Today’s BetterU blog by……ANNE!
Another day, another opportunity to take care of me! The first thing I do every morning when I open my eyes is give thanks. I say a quick prayer to remind myself that I am not alone in my journey. My next thoughts typically turn to my daily plan. Work commitments? Outfit for the day? Is it going to be hot, cold, raining? Exercise plan? Food plan? Can I train the cats to bring me my coffee?
Yes, my brain likes to take over once I’m awake and yes, I’m a planner. I have written a weekly plan since I was 12 years old. Wow, 46 years of planners, notebooks and lists. I used to think of it as a curse but I’ve learned to use it to my advantage. My planning has helped me maintain a home and family as a single parent. It helps me excel in my career. Now my planning is helping me with my fitness goals.
Truth be told, I’ve been in this place before. I have oftentimes had gaps in my responsibilities and have been able to sneak in “taking care of me” time. My problem (IN THE PAST) was my willingness to change my plans if anyone or anything needed my attention. In short, I only penciled me into my schedule while everything else was written in permanent marker.
So now the challenges emerge. What’s going to be different this time?
It might sound silly to say but I honestly FEEL different. My approach this time is looking long-term. I’m not looking at the Better U program as an opportunity to make a quick fix. My planning – fitness and food – are sustainable beyond the designated program time. I’m not overly focused on the scale. I’m working on feeling good, eating right, making small changes with big results over time. This introduces yet another challenge. I am a competitive person. I want to be the one who succeeds. I want to be the cream that rises to the top. I like being a leader and motivator. Yup…I want to be the Better U poster child of ‘look at what you can do’. I am finding it challenging to stay on my course and not kick it into hyper drive. That’s where the daily prayers help. That’s where my mantra (What’s your goal?) refocuses me and my actions. I’m learning to redefine success. I’m learning that I can still motivate without being hyper-Anne.
Stay the course.
Better U is helping me focus and understand that I am already an awesome me and deserving of self-care.
Life is good and I am blessed.
#healthymindbodyspirit