Women, Food and God

I've been reading a fabulous book, "Women, Food and God" by Geneen Roth. I saw her on Oprah earlier this week, and it just so happened that I had picked up her book in a bookstore the previous week and flipped through it. I went back the next day and purchased it. It has been a very good read. I feel as though I got the exact same message when I read, " The Power of Now" by Eckart Tolle. Both books have confirmed my internal wisdom about the folly of diets. (I purchased the 'Biggest Loser' books but have never read them.) I believe I can and will lose weight by being more conscious in my eating. The one thing I have taken from Geneen's book, is self kindness. I have become kinder to myself. An interesting offshoot of that, is that I am kinder to others as well. The other big change in my life? Getting back to gardening. My mental health is greatly improved to same degree that I spend time in my garden. I feel more balanced, more even. Who would have thought digging in the dirt would accomplish that? Still losing weight even if in tiny bits. Will review the Roth book when I finish reading it.

Modest Loser

The year is off to a grand start. I've been keeping my committment to myself to work out 30 minutes a day, and eat more consciously. My consumption has become less mindless and automatic as I really think about everything I put into my mouth. I'm thrilled with my modest weight loss this past month. I'm taking a look at the biggest loser diet and how it works to give myself some bounderies. I appears very doable, even though I've resisted diets in the past. I'm considering giving it a shot.

Surrender, the Glad Discipline

The busyness of teaching has interrupted my routines. I still write, perhaps my most important discipline of all. I'm making good food choices- when I get time to eat. Yesterday, my teaching schedule was so busy, I didn't get to sit down and each lunch until 5:30 pm. Exercise has been scant, and early morning quiet times few. When this month of teaching is past, I'll get back on track. Even off track, my clothes are fitting better, so I'm making a little progress. I'm learning to surrender to each moment. This way whatever choice I make is the choice that serves me. Whatever happens, I choose it, whatever I choose, happens.

Goals of 2010

A new year means new resolve, and I am resolved to live a better life, and to be a better me. In that vein, behold my goals of 2010, in no certain order:

• complete my masters in nursing education (Dec 2010)
• publish my book (currently 50% completed, and headed in proposal form to an agent)
• improve my Spanish (I'm hoping language school in Mexico will be a part of acheiving this goal)
• increase revenue in my business (I have a specific dollar amount in mind)
• have a monthly date night with my husband and one weekend getaway this year (my only goal dependent on another person's participation)
• surrender to now (more on that later)
• lose 5 pounds per month via conscious eating and intentional exercise (what this blog is all about)

There's my list. A perfect seven. Not too short nor too long. It includes goals for the body, mind, and spirit. It seeks improvement for both my inner and outer aspects. Some are solitary pursuits, and others demand partnerships. I look forward to the year ahead with great expectation and promise. I run with my arms wide open to embrace it.