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Archive for the ‘Happiness Project 2017’ Category

helpTwenty days have passed since I started my year-long journey of RENEWAL. Until today, it has been slow going, uninspiring, and almost coming to a screeching halt. I have not accomplished anything much regarding my health and fitness goals for this month, and I was having a hard time deciding how to write about it. I’m stuck! Then two occurrences took place earlier today that has prompted me to move forward. The first was watching a brief video that popped up in my Facebook news feed, and the second was an unexpected phone call from someone  I adore but had not talked to in quite a while.

This morning, while scrolling through my Facebook news feed, I came across a short video of an interview between Oprah and spiritual teacher Michael Bernard Beckwith. They were having a discussion about being stuck (coincidence). His recommendation is going beyond your “little mind” to awaken you: prayer, meditation, life visioning. And, the prayer could be as simple as HELP. For him, HELP means Hello Eternal Loving Presence. I like that! That short exchange between Oprah and Beckwith gave me the nudge that I needed to get started with today’s post.

Shortly afterwards, as I sat down to start writing this post, my Uncle Robert called me (coincidence). My Uncle Robert is awesome! He is intelligent, kind, hard-working, inspiring, and entertaining. We talked and laughed for over an hour. By the time our conversation was winding down, I was feeling less stuck and eager to start writing.

So, between the video pep talk and the phone conversation with my uncle, I am taking the first step to getting unstuck. I’m writing about it. The second step is acknowledging the obstacles that are making me stuck, whether they are physical obstacles or mental obstacles.  Then I need to figure out a way to remove those obstacles, shed those limitations, and release whatever it is that is keeping me stuck. My weight is definitely one of the obstacles. And, that dear reader, is one reason why I want to focus on health and fitness first. I truly believe that if I can shed these unwanted pounds, I will be free to work on other areas of my life and increase my happiness and productivity. I may not have reached all of my health and fitness goals these past couple of weeks (no functional exercises; lousy eating habits); however, I am not giving up. In fact, Andrew and I are heading to the gym right after I publish this post. Happiness!

Do you feel stuck? If so, what do you feel is causing you to feel stuck? What is one action step you can take today to get unstuck?

“Getting stuck is reactive, getting unstuck is proactive.” ~ Sherene McHenry 

 

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A few months ago I purchased A Happier 2017 Page-A-Day Calendar. I’ve always been a bit fascinated with these kinds of calendars, but never wanted to spend the money on one because I already have a wall calendar, a dry erase calendar, and a planner. What would be the point of owning another calendar? Well, I bought this one since I’m a fan of Gretchen Rubin, and I want to be happier.

renewal-christian

The first page of the calendar suggested choosing a one-word theme to guide your thoughts and actions throughout the year. I chose RENEWAL. I want to resume some of the activities that I enjoy participating in to improve my overall physical and mental health. I also want to raise my level of happiness and change my perspective on life to a more positive one. Therefore, I am going to attempt another happiness project (my last attempt was in 08/2011).  Each month I will designate some area in my life where I want to experience a renewal. Of course, I am probably biting off more than I can chew, so to speak; however, I want to try. It should be fun!

Naturally, day 2 of my happier calendar pertains to happiness and habits and focuses on healthy eating. As a result, I choose renewing healthy habits for January of my happiness project. I have not ironed out all of the details, yet. I just made the decision to do my happiness project after listening to Gretchen’s podcast episode on Friday. However, it will involve steps to eating better and exercising more regularly. In order for changes to be successful, they cannot be made too quickly or all at once.

My resolutions for this week are simple:

  • Move more
  • Think about food and drink choices
  • Incorporate some functional exercises – at least 3 days (flexibility exercises-stretches, abdominal crunches, back and shoulder exercises, lower leg exercise)

Today was just the first day; however, I drank more water and Andrew and I went to the gym. I walked for 35 minutes on the treadmill while listening to another podcast episode, did some strength training (legs), and stretched. We’ll see how the rest of the week goes since I return to school tomorrow after being off for two weeks. It will be tough, especially with having to get up so early. I am more of a night owl than a lark. Nonetheless, dear reader, I’m excited about a new year and its possibilities. I hope you are, too. Happiness!

If you could choose a one-word theme for this year, what word would you choose? 

“Renewal requires opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and feeling.” ~ Deborah Day

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