This is a difficult post to make. I don’t know about you but when I think of the holidays (or anytime of year), I want the idealistic family being together laughing together and full of love. Is this your reality? For many of us, it gratefully is. For others of us, it is not. Spending time with family can be the emotional equivalent of having multiple root canals without pain medication. It can send the most committed of us straight to the mashed potatoes followed by pieces of pie and baked treats. I have people that I work with that are already emotionally eating in anticipation of spending the holidays with family. It doesn’t have to though.
Acknowledge from your past experiences how the dynamics may occur. Don’t expect the fantasy family of your dreams. You’ll set yourself up. Chances are that the interactions will play out the same as they have in the past. Of course, there are exceptions to this, however, usually the get-togethers stay the same. If the interactions are challenging to you, just remember, this period of get-together time will pass. However, the time you enjoy your life endures.
All of us are born with our own unique gifts and are our own person. Sometimes in our family of origin, we weren’t understood or appreciated. Many times, if we were different in some way and danced to the beat of our own wants and desires, we were made to feel defective or something was wrong with us. That just isn’t so! Use this time to stay strong and prove to yourself that you believe in yourself and the life you live today as an adult.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
As we approach the New Year, you can start thinking about setting some goals for yourself. Rather than at 12:01 a.m. on January 1st immediately expecting yourself to make a 180 degree change, what one change can you make? Rather than do/don’t, black/white thinking, consider making a few changes to get to where you’d ultimately like to be in reaching your goal. It doesn’t have to be big. Actually, a small step is better. You’re moving forward and starting momentum toward your ultimate goal.
A journey to health, a destination, or anywhere you want to go to a location or in your life starts with a first step. Make that first step in committing to one change.
What one change can you make in your life?
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
I want to share three ways to make your holiday season and gifts that you give extra special:
1. As an option to giving gifts (or add to a gift), write thank you cards. Thank the person for the impact they have on your life and what you appreciate about them.
2. Do some detective work and give thought to what the important people in your life really want. Give them something specific to what they would really like to make them feel valued and appreciated. The cost isn’t important. The importance lies in the gift being personal to them.
3. While unwrapping gifts, as someone unwraps a gift from you, take a moment to let them know what you appreciate about them.
Place your focus this holiday season on connecting with those close to you by taking the time to express your love and appreciation. The gift of appreciation is one that lasts all year long.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
“Trouble is only opportunity dressed in work clothes.” -Henry J. Kaiser
We all have troubles. The key is to meet them head on, deal with them in a healthy way and not allow them to get the upper hand by turning to emotional eating to cope. Don’t allow troubles or other people to deter you from your weight loss goals, achieving a fitness goal, or another dream.
While many situations may appear upsetting, possibly insurmountable, you could be surprised to find they contain valuable lessons to help you cope with difficult issues in the future. You are working out your emotional muscles! If you follow a program of healthful nutrition and exercise instead of swallowing your emotions in snack and junk food, you’ll always be equipped with enough energy to cope with whatever comes your way.
YOU CAN DO IT! You are much stronger inside than any outer circumstances.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
Have you purchased all the gifts for those special people on your list? Really? Did you purchase something for yourself? You are someone very special.
You are the person who matters most to you and definitely deserves to be treated very special and treasured. We spend so much time, energy, and money to go out of our way to find that perfect gift for our family, friends, and business associates. Treat yourself just as you would anyone else in your life that you included on your holiday gift list.
Many of us are not accustomed to doing special things for ourselves. This is a great time to start! Make sure to give yourself a YOU gift.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
It is snowing today. As I was watching the snow coming down, I thought about how each snowflake is different and unique. There are lots and lots of snowflakes. It is amazing that each one is special and one of a kind.
You are a snowflake. You are different and unique. You are special and one of a kind. No one else has your qualities, values, characteristics, and all the other things that make you who you are. Treasure all the wonderful, specialness of YOU!
As I go out and shovel the driveway from all these special and unique snowflakes, I’ll think differently about the glorious snow!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
Are you finding it difficult to squeeze in your regular exercise routine? When it comes to exercise, any bit of activity and movement counts! Check out these different ways to combine holiday festivities and movement:
*Take a walk in the mall before shopping for holiday gifts. After you’ve shopped and have bags that provide extra weight, walk another couple of mall laps. Aerobic and weight resistance (depending on how much you’ve purchased!!) done with holiday shopping are a winning combination. You could also go to the mall before it opens to walk 30 minutes before you start shopping.
*Dance at your holiday party. You’ll have more fun while getting great aerobic benefits.
*Many find it difficult to keep from taste testing their holiday baking. Try this - rather than indulging, touch your toes, do jumping jacks, or windmill stretch and twists during baking time. Avoid the extra calories and include movement as a substitute - that’s a winning combo.
*Do jumping jacks while the cookies bake instead of just sitting around and waiting for them.
*Meet family and friends to walk the neighborhood to see the holiday lights and decorations. You’ll enjoy the company of your family and friends, avoid the lines of cars, and have the fun of the close-up views of the displays along with a winter walk.
Remember…exercise, activity, and movement add up so the pounds don’t!
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
Are you going to be away from home during the holidays? If so, make sure that you don’t forget to take care of your home while you’re away. You need to do more than lock the door and drive away.
Protect your home from intruders that may notice you’re gone. Use automatic timers that turn lights on/off in several rooms at different times throughout the day and night. You can also purchase timers that will turn your television on and off as well.
Make sure to go to the Post Office and stop your mail delivery. Stop delivery of your newspapers as well. Ask your trusted neighbors or friends to pick up any packages that are delivered to your home and check your home. In many areas, you can also call your local police department to let them know you’ll be away for periodic drive-bys.
It is important to protect your home while you’re away by taking some proactive measures before you leave. Keep your holidays happy and safe.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
As 2007 comes to a close, we’ll cover a countdown to the end of 2007. We’ll discuss some holiday survival tips along with winding down from 2007 and ramping up to a great 2008!
Although food can be a big part of the holidays, it doesn’t have to be the main focus. Enjoy good friends and family. Take this time to express your appreciation for those loved ones in your life and business associates. Holidays are a time to come together with your friends and family, to share laughter, to celebrate, to show your appreciation and give thanks. Focus more on these holiday pleasures. The important thing to remember is balance and moderation. Balance and moderation in your consumption of food, gift-giving, and spending your time on the additional festivities and responsibilities of the holidays.
The treats of the holidays aren’t found in food….they are found in the people in your life and treasured traditions of the season. Relax, enjoy the holidays, and remember what the season represents and is all about to you.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
As you start to make significant changes for yourself, there will be people that might make negative and unsupportive comments on your changes and progress. Sometimes when you make changes, those around you feel threatened or concerned about their relationship with you. They can be concerned about their identity in your friendship or relationship with you. Also, for others, positive changes you are making can make them feel “less than” because they aren’t changing in some area they’d like to.
If you find a loved one, friend, or work associate acting differently or making comments counter-productive to your positive efforts, talk to them. Encourage them to share their feelings about the changes you’re making. If appropriate, assure them of their place in your life regardless of the strides you’re making in your personal growth.
Keep your focus moving forward full speed ahead in high gear. Continue the positive momentum in making changes for yourself. Don’t ever let anyone or anything sway you off your path to being healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy
