Only in My Dreams

I made it through the first day of my personal challenges in one piece—what did you expect? I walked for 30 minutes when I got home. I wrote three articles—not just one—yesterday. I'm hoping to get ahead on that challenge.

I Dreamed That I Did It
I did not eat any candy, but dreamed that I did. Isn't that weird? When I first quit smoking seven years ago, I used to dream that I smoked a cigarette and messed up the length of time that I was cigarette free and would have to start all over. That's how my "eating candy" dream went last night. I was so disappointed in myself. Then I woke up and realized that I hadn't eaten the candy and everything was OK.

Power of Positive Energy—And Thinking
I've been praying for positive energy. And I think it's working—whether it's psychological or real, it doesn't matter if it's working. Right? I do think there is something to prayer. Larry Dossey, an M.D., believes in prayer and has seen it work. I believe him. So don't knock until you've tried it.

Even though I feel really tired today, I also feel energized. And I have a lot to do. So I need to get to it. More updates as I go along with my personal challenge. Pray for me. Please.

Facing Life Head On

I decided that my blog needs a lot more than witless droning about the same old things everyday. How can I be expect to do well in any kind of journey—let alone a weight-loss one—if I keep myself in a depressed state of mind? I can't. I also decided that I need to set up some challenges for myself.

Now you're probably thinking that I'm talking about weight-loss challenges, but that ain't necessarily so. I decided to set up some life challenges—the kind that will make my life better. How do I know this will work? I prayed to God and He pitied me—and gave me some answers. He said: It's me. I have to do it. And that the fortune I seek will be at the end of a long journey, filled with fraught and perils. OK. I stole that from O' Brother, Where Art Thou? But the message is the same. Anything in life that's worth anything comes to us because we work for it—often really hard, never giving up. And hard work is that much more rewarding.

How is that a plan?
So what am I going to do? First I have to set up some ground rules for my challenges. Just saying that I'm going to do something won't move me to do it. I need a plan. For one thing, any challenge I take on will have to last for 30 days. They say—whoever they are—that if you do something for 30 days, it becomes a habit. So that's my plan for now—at least until I can think of other things that will be necessary for me to get to my goal.

No Candy for You
My first challenge is a weight loss challenge, and it's simple. I can't go to Betty's office to get candy for 30 days—starting today. Sounds easy, but knowing there's a candy dish up there filled with all kinds of chocolate is really tempting. I figure, though, after 30 days I won't want it any more.

Hey, I'm Walking
I will get some kind of exercise everyday for 30 days for at least 30 minutes. I don't have to go to a gym. I can do whatever it is I want to do—walking, videos, or the gym if I choose.

Writing Something Everyday for 30 Days
My next challenge—and I can't believe I'm making this publicly—I will write 30 articles in 30 days for my Suite101 account. I know I can do it. My biggest obstacle in this is me. I let writer's block take over so I can say I can't do it. I know I can get beyond myself.

So those are my challenges for myself.

My Articles

Today, I'm just promoting my articles on Suite101.com. Check them out.

Who am I?

I'm not a person who doesn't like change. You'll probably notice that I flipped the blog around. But, once again, it's OK. I'm still the person behind the curtain. I'm trying to make changes that reflect a New Year is once again upon us. .

I've been thinking a lot about who I am. And I'm really trying to figure it out. If I could make contact with the inner me, I think I would have the answers to a lot of questions.

I think this photo says a lot. The conflict between the two worlds is undeniable.

I'm working on the food addiction article and hope to have it posted on Suite101 soon. I'm having trouble getting going on the article today. But in the meantime, check out The Guide to Behavior Change.

Check out Endocrine Journal Club's blog. I like this site.

If It's Tuesday. . . .

It's Tuesday.

Well, I'm back to the gym on a somewhat regular basis. In the last six days, I've been there four. So, that's saying something. And the diet is slowly getting better.

I pray everyday for some kind of divine intervention. I'm tired of struggling through life like it is. If I had the financial means to retire, I would.

I have a motivational saying on the wall in front of me at work. It says, "Motivation is what gets you started. habit is what keeps you going." —Jim Ryun. I'm trying to get back into the habit. I still can't believe I was sick for almost a full year. Where is the fairness in life? Ugh. At least I felt guilty this morning for not going—then wished I would've gone despite the sinus headache. So that's good. Making excuses for not going doesn't seem like such relief anymore.

I'm going to start doing some writing for Suite101. I already have a couple of people lined up to interview—a personal trainer and a registered dietitian. So be looking for those stories soon. I'll let you know when they're published. I'm looking forward to writing something other than environmental issues. It should be fun.