Hello, Goodbye: Week One

Alright...

So far I've had some fun with this page of the blog.  I've taken a bit of time to explain my logic behind this madness, and explore some of my goals...and while I'm sure there will be more posts with similar themes to come, today it's time to get down to business.

Recently, as I was thinking about what this lifestyle change would entail, I realized that being successful would require a lot of sacrifice.  In just the few short weeks since I've started this journey I've been making better decisions, but I know I've still got a long way to go.

Because of this, I'd like to start challenging myself each week to say "hello" to a healthy habit, and "goodbye" to an unhealthy one.  My hope is that with enough weeks built up under my belt, I'll be laying the foundation the healthier lifestyle I am seeking.

Now here's the deal.  The point of this exercise is not to ban myself from eating cookies for the rest of my life.  In fact, the point of this has more to do with teaching myself will-power more than anything else...and I think that's a bit more realistic.

My hope is that giving myself boundaries week after week will eventually train my mind to make better choices on its own.  For example, if I challenge myself to not drink soda for the week then each day I will have that on my mind.  Each day I will make a conscious decision to tell myself "no" to an unhealthy habit, and tell myself "yes" to a healthy one.  Then the next week, and the week after, and on, and on, and on, I'm hoping I'll stop and think twice each time Dr. Pepper taunts me.

It's sad to think that I'm 28 years old, on my way to 29, and I'm faced with the challenge of retraining my mind.  I've been stuck in my ways for such a long time...so to suddenly flick a light-switch to change the way I look at things is going to be a challenge.

That being said...

This week I challenge myself to say hello to the gym after work (for at least 30 minutes), and goodbye to eating after 8 pm.

One of my goals was to no longer view exercise as an optional choice.  I realized that I've played around for the past several years...I've had my fun...but now it's time to work.  The days of finding an excuse to avoid working out have got to be over.

Eventually, I'd like to work into gym time of at least an hour, five days per week...but this week will be all about disciplining my mind to just get there, and make it the place my car automatically drives when I get off of work.  I'm sure it will take longer than just this week, but you've got to start somewhere, right?

Saying goodbye to eating after 8 pm will be challenging too...especially because I am what you might call a "grazer."  Just like cattle graze the fields all day long, I graze through my kitchen frequently whenever I'm home. 

Honestly, there is absolutely no reason for me to eat anything after 8 pm, which means I've got to find a way to mentally change the way I view my desire for food at this time of night.

Anyone following along with this blog is welcome to join in with this challenge.  Or, make your own challenge for the week.  What healthy habit will you say "hello" to, and what unhealthy habit will you say "goodbye" to?  Leave me a comment and let me know if you'll be joining in, or describe the challenge you've created for yourself. 

At the end of this week, I'll post an update on this post to let you all know how I did.  I want to know how you all did with your challenge too!  Best of luck!

xo, Kelli

Comments

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Good on you! I joined the gym last February in preparation for our wedding in September. I lost 4 kg and I felt good. But then, of course, my mind decided that the results were taking too long, that it wasn't worth the effort. This year has been pretty crap in terms of actually going to the gym. I started a new job (teaching kindergarten this year!) and OMG the hours I had to put in for the first three months...well how could I possibly go to the gym when I was starting work at 7:30am and not finishing til 6pm?? Term 2 was slightly better, I think I managed to go maybe 10 times? Each time telling myself 'at least I'm here today'.
Its not good enough is it? I'm on school holidays for two weeks, and I have made myself go to the gym after dropping my husband to work. It's freezing here and working out at 6:30am is not my idea of a good time! But I need to do this, I need to get this into a habit otherwise I'm just wasting my money and ultimately my health.
My other major issue is food. When you find the miracle food plan let me know! I can't seem to find a weekly plan that's healthy, interesting and most importantly EASY! Also chocolate is my friend ;)
Sorry for the epic comment but your posts resonate with me and your determination inspires me :)