Promise yourself this one thing...

You will commit to your health. I know baby steps is such a cliche but in my experience that is how I've been able to achieve anything. Taking baby steps is the best way to overcome that all or nothing mentality. You see I suffered from AON (All or Nothing) syndrome and it got me to Nowheresville. Have you been there? You should have seen me there.

You ask how can you commit to your health? It's easy it doesn't have to be difficult at all. Here are somethings that can help you commit to your health;

Ask yourself if eating that food item is worth it (calories, points, mental state). It will all depend on your situation. Sometimes it may be, sometimes it may not.

What will are the consequences of eating that food item? Euphoria knowing you ate something that was good for you? Pain because its something you're allergic to but you're willing to deal with the pain just to have seconds of taste. Guilt? Do you like feeling bad for eating something you knew was not the best choice?

What ONE thing can you do today to improve your health? Take a walk, drink water, take a multi-vitamin, eat a serving of veggies or fruits, have breakfast, walk in place for 15 mins.

What does healthy look like to you? I'm not talking about what the media portrays as "healthy." I'm talking about what does healthy look like to YOU? A size 12? Eating raw foods? Preparing for a 5K? Think about it, once you establish what it looks like next step will be, how do you get there? Write down the steps. Now do it! See, you're well on your way!

There's much to think about. Let me know the ONE thing you can do today to commit to your health.

Making the shift

School starts Monday and I have to say that I'm quite excited to return. At least most of me is. The other part of me, I would say 20% is a bit apprehensive. Why you ask, well because I've been unemployed for over a year and making a shift to a new career and way of life is a bit scary.

Like most of us I'm used to clocking in and out for someone else. While I hated that life it was predictable and "easy" for the most part. I knew I would get a paycheck every 2 weeks on Thursday. Before I lost my job I had my entire year of paychecks planned out. It was nice. My work environment wasn't though.

As I return to school I reflect on why I chose this new career path. I'm in school for Graphic Design. I've longed to be a graphic designer for as long as my daughter has been on the planet...8 years. I was chicken, intimidated, and had MAJOR feelings of inadequacy when I thought about making the career change. Prior to receiving the scholarship to return to school I was faced with attempting to re-enter a field of work that I truly had no interest in. I'd been in retail for over 25 years and I kinda know the industry like the back of my hand. That didn't mean that I wanted to return to it. Long hours, management who knew less than you do, and just an all around thankless job.

I wanted a career with more meaning, a career that allowed me to use my creativity plus my love of craft and design. The unfortunate or should I say the most challenging aspect of this new career venture is the unpredictability. I would be a freelance designer which allows me to be my own boss, but also means financial irregularity & unpredictability. I ask myself if I'm ready for this leap (I'm still quite scared) and I'm proud to say that I am. I'm facing new challenges in my life but it's something I think I can manage.

Are you in a career that has elements of uncertainty? How do you handle it?

Paul McKenna

You may have noticed that I've mentioned Paul McKenna's name a couple times since I've been back. Have you heard of him? Well he guarantees he can make you thin. While the title "I Can Make You Thin" seems pretty bogus I still bought the book. I know I'm crazy! I actually bought the book over a year ago and only started using his "system" this past September. I thought to myself, nothing else has worked with this weight loss situation why not give this a try!

I'm proud to say that it does work!! You read that right! It does!! Now before you leave my blog to head over to Amazon or your local bookstore (thinking I have such a strong influence on you..) there are some things you need to know.

Warning caps are coming... YOU WILL NOT LOSE THE WEIGHT FAST! Gasp!!! But you WILL lose weight. I've lost over 7 pounds since I started listening to his CD back in September. I know that is not alot, but I haven't changed anything else. I wanted to prove this dude wrong. Looks like he proved me wrong. Darn foiled again!

Here's a basic run down, Read the book first (it only takes a 1-2 hours). Follow the four golden rules in the book:

Golden Rules:

1. When you're hungry, EAT
2. EAT WHAT YOU WANT, not what you think you should
3. Eat CONSCIOUSLY and enjoy every mouthful
4. When you think you are full, STOP eating

That's it! Well he also asks you to listen to the CD that is enclosed every night for 2 weeks. I personally think you should listen to it every night for as long as you're actively losing weight. I personally listen to it while I'm falling asleep. He said its best when you do. I can tell you that my thoughts toward food are different. I don't eat every bite on my plate and I crave healthy foods. I think twice about eating junk foods. I can tell you that since I've been listening to his CD I haven't had the remote desire to eat McDonalds! That's saying alot because I was a Quarter Pounder with Cheese junkie!

Have you tried it? or any other self hypnosis system? I would love to hear about it! Comment below!