Today, I was reading my emails as I always do every morning...but this morning I read an email that woke me up some how. I've been contemplating on how to make my New Me a reality without all the mishaps this year and I've gotten my answer. I thought I'd be nice and share it with everyone in my new journal for 2005...Hope it will help someone in the same boat as me.

"Think those who stick to their New Year's resolutions are born with amazing willpower? You're wrong, say researchers from the University of Washington. The real secret is to be willing to try, try again! The experts found that of those who successfully kept their New Year's resolutions, only 40 percent were able to do so on their first attempt! The rest made multiple attempts before mastering their desired change. In fact, for about 17 percent, it took six attempts before they were finally able to reach their goal!

What does that mean for you? Even if you've tried to shape up before and failed, it doesn't mean you can't do it — it means you're one step closer to making it work this time! If you've previously sworn you were going to lose weight and get fit, take a moment today to think back on those attempts. What happened? What can you learn from your mistakes? What would you do differently this time? What steps can you take to help yourself succeed? The insights you gain are key to avoiding the same pitfalls this time around. Remember, when it comes to making a lifestyle change, practice makes perfect!" -Denise Austin

VERY good post - Thanks :)

Beth :peace:

PS: My daughter and un born grand daughter need on going prayers please.
more information is here (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45733)

Lately, I've been struggling with my reality...it's kind of hard to explain but hopefully, after a few days of posting I can just get it out of my system. There's been so many things happen in my life but when I think it's sooo bad something even worse happens to someone I know making me think that what's going on in my life really isn't that bad...puts perspective on my situation, I guess. For example, in my life things have been rough so, I thought then, Brandon(my b/f) told me last sunday(1-02-05)that his mother was diagnosed with cancer in her kidney(it's the size of a golfball)so, she needs prayers...and then I got to work today and a lady I work with her son-in-law killed himself Saturday and left behind a 4mo old baby and a wife so, they need your prayers too. So, I guess, what I'm trying to say is that when you think everything is at it's worse look around there's others who are in the same boat or in an even worse situation.


~Anyway~ I need to lay down some goals for myself this year but I've been putting it off until I can stand on some stable ground but that may never happen so, now seems to be the best time ever to lay out stable ground for myself.

My Goals for 2005:
1. more H2O at least 3 20oz bottles a day
2. more exercise at least 20min of movement a day
3. need more self improvement so I'll be able to stay on the task at hand...thinking only positive thoughts about myself and my image of myself.
4. and last...this really doesn't have anything to do with anything here but I need to be more understanding of my b/f and his actions...I need to stop jumping to conclusions because it will eventually ruin our relationship.

So, if anyone has any suggestions or comments feel free to post them here and thanks in advance for all the support to come and the support I've already recieved from the wonderful site filled with such wonderful people. Thank You and god bless!!!

I am going to purchase the Zone Pilates system this week...it seems like it will be a wonderful investment. I'm hoping that it will help me accomplish what I've been wanting...toning...toning...toning!!!

Yesterday, was an ok day...didn't really keep track of my calories but overall a fine day...I'm not to worried about my eating habits right now because I've pretty much know they're ok...I'm just going to focus on exercising like I should and then maybe, just maybe, it will all come together for me. Oh yea, and I'm not weighing myself anymore, just going to measure my success by my clothes and measurements. Then, I have a less chance of being disappointed and a bigger chance of succeeding. Hope everyone has a great day!!!

Meressa,

Ah, I finally found you, LOL.

Your thoughts and ideas are great.

I am very sorry for the sadness that has come into your life though. I will be thinking and praying for you.

Keep up the good work and I hope we get to chat sometime soon.

Merissa, I like your goals. You have them firmly in mind, and I know you will succeed. The best of luck to you.

Just reading through your very thought-provoking journal, Meressa! Your mental clarity, attitude and goals really stand out. You have a great handle on things ... hope you enjoy your new Pilates system.

Some wise advice I got:

Can you name the most important element in your weight-loss success? No, it's not food or exercise. It's your mental outlook! If you approach the journey with skepticism, resistance, and lack of enthusiasm, you can bet it won't last long! But if you're open to — and excited about — trying new foods, new habits, and new exercises, there will be no stopping you!

Remember, you're not just dropping pounds and inches, you're learning a whole new way to live your life. Think of it as a total mind and body makeover! Whenever you need a morale boost, positive thinking is always the key to success. It's the perfect pick-me-up for when you're having trouble looking on the sunny side! It isn't always easy to change old habits, but it's definitely possible! You can do it! ---Denise Austin

~newayz~
Just thought I'd share that with everyone...she's always so encouraging to me...just makes me want to live a healthy lifestyle and change every bad habit I have, She even makes me feel like I can do it too. I still haven't recieved my zone pilates system yet but it comes from Canada so, it might take a little while, however, I haven't been doing too bad though. Have been drinking lots of water and trying to focus on my goals for this new year...it's not going too bad...looking for books and literature on self-improvement http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_5_134.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm80269US) and thinking postive thoughts. Just trying to accept myself the way I am so, that I can get to where I want to be...well, time to go...talk to you all later!!!

Another tidbit of info:
http://dietnews.webmd.com/content/article/80/96673.htm

Meressa,

Here is a great site with lots of pilates demonstration exercises. You choose one and it will go to a window, where you can play a little demo, as well as read the instructions. It might help you get started while you wait for your tapes.

http://www.lhj.com/home/Pilates-Exercise.html

Thanks, Nancy!!! It will help lots...:)

Well, I finally got my Zone Pilates system and I will be starting it tonight so, wish me luck...so far, this year has been pretty good with eating. Haven't done too bad but still haven't lost any more weight but I am starting to exercise tonight again on a regular basis so, we'll see what happens. Well, go to...hope to hear from you all soon!

Hi Meressa

Yes you said it losing weight is in your mind frame all right. If you get up sunny and bright. Your almost sure of a good day. Get up all down in the dumps you might as well stay in bed because your sure to blow it out of proportions.take care girl.

Hey there! I was wondering how you've been! I love your posts, there amazing, and what great insight! I completely relate because I get so many people complaining to me about wanting to lose and they've tried everything or they don't do anything and it's like, well....maybe you should really try and you'll see the changes. I know I have in the past two years I've taken my exercise routine seriously. It just takes time and everyone expects it to happen tomorrow, you know? Anyhoo, my best advice I can give to you as given to one of the greatest trainers I love at the gym I work at, is increase cardio. The more time you spend doing a cardio workout the more results you'll see! I have to tell you since I boosted my cardio, I've really seen significant changes and it makes me happier!! YOu have a great goals, babe. Good for you! Have a wonderful week.

Melinda :D

Hi sweet lady. I see that you have a birthday coming up. Have a grand day and treat yourself well!

:bd

Thanks Tess...I sure will!!!! And thanks Melinda and Boblin for visiting...I know I haven't been here for awhile but it's been really hectic around here lately but I promise I'll be here more often from now on.

My exercise and eating have been good though so, no complaints there. However, I will be pushing myself just a little more to see some results since I've been pretty stable with my weight right now. I'm hoping to be at goal by end of May being of June so, please be supportive to me...believe me I will need it...hahahaha!!! Well, got to go. Hope everyone has a great day!!!! :D

Hey Meressa, glad to see you are back. Sounds like everything has been going well and I'm glad!

-Adam

http://members.aol.com/artprojects/images/birthday.jpg

Hope you have a great day Meressa!!! I have enjoyed chatting with you this past year, and look forward to sharing more successes with you!!!

Thanks Nancy you don't know how much that means to me!!!!

Looking for Meressa!!! Hope you are doing well!!!

I've been lost in translation for awhile now but hopefully, I'm back to stay...However, I do need help to stay on track this time...In great need of motivation so, anyone willing to give some it's greatly appreciated. thanks everyone for you support...whenever I'm in need like I am now I always know I can come here and find just what I need. thanks again!!!

LOL, Meressa, it is that time of year again!!!

http://www.pinktify.com/pictures/Happy%20Birthday%20Cake.jpg

Thanks Nancy, I hoping to be back full time in a few weeks...Gosh, I really do need to be back here. Just been so busy but I will share everything with you all when I return. Sees ya all soon...

Thanks for stopping in my journal, Meressa. I hope that you post some more.

Hugs!