Strong Mind Leads to Strong Body!

My theory is that the first battle of weight loss and fitness is waged in the mind. Once you've conquered the mind - at least overpowered it to work for you instead of against you - then your body naturally follows. Hence, in my last post (Oct. 4, 2007), I shared with you the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt. Dick subjected himself to rigorous physical training in order to provide a dream-come-true experience for his handicapped son, Rick. This man wasn't a runner, and I don't think he really even knew how to swim. But for the sake of his son, he took the challenge of training for races, later for marathons, and then unbelievably, ironman competitions. He had to gird his mind to force his body to comply with such training; if his mind wasn't fully engaged in it, he wouldn't have succeeded!

Well lo and behold, my newspaper published a story today about the "true grit" of a local U.S. soldier who was severely injured in Iraq in September 2006, and finally returned home a few weeks ago. The incredible part of Rick Yarosh's story is not the explosion that burned and scarred his face so terribly that his nose and ears are gone, or that he rolled into contaminated water to put out his fire only to have the bacteria in the water cause cholera and skin fungus, or that his shattered right leg had to be amputated below the knee, or his hands are mutilated, or even that he's had to be away from family and friends while in Texas at a military hospital and rehabilitation for a year. No, the absolutely incredible and beautiful part of this story is this man's attitude, his strength of mind to focus on his little improvements and what he can do, instead of on the long, long difficult road ahead of him and the things he can't do. It's absolutely awe inspiring.

So once again, I'm providing a link to a story of another human being who has overcome overwhelming circumstances. And my point? To remind you that whatever problem you're facing, the battle to beating it begins in the mind! We can relate this idea to health and fitness. Once you dig down deep inside you and find a reason for WHY you should pursue better health, then conviction grabs hold and you've got half the battle won. The next step is to then move your body in an "amped up" way from what you are used to - and not leisurely for just a few days a week! Commit to 45 minutes to one hour at least five days a week! You might as well face the music now - changing your shape and health is going to be hard work. If you can accept that, then you're on the road to progress. Last, change one poor nutrition habit - and there you go, take baby steps forward toward your goal. Focus on how you're improving and not on the long road ahead of you!

Can't Get Much More Inspiration Than This!

All of us need inspiration to pursue our goals at one time or another. To achieve better health, it takes commitment, hard work, discipline, and desire. After looking at these two videos, I think you'll agree that you can't find something much more inspiring than this. This is a true love story between a father and a son...a father who gives his entire self to helping his handicapped son reach his goals. The first video is a little over five minutes and the second is a little over four. If this video makes you want to grab life today, commit to something difficult, and gives you courage, then it will be the best 10 minutes you've spent this year! In your moments of weakness, remember: Anything is possible!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPSUrR3ipQc&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gm7XwtIJdM

Get off the sidelines and live life! You CAN!

Life's Not a Dress Rehearsal

I don't know who originally said this, but this came through on an e-mail today and it's definitely worth repeating:

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present. Live and savor every moment...life is not a dress rehearsal.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Got that? Such a simple statement but so profound. How many of you watch others live life (on television, in movies, in books) instead of living it yourself! How many of you wish and wish and wish for better health, to be more in shape so you have the energy and stamina to actually go out and do the things that look like fun, but don't have the courage to step out and make the changes necessary to get your wish? (By the way, wishing hard enough won't make it happen - YOU have to make it happen!)

It's possible! Yes, it is. Don't play the victim anymore. Refuse to listen to lies that hold you back from accomplishing your health goals. For some reason, we have this mentality that we can only pursue better health if we're 100% sure that we won't fail, or slip here and there. If we think we can't be perfect at our pursuit of weight loss and fitness, then we don't even try in the first place! We don't see that little steps are just as important as giant leaps!

Picture this: Getting anywhere takes placing one foot in front of the other. Sometimes we have to back track before we can go forward again. Sometimes we stand still in place and regroup. But then we march forward again. And each march forward puts us closer to our destination.

Pursuing your health goal not only starts with this kind of a journey, but it ends up being a lifelong journey. Now don't let that scare you! That's not a bad thing; it's a beautiful thing! I have come to terms with the fact that until the day I die, there will not be an "Aha, I've done it, I've arrived, I've now reached my health goal and I'm done!" You see, choosing to eat healthy, choosing to exercise, choosing to LIVE my life instead of watch others live it is a daily decision. Daily. And you know what? That's a blessing. As I look at individuals who struggle with handicaps and illness, I realize what a blessing and opportunity I have to be able to use my two good legs, and two good arms, and healthy heart and muscles. Let me be a good steward of them (see my 8/28/07 post)! And for those individuals struggling with handicaps or illness, being in the best possible health you can be in is even more vital.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is the real show. Now go live it!

Lose a Jeans Size in Four Weeks???!!!

I just found a site for those who want more structure in their quest to drop a jeans size...and a support group to boot. I tend to be more of a loner, and I need flexibility. But there are those who thrive on a community of fellow fitness hounds and who desire a list of "to dos". If that fits you, check out this Web site sponsored by Fitness Magazine. It's a national challenge to lose a jeans size in four weeks.

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/ycdi/?psrc=fitycdihp

I ask you to remember one thing: Pleeeeease keep more focused on your overall health than on the number on your jean's tag. Go ahead and glean from the site ways in which you can incorporate healthier choices into your everyday life. Exercise must be one of your priorities as well as healthier food choices. (Don't let the idea of exercise intimidate you - just start moving your body every day in a manner that's "amped" up from what you're used to!) And maybe this challenge is just what you need to jump start your motivation for change.....

And again - You CAN do it! :-)