I‘m not going to lie: I really struggled writing this post. In fact, I kept putting it off and looking for distractions (also known as excuses) to avoid writing this. I even went so far as to dust and I hate dusting. It makes me sneeze. And yes, I recognize if I dusted more frequently, then there would be less dust to make me sneeze. This type of thinking can give me a headache, so I avoid it. Just like I tried to avoid writing about my goals for the month.
It’s not like I don’t believe in goals. I very much do and typically respond best to clear, actionable goals. Professionally, I am very goal-driven because I like the satisfaction goal success gives me. But when it comes to my personal life, I don’t take them very seriously. This needs to change. But I’ve been feeling incredibly resistant to it, and I’m not sure why.
I’m Still Peeling the Onion
I love the movie Shrek. Puss in Boots is my favorite character, for obvious reasons, but I love all the characters. And in the movie, Shrek compares himself to an onion with layers to peel away.
I’ve got layers too. Sometimes, I peel away a layer thinking I’m “fixed” and ready to move on and get healthy, but then discover another layer to peel. And this layer seems to be superglued.
I truly want to get healthy and lose weight. And I truly believe that I can do it. I also am truly struggling to make the commitment and do the work. It’s confusing and a little disheartening at times. But I am not giving up. I am, however, starting slow and taking baby steps. It has been my tendency to attempt too much at once and give-up because I feel overwhelmed (I most likely did this intentionally too). I’m trying to find that balance where I am compassionate with myself and not a bully about past or present mistakes, while also being firm, focused and taking action. It’s a hard balance to find.
My February Goals Are …
At first, I was a bit embarrassed to share them. They seem so simple and basic. And they are. However, every single goal brings me another step closer to getting fit and healthy and more importantly — they are things that I wasn’t doing before.
- Start a Vitamin Regiment: I want to take a daily vitamin, calcium, and biotin (my hair is thinning and I’m not a happy camper about it).
- Drink More Water: I don’t meet the daily requirements, not even close. I’m going to buy a bottle and fill it every morning with the intent to drink at least 48 oz. This is lower than the recommended amount but a huge increase for me.
- Buy a swimsuit and swim 1-2 times a week: The pool in my apartment is closed for renovations but it is my understanding that it should reopen this week. It’s my intention that once this becomes consistent to add some strength training and another day of cardio, but I’m starting slow to help form a habit that I’ve been incredibly resistant to doing. 🙂
- Practice daily gratitude: I believe that mental health plays a significant role in our physical health. Gratitude has always helped me recognize and value what I do have and more inclined to work toward what I want with a grateful heart.
You likely noticed that I didn’t include any food goals. This was intentional. I am doing much better in cutting back on sweets, eating more vegetables and fewer carbs, which I intend to keep doing in February. Right now I want to focus on the above goals because they represent the foundation to build upon, and I will add some specific goals around food next month.
Starting a New Way of Life
This is really exciting and really scary for me. I’ve been “heavy” for far too long and I’m anxious to say “bye Felicia” to my flab, but it also makes me a bit nervous too. I’ve used my weight as an excuse to not put myself out there or go beyond my comfort zone. Knowing that excuse will soon be gone, terrifies me and it also makes me really excited about the possibilities too.
What are you goals for February? Do you have any recommendations as to what brand or kind of vitamins to take?
Tanya
Thats so cool you have a pool at your apt. Indoor? Cuz dang it’s been cold and windy! I do a vitamin regiment which a lot of people on my blog poo-pood, but they are also probably in their 20’s. Just you wait people! It’s complicated to write out so you can always email me offline if you want to know. I also recently started trying to add more superfoods like a green powdered drink, since i know me and I’d never be regimented about juicing. The jury is out whether it’s working, so we’ll see if I stick to it. Best of luck and the best way to build habits is to instill a trigger. Something you do that always reminds you to do something else. If that makes sense?
The pool is outdoors but it is heated and I’m banking that I still have enough Minnesotan in me to bear how cold it will be getting in and out. 🙂 Swimming is one of few exercises I do enjoy and it’s super convenient, which is why I’m hoping freezing my bum off won’t stop me from doing it. I am going to email you to get your vitamin regiment because I really need one! As mundane as it may seem, I think I’m just going to have to set an actual alarm on all my devices to remind myself to take my vitamins. I tried putting them on table, etc but I only seem to remember them at 3:00 am in between dreams. 🙂 Hopefully once I get used to taking them, it will become more of a habit that I want it to be!
I think your goals are good ones and very positive. I take a multi-vitamin every day and I also take spirulina. It comes in tablet or powder form. I am not sure but I think it helps with keeping hair healthy but you might want to look into it 🙂
I’ll have to take a look at spirulina and see if it’s something to add to my list. I definitely know that I am deficient in some of my vitamins and I’m hoping this will not only help me feel better, but also give me more energy too.
LOVE these! I love how you are focusing on taking baby steps toward good health and not focusing as much on the food equation. I’m trying to do the same thing. Big success for us both this year, Tanya!!
Thanks, Laurie! I have a tendency to jump too fast and set really big goals that are just overwhelming. This time I’m playing it smart with small, simple but still needed steps that will ultimately help me become healthy. I’m glad you’re doing the same thing, Laurie. We’re in this together, my friend!