Greetings & salutations, poppits!
I'm sitting at home, watching the Canada/Germany Olympic Men's Hockey Game. For those of you who know me well, you're asking the question..."who are you and what have you done with Yvonne?" It's true, I've never been a hockey fan. My distaste for it started when I watched, at the tender age of 8, a former brother-in-law get rammed up against the boards, ending up with a bloody mouth. That didn't go over well, with an impressionable, melodramatic child such as myself. That distaste later continued when I was ... um ... older than 8...attending an Edmonton Oilers game while living in Edmonton. I got to see "The Great One" on ice, which admittedly was cool. However, I had "great" seats and felt my stomach flip as I saw two REALLY BIG players smash up against the glass in front of me (we had very good seats, apparently). For the rest of the game, my view was blocked with the combination sweat/blood that was smeared up against the windows. My stomach flips just thinking about it...sigh...
ANYWAY, I'm feeling very Canadiana hoping that our boys in red & white take out the humiliation of losing to the U.S. on the German butts tonight. Oh sure, it's all about the game...it's not about winning or losing...sportsmanship is important...yada-yada. At the end of the day, hockey is Canadian and dammit we'd better recover and win a freakin' medal.
Here's me stepping down from my soap box....
Re: whether or not one should push oneself...back to the question. This is the dilemma I faced as I approached my self-directed workout. I knew I'd be doing stairs. The challenge was, the last time I did stairs (Friday and I did 1200, btw!) my back felt "twingy" all weekend and was thrown out completely by Sunday. I had to miss a hike with the Inca Chicks in the morning and, believe it or not, I was actually disappointed to miss it...write that one on the calendar!
Remembering the twinging back weekend, I wondered just how far I should push myself. Then I thought about some key successes....
1) I'm officially 75 lbs. lighter as of this morning.
2) I'm wearing my newest "skinny" jeans. These are the jeans I bought in Phoenix over Christmas...on sale and a size lower than what I was wearing. This size, by the way, is the lowest I've been since high school and FIVE dress sizes from when I started this journey.
With these victories in mind, I said ... "Oh yeah, baby, I'm pushin' myself today!"
And I did...
And I feel FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! Well, actually, I'm REALLY sore, but I feel GREAT about how I pushed myself!
Today's workout consisted of the following...
- 5 reps of 100 for a total of 500 stairs where I did double steps (ya know, 2 at a time)
- 5 reps of 100 for a total of 500 stairs where I RAN UP the stairs
Here's what I learned:
- I can do anything I make up my mind to do
- when I challenge myself, I rise to the occasion
- I can actually see my heartbeat in my neck when it's pounding like crazy (OK, that was a little scary for me!)
What an amazing feeling, that's all I can say.
I was thinking about this blog and what to say, on the many occasions while I recovered my breath. Thinking about the blog helped me from passing out on the spot. I got to thinking about so many people in my life who rise to challenges daily, providing such inspiration to me...
- friends like Brian, Emmanuel & Panagiota who are struggling to pursue their passion & stay positive, despite the financial challenges building a business can bring
- my coaching clients who consistently amaze me with their creativity, inspiration and true grit
- my coaching peeps who offer such tremendous insight and honesty, making me want to up my game in the coaching arena... all the time!
- my awesome family & friends who consistently and constantly show me unconditional love and support
Wow! With all this support, 1,000 stairs seem easy-breazy, don't they?!?
What's challenging you, poppits?!?
(a) yt xox
SHAMELESS PLUG, TIME!!! I am offering a workshop...see below and contact me if you're interested!!
DEFINING YOUR UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION
(In a smorgasbord of talent, what is your MEAT?)
WHAT IS YOUR "Unique Selling Proposition"?
- it sets you apart from everyone else
- it defines who you are as a person
- it proves your value to an organization in conjunction with your work accomplishments
WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP?
- a strength-based approach that combines self-reflection exercises with group discussion
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
- anyone experiencing a career change
- anyone anticipating a career change
- anyone looking for a new job
WHAT WILL YOU WALK AWAY WITH?
- a unique perspective on yourself
- at the very least, a rough draft of your own Unique Selling Proposition
WHAT TO BRING?
- something to write with
- something to write on
- a copy of your latest resume and cover letter
- an open mind
WHAT HAVE PAST PARTICIPANTS SAID?
- "thought-provoking"
- "inspirational"
- "extremely worthwhile"
WHEN?
- Saturday, March 27th; 9:00 am to noon
WHERE?
- 401 Bay Centre, 16th floor, Toronto
(corner of Queen & Bay - accessible via TTC through Queen Subway stop; parking underground)
COST?
- $100 in advanced
- $150 at the door (cash only)
(register early as space is limited)
HOW TO REGISTER?
- email Yvonne Toma at yvonne@ymtStrategies.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Is it possible to appreciate EVERYTHING?!?
That's the mood I'm in right now, truth be told! How different is my mood NOW?!? Just 2 days after my last I-hate-myself-'cuz-I'm-unmotivated-and-cranky blog entry. Do you think I could be manic? Maybe a maniac...
Well, it's been a coupla days of networking, finalizing some business and incredible opportunities. Plus, I've been exercising and eating better so that always helps. You know, I have to admit that I've got some AMAZING people in my life, and these past two days have helped me to realize that even more. Lemme tell you what's been going on....
So, as I mentioned before, there have been some great synergies happening in my life. Opportunities presenting themselves as a result of my networking. These opportunities align very well with my vision around my business...the three "pillars" of ymt Strategies, so to speak. After having identified and articulated just what the HECK I want to do, I can see lots of great things happening to help me get there. It's all very cool if you sit back and look at it objectively. I'm happy to share the synergies with anyone who wants to buy me a coffee, so just let me know. In a nutshell, what I'm getting is not only possibility, but actual financial return...i.e. some dough to come my way as a result. This is welcomed and appreciated for sure!!
What's even cooler, if you can believe it, are the synergies/ideas that I'm getting around my journey and everything attached to it...this blog, the book, seminars, etc. I'm feeling like this sharing my story has become my "calling"...in the area of coaching, around developing workshops, in holding support groups. I'm getting all sorts of messages that this is what I should continue to focus on. In sharing my story and my vision of this blog and it's impact, I'm getting constant reinforcement that my story will help alot of other people...along with some very practical ideas on how to promote my message! It's all really neat to see.
OK, so maybe some of you are reading this and thinking "is she for real?!?" I hear ya and wonder about that myself. BUT this is where the "Leap and the net will appear" comes into play. It's the peaceful feeling in my heart that my story can help others. It's the burning passion I feel around helping others find their own strength and resources to help themselves. And let's face it, poppits, each and every one of you has what it takes to be totally freakin' AWESOME at whatever it is you want to do.
This whole everyone-has-awesomeness belief is what drives me to get up in the morning. To help people discover their own inner awesomeness.
OK, so maybe my "passion" is a tich overwhelming...I get it and will stop now. Quite frankly, I don't know where I get my strength to even type, given I had a workout with The Evil One today and am facing more stairs tomorrow. I'm up to doing 1,000 stairs now, which is quite a feat. But I'm beginning to question my sanity on that one. Oh sure, I can see the value of doing stairs for Machu Picchu...and yes, stairs help with the cardio and endurance...and yes, even though I get bruises on my chest, carrying the 15 lb. dumbells on my shoulders is good for me...blah, blah, blah...at the end of the day, it's not fun. It's boring. Know what I mean, Jelly Bean?!?
HOWEVER, I am facing another hike to Rattlesnake Point Sunday. Remember this hike, poppits? This is the one where we had to climb a gate to get into and out of the hiking area. Well, guess what? We're going to hike that same gate Sunday and I'm not looking forward to it. Oh, I'll get over it, no doubt with the support of the mysterious hands on bum and the angel hands lifting my leg, but I'll still feel like a boob at the end of it. The good news is that the 60-something woman who kicked my ass hopping over it the last time won't be there Sunday. Some consolation, eh?!?
WAIT!! I forgot about my commitment to look at possibilities instead of limitations...so let me reframe my view on approaching the dreaded gate...here's what's gonna happen. I'm gonna put my leg up on the gate. Then I'm gonna get the strength from all the squats and step ups I've been doing and hoist my arse to the top of the gate. Then I'm gonna feel the benefit of the stretching and yoga I've been doing and LIFT my leg over the gate onto the other side. Then I'm gonna swing my other leg over the gate and jump, gracefully, onto the other side. OK, so gracefully might be a long shot...I'm gonna jump onto the other side without falling on my face. Feeling better now....
Well, it's 10:15 at night and goodness knows I can use some beauty sleep, so it's time I dragged my sore bum and legs to bed.
Here's wishing you pleasant dreams of possibilities, prosperity and peace, poppits! Oh, and maybe Brad or Angelina might join in your dreams for a little fun time!!
Cheers!
(a) yt xox
Well, it's been a coupla days of networking, finalizing some business and incredible opportunities. Plus, I've been exercising and eating better so that always helps. You know, I have to admit that I've got some AMAZING people in my life, and these past two days have helped me to realize that even more. Lemme tell you what's been going on....
So, as I mentioned before, there have been some great synergies happening in my life. Opportunities presenting themselves as a result of my networking. These opportunities align very well with my vision around my business...the three "pillars" of ymt Strategies, so to speak. After having identified and articulated just what the HECK I want to do, I can see lots of great things happening to help me get there. It's all very cool if you sit back and look at it objectively. I'm happy to share the synergies with anyone who wants to buy me a coffee, so just let me know. In a nutshell, what I'm getting is not only possibility, but actual financial return...i.e. some dough to come my way as a result. This is welcomed and appreciated for sure!!
What's even cooler, if you can believe it, are the synergies/ideas that I'm getting around my journey and everything attached to it...this blog, the book, seminars, etc. I'm feeling like this sharing my story has become my "calling"...in the area of coaching, around developing workshops, in holding support groups. I'm getting all sorts of messages that this is what I should continue to focus on. In sharing my story and my vision of this blog and it's impact, I'm getting constant reinforcement that my story will help alot of other people...along with some very practical ideas on how to promote my message! It's all really neat to see.
OK, so maybe some of you are reading this and thinking "is she for real?!?" I hear ya and wonder about that myself. BUT this is where the "Leap and the net will appear" comes into play. It's the peaceful feeling in my heart that my story can help others. It's the burning passion I feel around helping others find their own strength and resources to help themselves. And let's face it, poppits, each and every one of you has what it takes to be totally freakin' AWESOME at whatever it is you want to do.
This whole everyone-has-awesomeness belief is what drives me to get up in the morning. To help people discover their own inner awesomeness.
OK, so maybe my "passion" is a tich overwhelming...I get it and will stop now. Quite frankly, I don't know where I get my strength to even type, given I had a workout with The Evil One today and am facing more stairs tomorrow. I'm up to doing 1,000 stairs now, which is quite a feat. But I'm beginning to question my sanity on that one. Oh sure, I can see the value of doing stairs for Machu Picchu...and yes, stairs help with the cardio and endurance...and yes, even though I get bruises on my chest, carrying the 15 lb. dumbells on my shoulders is good for me...blah, blah, blah...at the end of the day, it's not fun. It's boring. Know what I mean, Jelly Bean?!?
HOWEVER, I am facing another hike to Rattlesnake Point Sunday. Remember this hike, poppits? This is the one where we had to climb a gate to get into and out of the hiking area. Well, guess what? We're going to hike that same gate Sunday and I'm not looking forward to it. Oh, I'll get over it, no doubt with the support of the mysterious hands on bum and the angel hands lifting my leg, but I'll still feel like a boob at the end of it. The good news is that the 60-something woman who kicked my ass hopping over it the last time won't be there Sunday. Some consolation, eh?!?
WAIT!! I forgot about my commitment to look at possibilities instead of limitations...so let me reframe my view on approaching the dreaded gate...here's what's gonna happen. I'm gonna put my leg up on the gate. Then I'm gonna get the strength from all the squats and step ups I've been doing and hoist my arse to the top of the gate. Then I'm gonna feel the benefit of the stretching and yoga I've been doing and LIFT my leg over the gate onto the other side. Then I'm gonna swing my other leg over the gate and jump, gracefully, onto the other side. OK, so gracefully might be a long shot...I'm gonna jump onto the other side without falling on my face. Feeling better now....
Well, it's 10:15 at night and goodness knows I can use some beauty sleep, so it's time I dragged my sore bum and legs to bed.
Here's wishing you pleasant dreams of possibilities, prosperity and peace, poppits! Oh, and maybe Brad or Angelina might join in your dreams for a little fun time!!
Cheers!
(a) yt xox
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Back home & a little freaked out...
Hello everyone!
I'm typing from my couch this gray morning and, truthfully, feeling a little freaked out. I'm checking out my bank account, adding up my bills and beginning to hyperventilate a little. Even looking at my "Leap and the net will appear" plaque hasn't helped yet. It's just the time of year...taxes, health insurance renewal, yada-yada...it just makes me ask the question "where is the money gonna come from?!?"
OK, so in reviewing my reality, it's really not so bad. While I don't like depleting my savings altogether, at least I have savings to draw upon. Also, I can always sell my condo, pay off my debts and live with family until I get better situated. Oh yeah, I can always put the dream aside temporarily and go back to work full-time, should it be required. So, I guess I'm not so bad off. At least I have options. I feel really badly for the MANY people in this world who aren't as lucky as I am - who don't have the family support I have or the savings to draw upon or the prospect of some contract work on the horizon (God willing!). OK, so now I feel better...thanx for listening, poppits!I did say this was a "gritty" perspective on my journey, didn't I?!?
I have decided it's time to get off my arse and get busy doing things to move me forward...enough with the pity party already! For some reason, I am finding January and even this part of February kinda tough. It's been tough getting motivated and all of the things I wanted to do just didn't seem to get done. Things like...
- picking a date, renting space and conducting my Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition workshop. Logically, I know this workshop will benefit anyone who is thinking about a career change or just wants to get focused on themselves..their passion, defining who they are outside of the job. It's a great workshop and I'm excited about the possibilities of it, SO WHAT'S TAKING ME SO LONG TO SCHEDULE IT?!?
- creating and holding a "support" group for those of us on a journey to good health. I know I could sure use a positive, supportive group of people who are going through the same struggles I am, SO WHY DON'T I JUST SEND OUT THE EMAIL AND GET IT STARTED!?
- going through the last of the boxes of stuff that are sitting in my bedroom, cluttering my space? There aren't alot of them and I know I'll feel better once they are gone, SO WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE FOR ME TO SPEND A 1/2 DAY TO CLEANSE MY SPACE?!?
Honestly, is anyone else feeling a lack of motivation or am I the only one who can't seem to get herself together?!? I see so many positive things going on in my life, and yet I just can't seem to shake up myself! Sometimes I feel like I am my own worst enemy....yeesh!
OK, 'nuf whining already!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life..and what a life it is and will be! I'm gonna get off this couch, brush my teeth (yes, it's 11:00 and I still haven't brushed my teeth) and face The Evil One with zeal...well, at least face him with neutrality...ok, wishing for neutral is even pushing it. Did I mention that I'm doing squats now? 100 of them...oh, and he puts a bench under me and if my bum doesn't touch the bench when I squat it doesn't count. Once again, I am reminded of why he is called "The Evil One"...
Chin up, teeth brushed, ear muffs on I am facing today...
I wish you focus, motivation and lots of bum-touching-bench successes, poppits!!
(a)yt xox
I'm typing from my couch this gray morning and, truthfully, feeling a little freaked out. I'm checking out my bank account, adding up my bills and beginning to hyperventilate a little. Even looking at my "Leap and the net will appear" plaque hasn't helped yet. It's just the time of year...taxes, health insurance renewal, yada-yada...it just makes me ask the question "where is the money gonna come from?!?"
OK, so in reviewing my reality, it's really not so bad. While I don't like depleting my savings altogether, at least I have savings to draw upon. Also, I can always sell my condo, pay off my debts and live with family until I get better situated. Oh yeah, I can always put the dream aside temporarily and go back to work full-time, should it be required. So, I guess I'm not so bad off. At least I have options. I feel really badly for the MANY people in this world who aren't as lucky as I am - who don't have the family support I have or the savings to draw upon or the prospect of some contract work on the horizon (God willing!). OK, so now I feel better...thanx for listening, poppits!I did say this was a "gritty" perspective on my journey, didn't I?!?
I have decided it's time to get off my arse and get busy doing things to move me forward...enough with the pity party already! For some reason, I am finding January and even this part of February kinda tough. It's been tough getting motivated and all of the things I wanted to do just didn't seem to get done. Things like...
- picking a date, renting space and conducting my Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition workshop. Logically, I know this workshop will benefit anyone who is thinking about a career change or just wants to get focused on themselves..their passion, defining who they are outside of the job. It's a great workshop and I'm excited about the possibilities of it, SO WHAT'S TAKING ME SO LONG TO SCHEDULE IT?!?
- creating and holding a "support" group for those of us on a journey to good health. I know I could sure use a positive, supportive group of people who are going through the same struggles I am, SO WHY DON'T I JUST SEND OUT THE EMAIL AND GET IT STARTED!?
- going through the last of the boxes of stuff that are sitting in my bedroom, cluttering my space? There aren't alot of them and I know I'll feel better once they are gone, SO WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE FOR ME TO SPEND A 1/2 DAY TO CLEANSE MY SPACE?!?
Honestly, is anyone else feeling a lack of motivation or am I the only one who can't seem to get herself together?!? I see so many positive things going on in my life, and yet I just can't seem to shake up myself! Sometimes I feel like I am my own worst enemy....yeesh!
OK, 'nuf whining already!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life..and what a life it is and will be! I'm gonna get off this couch, brush my teeth (yes, it's 11:00 and I still haven't brushed my teeth) and face The Evil One with zeal...well, at least face him with neutrality...ok, wishing for neutral is even pushing it. Did I mention that I'm doing squats now? 100 of them...oh, and he puts a bench under me and if my bum doesn't touch the bench when I squat it doesn't count. Once again, I am reminded of why he is called "The Evil One"...
Chin up, teeth brushed, ear muffs on I am facing today...
I wish you focus, motivation and lots of bum-touching-bench successes, poppits!!
(a)yt xox
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hello and happy Family Day weekend!
Greetings from Chatham, poppits!
As appropriate for the holiday, I am spending the weekend with sisters Lorry & Bea, brother Tom, Sister-in-law Dianne and niece Lisa. As a matter of fact, I'm sitting in front of my bro's big ass TV watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. It's all very cool. I just saw the athletes from Georgia walk through...very sad! Note that the Native & Inuit dancers have been bouncing for the whole time...yowza! Now THAT'S stamina!
Well, it has been an AMAZING week for me. Lots of great stuff happening as a result of the networking meetings I've been having. I feel truly blessed at the opportunities that are being presented to me. It's like everything I've visualized and imagined for myself is coming to fruition. It's WAY cool. The old me...the one who focused on limitations and not possibilities... would've worried about how things are coming together..ya know, when is the bubble going to burst?!?
Not so ....the NEW me is all about the possibilities I imagined that are now coming to be. It's so cool how things are working out. I have opportunities for some great contracting positions, both on my own and with another company. When they work out, I will be having a rockin' good time!
In addition to the cool stuff happening on the work front, I met an amazing woman. Her name is Donna Messer and she owns a company called "ConnectUs Canada". She's the networking guru in Canada. I had the privilege of meeting Donna this week and she gave me some GREAT ideas for promoting my blog and my climb of The Inca Trail. The ideas just flowed from her like a wonderful waterfall. It was so amazing to see how her mind just clicked and put out these great thoughts....impressive!
So, as I've been riding high this week, I've been grappling with the concept of what is and is not in my control...and what I actually WANT to have in my control. For example, what I put in my mouth and how I exercise is all within my control (well, except for when I'm with The Evil One and have ZERO control). How I interact with people I network with is also within my control. What isn't in my control is what those people do next for me. For example, one of the opportunities I received was from a contact I met last week with whom I had no work synergy at all. However, I made a good enough impression on him where he referred me to one of his clients for work that wasn't within his area of expertise. See what I'm sayin', poppits?!? I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, other than to say that my plaque has reappeared on my kitchen counter. My constant reminder that the really important stuff is better left in the hands of a greater force...God, The Universe, Karma...whatever you believe. Just remember....
LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR!!!
Wishing you a safe and fun Family Day!
(a)yt xox
As appropriate for the holiday, I am spending the weekend with sisters Lorry & Bea, brother Tom, Sister-in-law Dianne and niece Lisa. As a matter of fact, I'm sitting in front of my bro's big ass TV watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. It's all very cool. I just saw the athletes from Georgia walk through...very sad! Note that the Native & Inuit dancers have been bouncing for the whole time...yowza! Now THAT'S stamina!
Well, it has been an AMAZING week for me. Lots of great stuff happening as a result of the networking meetings I've been having. I feel truly blessed at the opportunities that are being presented to me. It's like everything I've visualized and imagined for myself is coming to fruition. It's WAY cool. The old me...the one who focused on limitations and not possibilities... would've worried about how things are coming together..ya know, when is the bubble going to burst?!?
Not so ....the NEW me is all about the possibilities I imagined that are now coming to be. It's so cool how things are working out. I have opportunities for some great contracting positions, both on my own and with another company. When they work out, I will be having a rockin' good time!
In addition to the cool stuff happening on the work front, I met an amazing woman. Her name is Donna Messer and she owns a company called "ConnectUs Canada". She's the networking guru in Canada. I had the privilege of meeting Donna this week and she gave me some GREAT ideas for promoting my blog and my climb of The Inca Trail. The ideas just flowed from her like a wonderful waterfall. It was so amazing to see how her mind just clicked and put out these great thoughts....impressive!
So, as I've been riding high this week, I've been grappling with the concept of what is and is not in my control...and what I actually WANT to have in my control. For example, what I put in my mouth and how I exercise is all within my control (well, except for when I'm with The Evil One and have ZERO control). How I interact with people I network with is also within my control. What isn't in my control is what those people do next for me. For example, one of the opportunities I received was from a contact I met last week with whom I had no work synergy at all. However, I made a good enough impression on him where he referred me to one of his clients for work that wasn't within his area of expertise. See what I'm sayin', poppits?!? I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, other than to say that my plaque has reappeared on my kitchen counter. My constant reminder that the really important stuff is better left in the hands of a greater force...God, The Universe, Karma...whatever you believe. Just remember....
LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR!!!
Wishing you a safe and fun Family Day!
(a)yt xox
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hot spot, my eyeball!!
Well, here I sit in a Second Cup at the corner of University & Front, after taking 15 minutes to try and connect. The "hot" in "hotspot" is feeling kind of lukewarm, truth be told. But enough complaining...sigh...
Hello poppits! It's the second week of February and reality check on my Machu Picchu goal has set in...it's not so bad! Let's see...
- I realized I have only TWENTY-FIVE more pounds to lose (vs. the THIRTY-FIVE I originally thought). The good news about math not being my strong subject is that I lost 10 lbs. without doing a darn thing! If only life were really like that...
- in less than three months, I will be in Peru, 25 lbs. lighter and ready to climb the Inca Trail. YOWZA!! I can't believe it is as close as it is.
I've been hiking with the Inca Chicks each week. Truth be told, I'm one of the few that have consistently showed up each week. I can really see progress in my hiking. We did the Sixteen Mile Creek again this week. If you recall, this was the one I wandered around for 2 1/2 hours until the mother/daughter angels found me and drove me to my car. Now I can climb the steep hills without having to stop. My heart still pounds, but I make it up the hills each time with no break. Also, I'm able to do the 62 stairs (yes, I've counted them!) with no problem. I'm telling you, climbing those stairs each week has really helped. I know I have a way to go, but let me tell you, I am celebrating how far I've come! Seriously people, if I can do this at my age of 29 Euros, ANYONE can!
As I work my way through my coaching practicum, I'm in constant reflection mode. It's good as it really makes me focus on what I'm doing well and where I need to improve. It's confidence boosting...well, most of the time...:)
So, I thought I'd take a moment to jot down a few key learnings from my journey to good health:
1) Everyone has their own definition of "normal". I've learned to modify my view of what is normal for me in terms of what goes in my mouth and when. The key is to understand what works for you and, work it bay-bee!!
2) Dieting without exercise just won't cut it. As much as I absolutely HATE working out, it's become a steady part of my life and always will be. You may be able to get away with just diet changes initially, but trust me, soon enough you will have to get your butt off the couch and onto a treadmill if you're gonna achieve and maintain your optimal weight!
3) Surround yourself with positive, supportive people...the folks who want to see you succeed. At the end of the day, if you don't have at least one person you can go to to be your cheerleader (and you WILL need a cheerleader), then your journey will be really hard. BTW, you can ALWAYS count on me for that support...whatever your journey happens to be! Heck, if you ask me nicely, I may even put on a cheerleader outfit for you. Just don't ask me to do the splits...
4) Be patient with yourself. And, if you're cleansing or fasting, be patient with everyone else! Seriously,it's important to realize you're not perfect. For me, falling off the wagon during my "binges" is just par for the course. I have to forgive myself and accept that it's gonna happen. The key is to figure out the triggers that put you over the edge and to try and prevent them from happening again.
5) You are the one in control. I know it sounds basic, but what an "aha" for me! The Evil One asks me all the time "How badly do you want it?" I think what he's trying to get through my thick skull is that I am the one in control of my journey. I control what goes into my mouth, when I exercise, what I do about the gzillion cravings I seem to have...yada, yada. If one can look at that objectively (vs. feeling guilty after shoving an entire chocolate cupcake into your mouth), it's quite empowering. So poppits, eat the cupcake or not eat the cupcake...know that decision is totally up to you!
I'm sure there will be more learnings to write about, but for now, those are the ones that stand out for me. I'd be curious to hear YOUR thoughts!!
Go forth and be the ROCKIN' awesome person you are!!
(a)yt xox
-
Hello poppits! It's the second week of February and reality check on my Machu Picchu goal has set in...it's not so bad! Let's see...
- I realized I have only TWENTY-FIVE more pounds to lose (vs. the THIRTY-FIVE I originally thought). The good news about math not being my strong subject is that I lost 10 lbs. without doing a darn thing! If only life were really like that...
- in less than three months, I will be in Peru, 25 lbs. lighter and ready to climb the Inca Trail. YOWZA!! I can't believe it is as close as it is.
I've been hiking with the Inca Chicks each week. Truth be told, I'm one of the few that have consistently showed up each week. I can really see progress in my hiking. We did the Sixteen Mile Creek again this week. If you recall, this was the one I wandered around for 2 1/2 hours until the mother/daughter angels found me and drove me to my car. Now I can climb the steep hills without having to stop. My heart still pounds, but I make it up the hills each time with no break. Also, I'm able to do the 62 stairs (yes, I've counted them!) with no problem. I'm telling you, climbing those stairs each week has really helped. I know I have a way to go, but let me tell you, I am celebrating how far I've come! Seriously people, if I can do this at my age of 29 Euros, ANYONE can!
As I work my way through my coaching practicum, I'm in constant reflection mode. It's good as it really makes me focus on what I'm doing well and where I need to improve. It's confidence boosting...well, most of the time...:)
So, I thought I'd take a moment to jot down a few key learnings from my journey to good health:
1) Everyone has their own definition of "normal". I've learned to modify my view of what is normal for me in terms of what goes in my mouth and when. The key is to understand what works for you and, work it bay-bee!!
2) Dieting without exercise just won't cut it. As much as I absolutely HATE working out, it's become a steady part of my life and always will be. You may be able to get away with just diet changes initially, but trust me, soon enough you will have to get your butt off the couch and onto a treadmill if you're gonna achieve and maintain your optimal weight!
3) Surround yourself with positive, supportive people...the folks who want to see you succeed. At the end of the day, if you don't have at least one person you can go to to be your cheerleader (and you WILL need a cheerleader), then your journey will be really hard. BTW, you can ALWAYS count on me for that support...whatever your journey happens to be! Heck, if you ask me nicely, I may even put on a cheerleader outfit for you. Just don't ask me to do the splits...
4) Be patient with yourself. And, if you're cleansing or fasting, be patient with everyone else! Seriously,it's important to realize you're not perfect. For me, falling off the wagon during my "binges" is just par for the course. I have to forgive myself and accept that it's gonna happen. The key is to figure out the triggers that put you over the edge and to try and prevent them from happening again.
5) You are the one in control. I know it sounds basic, but what an "aha" for me! The Evil One asks me all the time "How badly do you want it?" I think what he's trying to get through my thick skull is that I am the one in control of my journey. I control what goes into my mouth, when I exercise, what I do about the gzillion cravings I seem to have...yada, yada. If one can look at that objectively (vs. feeling guilty after shoving an entire chocolate cupcake into your mouth), it's quite empowering. So poppits, eat the cupcake or not eat the cupcake...know that decision is totally up to you!
I'm sure there will be more learnings to write about, but for now, those are the ones that stand out for me. I'd be curious to hear YOUR thoughts!!
Go forth and be the ROCKIN' awesome person you are!!
(a)yt xox
-
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Am I sweet enough?!?
Apparently not, since I can't seem to ween myself off of the sweeteners - artificial and Stevia!
Hello poppits! Happy Thursday!
OK, so here's the dilemma on the sweeteners. Intellectually I understand the evils of the artificial sweeteners. Yes, even Splenda, a sugar derivative, is bad for you. However, I just can't seem to get off of them. I put them in my coffee & tea, in my protein shake, up my nose...kidding, but don't think I haven't thought about it! It's a classic "Catch-22"...you eat them because you crave them and you crave them because you eat them. How does one break the cycle of this madness?!?
Well, here's what I'm committing to do....
I will, by the end of February, work my way off of the sweeteners. We're talking, nothing in the coffee or tea...nothing in the protein shakes...no yogurt...no gum or breath mints...oie! Mental note...don't get too close to me after I've had coffee. I imagine the halitosis will be brutal and I won't be using any mints or gum! Then, I figure it will take at least 2-3 weeks for me to stop craving them, so by end of March I should be fine - definitely something to look forward to!
I'm guessing I'll need an attitude adjustment as well. For example, I'll need to appreciate the taste of the coffee and not the sweetness of the coffee. Shouldn't be a problem for coffee and tea, but the shakes. Remember The Evil One said they tasted "like ass"?!? Well, Stevia helps to reduce the level of ass-ness. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and fight the battle. It will be worth it.
So, last night I did another yoga class. Nadia, the instructor, is great. She really knows her stuff and is quite supportive, ensuring we don't force ourselves into positions that will hurt us. Last night, however, I saw another side of Nadia. I think I'll call her "Little Evil One" or "Sister of The Evil One". She pushed us like you wouldn't believe. Oh sure, we didn't strain our bodies, but that doesn't mean we didn't force them into positions that were untested... well at least for me! And there was Nadia, standing over us, not letting us off the hook, despite our moaning, heavy breathing and cursing under the breath! Although she never called us "wimps", I could feel that coming from her....
At one point, I was having a hard time moving my hips close to the wall, moving into our final stretch of the night. We were on our backs and had to elevate our legs against the wall for the ultimate stretch. I was having problems because we had this pillow under our backs and, for some reason, I couldn't maneuvre myself into the right position. I just couldn't get my butt close enough to the wall! Anyway, it was really awkward for me and Nadia decided to "help" me. Picture this....
- I'm on my back, legs elevated, holding ropes that are coming out from a wall.
- I'm sweating (of course) and starting to get nervous giggles. Oh, and feeling kinda gaseous, so feeling the pressure of not letting go of the gas...know what I mean?!?
- the two other participants are already in position, bums against the wall with legs extended and I'm the only one unable to master the move into the position.
Can you feel my anxiety level?
- Nadia goes behind me and starts to "help" me by pushing my shoulders to the wall...with her feet!!
- Her feet get caught in my hair, so as I move closer to the wall, my hair is being pulled and I feel the pain of embarrassment AND the pain of my hair pulling!
- I begin my nervous giggling and feel the mounting pressure of the gas...
Then, my bum hits the wall... pressure ends...no more nervous giggles... and I can feel the burn of the stretch...
And yoga's supposed to relax you?!?
Well, poppits! I'm off to catch the GO Train for a day of coaching, networking and working out. I'm gonna try and get to 900 steps today...wish me luck!
Cheers!
(a)yt xox
Hello poppits! Happy Thursday!
OK, so here's the dilemma on the sweeteners. Intellectually I understand the evils of the artificial sweeteners. Yes, even Splenda, a sugar derivative, is bad for you. However, I just can't seem to get off of them. I put them in my coffee & tea, in my protein shake, up my nose...kidding, but don't think I haven't thought about it! It's a classic "Catch-22"...you eat them because you crave them and you crave them because you eat them. How does one break the cycle of this madness?!?
Well, here's what I'm committing to do....
I will, by the end of February, work my way off of the sweeteners. We're talking, nothing in the coffee or tea...nothing in the protein shakes...no yogurt...no gum or breath mints...oie! Mental note...don't get too close to me after I've had coffee. I imagine the halitosis will be brutal and I won't be using any mints or gum! Then, I figure it will take at least 2-3 weeks for me to stop craving them, so by end of March I should be fine - definitely something to look forward to!
I'm guessing I'll need an attitude adjustment as well. For example, I'll need to appreciate the taste of the coffee and not the sweetness of the coffee. Shouldn't be a problem for coffee and tea, but the shakes. Remember The Evil One said they tasted "like ass"?!? Well, Stevia helps to reduce the level of ass-ness. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and fight the battle. It will be worth it.
So, last night I did another yoga class. Nadia, the instructor, is great. She really knows her stuff and is quite supportive, ensuring we don't force ourselves into positions that will hurt us. Last night, however, I saw another side of Nadia. I think I'll call her "Little Evil One" or "Sister of The Evil One". She pushed us like you wouldn't believe. Oh sure, we didn't strain our bodies, but that doesn't mean we didn't force them into positions that were untested... well at least for me! And there was Nadia, standing over us, not letting us off the hook, despite our moaning, heavy breathing and cursing under the breath! Although she never called us "wimps", I could feel that coming from her....
At one point, I was having a hard time moving my hips close to the wall, moving into our final stretch of the night. We were on our backs and had to elevate our legs against the wall for the ultimate stretch. I was having problems because we had this pillow under our backs and, for some reason, I couldn't maneuvre myself into the right position. I just couldn't get my butt close enough to the wall! Anyway, it was really awkward for me and Nadia decided to "help" me. Picture this....
- I'm on my back, legs elevated, holding ropes that are coming out from a wall.
- I'm sweating (of course) and starting to get nervous giggles. Oh, and feeling kinda gaseous, so feeling the pressure of not letting go of the gas...know what I mean?!?
- the two other participants are already in position, bums against the wall with legs extended and I'm the only one unable to master the move into the position.
Can you feel my anxiety level?
- Nadia goes behind me and starts to "help" me by pushing my shoulders to the wall...with her feet!!
- Her feet get caught in my hair, so as I move closer to the wall, my hair is being pulled and I feel the pain of embarrassment AND the pain of my hair pulling!
- I begin my nervous giggling and feel the mounting pressure of the gas...
Then, my bum hits the wall... pressure ends...no more nervous giggles... and I can feel the burn of the stretch...
And yoga's supposed to relax you?!?
Well, poppits! I'm off to catch the GO Train for a day of coaching, networking and working out. I'm gonna try and get to 900 steps today...wish me luck!
Cheers!
(a)yt xox
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