By Ricinda Perry
Think Rocky Theme Song!!!!
We just came off of our 90-day challenge, and here we are at the start of a new year. Self-improvement infomercials are hitting me from all directions. Gym membership drives are out in full force. Weight loss products, reduced calorie foods and eating healthy cookbooks are lining the shelves of stores. The good news is … we have a head start. So you may have added a couple pounds on with all the cookie baking and delicious feasts, but we are farther ahead than we were three months ago. So up and at ‘em, we have more self-improvements to get cracking on today.
Task 1 – Don’t forget to pick up that Bible or jump into a Bible study group. It was easy to slip out of this habit with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas season.
Task 2 – Get in touch with your spouse. Here is an idea for you. We just finished gift-giving. Why not surprise your loved one with a date night gift package. Grab a box, fill it up with 2 movie tickets or movie rental, your favorite snacks, breath mints or gum (what did you or your mate chew when you were dating?) and add some foot lotion for a little TLC if you are staying in for a date night. Wrap it and leave it in a conspicuous place for them to find. Please note that toddlers are still in Santa mode and my little girl thought the package on the kitchen counter was for her.
Task 3 – Do something for your self-improvement. I do like going to a gym and all these “deals” get me going, but I know that I am going to fizzle out on the classes and gym routine within a couple months. Do not get stuck with a costly yearlong membership. Rather pay the extra few dollars for a month-to-month membership so that you are not disappointed in yourself down the road. Perhaps a new pair of shoes would give you some motivation. Personally, I stocked my closet full of new “diet” foods, like Pirates Booty, South Beach diet bars (raisin oatmeal), light single serving popcorn, and Twizzlers.
You finished 2012 strong, keep up the good work, and let’s get going in 2013! Share your ideas on your “New Year’s Resolutions.”
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Yay! Got the gym clothes on and we’re almost out the door. Love your tips for starting out the new year right!
Carol, good for you! That’s inspiring; I need to get up and get out there too! Between you and Ricinda, I have no excuses!
Great points and advisement. I only wish I were young again…. My job withdraws a lot of my mental energy and everything else seems to eat up the balance and quite frankly, I just do not have what it takes to even want to initialize a launch to lose….With my spouse’s help, I have cut out most of the “junk food”, but the scales remain the same. Your tips have given me the energy to wanna try again. Thanks, Ricinda!
Rick, it’s so hard to push through the demands of life to then care for ourselves let alone others. I’ve found though that I need that exercise and healthy eating habits because they give me energy and motivation to do everything else I need to do. Plus, it can be a great time to spend qt with your spouse 🙂 Don’t get discouraged by the scales. Your weight isn’t always reflective of the work you are putting in. You might want to track measurements like your waist, arms, thighs — you often drop sizes before you really lose weight, especially if you are replacing fat with muscle. Don’t get discouraged! The important stuff always requires a fight! Keep it up!