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

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!

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

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

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

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.