As many of you have probably noticed, it's been a New York minute since I've posted. I could give a million reasons why- work, life, child, a bit of this, a smattering of that- but the honest answer is that I just haven't made time. It would be one thing if this only applied to the blog but, unfortunately, it applies to myself and my goals too.
All too often we fail to make time for ourselves. Many of you are probably ticking off the mental to-do list as you read but stop for a minute. It is so important to take care of our responsibilities. Family, work, whatever- it has to be done. But you need to add yourself to that list. If you aren't making time for you, then it is impossible to make time for everything else and, eventually, something's going to give. No one will be happy and nothing will be accomplished.
Take some time this week to "manufacture" time for yourself. Take a bath, drive around the block, put on earphones and read, close your office door for 5 minutes. Whatever you do, do it for yourself.
Love Always,
Reyna
14 May 2011
13 April 2011
Time for a reality check.
Ever find youself trying to figure out what's going on? I know I do. I'll feel like everything is on cruise control and then, BANG!, something stops my flow. It could be anything- a bad day, an unkind word, anything.
In these moments we have two choices- put up or shut up. We can buckle down and do what we need to to get back on track or we can do nothing and play "the victim" to whatever circumstance has derailed us.
So what to do? It's time for a reality check. We ARE (Even if it doesn't feel like it) in control of our circumstances. We may not like the choices available but we always have a choice. So put forth the effort to exercise said control and make it happen.
It is never enough to just shut-up, suck it up, or allow our circumstances to wash over us. We are all very powerful women- even if we try to refuse that we are. We are all remarkable in our own right- even if we feel as if we're boxing with giants. We are all fully capable of creating the reality we wish to have- even if others try to convince us otherwise.
It is our right, no-our responsibility- to step up and live our best life. We owe it to ourselves to do so.
Happy Hump Day!
Love Always,
Reyna
In these moments we have two choices- put up or shut up. We can buckle down and do what we need to to get back on track or we can do nothing and play "the victim" to whatever circumstance has derailed us.
So what to do? It's time for a reality check. We ARE (Even if it doesn't feel like it) in control of our circumstances. We may not like the choices available but we always have a choice. So put forth the effort to exercise said control and make it happen.
It is never enough to just shut-up, suck it up, or allow our circumstances to wash over us. We are all very powerful women- even if we try to refuse that we are. We are all remarkable in our own right- even if we feel as if we're boxing with giants. We are all fully capable of creating the reality we wish to have- even if others try to convince us otherwise.
It is our right, no-our responsibility- to step up and live our best life. We owe it to ourselves to do so.
Happy Hump Day!
Love Always,
Reyna
03 April 2011
Time to have a heart to heart
I was lucky enough to spend today with my bestie. She know me better than I know myself and over several cups of diner coffee we just talked. She cradled my child as if she were her own and listened. I lazily stirred my coffee and listened. The give and take of a conversation with someone who is generally interested can make us take a good look at who we are and what we're about. In the moments where I listened, I heard myself speaking in her words. The fears, concerns, daily minutia that comprise our days flowed from her lips and resonated in my heart and mind. In the moments when I spoke I saw pure understanding as she listened.
How often do we allow ourselves those moments of blissful release? The opportunity to just talk with no fear, no worry, to a person who understands us better that we do ourselves. Probably not as often as we should. Instead we bottled it up, let it linger, and finally channel that frustration into unhealthy outlets, whatever form that may take.
So what should we do about that? If you find yourself alone, write it out. Reach out and find someone who you know could become that sounding board for you. Stretch yourself and leave your comfort zone. To trust another is to truly love yourself.
So this week I challenge you to have a conversation about everything and nothing, about highs and lows, about life and what we call life.
Trust me- it's the most refreshing thing you'll do.
Love Always,
Reyna
How often do we allow ourselves those moments of blissful release? The opportunity to just talk with no fear, no worry, to a person who understands us better that we do ourselves. Probably not as often as we should. Instead we bottled it up, let it linger, and finally channel that frustration into unhealthy outlets, whatever form that may take.
So what should we do about that? If you find yourself alone, write it out. Reach out and find someone who you know could become that sounding board for you. Stretch yourself and leave your comfort zone. To trust another is to truly love yourself.
So this week I challenge you to have a conversation about everything and nothing, about highs and lows, about life and what we call life.
Trust me- it's the most refreshing thing you'll do.
Love Always,
Reyna
02 April 2011
Who's on first?
We are all familiar with the Abbott and Costello comedy sketch. Here's a quick recap: a bunch of ball players have demonstrative adjectives as names leading to mass confusion. Hilarity ensues. End scene.
This got me to thinking- how many things in our lives cause confusion, doubt, and general unhappiness because we don't "name" it as precisely as we should?
Follow me on this one- it's 5 pm. Your day sucked and that box of cookies looks realy good so you eat it. Were you hungry? Probably not. But in this instance, what we should have named "frustration" we named "hunger" and dealt with the wrong emotion.
Here's another- You've just worked all day. You're tired, possibly cranky, and ready to relax when you get home. Once you arrive home, nothing's been done. Dishes are in the sink, dinner needs to be made, clutter is everywhere! You have to do it all so you do. Once done, you reward yourself with that triple chocolate chunk cookie figuring that you earned it. Were you hungry? Nope, but in this instance you've named "frustration" or "exhaustion" as "hunger" and dealt with the wrong emotion.
So what to do? The obvious answer is to think before we act. Make sure we're dealing with the actual emotion we're feeling in that time. But often that doesn't happen so we need to develop a stop-gap measure. For me, it's to write down what I'm going to eat before I eat. This means I have to find a pen, my journal or a piece of paper, a surface to lean on, etc. If I'm not really hungry, well by this point I don't feel like going through the hassle.
So my challenge to you this week is to check your emotions before you act. If you think you're angry, make sure you're really angry. If you think you're hungry, make sure you're really hungry.
There's no need to waste precious time on vague emotions. No need to wonder "Who's on First?"
Love always,
Reyna
This got me to thinking- how many things in our lives cause confusion, doubt, and general unhappiness because we don't "name" it as precisely as we should?
Follow me on this one- it's 5 pm. Your day sucked and that box of cookies looks realy good so you eat it. Were you hungry? Probably not. But in this instance, what we should have named "frustration" we named "hunger" and dealt with the wrong emotion.
Here's another- You've just worked all day. You're tired, possibly cranky, and ready to relax when you get home. Once you arrive home, nothing's been done. Dishes are in the sink, dinner needs to be made, clutter is everywhere! You have to do it all so you do. Once done, you reward yourself with that triple chocolate chunk cookie figuring that you earned it. Were you hungry? Nope, but in this instance you've named "frustration" or "exhaustion" as "hunger" and dealt with the wrong emotion.
So what to do? The obvious answer is to think before we act. Make sure we're dealing with the actual emotion we're feeling in that time. But often that doesn't happen so we need to develop a stop-gap measure. For me, it's to write down what I'm going to eat before I eat. This means I have to find a pen, my journal or a piece of paper, a surface to lean on, etc. If I'm not really hungry, well by this point I don't feel like going through the hassle.
So my challenge to you this week is to check your emotions before you act. If you think you're angry, make sure you're really angry. If you think you're hungry, make sure you're really hungry.
There's no need to waste precious time on vague emotions. No need to wonder "Who's on First?"
Love always,
Reyna
23 March 2011
When life gives you lemons
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seems as if everything that can go wrong does go wrong? Well, for your blogger here, this has been that week. According to the powers that be (aka doctors) I need to have my tonsils taken out. Obviously not my idea of a good time but there you go. When people hear this they usually say, "It'll be fine. You can eat as much ice cream as you want!" or "That sucks. At least you get to stay home for a while."
Well, this got me to thinking. WHY would I want to eat as much ice cream as I like? WHY would I want to just stay home? I like being active. I like eating healthy. Why should I blow both because my tonsils have an attitude problem? Why is it whenever things go badly for us we turn to food or inactivity?
So I'm reframing this "lemon" situation. As I wait to get this done, I will eat healthy, soft foods. I will continue to be active, even if it's just walking up and down the steps. I will make those choices that contribute to a healthier me because I deserve it. Don't we all?
So when life gives you lemons remember that lemons aren't that bad.
Love Always,
Reyna
Well, this got me to thinking. WHY would I want to eat as much ice cream as I like? WHY would I want to just stay home? I like being active. I like eating healthy. Why should I blow both because my tonsils have an attitude problem? Why is it whenever things go badly for us we turn to food or inactivity?
So I'm reframing this "lemon" situation. As I wait to get this done, I will eat healthy, soft foods. I will continue to be active, even if it's just walking up and down the steps. I will make those choices that contribute to a healthier me because I deserve it. Don't we all?
So when life gives you lemons remember that lemons aren't that bad.
Love Always,
Reyna
14 March 2011
This week's challenge- put yourself first
We are all so many things to so many people. I challenge you to put yourself first. Choose 1 thing you are going to do for yourself this week and make it happen!
13 March 2011
The most important conversation you'll ever have.
Every day we talk. We talk to friends, family, coworkers, etc. But the most important conversation we have each day is the one we have with ourselves.
"I love this skirt on me."
"I can't believe I said that!"
"Why did I eat that?"
"I am so ugly."
"I deserve this ______________ (good or bad)."
Each thought we have colors how we perceive ourselves. Our self-perception, in turn, colors how others see and treat us. If we speak kindly to ourselves, then that positivity shines through and causes others to see how wonderful we are. If we speak meanly to ourselves, the opposite is true.
People will see and treat you the way you allow them to. This starts with how we see and treat ourselves. Are we going to have bad days? Yup- all part of the human condition. But we need to remember that first and foremost we ARE human- full of flaws and greatness.
There is a great quote: "I may not be perfect, but parts of me are excellent." Focus on those parts that are excellent and the parts that aren't perfect will seem minor in comparison.
So, when you are talking to yourself today remember that this is the most important conversation you'll have. Make it count.
Love you!
Reyna
"I love this skirt on me."
"I can't believe I said that!"
"Why did I eat that?"
"I am so ugly."
"I deserve this ______________ (good or bad)."
Each thought we have colors how we perceive ourselves. Our self-perception, in turn, colors how others see and treat us. If we speak kindly to ourselves, then that positivity shines through and causes others to see how wonderful we are. If we speak meanly to ourselves, the opposite is true.
People will see and treat you the way you allow them to. This starts with how we see and treat ourselves. Are we going to have bad days? Yup- all part of the human condition. But we need to remember that first and foremost we ARE human- full of flaws and greatness.
There is a great quote: "I may not be perfect, but parts of me are excellent." Focus on those parts that are excellent and the parts that aren't perfect will seem minor in comparison.
So, when you are talking to yourself today remember that this is the most important conversation you'll have. Make it count.
Love you!
Reyna
07 March 2011
Fat Tuesday?
As many of you know, tomorrow is the traditional Mardi Gras celebration. For Christians around the world it is the last day of fancy before the 40 days of Lent which is usually marked by sacrificing some item, food, or habit from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday. People eat, drink, and make merry usually to excess. No wonder it's called Fat Tuesday.
So this got me thinking- 40 days is a long time. It's also a great chance to really rededicate ourselves to creating a better "me". I think everyone, Christian or not, could benefit from taking 40 days, or 6 weeks, to really focus on one thing we can add or abstain from in order to improve ourselves and our weight loss successes.
So I challenge you to take the next 6 weeks and find one thing you can do for yourself and one thing you can cut out. If you don't make it 6 weeks, that's fine!!!! Baby steps. If you do- think of how great you'll feel at the end.
If you have plans for tomorrow- have fun and be smart! It's called Fat Tuesday for a reason :)
Love Always,
Reyna
So this got me thinking- 40 days is a long time. It's also a great chance to really rededicate ourselves to creating a better "me". I think everyone, Christian or not, could benefit from taking 40 days, or 6 weeks, to really focus on one thing we can add or abstain from in order to improve ourselves and our weight loss successes.
So I challenge you to take the next 6 weeks and find one thing you can do for yourself and one thing you can cut out. If you don't make it 6 weeks, that's fine!!!! Baby steps. If you do- think of how great you'll feel at the end.
If you have plans for tomorrow- have fun and be smart! It's called Fat Tuesday for a reason :)
Love Always,
Reyna
03 March 2011
Spring-like winter?
Looking out the window, you would never know it was only 23 degrees! The sun is shining, birds are singing, and a general sense of "newness" seems to be in the air. The mountains of snow have all but melted and the sludge of winter has been washed away by the spring rains.
Our journey can seem this way. Looking at us we appear as new as the spring- hopeful, happy, inspired, motivated. Yet internally we may feel as if it is only 23 degrees. Our own insecurities come to the surface and undermine our new selves and new lives.
So, when you feel that cold snap coming on, remember that we are all new and every moment of every day melts the sludge that may have been our old selves.
23 degrees is not bad- it makes way for the 70 degree days of joy.
Love always,
Reyna
Our journey can seem this way. Looking at us we appear as new as the spring- hopeful, happy, inspired, motivated. Yet internally we may feel as if it is only 23 degrees. Our own insecurities come to the surface and undermine our new selves and new lives.
So, when you feel that cold snap coming on, remember that we are all new and every moment of every day melts the sludge that may have been our old selves.
23 degrees is not bad- it makes way for the 70 degree days of joy.
Love always,
Reyna
01 March 2011
Open Mic Time!!!
We are a community that becomes richer as we grow closer. Please post any questions, comments, or concerns that may be sitting on you this week. We may not have the answer but, hey, it's therapeutic sometimes to put it in writing.
27 February 2011
This week's challenge- shake it up!
Many of us have been working towards our goal for a long time. After a while we can get bogged down in the mundane details of the day to day. So our discussion question this week is this- What will you do differently this week? Maybe it's a new food, a new exercise, a new way to journal. Whatever it is, share your ideas here.
Here we go again!
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
You should be wondering- why the heck is she listing the days of the week over and over and over again? The answer is simple- I like to see how many chances I have this week to be fabulous.
Let's start with Sunday- we've just weighed in, gotten our number news for the week past, and are now looking at a clean slate for the upcoming week. I've always appreciated the "do-over" aspect of life. If I am not satisfied with how last week went, then today I can recommit and do it right.
One day at a time.
Monday- The work week begins. Stressors- some old, some new, appear and try to derail my plan for a successful week. I can commit today, and just today, to not allowing anyone or anything to take away from my right to be happy and successful.
One day at a time.
Tuesday- Time to think about how Sunday and Monday were. Was I true to myself? Did I do what I needed in order to feel successful? If so-keep it up! If not, use today to get back on track.
One day at a time.
Wednesday- The infamous hump day- work week ready to head down the hill towards the weekend. Take today to allow yourself one selfish moment- celebrate you! You've made it this far-keep on going.
One day at a time.
Thursday- TGIT. How's you week going so far? Happy? Good! Not happy- you have one day left to make a positive change so do it! Friday's calling!
One day at a time.
Friday- Our favorite day. Work week is done, weigh in is tomorrow. By hook or crook we made it to the end of the week. Don't rest on your laurels- even if you know you did not do as well as you would have liked, decide that today, just today, you will put your needs on the front burner. Do what you know will not only make you feel good but will be good for you. You deserve it!
One day at a time.
So, looking at the week ahead remember three things:
1. You deserve happiness
2. Be kind to yourself
3. One day at a time.
Have a good Sunday!
Love Always,
Reyna
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
You should be wondering- why the heck is she listing the days of the week over and over and over again? The answer is simple- I like to see how many chances I have this week to be fabulous.
Let's start with Sunday- we've just weighed in, gotten our number news for the week past, and are now looking at a clean slate for the upcoming week. I've always appreciated the "do-over" aspect of life. If I am not satisfied with how last week went, then today I can recommit and do it right.
One day at a time.
Monday- The work week begins. Stressors- some old, some new, appear and try to derail my plan for a successful week. I can commit today, and just today, to not allowing anyone or anything to take away from my right to be happy and successful.
One day at a time.
Tuesday- Time to think about how Sunday and Monday were. Was I true to myself? Did I do what I needed in order to feel successful? If so-keep it up! If not, use today to get back on track.
One day at a time.
Wednesday- The infamous hump day- work week ready to head down the hill towards the weekend. Take today to allow yourself one selfish moment- celebrate you! You've made it this far-keep on going.
One day at a time.
Thursday- TGIT. How's you week going so far? Happy? Good! Not happy- you have one day left to make a positive change so do it! Friday's calling!
One day at a time.
Friday- Our favorite day. Work week is done, weigh in is tomorrow. By hook or crook we made it to the end of the week. Don't rest on your laurels- even if you know you did not do as well as you would have liked, decide that today, just today, you will put your needs on the front burner. Do what you know will not only make you feel good but will be good for you. You deserve it!
One day at a time.
So, looking at the week ahead remember three things:
1. You deserve happiness
2. Be kind to yourself
3. One day at a time.
Have a good Sunday!
Love Always,
Reyna
26 February 2011
So... how was your week?
When asked this question I, like many of you, probably have 2 responses. The first is usually "Fine, and yours?". The second requires a more honest reflection of who we are and how we measure success. If you measure success just by weight loss you are missing a HUGE opportunity to toot your own horn. Many of us are successful in a plethora of areas.
Personally, I sucked at weight loss this week. For some reason I decided wine didn't count. Lesson learned. However, this has not dimmed the fifty other areas of my life where I have been successful this week. My job is great, my daughter doesn't hate me yet, I managed to cook a meal without burning the house down. Yeah-things are good.
If I took the very narrow approach of measuring success by weight loss alone I'd be screwed. Don't get me wrong- it is an amazing accomplishment to work hard and to see those results manifested on the scale. That is amazing and congratulations to everyone who made it happen this week. I tip my blogger's cap to you and am very proud of your success! Keep it up!
We are, however, more than the sum of our parts. It's time we gave those aspects of who we are credit.
So, the question I pose to you is this: How was your week?
Love always,
Reyna
Personally, I sucked at weight loss this week. For some reason I decided wine didn't count. Lesson learned. However, this has not dimmed the fifty other areas of my life where I have been successful this week. My job is great, my daughter doesn't hate me yet, I managed to cook a meal without burning the house down. Yeah-things are good.
If I took the very narrow approach of measuring success by weight loss alone I'd be screwed. Don't get me wrong- it is an amazing accomplishment to work hard and to see those results manifested on the scale. That is amazing and congratulations to everyone who made it happen this week. I tip my blogger's cap to you and am very proud of your success! Keep it up!
We are, however, more than the sum of our parts. It's time we gave those aspects of who we are credit.
So, the question I pose to you is this: How was your week?
Love always,
Reyna
24 February 2011
TGIT???????
As we march towards the weekend, let's take a moment to pay homage to the lowly, oft forgotten Thursday. In our haste to get to our well-earned break, we often overlook the golden opportunity that is Thursday.
Think I'm insane?
Follow this thought: Thursday is far enough into the week that we can look back and really assess how we've done. Do you feel successful this week? Is there anything you would change? If there is something you can change, then change it! The week's not over and we still have that last day, Friday, to make a change before we slip out of our worker-bee suits and slip on our leisure suit (or footy pajamas- whatever floats your boat).
So don't "skim" Thursday- embrace it as a last chance to make this week what you want it to be.
TGIT!
Love,
Reyna
Think I'm insane?
Follow this thought: Thursday is far enough into the week that we can look back and really assess how we've done. Do you feel successful this week? Is there anything you would change? If there is something you can change, then change it! The week's not over and we still have that last day, Friday, to make a change before we slip out of our worker-bee suits and slip on our leisure suit (or footy pajamas- whatever floats your boat).
So don't "skim" Thursday- embrace it as a last chance to make this week what you want it to be.
TGIT!
Love,
Reyna
22 February 2011
This week's challenge- activity!
With the weather being as sucky as it is, what are YOU doing to stay active? Post your ideas.
Fail to plan, plan to fail
Every day we walk a fine line between success and failure. As we walk this line any word, action, or thought could easily tip us towards the positive or a negative. So what to do? Make a plan.
P- prepare
L- learn from mistakes
A- allow yourself to be human
N- never quit
Work sucks? PLAN
Chocolate Cake overload? PLAN
Need 10 more hour of sleep? PLAN
We can do this! Make your life fabulous.
Love always,
Reyna
P- prepare
L- learn from mistakes
A- allow yourself to be human
N- never quit
Work sucks? PLAN
Chocolate Cake overload? PLAN
Need 10 more hour of sleep? PLAN
We can do this! Make your life fabulous.
Love always,
Reyna
Welcome aboard!!!
Welcome to the first post (yay) of our support blog! We are a group dedicated to living our best lives. Whether that be through weight loss, work opportunities, or just accepting and loving ourselves as we are, it is important to know that fabulosity is within our grasps.
Have a wonderful day!
Reyna
Have a wonderful day!
Reyna
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