I RESOLVE TO . . .

Resolutions - Day 31

"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lessons afterward."

           Vernon Sunders Law

On those days that you experience set backs with your dreams, what to do to pull through?  Each one of us experiences setbacks now and then, and each one of us has our own ways of 'pulling through'.  Depending on the 'set back' - some are bigger than others - I do a lot of things to overcome obstacles. 

On the smaller challenges in life - and with my dreams - sometimes doing something as simple as taking a break, maybe a walk to clear my head is really beneficial. A change of scenery is often all that it takes to overcome an obstacle and get back on track with a new idea.

On the bigger challenges, I've learned that you really do just have to take things one day at a time.  Patience, patience and more patience.  Dwelling on a challenge (otherwise known as a problem if you're stewing relentlessly on it) doesn't do much good, particularly if all the 'dwelling is producing negative thoughts rather than a positive course of action.  I've been down that road.  It doesn't get you anywhere (anywhere that you want to be anyway).  It usually makes me feel worse rather than better, and typically provides zero answers to the issue at hand. 

The flip side of that:  It would be nice if you could just put your head in the sand and hope for the best; or maybe just run away from challenge for a period of time.  Sometimes things do work themselves out over time, again with plenty of patience.  Personally, I've found that I typically have had to dig deep for the answers in whatever way best suits the challenge.  That digging is often a long painful process with plenty of sweat equity.  In the end, I still may not get what I want, or achieve my dream in exactly the way that I envisioned.  If I did the best I could, that's all I can hope for:  to do the best that I can under the circumstances.

I understand when I've given my all, and probably have made plenty of mistakes along the way, I've also done plenty of things that were 'right'.  As I've said before, there is no perfection in perfection with human beings.  We just have to learn those hard lessons that come with experience, keep hope alive, and take things one day at a time.  So on this 31st day of January, I wish you all the best for your dreams and resolutions.  Whatever the dream, whatever the resolution . . . Let's 'go for it' in 2006.

Daily Exercise - Day 31

A little stiff from my work out with my trainer yesterday, so just 30 minutes on the bike today.  Looks like I did my daily work outs 26 of 31 days this month.  Not bad.  I'm not shooting for perfection, just a healthy work out schedule.  I think I'll hit the bike again tomorrow and Thursday - maybe Sport & Health Friday for a swim.  Something to look forward to.  Until then . . .

Achievement . . .

"Always remember:  small achievements are no less important than the big ones to the person who is achieving."

               Copyright Kim M. Simpson - January 23, 2006

Resolutions - Day 30

Hey folks who made New Year Resolutions, listen up!!  Tomorrow's the last day of the first month in 2006!  Have you made any progress since January 1st when you drafted your list of resolutions?  Still haven't worked on any of them?  If that's the case, take heart.  You're proabably not alone.  A lot of other people have already given up too.  But burying your resolution doesn't have to be your fate, even if it feels like it right now!

Consider this:  pull one resolution off your list, something that you'd really love to accomplish.  It doesn't have to be a 'sin' - you know, one of the things you want to change about yourself, but don't really have the heart to pursue (lose weight, stop smoking and so on).  It doesn't have to be a 'sin' unless that's what you'd most love to achieve in 2006.  It could be a true dream instead, something that you've held near and dear to your heart for many years, but haven't had the courage or the determination to pursue.

Consider taking the following five steps:

1. Dare To Dream:  Open your mind wide -  what would you love to tackle this year on your dream list, given unlimited time and money?  Your first choice is probably something about which you have great passion and interest.  Go for it.  Pursue your dream now!
2. Decide: Make a firm decision to fulfill that dream in 2006 (don't write it down on a bar napkin and promptly forget about it the next day).  Promise yourself to 'go for it' in 2006.
3. Define Your Resolution: In one sentence define what you want to achieve, in a way that you can apply a timeline and specific measurements.
4. Develop A Plan: Do your research and do your homework - determine all the specific steps necessary to achive your dream.  Then...do an action plan - A Resolution Roadmap - all the mini-steps that will take you to the finish line.
5. Do It Daily: Spend 30-minutes each day working toward your goal for the next 11 months; there's still 336 days left in the calendar year, plenty of time to make things happen!

Don't procrastinate.  Do it today!  One goal, one day at a time for one year. Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 30

Finally, I made it back to the gym thank goodness!  I had a session with my personal trainer which should help me get back into the swing of things.  A little advice and incentive.  And yes, I made it back in to the pool and sauna.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  water just has this wonderful calming effect.  Swimming laps, for me, isn't only aerobic exercise, it's a great opportunity to meditate.  I felt great when I finished my work out.  I need to get back to the gym again on Friday.  Something to look forward to.  Until then . . .

The Turning Tide . . .

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up, for that is just the place and the time that the tide will turn."

                       Harriet Beecher Stowe

Resolutions - Day 29

Weekly 'check-ins' can be really helpful if you're striving to stay on track with a plan for your New Year resolution.  A check-in doesn't have to be a long, tedious, complicated affair.  All it takes is 10-15 minutes once each week (typically on the weekend, or Monday) to review your progress throughout the previous week:  what you had hoped to achieve, what sitting 'un-touched' on your list, and what you actually accomplished. 

A weekly 'check-in' will reveal pretty quickly if your timetable for accomplishing your plan is realistic.  I always have 'waaay more' than I can accomplish on my daily, weekly, and monthly 'Things To Do Lists'.  I acknowledge and understand that, so I rarely beat myself up about it.  I just pick the priority projects each day and go with them, and the rest of the task that get thrown over the transom, in crisis-mode', in a typical workday.  Same for my resolution plan.  Each week I take a look at what I've accomplished in the previous week and what I want to accomplish the coming week.  A Sunday evening check-in is really helpful to me, since I prepare for the coming the work week at that time.

Having all the various steps/tasks written down in the form of a plan - and handy in a spiral notebook - really adds to ones confidence.  The weekly check-in is just one more tool:  an easy way to bolster confidence and eliminate prospects of feeling overwhelmed.  So, take a few minutes to review the status of your resolution.  It will pay big dividends in coming days.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006.   

Daily Exercise - Day 29

Where did the weekend go!  Work obligations (today) got in the way of my creative projects, but I still made hopped on my bike for 30-minutes.  Even if my schedule continues to heat up I'm not going to put my resolution to exercise for 30-60 minutes each day on hold.  Front burner all the way babeee.  Tomorrow, back to Sport & Health for a session with my personal trainer!  Until then . . .

Achievement vs. Success

"My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success.  She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you.  Success is being praised by others, and that's nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success."

 Helen Hayes

Resolutions - Day 28

So how's the resolution going?  We're now almost to the end of January, have you stuck with your resolution?  If you're procrastinating, or looking for some inspiration, consider the following five steps:

1. Dare To Dream:   Open your mind to the possibility that you can pursue and achieve a cherished dream today.  It's all in your attitude:  Telling yourself "I can" achieve my dream wins the race - "I can't" or "I'm not sure" means you lose before you've even begun.
2. Decide:  To resolve is to decide firmly with great determination.  Make that decision to pursue your resolution today. 
3. Define:  Define your goal in one sentence such as I will exercise for 30 minutes each day by walking, jogging, biking, gardening, working out with weights, stretching, doing Yoga, and playing tennis.  Consider how you can measure your goal and set deadlines and milestones.
4. Develop A Plan:  Rome wasn't built in a day, neither will your goal be achieved in a day - do your homework, learn as much as you can about your resolution, then create a Resolution Roadmap that lays out how you will proceed step by step.
5. Do It Daily:  spend 30-minutes each day on your resolution - if you devote that time, in one year you will have put in 182 hours on your dream, that's 7.5 days!

If you want to jump start your New Year resolution think about these five simple, practical steps.  You don't need complicated formulas, just a goal/dream about which you have great passion. determination, focus, and discipline.  Make this the year you achieve your dream.  I'm interested in hearing from folks who are working toward their resolutions and goals. Drop me a line.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 28

Remeber all that energy you had when you were a kid?  I really wish I could bottle and sell it, I'd be a millionaire.  I chased a friend's tot around today, photographing him for my business.  Definitely a good work out.  I also took a long walk tonight to stretch my legs and clear my head.  Was a really nice day. 

Tomorrow, I think I need to hit my bike for an hour, get a good aerobic work out.  Not sure I'll make it to my Total Gym since I'm working on tax prep the rest of the day, but the good news is I'm back to work with my personal trainer at Sport & Health on Monday.  Until then . . .

Successful . . .

"To Be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work."

                Sister Mary Lauretta

Resolutions - Day 27

Weekend Check-Ins.  They're so important when you're working toward a goal or resolution.  I've often found the relative peace - compared with the work week - provides time to take a deep breath and reflect on where you've been with your goals and resolutions and where you  want to go next.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the actual 'doing' during the week that I don't pay attention to my planning, milestones, and so on.

Weekly check-ins are really important when you're trying to keep everything on track.  They provide an opportunity to make course adjustments and add new TTD's:  'Thing To Do to your plan - all the many steps that it will take over time to achieve your dream.  So keep in mind: "One goal, one day at a time for one year."  Stay focused, determined - and pace yourself.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 27

Long week, so tonight just a low key 30-minutes of stretching and light Yoga.  A little meditation always clears my head.  Another working weekend, so my focus on exercise is going to be limited, though I will make a point to do my 30-minutes - take a little break along the way.  Soon, after the 31st, I'll be past these projects and will have more time for my exercise resolution.  Until then . . .

Life Is To Be Lived . . .

"Life is to be lived.  If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting.  And you don't do that by sitting around wondering about yourself."

 Katherine Hepburn

Resolutions - Day 26

Hope.  When pursuing a dream hope is an indispensable element.  Without hope, it's darn near impossible to achieve ones dreams.  Throughout my life hope has kept me going:  one goal, one resolution, one dream after another.  I think instinctively, at some unconscious level, human beings know if all hope is lost, they may as well just shrivel up and die.  That said, what is hope?  What is it that enables a person to keep hope alive through seemingly insurmountable obstacles - to keep that desire, optimism and expectation that you will succeed, you will one day achieve your dream...alive? 

I've thought long and hard about that over the years.  Hope truly has taken me, personally, from one day to the next one; one dream to the next one; one challenge to the next one - through happiness and heartache. I know I can never let go of 'hope' generally, and more specifically with my dreams."  I just have to keep showing up each and every day - doing the best that I can, and hold out 'hope' for the best.  I realize when things don't turn out as you had hoped, you can walk away with head held high when you've given your all, and done your level best to do all the right things.  There is no perfection in perfection when it comes to human beings.

Along that vein, I've always loved F. Scott Fitzgerald's, The Great Gatsby.  Not only for it's fine writing - the final passage is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing that I've ever read - but also the sad, wistful way that he wrote about dreams and hope:

"And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock.  He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close he could hardly fail to grasp it.  He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the light.

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us.  It eluded us then, but that's no matter -- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther . . . And one fine morning ---

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

Such wonderful writing always reminds me why I never give up hope, and why I continue to dream my dreams. 

Daily Exercise - Day 26

Spring is just 53 days away, thank goodness!  Soon I'll be out in my yard and garden beds working away at my own pace.  It's the most wonderful kind of meditation.  That's one of the reasons I moved to the country.  Some of my happiest moments have been spent in the garden, with the birds, frogs, squirrels, deer, and all the other little critters around my house.  It's wonderful and soon I'll be back out there!

In anticipation of Spring, I contacted my tennis coach today.  First sign of good weather I'm back outside on the courts.  And on Monday, back to the gym for a session with my personal trainer.  So things are good on the exercise front.  I received the summer contract last week from my pool vendor - that truly gave me hope that Spring is just around the corner, and my daily exercise routine will be full and varied again.  For now, my bike, Total Gym and Sport & Health Club will certainly suffice, along with long walks in DC.  Lot's to look forward to in coming weeks.  Until then . . .

Challenges . . .

"For me life is a challenge.  And it will be a challenge if I live to be 100 or if I get to be a trillionaire."

                         Beah Richards

Resolutions - Day 25

Find a mentor. That's perhaps the best advice anyone ever gave me in my early years when I was pursuing my dreams in high school, college, and when I was just starting my journalism career.  I'm fortunate, I had good mentors along the way:  trusted advisers.  They did well by me, and I by them.  I couldn't have achieved many of my dreams without them and I try to hold their advice and assistance near and dear to my heart.  Their counsel was a gift and I fully understand you can't make the journey alone. So how do you find someone that you trust who can advise you about how to achieve your resolution, your goal - your dream?

Not any easy question, no easy answers, but definitely do-able, and fully within your grasp.  Mentors come in all sizes and shapes and forms just like dreams.  Much of it is chemistry and circumstance.   The key is finding someone with whom you share a 'spark' who can impart some of his/her knowledge about your area of interest. 

Say you want to write a novel, a political thriller.  You've opened yourself to the notion that you can actually achieve your dream.  You've decided that this is the year.   You're going to write your book:  Finally!!!  You're passionate, focused and determined.  You've defined your resolution:  a political thriller about ____.  And you've done your homework and developed a preliminary plan (in this case a premise for the novel, character sketches, and a chapter outline).  You have a pretty good idea what the many 'steps' are to achieve your dream - to write your book.  Now you're into the nitty gritty:  the day-to-day implementation. 

It really helps to find like-minded souls who are making the same journey.  I've written here about the benefits of 'buddies':  friends who are working on the same resolution; folks with whom you can commiserate along the way.  Beyond that, having a trusted advisor is irreplaceable.  A trusted advisor can provide you with wisdom, having already made the journey you're making.  A trusted advisor can steer you down the right path when you're veering 'off course'.  A trusted advisor can listen when you're having a tough time of it, and provide a much needed 'pep talk'.  A trusted advisor often becomes your trusted friend.  What more can you ask?

I'm not saying it's easy to find a mentor, but they're out there.  Whatever your dream, there is someone out there who wants to give back - maybe to you - some of what he or she has learned along the way.  A gift.  So take a class, join a club.  Do your homework.  Who are the experts in your region?  Meet them.  Finding a true mentor is like winning the lottery when you're pursuing a heart-felt dream.  If you're still sitting on the sidelines, stop procrastinating!  Pursue your dream. Make it your 2006 resolution.   Let's 'go for it in 2006'!

Daily Exercise - Day 25

Yep, hopped on my bike tonight for an hour.  Really needed a good aerobic work out.  I'll admit I took a nap first early this evening (age showing, sighhh....), but I felt great after I got off my bike.  Part of my problem (I guess if it's a problem) is I'm 47 and I'm reverting to my college habits of staying up late.  When you're young you can get by with miniscule amounts of sleep after much abuse to your body.  Can't do that anymore, sorry to say.  So, since I work late almost every night, then take care of my personal life after that - my 'to bed' hour gets shoved back, and now stands at around 2PM or later some nights.  I'm definitely not in the 8-5 office routine at the moment.  Guess that's why I'm self-employed - freedom to be me!  I digress.  Bike tomorrow.  Back to the gym next Monday with a face-to-face with my personal trainer.  Until then . . .

Optimist . . .

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."

 Helen Keller

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."

 Helen Keller

Reesolutions - Day 24

Overwhelmed!  Just totally overhelmed!  What to do on those days when you feel just like that?  Just overtaken by events (OBE)?  Well, first of all take a deep breath.  Take a break; take a long walk; meditate - do whatever it takes to relax for a little bit.  There will be many more days just like this one.  Can't fight it, just go with the flow.  Know that things will calm down tomorrow, or the next day and you will get back on track with your life and back to your resolution. On days like this, if you can spend even 10 minutes on your resolution, thinking through your next steps, or doing some reading - whatever the case may be - you're doing well.  Just hang in there.  Things always even out and you'll get back on track.  That's why it's so important to take your resolution, one day at a time for one year.  You don't have to move moutains overnight.  Baby steps, just keep taking those baby steps.  So, keep your chin up if you're feeling like you're not making progress.  Tomorrow will be better!  Let's 'go for it in 2006' . . .

Daily Exercise - Day 24

It was such a gorgeous day today, sunny with crystal blue skies, that I had to take a nice long walk.  Walking always makes me feel good.  It gives me time to think, take in the sights, relax, feel good about things, meditate.  It's just a really great activity.  When I'm in DC, I try to park my car a distance from my meetings, so I can walk the neighborhoods that I use to call home.  Helps me stay in touch with that half of my life.  Living in the country is wonderful, but I still love the city.   

Regarding the rest of my work outs this week, I need to sit down and do some serious planning.  Figure out how and when to get back to the gym, and put together a schedule that allows me to have good variety in my work outs.  Something to strive for this week, and in coming months.  Until then . . .

Talent . . .

"No one can arrive from being talented alone.  God gives talent, work transform talent into genius."

                         Anna Pavlova

Resolutions - Day 23

"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream."

C.S. Lewis - British Scholar and Novelist

I really like that quote. I ran across it looking for inspiring thoughts to post here in coming days.  It reminded me of a conversation I shared over lunch today with an old friend and colleague from Wisconsin.  It was wonderful to see her and to catch up on the many things going on in her life.  It was also an opportunity to brainstorm about some of her creative projects and dreams, and some of my own writing, photography and work projects.  We share a lot in common when it comes to goals, work, a love of writing, and so on.  It was a wonderful opportunity to 'catch up with an old friend':  it always amazes me that you can pick up right where you left off many years earlier without skipping a beat!  But it was more than that in regard to what I've been discussing about tackling your goals and resolutions.

I mentioned yesterday that it's really helpful to find buddies who share your resolution or dream, so that you can brainstorm ideas and work together in tandem.  Today was a perfect opportunity for me to do that while I was talking with my old friend.  I really got excited about my own work when I outlined my ideas, and heard all of her ideas for projects that she's working on.  Both of us would love to help others in one way or another - potentially sharing our ideas in books or seminars.   It's all about  giving something back, I think. 

Talking to her today reminded me that anything is possible.  Every single day people take great ideas and turn them into things big and small.  Achievement is achievement, period.  Always remember:  small achievements are no less important than the big ones to the person who is achieving.  So be inspired, passionate, dream your dreams, and go out and do!  One goal, one day at a time for one year.  Stop procrastinating!  Let's 'go for it' in 2006.

Daily Exercise - Day 23

Today was a real fire drill kind of day.  Run, run, run.  So I guess I got some exercise, but not the usual aerobic kind, so I think I better do some stretching and Yoga.  Tomorrow doesn't look much better:  run, run, run, so not much spare time for a work out. Maybe I'll try to do 30-minutes on my bike in the morning, and a walk in the afternoon.  Until then . . .

Happy Life . . .

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not people or things."

              Albert Einstein

Resolutions - Day 22

Remember to take an occasional break and do something fun! I always have to remind myself to take those breaks.  Needless to say I don't always heed my own advice, but when you're trying to fulfill your resolution or goal you don't want to burn out.  There are only so many hours in the day, and between work, family commitments, and all the other things that occupy your time - including your resolution - you can spread yourself too thin and get burned out over time.  You definitely don't want to do that.  Once each week, instead of working hard on your goal, do something fun for an hour or two at a relaxing pace.

Say your goal is to learn digital photography.  Hit an art gallery instead of working with your camera.  Or if your goal is to lose 10 pounds this year, and you've been good all week, treat yourself to one of your favorite foods (a small treat, mind you, you don't re-gain the weight you've lost). 

Bottom line, you don't want your goal to turn into drudgery.  If it becomes work you won't want to devote the time it takes to achieve it in 2006.  So as you plot your weekly and monthly plans (your Resolution Road Map) make sure to block out time once each week to have fun with your goal.  Sometimes, taking a day off altogether is a good idea.  If you're a photographer, hit the local zoo without your camera - just enjoy the sights.  If your goal is to exercise, take a leisurely walk.  Whatever your goal is take a break once a week - be kind to yourself. 

Remember:  One goal, one day at a time for one year.  You have plenty of time - 344 days until New Year's Day 2007.  Drop me a line, tell me what's working for you and what's not.  I'm always interested in hearing new ideas, and sharing what I've learned along the way.  Let's 'go for it'!

Daily Exercise - Day 22

Finally back on my bike tonight for 30-minutes!  The past few days I've been mostly doing Yoga/stretching or walking (it was a working weekend, so I had limited time).  I needed a little heavier work out tonight, and it felt great to be back at it.  Tomorrow night I hope to log 60-minutes.  I still haven't made it back to the gym for a swim - but Thursday or Friday might be a good opportunity for some gym time.  Something to work towards this week.  Until then . . .

Fountain of Youth . . .

"There is a fountain of youth:  it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love.  When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age."

 Sophia Loren

Resolutions - Day 21

Finding a 'buddy' who shares your goal can be a great way to stay on track with your timeline and plan (Resolution Roadmap).  Let me give you an example.  Say your New Year resolution is to work out for at least 30-minutes everyday.  If you think about it, you probably have an awful lot of options.  Talk to your neighbors and start a 'walking' group, then try to walk with your new-found buddies a few nights each week. 

Join a gym near your house.  Talk to the staff and they can probably link you pretty quickly with others who share your exercise interests and schedule.  Check around at work:  there may be folks who share an interest in the sport(s) you love:  tennis, jogging, softball, basketball, volleyball, whatever the case may be.

You probably already have a pretty good idea of the sports you love and the types of work outs that you want to focus on in 2006 if daily exercise is your goal.  The next step is to link those exercise options with the various groups of friends, neighbors, colleagues, family members, and others (at clubs, classes, etc.) who share your interests and schedule.  I think you'll find it won't take long meet new folks and set up exercise dates.  Not only will you find a new 'buddy' who shares your New Year resolution, you might also find a new friend.  Regardless of what your goals and resolutions are, it's definitely worth pursuing a few buddies in the interest of achieving your resolutions!  Let's 'go for it' in 2006.

Daily Exercise - Day 21

Well....I didn't make it to the gym, unfortunately.  So tonight is going to be a Yoga, stretching work out again for 30-minutes.  Work has been getting in the way of rigorous exercise this week, so tomorrow I'm going to hit the bike for a hour, and definitely spend some time on the Total Gym!  Until then . . .

Hard Work . . .

"I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work.  That is the recipe.  It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near."

                         Margaret Thatcher

"I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work.  That is the recipe.  It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near."

                         Margaret Thatcher

Resolutions - Day 20

Blogging, yes blogging - it's a great way to stay in touch with your goals and resolutions.  I've long believed that if you just show up everyday and make an effort to work on your resolutions you will have success. Showing up is half the battle and blogging is a heavy duty tool in that effort.  If you're not a journal person - you know pen and pad, spiral notebook, whatever the case may be - and you're a techie-kind of person, then a blog may be your key to success. 

Last year my first blog, ACreativeLife, helped me to stick with my goals to work out everday, write more, and post more of my photography.  Knowing that I needed to show up every day and make an effort to achieve those goals really helped.  So, consider a blog as a tool to brainstorm, develop your Resolution Roadmap, chart progress, build your plan and timelines, and so on.  It's worth a try. 

Personally, I'm partial to Typepad.com for my blogs.  The technical staff is wonderful, the actual blog-template designs are top-rate, and the blog is very user-friendly.  The price is also very reasonable.  If you're looking for 'free' blog sites there are plenty of options and I'll make a point to post a category on my blog showing the various options.

Regardless, try your own blog as a methold to stick with your resolutions and goals.  It's great fun!  Let's 'go for it' in 206!

Daily Exercise - Day 20

It was ime to get out and take a nice long walk, so I did just that tonight in Old Town Fredericksburg. The weather has been so mild it just begs you to get outside and do some walking.  Not only did I get a nice breath of fresh air and a nice leisurely work out, I had a chance to do some window shopping.  Lovely way to have a light work out.  Tomorrow, I think I'll hop on my bike for an hour for a little different pace.  Until then . . .

Our Experiences . . .

"If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us we'd be millionaires."

              Abigail Van Buren

Resolutions - Day 19

Patience.  Is there ever enough?  Or too much?  What is it?  According to my Oxford American Dictionary it's:  the calm endurance of hardship or annoyance or inconvenience or delay. I'm one of those people who doggedly sticks with a dream through all reason and hardship.  Call me hard-headed, call me stubborn, but I'll endure one way or another if I believe in my dream.  Sometimes that's good and sometimes that's bad. Sometimes a dream is 'not within your grasp no matter how much energy, desire, or passion you pump into it.'  So, what's the right amount of patience and how long do you stick with a dream?  When do you let go of a dream?  Unfortunately there is no easy answer to that question.  Every person is different.  Every dream is different.  It just depends.

I really believe, as I've mentioned previously, your 'gut' tells you when to revise your approach and keep striving to cross the finish line.  Your gut also tells you when to throw in the towel.  Dream new dreams.  That's not bad.  That's just life.  You don't always get what you want, the way you want it, when you want it.  You accept that as a fact of life and hopefully move on.  Personally, I've learned a lot of lessons the hard way being the knuckle-head that I can am at times.  But I've always tried to achieve my dreams with honesty, compassion, dignity, and pride.  Sometimes you just 'run out' or 'fall short' on all counts.  Somestimes you just give everything you have until there's nothing left to give.  Whatever the case . . .

At that point, you take a deep breath - review your Resolution Roadmap - take a close look at where you've been and where you want to go.  Your 'gut' and your 'heart' will tell you the truth.  Always trust your instincts.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Sometimes I wish I followed this advice more closely, myself.....Bottom line:  there's no right or wrong answer.  Each one of us makes the final choices - our own choices.  If you don't fulfull your dream, after giving it your all, there's no shame in acknowledging that and giving up.  Only you know when it's time to find a new dream.  New dreams or old .. can't stop trying.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006.

Daily Exercise - Day 19

Busy, busy week with the phones and the computer.  Things were bound to heat up now that the holidays are history.  Despite the work pace, I've been sticking with my daily exercise program, though I've been doing light stretching and Yoga the past couple of days and again tonight before bed.  Tomorrow, I'm hoping to hit the bike and Total Gym for 90-minutes.  Who knows, maybe a trip to Sport & Health if I finish work early enough.  Something to look forward to!  Until then . . .

It's Never Too Late . . .

"It's never too late - in fiction or in life - to revise."

              Nancy Thayer

Resolutions - Day 18

January 18th already!  We're rapidly approaching that time in the New Year when folks either give up on their resolutions, or will soon give up.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  Even though the holiday season, the slower pace, parties, and good times with friends and family are now just a memory - hopes of achieving your resolution don't have to fade along with memories of 2005.   

If you're feeling pressured by work and family obligations, or maybe overwhelmed, or perhaps you can't figure out the next step - take heart, you're not alone.  You don't have to give up.  Just take a deep breath.  Spend a little time with your calendar and your schedule for tomorrow.  With a little juggling you can probably carve out 30-minutes.  Then at the appointed time sit down and think through where you're at with your resolution.  Brainstorm what the next small step is:  maybe more research, or enrolling in a class, or joining a gym, whatever the case may be. 

The trick is to take things one day at a time, and keep working on your plan (your Resolution Road Map for 2006).  Don't give up just because you missed a day or two, or got stuck.  Research, revise, rewrite until you've built a solid action plan that enables you to move your resolution forward in lots and lots of small steps over time.  Along the way don't forget to keep the faith!  Faith, hope, determination, passion, discipline, and a few laughs will see you through to the end of the year.

Showing up each and every day and making your best effort will eventually bring you to the finish line:   December 31, 2006 when you can say you achieved your goal;  or maybe you're not quite done, but you're ready to move it to the next stage.   Come on, it's not too late to start working on that goal.  There are still 348 days left in 2006!   Give it a try.   One goal, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it'!