Thanks for the reminder.

You know how sometimes life tries to get you to slow down. And the longer you go on, the harder it tries, until finally you're on your ass with life standing over you saying "What now?!"

Goodness. This past week month has been a bit like that. It just seemed like everything was coming to a head and even the simplest, most basic tasks were just too much.

So the Universe, in her infinite wisdom, kindly handed me a bout of mastitis that forced me to stay in bed, cycling between feeling freezing cold and sweltering hot, sleeping for about 20 out of the 24 hours. A slap in the face if there ever was one to not just slow down but STOP.

Only now, my to-do list is massive, but hey, I'm rested!

But I realized something while I was lying in bed. I've let myself go. I have truly failed myself. There was a time, not terribly long ago when I was making myself a priority; exercising, tending to my own needs, etc. Yet somewhere along the line, I lost sight of how important I am.

And it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're neglecting yourself. Easy to feel resentful when you tend to everybody's needs but your own.

I've never done this before but I've read of other people doing this: I have chosen a word for 2013. A word to guide me and focus on throughout the year. A word to keep me in tune with my goals. I encourage you to do the same. My word:

Nurture

Here's to taking care of me. 

the spirit of the season

Like every year before, the holidays have once again snuck up on me. It always seems that one day the air is just becoming crisp and the leaves are a fire of colors. Then suddenly the world goes gray and asleep and winter's cold, dark embrace clutches our very bones.

Embracing the spirit of the season takes on a deeper meaning when you think beyond the consumerism and hustle and bustle typically associated with this time of year. With the impending hurriedness of the coming weeks, I thought it would be a good time to remind both you and myself to make time for, well, ourselves.

Now is the time to turn inward. Move slowly. Nourish and replenish body and soul. Rest.
Just as we cycle between sleep and wakefulness, so we cycle with the seasons. Allow yourself to mindfully process the previous year so you can recover and make space for the coming one.

Take a moment, if you will, step back from it all and b r e a t h e.

curiouser and curiouser

It is truly amazing what a little effort and time to nurture self can do.
In the 3 weeks since my weight loss challenge began, I have lost about 5 pounds and gained energy, discipline, strength and motivation.
Rather than start with drastic lifestyle changes that would likely overwhelm and lead to burn-out, I've put my effort toward simple swaps that have had big impact.
I encourage anyone on a weight loss journey to begin their first four weeks with these simple steps
(the hard stuff can come later, once these have become habit):

:: Get some sleep! And be consistent. Try to get to bed and wake up at the same time each day... yes, even on weekends. Learn what your body needs... I shoot for 7 1/2 to 8 hours each night.
:: Plan meals and snacks. Find a free template online or create your own. I plan my week's meals a few days in advance so I'm never caught off guard come meal time.
:: Drink water- I drink at least 60 ounces daily, just shy of one ounce per inch of my height. Drink a glass first thing in the morning and often throughout the day.
:: Eat 'power foods'. I like the Abs Diet list.
:: Eat often. Seems counterintuitive but if you get too hungry, you'll probably overdo it the next time.
:: Take a multivitamin and fish oil. I take mine just before bed so my body can first absorb nutrients from the food I eat throughout the day.
:: Eliminate refined sugar as much as possible. Raw honey, (real) maple syrup, stevia, sucanat and agave are good alternatives.
:: Decrease alcohol consumption.
:: Eliminate temptation. Get rid of the junk food in your cupboards. If you're anything like me, if it's there, you'll eat it.
:: Replace processed foods with whole foods.
:: Remember: this meal is not your last. Learn and listen to your body's fullness cues and stop eating when you're satisfied. There's no need to clear your plate at each meal. Serve yourself less to begin with if you have a hard time throwing away food.
:: Start exercising. Start small and do what you can for now. Remember the hard stuff can come later.
:: Be flexible. Life happens. Plan for slip-ups and changes to your routine. This isn't all or nothing.
:: Be gentle, set goals and remind yourself why you are doing this.

{disclaimer... I am not a professional or expert... this is what has worked for me... I encourage you to do your own research and discuss weight loss and fitness goals with a professional}

Also, tell people about your goal. Spread the word that your are on a path to transform your body and life! If they love you, they'll encourage you, cheer you on and keep you in check when you face temptation or discouragement.

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