Motivation

[Christy Carol]

I found this in Dottie's (dwlz.com) newsletter.




The Power of Words

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say.

Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

Author unknown




Copyright and Disclaimer

Copyright © DWLZ, Inc. - 2008, all rights reserved. This document may be reproduced freely as long as it is always reproduced in its entirety, including this copyright message, and the disclaimer below, and as long as it is always distributed free of charge.

Disclaimer - This newsletter is not meant to be a substitute for any professional advice, guidance, or counseling. We are not doctors. Any information contained in this email reflects our own opinions and experiences. It is not intended in any way to serve as or take the place of medical advice from a physician.

[Twinkle]

Thanks for sharing that Christy. I loved reading it and is soooo true. Now, that is motivation!
:wink:

[ElfSpirit]

Well, I've gotten motivated to make some changes in my exercise plan to try to get the weight loss going again. I've only lost 2 pounds since we all started to keep track of stuff here.

I think it's due to my body getting used to the amount of activity that I've been doing. Where before the amount of exercise I was doing was enough to jolt my body into weight-loss, now it's just 'normal' activity. And I can do more. Right now, I have 2 yoga classes and one ballet class per week...and have gotten out of the habit of doing my home program. Not good! Just got lazy and I am quite disappointed in that. When I sat down to think about it, I had one of those "Do'h" moments! Housework alone doesn't cut it to burn those extra calories; I've got to do the daily program again!!!

So, naturally I realized that starting up the home program was essential. I've decided to do a different exercise program everyday except Sunday, with a combo of cardio, strength and stretching.

My husband and I were going to start an intensive exercise program, but are still waiting on equipment that we need...and DH is not so motivated, it seems, to do anything else at the moment. I had been waiting, but have decided to just do my own thing.

I'm not berating myself for all of this...my schedule had been upset by my having to travel unexpectedly and being sick, so yes, I got out of my habit, but now it's time to re-focus and get back on track.

I've set a goal of 2 months to lose 5 kilos, that's about 11 pounds.
I AM going to look good in that bikini!!! LOL

So, off I go...:c36:

[Christy Carol]

Sounds like you have a plan! 11 pounds in 2 months? That is very doable! Good luck!!

[ElfSpirit]

Thanks, we'll see what happens!
Did my yoga and stretching today, along with some meditation...felt good to do that here at home again.

[Twinkle]

Elf...everything you said makes so much sense. Good for you in not delaying by waiting for exercise equipment. I don't have any equipment and it's amazing what you can do at home with strength and cardios without any aids. I use the system planned for me over at Sparkpeople..The plan is set and I just follow it.
Those walking and music dvd's are also fantastic. I want to get Richard Simmons next..Sweatn to the Oldies. It looks fun and I can relate to the music..Lol..
I really am interested in yoga..Our instructor at work keeps inviting me to her classes...If I could visit her during working hours, I'd definitely be joining but when it's time to go home, she is usually finished for the day. There are classes on tv but they come on very early...Think I'll tape this to get started.
You must have alot of body strength Elf to also be ballet dancing as well.
I'd say you have body muscle that is outweighing the fat and could be why you are loosing slowly...I don't know what my problem is but I'll take a half pound per every two weeks ...just hope that keeps up.
We are doing it though and we are focused..this is what's important..:c70:

[ElfSpirit]

About the muscle - fat thing...yes, I think you hit the nail on the head, Twinkle. I have to be careful not to lose the muscle, as I need it for my dancing. But, I think that's the reason the pounds aren't flying off. I just have to be patient, and also realize that the scale might not come down as much as I would like, even though I would be losing the fat.
Several years ago I was shocked to see the scales at the doctor's office read so much higher than what I looked like I weighed - but the doctor told me that I had no reason to be alarmed. Muscle is always better than fat, even though it's heavier.
I know I focus too much attention, at times, on that number, but if I'm losing inches around my waist and hips, etc. then that's what's important. And, I've heard many times that when you lose weight slowly you have higher chances of keeping it off.

Good for you about the yoga - yes, I love it!

It's too bad that this program my hubby and I were going to do together requires all this special stuff...hopefully we'll get it soon and can still do it, but I've decided that putting things off is not good for me. My hubby can put on his swim trunks and look great right now, but I can't say that about myself! LOL I gotta do something!

Yeah! We're gonna do it!! :c58:

[Twinkle]

To be honest Elf..I would take the muscle weight anyday over the fat and willing to loose weight slowly because of it. So what if the scales don't show but the body strength does and this is so important. I call it definition...haha... My leg strength is slowly being built up with strength exercises but not fast enough because I get lazy. I know my diet is fine but I am sooo lax with the exercises. I've just gotta get that Richard Simmons Sweatin to the Oldies tape. :c11:

[ElfSpirit]

Yes, I've found that if you find something you like, you're more inclined to keep it up. So get that tape, girl!! LOL

[Twinkle]

I looked for Richard Simmons tape at walmart but they didn't have it..I could run to the mall ...I'm sure I'd find it somewhere there but think I may just order it from his website.
I do get more motivated when I can exercise to dance music and I just love those oldies. Lol..:c70:

[ElfSpirit]

I sure hope you find it! Good luck!

[Christy Carol]

There is inside you all of the potential to be whatever you want to be —
All of the energy to do whatever you want to do.
Imagine yourself as you would like to be, doing what you want to do,
And each day, take one step towards your dream.
And though at times it may seem too difficult to continue, hold on to your dream.
One morning you will awake to find that you are the person you dreamed of—
Doing what you wanted to do—simply because you had the courage
To believe in your potential and to hold on to your dream.
~Donna Levine, Blue Mountain



Copyright © DWLZ, Inc. - 2008, all rights reserved.

[ElfSpirit]

What a wonderful message. I love it.

[Christy Carol]

Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
Live with the 3 E's—Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Play more games and read more books than you did in last year.
Make time to practice meditation, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
Dream more while you are awake.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
Smile and laugh more. It will keep the negative blues away.
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
Forgive everyone for everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Remember God heals everything.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Do the right thing!
Call your family often.
Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _______. Today I accomplished ____.
Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change.Copyright © DWLZ, Inc. - 2008, all rights reserved.

[ElfSpirit]

Wow! Those are some powerful words! Thank you for posting this, Christy!