YOU LET IT HAPPEN ONCE AGAIN

Monday, April 05, 2010

Does it ever stop - this self-sabotaging behavior - we do it time and time again and yet never gain control over it. There are many that pulled through yet another holiday with pride and accomplishment, and then there are those that once again let the holiday take over their strength and will.

"The good lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince." ~ Vince Lombardi

Well, well said Mr. Lombardi -- no its not anything more than YOU AND YOUR MIND that you have to convince that you can do this, you are strong enough and you want it all bad enough.

Are they excuses - excuses because you really don't want to be strong enough to fight it. I sure don't think its in the gene pool, its not in the drinking water -- purely it is in your mind. I think in most cases the admission that needs to happen is that we want to be able to indulge in whatever we want when we want it. Problem is we want that and yet we want our health and a fit body. The combination doesn't work together though - so what do we do?

We decided yesterday that moderation was key, and we know that is easy enough to accomplish and pleasureable too. BUT, that is not really how it works, is it? Once we start - there is no stopping it, is there.

Did you spend any time within yourself as you became aware that you were eating way out of control - portions were way over, kept dipping the hand in the candy jar, sat around all day and just plain let those calorie counts continue to rise -- may take weeks to undue the damage done.

Sounds harsh I know and believe me I have been there , done that in my day too. However, there comes a time when we must learn and I did my time with that. At some point you come to realize that you just cannot continue to live your life as you are, or you just aren't going to live the life that you want to live. It is a realization that has major impact. You can listen or you can ignore.

What is next on the agenda to once again drop you out of touch with your goals? I think we have Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day - not to mention the graduation parties, the weddings, the family reunions, the picnics, the vacations and who knows what else. Do you see that IT WILL never end? From one season to the next there are always things that will tempt you off your journey. It is after all, your choice.

When do you say with the deepest of meaning that enough is enough? When do you face up to the reality that there is never a "RIGHT TIME". Kind of reminds me of those who wait to get pregnant until the time is right -- is there really a right time? There is never a right time that is going to notify you that its there - the only right time that exists is when you make the right time.

The right time is a calculated decision - a decision chosen based on your realistic knowledge that you have to commit, plan and execute.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ZARIA9999 4/26/2010 1:58PM

Thank you.... Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAKENBAKE 4/8/2010 9:08PM

This was great Karen, thank you. I was by myself on Easter so it was just another day. I even went to the gym and worked out and boy was it nice and quiet. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINER_T 4/6/2010 12:45PM

"right time that exists is when you make the right time" I dont think that was when I ate that darn piece of pie and let you down. I just could not stop the temptation but I am back on my horse and riding high. I can do better but I have certainly done much better then the past for sure! Ok, your right Karen....I should have said NO! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 4/6/2010 7:09AM

Great blog as always Karen, Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHFIT4LIFE 4/6/2010 6:37AM

Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

FITKAT2010 4/6/2010 6:20AM

Self-sabotage happens most when it is triggered from an incident that happens, or imagined. Past, present,future. A gift actually, when we stop and look at the trigger and learn from them. Most don't though. They go straight to guilt and remorse and punishment, back-stepping their program even further. Report Inappropriate Comment

SALVARAD1 4/6/2010 3:23AM

There may or may not be a right time for things but lets not forget that there certainly are wrong times for things! When you are truly focused on your goals, then we might say holidays, events, and celebrations are the wrong times to be making excuses. Comment edited on: 4/6/2010 3:23:54 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

DENI_ZEN 4/5/2010 10:36PM

(Rats...I originally posted this on the April 4th blog...) That 60-watt lightbulb in my noggin definitely went off after reading this powerful blog of yours, Karen. 1) I love all kinds of junk food, and it always leaves me feeling fuzzy-headed and depressed. 2) I love veggies and many fruits...and they always leave me feeling alert and energetic. And protein? ALL of it is terrific! I have always told myself I'm hopelessly addicted to junk food. But couldn't I turn it around in a positive direction, telling myself I'm hopeFULly addicted to healthy food? It's all in the mind, isn't it? - Sandi Report Inappropriate Comment

HDHAWK 4/5/2010 10:26PM

I'll keep trying. This round wasn't really the holiday, but too much crap this past week and I caved. You are absolutely right about there always being another occasion or something to celebrate. That can't be an excuse! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAMOURA 4/5/2010 10:08PM

You are very knowledgeable and very wise!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELSAT137 4/5/2010 9:51PM

You are so talking to me. Thank you, thank you!! I wanted to get upset at what you said but it is so true. I always thinking- "Oh when this... happens then I'll eat better" or "just one more cookie then I'll be done with them for good." Like you say - there never is a "right time." I just have to get after it- I and only I can control what I eat. Thank you again for this blog!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TOFUDEE 4/5/2010 9:43PM

I'm skulking around with my tail between my legs, Mom. You are right, though. I have to change. Report Inappropriate Comment

Strength and Power - It Gives Us Attitude

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Happy Easter to all and hope that the Easter Bunny wasn't too good to you!!!


"Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on your strengths instead of your weaknesses, on your powers instead of your problems." ~ Paul J. Meyer


Terminology such as defeat is not in the vocabulary of people who have the inner strength and power of an "I can and I will do attitude". If anyone could even imagine how simple this whole process can be if you have your own inner strength and power - fortitude equals attitude.

Too often we crowd and overwhelm our thoughts with the negativity that leads to defeat. Defeat will occur if you drive the thoughts with self doubts. When you can change your mindset to the power of positive attitude you will succeed with anything that you undertake.

Address your negativity - write it down, ponder it and pinpoint where it comes from and what you need to do to get rid of it. I used to be such a negative thinker and self doubter and I had been like that since I was a young child. After moving along the age continuum I finally had to face the realization that if I didn't change how I perceived myself, let alone my world and the world around me, then I was going to lead a pretty dismal life - or certainly a life that I did not want to live.

If I had ignored those realizations where would I be right now - I don't necessarily want to know the answer to that question. By going face to face with your fears, insecurities, self doubts and lack of self esteem you do have THE POWER AND THE STRENGTH to change those things. Just like anything else in life, you have to want to do it - if there is the least bit of hesitancy or holding back, you won't go forward.

You do need to find your inner strength and then have the courage, step by little step, to exert your power to change your attitude. We fall from our own power and attitude, not because we don't have the strength, but because we don't want to go against it. What do you do on days like today when all that easter candy abounds and of course all the food that surrounds you the entire day - just enticing you? What most people tend to do is to toss all their strength in the closet because they truly want to indulge - more often than not those people are going to try to lay blame in whatever manner - like I was at someone else's home so I had to do what I did because I didn't have a choice. OH REALLY - you have a choice and you are the only one who has control over your choices - your just choosing to forget that its your choice.

How that mind works when we want to deny and cover up our own responsibilities for the choices that we make. Sounds pretty harsh doesn't it - even though we know it is truth. That is the school of hard knocks at work. For the people that can hold up with steel resolve - for us, it is easy because we have changed our mindset and believe so much in what we do that we don't fall because we use our strength and power every day to give us that "I CAN DO ATTITUDE".

When I want to fall, I fall - BUT, I make that decision with conscious thought and a plan to cover it. I generally will not allow random falls, that is what gets you in real trouble - my falls are planned. Planning is what works and keeps you in control of the moderation game. I have no idea why so many people just shudder with fear at that word moderation - it is an awesome word, it is a word that allows you to enjoy every single little food item or indulgence without causing any harm. Does a light come on?? It should because moderation is key and "holds the key" to your health and fitness.

There is a time and a place for everything in life if you employ the power and strength of a HEALTHY ATTITUDE and stop fearing what you interpret that word "moderation" to mean. Does moderation mean eating yourself to your own demise 24 hours per day? Of course not - it just means indulging moderately in those food items that when overindulged in actually cause you harm - that harm coming in the form of high bodyfat/weight and the negative health effects that come along with lack of moderation.

If you don't have any of those things right now - go find them, embrace them and make them a vital part of your everyday life. These are not things that only certain people have - we are all born with all of these tools, it is all a question of if we chose to unleash them and use them.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DENI_ZEN 4/5/2010 10:11PM

That 60-watt lightbulb in my noggin definitely went off after reading this powerful blog of yours, Karen. 1) I love all kinds of junk food, and it always leaves me feeling fuzzy-headed and depressed. 2) I love veggies and many fruits...and they always leave me feeling alert and energetic. And protein? ALL of it is terrific! I have always told myself I'm hopelessly addicted to junk food. But couldn't I turn it around in a positive direction, telling myself I'm hopeFULly addicted to healthy food? It's all in the mind, isn't it? - Sandi Comment edited on: 4/5/2010 10:39:41 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 4/5/2010 3:07AM

blog Karen and you're right moderation is the key. Hoping all is well with you and that you're coping with the dentistry. Luv and Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/4/2010 10:21PM

Yet another candy-free Easter has passed...enjoyed getting out for a picnic and some biking & nordic walking on yet another gorgeous day! Hoping yours was at LEAST as beautiful! :-) Don Report Inappropriate Comment

DENI_ZEN 4/4/2010 9:26PM

Yet another outstanding blog entry. The Easter bunny and I never crossed paths today - very much on purpose. I'm sitting here with a 16-oz. mug of ice water, and I don't feel bloated, logy, and numbed-out by all...that...candy! Nonetheless, I'll be making frequent pit stops right here where the thinking is clear and goal-oriented. Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOU?

Friday, April 02, 2010

"It's the lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself." ~Muhammad Ali

How often have you ever asked yourself if you "believe in yourself"? And if you have what was your response? Are you able to sincerely and honestly support what you had to say. What I am getting at here is if you had a negative response to that question, have you ever bothered to pursue it and determine why you don't believe in yourself?

I think we all have had times in our lives where we didn't believe in ourselves or our abilities, but we would hope that we would be able to move beyond that -- there are many people who don't and/or can't.

You know, it matters not what others think - its your world and it only matters what you think of you. Find the strength to believe in yourself , even if others don't, by taking one small step at a time. I have said so often before with many things that you are in charge of yourself - no one else has control over you unless you let them.

Find people who would support you no matter what and put those persons who don't out to pasture - you don't need them. You need people in your life who will foster your dreams and beliefs and will support you and love you no matter what. Find others who are very similar to you and form a support network so that you all can benefit and blossom from one another.

I talk to many people in many areas of my life and it amazes me and saddens me that there are so many people who just can't believe in themselves. It can be overcome if you want it badly enough. For every small, tiny step you take and it is in a positive direction, you will find strength. Over time all those little stengths can bring about a great deal of power. Problem is, there are just too many who won't even try or if they try give up way too easily.

When we have goals, dreams or any thing in live we want it takes persistence - you cannot give up, if you give up how do you ever have what it is your looking for. Always remember - when you believe in yourself so too will others BELIEVE IN YOU.


HAPPY EASTER ALL!!!! Send the Easter Bunny HOPPIN and don't let those little indulgences take your control from you. You have goals to meet particularly for the summer much less anything else. Those little indulgences do no sevice to you other than start that sugar frenzy within and then its back to square one to break the habit again.

Don't let yourself fall into that trap of saying - its only a day or two and its over - isn't this what you say on every holiday or occassion? Think about this and thing about why you never seem to quite get to where you want to go with your weight or bodyfat levels. These little indulgences matter more than you will know.

STAY TRUE TO GOAL!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PIXFIVE 4/4/2010 10:39PM

These are such great words...and just what I needed to hear! Keep 'em coming! Report Inappropriate Comment

FUNTIMES2 4/4/2010 6:55AM

Happy Easter - on my way to the gym and then home to finish up the cooking before the family heads over. My boys (26 and 21) won't be home this Easter (work in Ca. and school in Indiana) , but my daughter (24) is here and the rest (cousins, etc..) so we will all be together. Karen, you are SUCH A MOTIVATIOR! I'm glad I found your blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLLYDAGGER64 4/3/2010 1:50PM

At this time that nature renews itself, it's appropriate to reaffirm my faith that I can renew myself too. Thanks and Happy Easter, Karen!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 4/3/2010 3:41AM

Do True Karen! Sometimes I am my own worst enemy instead of my best friend. Have a great Easter hun xx Report Inappropriate Comment

SALVARAD1 4/3/2010 3:38AM

Sometimes it is not others but our own self-sabotaging thoughts as you point out: sometimes we readily set traps for ourselves by rationalizing an indulgence here and there. As far as Easter candy goes, I have had only 1.5 small chocolate eggs:) I think being aware of how we "trick" ourselves into eating some things is especially important when you have only a few pounds to lose and are at the level of trying to get ripped (vs. lose weight). Report Inappropriate Comment

HDHAWK 4/2/2010 9:57PM

Oh so true. I'm fighting that fight right now. It is hard to believe some days that I could look like some of the people I see on this site every day, you included. I will keep working on it though! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZE68 4/2/2010 8:28PM

Great Blog! We are so hard on ourselves and we need to believe we can overcome our challenges and achieve our goals!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Another Holiday

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Heaven help us yet another holiday approaches. Well, Happy Easter to all and hope that you all are welcoming in all the signs of spring and maintaining your detemination to keep your goals in the front of your mind.

We are going to hit 82 degrees on Sat so it will be some great outdoor time that I will do regardless of what is going on. I am feeling so Vitamin D starved that it will feel better than a massage going out and hitting some of that sunshine. Have to fit the exercise in of course all weekend, but will get that in early so that the rest of the day is free to enjoy. I haven't taken any downtime at all and it will just feel spectacular.

i will be off that treadmill this weekend if I have my way and will be outside for my cardio. This quote cracks me up whenever I think of the treadmill.

"An hour of basketball feels like 15 minutes. An hour on the treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school." ~ David Walters


How is everyone handling the overindulgence in candy and chocolate over this particular holiday? Fortunately for me candy and chocolate are not anything I care at all about. My treats are pie or cookies. We will have none of that in the house and just look forward to grilling outside and eating some summer foods.

Hope you all take the time to stop and think before you indulge in everything out there tantalizing you for this Easter holiday.

GO FOR THE WIN!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DOLLYDAGGER64 4/2/2010 6:33AM

Glad to hear your doing well. No Easter candy in my house! Good thing candy no longer calls to me. I'm getting out to the forest preserve this weekend for a long trek in the woods. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 4/1/2010 3:22AM

I've indulged Karen (slap wrist) but I counted into my calorie intake and tracked the nutrition on here so am not feeling too guilty, At one time it would have started a bad habit again but this is Easter and I figure it's only a few days out of 365. I've quit already and although I enjoyed the creme eggs at the time I am so aware they were a treat!!! Great blog!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SALVARAD1 4/1/2010 2:30AM

I find that drinking EXTRA water before a food-event and immediately when I get there helps. I feel so full that I just the thought of eating sweets and appetizers is uncomfortable. Report Inappropriate Comment

TOFUDEE 3/31/2010 11:06PM

Great blog. Something to think about. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/31/2010 10:32PM

None of *THAT* stuff is coming into our house! I've already been getting out with my Nordic Poles walking up a storm...soaking up the rays...woo hoo! Tomorrow will be my first day biking to / from work (18 miles a day) on my nice new bicycle...! :-) Don Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYMLB 3/31/2010 8:49PM

Great blog. I am going to just stay focused over Easter. For me, if I take a bite, it "turns on" my taste to the sweetness of any candy, etc. It is all or nothing with my taste buds or something. I just have to not have a bite and I think I will survive and try not to even catch a whiff of a chocolate bunny when the kids run by!!!!! Darn peanut butter eggs, they are the best! I only bought a few so hopefully they will disappear quickly before I look at them twice! Report Inappropriate Comment

SO WE ARE OLDER - ARE WE READY?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Well we certainly have had some great responses to this entire topic of aging and it is a topic that really cannot stop - because if we stop talking about it we forget, then we go back to those old belief systems that it is all downhill after 40.

"Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted." ~ Denis Waitley

This quote needs to tell you something, and it does if you really think about what it does say to you. I remember in my Anatomy and Physiology class when I was in nursing school - the professor was getting really dramatic about the role of the heart and he put it in a manner that hit me really hard right away and actually made me stop and think - oh my god I never thought of it like that. What he said was have you ever thought about the job of the heart - this muscle never stops, it beats every second for your entire life - never with a break or a rest, it never stops.

If your heart works that hard for you, why aren't you working that hard for you? By pushing this whole topic of aging, it is time for people to start denying life (and enjoying it "too" much) and start taking far better care of this body we live in. Your heart or any of your major organs are not different than a car - if you don't take proper care of those parts/organs do you really think you are going to run optimally and for the long haul?

Part of being young is that belief that "nothing will happen to me" - I remember feeling that very same thing - that only happens to others, it won't happen to me. Well reality check and now we are older and have much more life's wisdom - we know better than to think that anymore, do we not? As a matter of fact we are in a place where even our young are going to have to worry - and worry far sooner than we had to. Each generation, unless it changes, will get unhealthier so our young need to get rid of that "It won't happen to me attitude". Our children won't be living to even our age if things don't dramatically change./

The world needs to WAKE UP - no longer can you continue to treat your health in this way, nor treat your body with the abuse that you do. Our bodies are very strong then they are meticulously cared for - they are not strong when they are neglected and abused.

So 20, 30, 40, 50 and beyond - it matters not which age bracket you fit into it is time that you really started appreciating what your body can do for you and what it cannot do for you. START CARING, START DOING, START CHANGING and make it lifestyle change because the lifestyles of today are not going to breed health and wellness. We see each and every day no matter where we go the results of the downward flow of people's health.

We all need to CARE ABOUT OURSELVES and we all need to CARE ABOUT HELPING OTHERS TO CARE. We cannot make people change but we can be a supportive friend and always try to encourage. If you even do that you can feel good that you did something wonderful, even if that person doesn't listen. Somewhere in your path you will touch someone and that is what matters most.

For those of us that are aging we can be here to share and pass on our wisdom. For those that are younger may you use the wisdom of the older generation to help you mold the future of your own generation.

It is not acceptable to let your health go, it is not acceptable to NOT CARE, it is not acceptable to drain our healthcare systems - it is acceptable to make changes in your lifestyle, not matter your age, and begin anew with the health of your body. This topic began with the reality that AGE IS BUT A NUMBER - it does not matter how old you are - YOU CAN change your body, your health and your lifestyle - AGE IS NOT WHAT STOPS YOU, YOU STOP YOU!!

Re-write your story now, don't wait and risk your most precious assets being depleted long before you have finished living your life.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FUNTIMES2 4/4/2010 6:50AM

Karen, great message! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Report Inappropriate Comment

BABYSTEP1 3/31/2010 9:21PM

This is a great blog post. Report Inappropriate Comment

SALVARAD1 3/30/2010 12:23PM

THANK YOU SO MUCH FRO THIS POST. When I was a teenager I always told myself I would age gracefully: What did I mean by that? It has been anything but that. I'm 38 and I am fairly healthy, especially compared to my family (most all of whom are obese). My issue is with feeling positive about aging and finding the right kind of role models: so glad I found you (I really have to stop paying attention to what the Media says about youth, age, beauty, and well-being). Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAINER_T 3/26/2010 4:39PM

Great blog......loves you for speaking to me again! Report Inappropriate Comment

DENI_ZEN 3/26/2010 1:14PM

Standing in our own way at any age is clearly not the "weigh to go"! Thanks for a wonderfully inspiring blog entry, Karen! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHYSASSY 3/25/2010 11:25PM

Great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHFIT4LIFE 3/24/2010 6:55AM

Age is but a number. I enjoy working on being young again! Great blog Karen!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLLYDAGGER64 3/24/2010 6:50AM

It occurred to me that Michelle Obama is bringing a message that young people need to be fit but I think we need someone of her stature to bring the message that older people need to be fit. You're right about people not caring as they get older and I think that gets communicated to our kids. That's why they are obese and unfit. If adults were committed to fitness, the kids would be too. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 3/24/2010 6:31AM

You're right as usual- we all need to take care of ourselves Great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/24/2010 5:28AM

We are in far greater control of our fate than we realize if we keep our eyes & ears open and take charge of our life! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

HDHAWK 3/23/2010 9:42PM

Karen, You have to go to nbc nightly news and look at the clip they had on tonight. I hope I get this accurate...women who are middle aged or older and exercise up to 60 min. per day won't lose weight if they eat a "typical" american diet. If you start out overweight, you'll stay overweight even with exercise. If you start out thin, you'll have a better chance of staying thin. I know you have to change your diet, but it was a very discouraging report for people to see that. I can't say it's been harder to lose weight as I've gotten older other than having to be somewhat more careful with my diet. It comes off about as quickly as it always has. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYINMYHEAD 3/23/2010 9:28PM

Timely post... my birthday is next week... and I was thinking "is it too late?"... and it's not.. it's never too late to get healthy! My Grandmother "got healthy" in her 40s and lived to be 100!! Report Inappropriate Comment