image via darkpatator
I realize that we’re already 9 days into June, and I’ve yet to post my June goals or follow up on my May goals. At first, this was overlooked because my New York trip coincided with the changing of the month. Then, as the days wore on, I had other posts that were more timely…Now, seeing that we’re almost one-third into the month (yikes!), I’ve decided to skip it for this month.
In no way do I intend to act like a sloth for the rest of the month. It’s not really my style to *do nothing*. However, I am going to try to not be so hard on myself! Last month, many of you commented that maybe I should limit myself to fewer goals, and I’m beginning to think that there might be something to this theory. Yes, it’s okay to laugh at me. Admittedly, I am a bit stubborn, but I eventually come around when there’s logic involved.
In thinking this through, I stumbled upon another self-realization. I am really very pleased with all that I have accomplished this year so far. Sure, there’s more that I want to do/fix/solve/improve/etc, but overall…hooray! If today were December 31, 2009, I would consider this year a great success of improvements and accomplishments.
Except for one thing.
There remains that one thing that I’m sick and tired of complaining about and allowing to consume so much of my mental energy. If I had to choose one single task for the rest of the year, it would be to lose 15-20 pounds, come to terms with my pear-shape, and learn to love and respect the body I’m in.
I’m working a few things out in my head and gearing up for a little bit of tough-love. {more on this in a future post} Also, the fabulous FitMom is helping me come up with a cardio plan to get me back in shape for the summer. Thanks Amy!
If you had to choose one thing -only one- to work on for the rest of the year, what would it be?
This doesn’t mean abandon all other things, but it would be your main FOCUS…
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For me it would be weight loss too, no brainer. I am pretty unhappy at the moment, and esp today as I fell right off the wagon in the last 5 days. There is nothing I want more except continuing good health.
I could easily say weight loss, it’s not as though I don’t need it. But in this season of eating locally I am finding it pretty easy to stay on track when I have to eat 4 heads of lettuce/week.
We’re such a body obsessed culture. I believe that if we had slightly more modest standards we wouldn’t be so obsessed with bmi, size eights and looking good in certain jeans or shirts. If we were raised in a culture that valued women who wore beautiful, feminine, flowing clothing rather than tighter, more sexual clothing this would not be an issue.
Seeing pictures of you I can say that you look healthy and as long as you’re eating nourishing foods I wouldn’t worry about your weight.
Just nourish yourself - body and soul. My .02
I forgot to mention what I need to change: selfishness, laziness and a lack of gratitude. I’m sure they all add at least 10 pounds.
Mine would be to get motivated to workout. I realize that with it would come some weight loss (bonus). But I am more concerned with getting healthy than losing weight. I have a few pounds I would like to see go away, but I love to eat so I need to get moving to see some results.
DECLUTTER! seriously I think if I could clear the space, a lot of the rest of my life would be so much easier. Am working on it. The other thing I really could do with is INCOME GENERATION as I am fed up with not being able to - go on holiday - get the things around the house fixed that need fixing - umm that is mainly what is bugging me right now. I am overweight (to my standards, not really compared to being fat or anything, am not fat), but my husband seems to still find me attractive so that is all that really counts I think. I would like smaller boobs, but that is nothing to do with losing weight, they might shrink a wee bit, but they would then be even longer…. YUCK. Honestly Kirwin, you look really fabulous, it is such a shame that you feel that this is your focus. Well, I think you should make your focus, coming to terms with your shape, and loving it. Its much easier than trying to change it. Change your mind instead. Try some hypnotherapy? Or just try getting fit and happy, then you wont be thinking about your derriere.
Just one thing? I tend to spend a little too much time on projects and not enough time with my family. I get too “busy”, hence the name of my blog. This is something I am still working on, but I’m not there yet. So, my goal is to spend more quality time with my family and let some other stuff go.
@ RML~
I understand your frustration. Please remember that you did just have a baby, and you’re probably sleep-deprived, too.
@ Shannon~
I tend to agree that our culture is
verytoo body-obsessed. I even noticed a difference between the East Coast and West Coast. In my opinion, there were more curvy women in NY, and they were beautiful. Coming home, was like, “Ugh. Back to SuperModel Mom Land…” Thanks for your nice comment and encouragement — it’s appreciated. : )@ Amy~
I totally agree that fitness is more about “looking good.” As I get older, I have more random aches here and there. I don’t want to be in pain when I’m a grandma.
@ mo~
Thank you. You’re kind and generous with your compliments. Honestly, if I posted a photo of myself in a bikini, you would know what I was talking about. More than that though, I do have a very bad chocolate-habit. I eat healthy, but then I eat way more than my share of chocolate on top of that. Hypnotherapy? I would love it, but I doubt it’s covered by my health insurance. ; )
@ marci~
Yup, just one. ; ) I understand your goal. It’s a struggle for me, with good days and poor days. You’ll do it.
My focus for the rest of the year is to live in the moment. I know that I can’t do this ALL the time, but I do need to do it more often. I need to stop rushing and pushing myself. I need to stop dwelling on what I can’t change about the past and worrying about what the future holds.
I would have to agree with Positively Present, I’d like to be better at living in the right now a bit more-enjoying moments, not to do lists.
We made some goals for the kids this summer and a few for me too-hopefully it’ll keep us focused less on being lazy and more on working at a few things purposefully. Even if they’re fun things!
@ PP~
That’s a great focus. I think that’s something that so many people can relate to. You’re doing a great job so far!
@ Gina~
What a great idea to have the kids make goals for the summer! I think I’ll promote that idea with my son — I don’t think the 3-year old will really grasp the concept, yet. ; )
One thing - I have no clue. And from what I’ve seen in photos of you, you have a lovely shaped body. But that’s always easy for someone else to say about a person.
Mo - I’ll take some of your boobs for you. I’m about as flat as pancakes.
First off, congrats on your successes for the year so far! A big pat on the back from me (and I’ll throw in a cuddle too). Also congrats for deciding not to be so hard on yourself and for getting focussed.
Secondly, re the weight loss/body image goal, go for it! I’m working towards a similar goal myself and have had a lot of success since focussing on it. The mental energy it frees up is immense so it’s very worth it.
Thirdly, I have a tendency myself to have a multitude of projects/goals/tasks on the go and found this post at Zen Habits hugely helpful; http://zenhabits.net/2009/05/3-ways-to-get-more-done-with-the-power-of-less/
Good luck Kirwin, we’re all behind you!!
My focus? Write, write, write. I have been given a marvelous gift: the gift of time. For years I’ve put off writing because I “haven’t had the time.” Now I do, and there are no excuses.
Kirwin - I have seen your photos and you are teeny weeny
. Though I’m always guilty of thinking ‘just a few pounds less would be great’ so I can hardly comment!
interesting comments today. I do think we liven in an extremely body conscious society. I do know that I feel best when I am at my best which includes physically. I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting to lose weight - when it TOTALLY pre-occupies our everything thought though - then it is a problem. Long lasting weight loss does not happen overnight. The longer it takes the longer it will stay off.
My goal: spend more time with my kids.
love your blog.
Kirwin,
I hear you about the “if I posted a picture of me in a bikini” comment. I don’t mention my weight because people tell me I’m too thin (yeah right - size 16 butt when I was a size 4 a mere 6 years ago??) Getting an exercise program going is a great step if you are body-conscious, in my opinion.
What I would focus on is what I started focusing on about a week ago - my niche project! I’m finally starting to sense what I have to offer the world. Feels good to work towards creating something others can benefit from.
@ renee~
Thank you. And thank you for understanding how isometimes, it’s far easier to see someone else’s beauty than it is our own. {hugs}
Oh, and I’ll take Mo up on that ‘offer’, too! ; )
@ Sami~
Thanks, chickie. I’ll take that cuddle! ; )
I know, from past experience, I just have to suck it up and start that road to health & fitness. It’s never fun in the beginning, but even after 2 or 3 days I know that I feel good. Thanks — I’ll be at it soon. Thank you also for the zen article. I loved that other post you referred me to, so I’m sure this one is going to be good.
@ Chania Girl~
Then write Girl, write! I’ve read your stuff, and you’re very talented.
@ Shoestring~
Thank you. I’m “teeny-weeny” on top… but not on bottom! ; )
@ denise~
Thank you. I always value your input and comments. My trouble is that it does preoccupy so many of my thoughts. Such a waste! I love your focus to spend more time with your kids, and I’m so happy that you’ll be able to soon. How many days left?
@ ann elise~
I’m probably a size 4/6 on my top half, and about a 14-16 on my bottom half. I can’t wait to read about your niche! It’s sounds so exciting…
Can’t wait to work with you! It seems just *knowing* that we’ve exercised that day takes 5 lbs. off when we look at ourselves in the mirror.
Our bodies were made to move, not to strive to fit into a prescribed size. I believe that when we are in balance, we exist in the body we are meant to have. The focus: How do we *feel* when we eat whole, natural foods? how do we *feel* when we appreciate the strength in our muscles? blood flowing in our limbs? etc.
@ Amy~
I agree. Although I dread starting, I *know* that I’ll feel so good once I do. I like your Whole Body philosophy…
Yeah for allowing yourself to be human and saying it’s ok to not have goals for a month - really - it’s good!
I am with you - to pick one thing would be to lose weight and be happy being me