyone to be seen.  ¶ Sunday, July 02, 2006

  Making your own opportunities Now! Three for one! If you see a common theme between the three, it's no accident. It's up to you to make sure your goals come to pass. If there are things standing in your way, waiting for someone to take care of those obstacles will result in a long wait. When things aren't going your way, change generally starts with you. Why sit around hoping for big things to happen, when you can take control and force the issue? Don't settle for the leftovers in life. Take a seat at the head table and order up a five-course dinner of everything it has to offer. No invitation necessary.  ¶ Saturday, July 01, 2006