The Power of the Mind

Not all things went as planned today, there was plenty that I would've like to go differently. However, I'll take my successes today and chalk them up to the power of the mind. I've known the words we tell ourselves will determine our attitude and outlook and overall success in whatever situation. I figured this out while running. I began training for a marathon with my sister a mere 4 months after having my third baby. Needless to say her pace was much quicker than mine. I remember reading a running article about making a mantra and saying it to yourself when running became hard. I thought it was silly, but decided to give it a try. As I went out on a solo run I was determined to meet my sisters typical pace. Because I was pushing myself I wasn't enjoying my run too much and thought often about stopping. Then, I remember the mantra! I started telling myself; You are strong, You are fast, You are able over and over to rid my mind of the thoughts that weren't beneficial to me. Believe it or not, I met her pace and was amazed! To this day I tell myself the same thing when my running is challenging me.

Now, because I'm a little thick headed, it's hard for me to use one concept in other areas of my life. The start of the 21 day meditation allowed me to use the same concept today as I began my journey towards better health. I didn't wake up early enough for a run, which usually starts  my day off with bad choices. This morning I let it go and chose to have oatmeal with raisins and walnuts for breakfast. It was good and satisfying. For lunch I had a pita sandwich with spinach, orange and cashew salad. For snack I had the temptation to eat a Reese's peanut butter cup...I had a bite in my mouth when I said, "I commit to living Perfect Health" and I actually spit it out. For snack I chose a hard boiled egg and for dinner I made Honey glazed Salmon with a lemon sauce on a bed of sauted mushrooms and onions with Asparagus on the side. I completed the Body Rock fit test and flexibility test. I must say, it was one successful day. My husband even brought me my beloved Dr. Pepper and it stills sits in the fridge because " I commit to living perfect health"!

I'm rather excited! Here's to tomorrow!!

I commit to living Perfect Health

I start each and every day with the best of intentions. Usually the night before I convince myself I will rise early in the morning to complete a workout, maybe have some alone time with scriptures or something uplifting before the kids arise to be the best possible me I can be. And usually the mornings come with the snoozing of the alarm clock and the dread of getting out of bed.Life can be pretty monotonous and though I know what I need to do, I lack the motivation, drive and will. So, I embark on a vicious cycle of bad choices. I drag myself out of bed, prepare whatever is easiest for breakfast, convince myself in or out of a run with a less than stellar attitude and continue on my day in the same manner. Then I go to bed each night when all is said and done with the resolve to do better tomorrow. Tomorrow comes: Repeat the same thing!

TIME FOR A CHANGE...

ENTER: Oprah and Deepak 21 day meditation challenge

I have decided to participate in the Oprah and Deepak 21 Day Guided Meditation Challenge. In my wannabe yogi state and my knowledge of the spiritual side and its need for some calm, collected and centered time, I decided this would be something beneficial to me. I am a week behind, but I started today and the centering thought was: I commit to living perfect health.

Within all of us is the place where we have perfect health and we each have a decision to make to live it or ignore it. It is obvious from my description above that I can start my day with the desire to do what I know is best for my body. However, like many of us I get caught up in the moment and make less healthy decisions. Starting today, I commit to living perfect health. I know what my body needs to feel good and what it doesn't need. I know with each decision I make I'm either feeding my body good things and helping it or doing the exact opposite.

So, follow me on my journey to health and being the best me physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I need this change...and I'm committed!