Merry Christmas Everyone!
The photo is from today's Rudolph Run. That is me in the red sweatshirt. I do not know who the other people are, but I must tell you that they finished a lot before me! The picture is from the Rudolph Run web site.
This year for Christmas I offer you the gifts that I have received during my learning to "live better" process that I started about 18 months ago.
1) Try New Things, Even If You Are Skeptical
If you had asked me 2 years ago if I would try acupuncture, I am sure I would have said; "No!" As my faithful readers know, not only has acupuncture helped, it has also provided MANY amusing stories!
2) It's Okay to Be the Caboose
As long as you are trying it is okay to take longer than others. Whether you cross the finish line last, or first, you still crossed the finish line! For my friends that are also trying to lose weight and be healthy, do not compare yourself to others. Everyone is different and we all get there as long as we stay on the track.
3) Laugh At Yourself
Earlier this week I put on my Facebook status about a bad day I experienced. I ripped my pants, lost my parking card, and locked my keys in the office building. However, not once did I chastise myself or get upset. There was nothing I could do about any of it after it happened. All I could do was laugh at myself and learn the lessons from it!
4) Forgive
Over the past year I have heard some rude comments regarding my quest to live healthier and lose weight. I do not hold on to those comments because they add to my "weight." It is best to forgive those that do not understand or stay away from the negativity. Part of forgiving is realizing the comments or actions of others normally has nothing to do with you.
5) Live To Fight Another Day
As we all know, I sometimes get discouraged with my training and placement in the Walk/Runs in which I "compete." For example, today I REALLY wanted to not be in last place. As I started to pick up the pace to pass the folks in front of me, I felt my injured hamstring snap. It was then that I realized and actually thought the words; "Live to Fight Another Day." I could have tried to pick up the speed and undoubtedly caused further injury. For what purpose? It is okay to rest and recover in order to fight future battles.
6) Live Simply
I have yet to accomplish living simply, but you will notice in the next year it will be a big part of my weight loss and healthy living goals. I also think it is appropriate for Christmas time. We all need to remind ourselves of what is really important. I do not need to have a lot of material extras in order to be happy and healthy. I just need food, clothing, shelter, transportation, my pets, friends and family.
7) Be Happy With Who You Are
Even though I am on a mission to improve my health I must be happy with who I am as a person. There are many things that I cannot change nor should I. We all need to be happy with the core of our being. If we are not happy with who we are then we can never truly reach any of our goals.
8) Always Continue To Improve
I believe it was Benjamin Franklin that wrote something about once you change one habit there will always be another habit to change...it is a vicious cycle. That is okay with me. I know that I will always have to try to live healthy. It will not be something that can ever be "turned off" and become a habit necessarily. Some of it is easier now, but not all of it. The past few months have not been as good as others in the respect of eating choices, but my exercise has been the best ever. It will always be something to continue to improve upon for the rest of the time I have to spend on earth. I must make the best of it!
9) Just Live
Stop and smell the Roses! We all flit from here to there and everywhere. Be sure to experience pure joy once a day. Play fetch with the dog. Hug a kid. Watch the clouds. Just enjoy the time you have on earth. We all need to make sure to enjoy life every day.
10) Be Thankful and MEAN IT!
I want to thank everyone that has supported me and offered words of encouragement. I also want to thank those that read my blog, but never say a word. Due to the wonders of tracking on the internet I know you are out there...thank you for reading! Most importantly, I need to thank my Sister who listens to all of the good and bad, my friends who are patient with me, and Kristi's Army (PT Bruiser, the Social Workers, the Dietitians, Dr. Pins and Needles, and of course Dr. Pita (even though he can wear the same pants he wore in High School)).
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!
Kristi
Published to http://kristiasher.blogspot.com
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