Once change starts…things are never the same again.

It never fails, once changed has been initiated, your world is altered forever.

No matter how much you fight it, or try to explain it away, the reality is that it will never go back to “when it was good” or the way it was before.

We try so hard to keep things from changing in our world, especially when it is what we thought we wanted, or needed, in our life.  What we need to accept is that change happens for a reason. Somehow, someone in your world isn’t happy with the way things are. They initiate the change. And you have to deal with it.

A wisdom I’ve learned over the years is to “go with the flow.” The times I have tried to fight the inevitable, I’ve always lost. Even if I think I’ve won, things never go back to the way they were. Feelings are changed forever. Maybe not drastically, but its definitely different.

Sometimes it feel like you are getting bombarded with a lot of changes all at once. It’s exhausting! That’s when you need to get more sleep. Try to remain calm. Exercise. Breath! Do whatever you derive comfort from. It’s also important to remind yourself  what’s really important in life.

The smoother we can handle these times of transition, the sooner it will be over. Fighting prolongs the pain of change. Accepting the new conditions shortens the recovery period.

Acceptance is the key. Choose to respond in a positive way. Make the most of the situation, what ever it is. Don’t participate in the negative. This too will pass. Life will settle back down, and you will be happy again.

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!

It’s so important that you are constantly learning something new.

It stimulates your brain, your curiosity, and your interest in life.

Whether it is a foreign language, a new skill for your career, or something new in the “amazing – frustrating- world of computers”, you need to be learning something.

I’m learning how to build a website, edit it, and  manage it on my own. I feel like I’m in labor with another child. Literally! It’s painful at times, but I will be more self sufficient for it. That’s worth the pain, right?

I’m sure, in time, my selective memory will kick in and I’ll forget the hair raising shrieks that escaped from my mouth during this process.

I must admit though, I’m feeling more powerful with my increasing knowledge. Pretty soon I will be Super Website Woman!  Ok, maybe not.

But that’s my goal right now. To feel better about myself each and every day.

And it builds on itself. Self confidence builds exponentially.  It’s magic!  And we are focusing on rebuilding ours after divorce.

Learning something new each day feeds that growth.

• Read something inspirational at the end of each day.
• Sign up for a new class or seminar on something relevant to your business or interests.
• Practice vocab for the foreign language you’ve chosen to learn.
• Cook a new recipe for dinner.

Your Declaration:

“I commit to learning something new each and every day!”

Now DO IT!  It’s Your Turn!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!

This is another time for you to be SELFISH.

When you exercise, it is all about YOU, no one else. No cell phones, no business, no diverting your focus.

If you must multi-task, do it in your breathing, your awareness and your enjoyment.

A few tips before you start:

1.  Get music on your i-Pod that has the same beat of the speed that you want to walk. That makes it easier to stay at a consistent pace without too much thought. Always have the volume low enough that you can hear what is going on around you. You are empowered and in control now, act like it!

2.  The better your breathing, the easier, and longer you can exercise. Breathe in through your nose, and out your mouth. Breathe in for the count of 5 and out for the count of 3. In through your nose for 5, and out through your mouth for 3. Even when you get winded, stay in control of your breathing. In 5, out 3. Controlled breathing will help keep you from panting, and help keep your heart rate at a safe level. If you can’t maintain this breathing pattern, slow down!

3.  Use a heart rate monitor. Just go buy one, and use it each time. The monitor will keep you informed of how efficiently you are working out. You want to stay within a “fat burning” zone.  The optimal zone will be between 130 to 145 beats per minute. The monitor tells you what your heart rate is, based on your physique . If you get higher than 145, slow down. If you are interval training, you can go as hard as you can for about a minute, then slow back down for 5 minutes until your heart rate gets back down to 130, then go again. As far as length of time, your goal is 45 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week.

4.  If the temperature is 85 degrees or hotter, take water with you. Don’t run the risk of getting overheated. It’s not worth it! Also be relentless with the sunscreen. From the base of the neck up, use at least 45 spf zinc oxide sunscreen. SkinCeuticals has a good one. And a hat or visor is a must.

If you will power walk, instead of run, you will get all of the cardio benefits without the wear and tear on your body. Hugely important.

Drink water! Drink water! Drink water! Stay hydrated.

When you are walking, make sure you know what is going on around you. Safety is the key! Take your dog, if you have one. Also choose a route that is aesthetically pleasing. A neighborhood with big houses, a local park with lots of trees and shade. Whatever you have access to, make sure you don’t get bored visually. This will increase your enjoyment.

Try to tighten your abdominal muscles while you walk. It will take awhile to do it automatically, but the more you tighten your stomach muscles, the firmer your torso will become. Also, bend your arms at the elbow and pump them with each step. You will burn more calories this way.

If your lower back starts hurting, it may be because your hamstrings need to be stretched out. After the first 5 to 10 minutes of your walk, stop and stretch your calf muscles by putting the ball of your feet on the top of a curb, and lower your heels down to the street level. It’s easier to do this leaning on a mail box or light poll. Give the stretch 1 to 2 minutes, and don’t bounce.

Then with your knees slightly bent, lean over to touch the ground. Let your body hold that position for at least a minute to stretch the hamstrings. Again, no bouncing. Then get back to the rest of your power walk.

At the end of your walk, give yourself the last 5 minutes to cool down. Slow down your pace, so that your body can naturally cool down without completely stopping.

Use this exercise time with yourself, for yourself. Do your affirmations, work out your current problems, reinforce your new attitude and approach to life. What you focus on expands. Use this time to focus on the NEW YOU.

With every step you take, you are reinforcing your new direction in Life. See it!  Live it!  Be it!

Happy Living!

Christia

The Most Selfish Woman in America!