4 Ways to Stick with your Resolutions - #3 of 4 REDUX

We're using the acronym GOAL to keep our resolutions fresh and action - oriented year-round.   The first two were G -- GET GOING NOW!! and O – OUTCOME.  Let’s continue … 

Are you filling in your table/grid?  Are you tracking those resolutions daily?  Are you visualizing your self in that goal?  Can you see yourself in the outcome in the here and now? 

#3 of 4

A = ALLOW 

The early part of 2002 was tough for me.  While I was still reeling from the events of 9/11, I was going through a divorce; I was in a stormy relationship and I weighed 203 pounds.  What turned my life around? One day in February 2002 I got out of breath while tying my sneakers.  I had had it!  I was ready for a change.  The divorce didn’t get signed overnight nor did my current relationship change significantly but I did change my healthy mindset overnight.  Friday I couldn’t tie my sneakers without panting; Saturday morning I was jogging (actually walking not jogging!) in the park, grocery shopping for more nutritious meals and snacks, and losing weight.  Within 5 weeks I lost 8 ½ pounds!  

I knew it would be tough – I love desserts! But by mid-2003 I weighed 149 pounds.  How did I lose the weight and still have dessert? I allowed myself to have my cake and eat it too!  I allowed myself to make mistakes AND LEARN FROM THEM! I allowed myself to have dessert, an extra cookie or two, and discover more about my character.  I learned about my food triggers and my emotional eating habits.  At first it was distressing, but I got an accountability partner (someone whom I would update with my meal intake, eating habits and issues).  I spoke to her twice a week.  In turn, she was telling me about her food issues.  It worked!  WE both allowed ourselves to veer from the ultimate goal only to come back on track quickly.  By the way WE BOTH have kept the weight off since then!  

CALL TO ACTION:  Get 3 accountability partners to achieve your goal.  Yes, 3!! Two of your accountability partners are people who live more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) away from you.   

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#smallchangesarehuge

4 Ways to Stick with Your Resolutions - #2 of 4 REDUX

Remember we're using the acronym GOAL to keep our resolutions fresh and action - oriented year-round.   The first was G -- GET GOING NOW!!  How are you doing on your table/grid?  Are you tracking those resolutions daily?  Take 7 minutes a day to check on your actions.  In one week, you've done 49 minutes of your goal!!!  

#2 of 4
O -- OUTCOME

Taking action steps toward your goals are tough! You are moving into uncharted territory.  You are moving toward your goal.  To maneuver through the quagmire, remember your ultimate outcome.  For example, if you’re ultimate goal is to be 50 lbs. lighter, when times get tough, do some visioning.  Imagine yourself fitting in your clothes with ease and comfort.  Imagine how you’ll look in a new dress or suit.  Imagine your smile of confidence.  Imagine telling your family (or your family telling you) what a great thing you’ve accomplished.  It’s happening NOW.  Not in the future but NOW!  Keeping your eyes on the prize and clearly knowing your outcome is the ultimate high!  

CALL TO ACTION:  Turn the computer off and take that vision quest towards your outcome now.  Unplug and take the time to visualize and then realize.  :)  

Want to have Spirit with a Bite in paperback?  Click here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/crystal-williamson/one-month-of-spirituality-with-a-bite/paperback/product-21488633.html

 #smallchangesarehuge

Influence vs Suggestion

Quote:   We become that which has influenced us the most.  – Wilfred Peterson

Perspective:  I got a little arrogant when I read this quote.  I proudly hailed I am my own person – no reality TV show nor a soap opera nor a political party no social media influence me!  HA!!

Whenever I get that bombastic, I look for humility.  When I couldn’t find any humility, I looked up influence in the dictionary.  One definition is: 

The action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others. 

 What has influenced me has changed over my adulthood.  Media, college, friends, family when I was in my 20s.  My husband (now my ex-husband), colleagues, family, friends, job, my manager in my 30s.  It took until I was 40+ to realize God (HP, the guy upstairs, etc) influences everything I do.  God is my foundation for everything.  My belief in God balances me, helps me show love to others, and has increased my faith.  

In coaching, we ask, “What is your ‘come from’ place”?  Is your ‘come from’ place:  jealousy, greed, procrastination, or fear?  Is your ‘come from’ place:  faith, love, being grateful, happiness, or generosity?  

Those “positive” characteristics are tough for me.  I’m a pessimist.  I’m used to looking on the dark side BEFORE the bright side.  Is it possible I could turn my thinking around 360 degrees?  What if it WAS possible?  What if it IS possible?  It is … I can … it does.  

Now my influence is strong and motivating and progressing me forward.  Thank you HP!!

Call to Action:  What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?  Get a full back tattoo?  Skydive from 5,000 feet?  Tell your partner you love them?  What was your thinking process before, during, immediately afterward?  Relive those moments before, during, and immediately afterward.  Now how do you feel?  What’s the next “crazy” thing you’re going to do???!?!?!    

Next Vlog and Google Hangout:  click the link below (or copy/paste in to your browser) for the invite to the next Vlog on Monday September 22 at 830 PM ET:  Spirit with a Bite Sept 22 Vlog 

Spirit with a Bite is now a BOOK!

Spirit with a Bite's first Vlog !! 

Click here for One Month of Spirituality with a Bite!  

Call to Action:  Stay tuned for more Vlogs!!  http://tinyurl.com/spiritbitebook

 

A Tree Grows ... Wherever -- REDUX

Quote:  When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou  

Perspective:  When I first heard this quote over a decade ago, I thought about my romantic relationships.  Recently, I’ve been expanding it to include familial and casual relationships.  It can be telling why someone has a particular demeanor!  

I had an interesting "adventure" on a subway ride from Brooklyn to my home.  Travel time is normally 1 hour 10 minutes.  Unfortunately, there was a broken rail at the penultimate train station and all passengers had to disembark.  In NYC when you’re train is delayed, you can get a block pass (a piece of paper) from the token booth clerk to travel via an alternate route.  The passes and subsequent ride is free.  The token booth clerk refused to give us a block pass.  She said we didn’t need a pass.  A yelling match ensued with the token booth clerk and the 20 riders.  I was thinking, why is she being so rude?  What’s the big deal?  It’s 11 o’clock at night -- give us the freakin’ passes and let us go home!  

Finally a supervisor heard the commotion and came by.  The supervisor told the clerk to go on break immediately.  The supervisor volunteered to distribute the block passes to us.  As the clerk left the booth, I took a good look at her.  I recognized her!!!  We went to the same junior high school!!!  I remember her being a bully.  She was friends with a crowd of other bullies.  I was one grade ahead of her; she never bullied me.  But I always remembered her and her crowd.  You never forget a bully or that attitude.  

At any point I can change my demeanor, my character, my disposition.  I have to want to change then take the action to do it.  Otherwise, I am the unchanged from age 10 to age 17 to age 45 to age 70+. 

Call to Action:  Start singing/read OUT LOUD the lyrics to RESPECT by Aretha Franklin.  What is your definition now?  

Want to have Spirit with a Bite in paperback?  Click here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/crystal-williamson/one-month-of-spirituality-with-a-bite/paperback/product-21488633.html

Happy vs. Thankful -- REDUX

Quote:  Happiness has nothing to do with your life's circumstances; it’s based on your ability to accept the things you are experiencing. – Nishan Panwar

Perspective:  My level of acceptance depends on my happiness at that moment.  Have I eaten a meal?  Do I need to go to the bathroom?  Am I waiting for a NYC bus in January? 

Or does my level of happiness depend on my acceptance in that moment?  Can I network (or commiserate or just chat) with others after my meal or while waiting for the bus?  What is possible if I’m open?

Yes even if I have to pee … something incredible is possible!!

Accepting is a knowing that whatever comes, I will get through with flying colors.  It’s about bending and being ready for whatever comes my way. 

Have you ever been fired or laid off?  Was your next job more amazing than the previous one?  Or did you start a business that changed the world?  Or just changed YOUR world and YOUR way of thinking?  

When my father died, I realized my mother was my only living parent.  Previous to that, my relationship with her was fractured.  We had little in common.  Did I really want to hang out with her without Dad?!?!!!?? 

One Thanksgiving holiday, Mom and I were watching a comedy film on TV.  It was also one of my father’s favorite films of all time.  Previous to that, I didn't remember Mom EVER enjoying this film.  In fact, I remember her saying it was vulgar.  Now she was laughing so loud and long, she told me her stomach hurt.  In the past, I remember my father loving this comedy and he would laugh so loud and long his stomach would hurt.  My father was there with us watching.  

That’s the day that changed us both.  We started to talk.  Our journey to friendship and hilarity grows every day.

By the way, Mom is 86.  Yes she’s still a pistol!!  

Thank you Mom for showing me acceptance!   

PS >> Yes, I have thanked her in person. 

Call to Action:  What do I continuously justify in my life today?  How am I feeling my way is the only way?  What can I turn over and become free of resentment or remorse or guilt?  Can I hear another point of view?  

Want to have Spirit with a Bite in paperback?  Click here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/crystal-williamson/one-month-of-spirituality-with-a-bite/paperback/product-21488633.html