January 2011  - Making Balanced New Year Resolutions!

Happy New Year to you all

May it be filled with success, joy and happiness in all you do.

I don’t know about you, but I have definitely eaten more than usual over this time and done less exercise too? Breaking my wrist six weeks ago hasn’t helped me on the exercise front either!

It would be so easy to start the New Year just focusing on my body and needing to lose a few kilograms; but I am so acutely aware that I am not just a body…..I am also a feeling, thinking, spiritual being that is generally at peace and feeling good when I am nurturing and taking care of all of me (body included). If one part of my life is out of sync; so often it shows in other areas too (like even just putting on a few kilograms).

So I have decided to start 2011 spring-cleaning every part of me and all areas of my life.

And I encourage each and every one of you to perhaps look at doing the same thing?

Here are some of the main areas I am going to concentrate on:

Clutter - If I want to make room for new things, it means clearing out things that no longer have a purpose in my life (this applies to mental clutter too!!)

How much unwanted clutter to you have around you?

Are there people or institutions that may benefit more from things that just gather dust in your drawers or cupboards? Things like: old cell phones, printers, computers you have replaced, how about clothing, dishes you never use, tools that have never seen a workbench? Even paper, old magazines, bottles and jars can all be recycled.

We all have memorabilia that we keep; but notice if looking at, and keeping these things brings you joy, or pain and stress? Sometimes we surround ourselves with things that bring us down, rather than helping us feel good. Box, store, part with or throw away (perhaps not appropriate for legal documents) wherever possible!

Physically - simply put, it all boils down to mathematics: if I eat and drink (consume) more calories that my body is burning, I will put on weight.

Look back over my older newsletters to get clear ideas on how to get into better physical shape.

Slow down and contemplate - Listening to my inner voice.

It takes practice to hear your true desires especially when we spend so much time rushing around. Can you recognize what makes you happy? Spend a little time writing down when you have felt the most happy in the last month, or even year. You will probably start to see a pattern emerging.

What gives you peace and joy will often come as a whisper or unanticipated event that reminds you of what's truly important to you. This is similar to what is meant by trusting your gut or listening to your intuition.

Mentally - nurturing my body and mind with exercise, meditation and eating well.

Also, being conscious of what excites me or frustrates me.

Wherever possible, find ways to eliminate frustrations or stresses. For example, maybe even leaving for work ten minutes earlier may decrease your time in heavy traffic.

If you need tools where perhaps you are feeling lacking - look to a coach, mentor, courses or experts in the field you need assistance with.

Aim at being the best you can with all the resources available to you (at this given moment). Learn to tune out the voice of the world. Make the strongest voice in your life your own.

Emotionally – keeping my gratitude diary up to date, to help me focus on the good in each day.

Our emotions will always follow our thoughts. This isn’t about denying the bad, but also seeing the good within your daily life.

What do you love about yourself? Cherish those parts! And even more importantly acknowledge them!!

Spiritually – I can feel connected to something bigger than myself anywhere I choose.

Take some time to be still. Take a walk on the beach or mountain. Stop and listen to the birds singing. Find other ways where you feel connected.

Decide what kind of person you want to be. Rather than concentrating on what you want to do, think in terms of what kind of person you want to be. Let that guide your choices.

Work – Growing within, or finding a profession I love!

It takes courage spending the time to discover what you truly love, but doing that could make all the difference in your life. Your favourite hobby could become your next career with a little lateral thinking!! Sometimes it only takes sitting down with a business coach or trusted friend to open possibilities you never dared to dream of.

Baby steps - Destiny can't help me until I am willing to step out of my comfort zone.

Get prepared to make changes in your life...and start making them! Live without regret. Try seeing each moment as a learning experience – even the tough times. That does not mean ignoring pain or other negative emotions; but learning from them and appreciating the lessons they are teaching you.

And be patient with yourself. Keep your commitment to become the best you can at this very moment and take small steps to make it happen. Change does not happen overnight but each step in the right direction is a step to be acknowledged and appreciated.

 

May this be your best year yet!

Warm regards

Lesley Wood

021-4182843

082 3 782 782

www.weight-masters.com

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One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.                                                                                                           Ida Scott Taylor 1820-1915, Author

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