Don't you just love the promise of the near year and the pages of a clean, unblemished calendar? A new year is fills me with anticipation of what can be accomplished.
Since the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan...now is the time to begin planning for the great expanse of 52 weeks 2011 will bless you with.
What do you want to accomplish in 2011?
Is it being healthier, getting more exercise, losing that pesky 10 pounds gained over the holidays...
Perhaps your finances need shoring up, or you want to save for a major purchase
Do you want to spend learning a new skill or improve an existing one or perhaps you need to learn a new language for that vacation you'll be taking in the fall?
Does your basement, attic or closet need purging? Drawers need organizing?
Do you need to let go of a grudge, heal a relationship or start a new one?
Any bad habits that need to be gotten rid of? Any new habits you want to develop?
You can do it...all you need is a plan to turn that dream into a GOAL
The new year looms and each week gives you an opportunity to start fresh. Begin today by THINKING of what you want 2011 to be. Take 7 minutes this week (one minute each day) and WRITE down what you hope to accomplish this next year. We'll work the plan together in 2011!
Monday, December 6, 2010
TOO busy to Blog
Well, sorry for my inactivity these past several months
I have been too Busy to Blog but I promise to be faithful in the new year
Here are just a few of the things I plan on tackling the first few weeks of the near year:
As a craft connoisseur-I love trying our new crafts and therefore, I have a plethora of items in my basement just waiting to be made up (Think of the money warehoused there). SO no more money spent and dedicated to finishing up projects
which will lead t the next post
Completing what I started: Goal-Complete 2009 and 2010 scrapbooks by March 2011 (and this will include my work files)
Prayer Journal-ing and scripture memorization
Learn to Crochet
Simplify: find 10 things I can do easier
Improved speech patterns (yes, again)
I welcome your suggestions on how you'll use the 52 weeks 2011 gives you and how you'll use them to better your life, your family and the world!
I have been too Busy to Blog but I promise to be faithful in the new year
Here are just a few of the things I plan on tackling the first few weeks of the near year:
As a craft connoisseur-I love trying our new crafts and therefore, I have a plethora of items in my basement just waiting to be made up (Think of the money warehoused there). SO no more money spent and dedicated to finishing up projects
which will lead t the next post
Completing what I started: Goal-Complete 2009 and 2010 scrapbooks by March 2011 (and this will include my work files)
Prayer Journal-ing and scripture memorization
Learn to Crochet
Simplify: find 10 things I can do easier
Improved speech patterns (yes, again)
I welcome your suggestions on how you'll use the 52 weeks 2011 gives you and how you'll use them to better your life, your family and the world!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
18-Do Nothing
I am feeling overwhelmed with my to do list so this week's challenge is to do nothing! My week has the following items on the to do list
1)finish Kids Kloset consignment by 11:59pm Sunday (when the sites closes, so if it is not logged, it will not be available for the sale)
2) Craft remaining items for Haunted Hike on Friday, Oct 8-again if not made, they can't be sold
3) Clean DD room for impending arrival (dust)
4) Re-caulk bathroom tub (DH)
2 Physical Therapy appointments, a cardiology appointment, 3 Cross Country Practices, T3 supper, Early Release day on Wednesday an art fair and possibly a manicure with DD, pumpkins arrive at Church, a cross Country meet on Saturday and a church directory photo shoot
Plus the usual-WORK, prepare meals, laundry, housecleaning and I am not sure what else!
Now, I know it isn't practical and I will NOT actually DO Nothing...so perhaps the goal is to do less, do only that which needs doing.
I will delegate, exercise to reduce stress, read the scriptures, pray and let some things go undone!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
17-Forgive
We recently became aware of the marital indiscretion between 2 families in our church. I was surprised by how hurt I felt by the choices these individuals had made and how far reaching the collateral damage was.
Our ladies bible study prayed for all the individuals directly impacted by the events, prayed a hedge of protection around our own marriages and then began the hard task of moving forward.
Here is an exercise we employed in our bible study which may work when you are in need of forgiveness or need to offer forgiveness.
This week I am working on forgiving...
Take a RED piece of paper
Write down what you need to be forgive for (or what you need to forgive another person for). If you re the person who required forgiveness, you must Own It. Without repentance there is no true forgiveness.
Place the paper in an envelope (preferably RED) and seal it. Place this in a prominent place where you can see it.
KNOW that Jesus blood (symbolized by the RED paper and envelope) has covered this sin and by His grace you are forgiven (or are able to forgive)
Every time you feel compelled to pick up your guilt or to cast accusations toward the one who harmed you-look at the RED envelope and remember CHRIST, through whom all things, even forgiveness, is possible!
Our ladies bible study prayed for all the individuals directly impacted by the events, prayed a hedge of protection around our own marriages and then began the hard task of moving forward.
Here is an exercise we employed in our bible study which may work when you are in need of forgiveness or need to offer forgiveness.
This week I am working on forgiving...
Take a RED piece of paper
Write down what you need to be forgive for (or what you need to forgive another person for). If you re the person who required forgiveness, you must Own It. Without repentance there is no true forgiveness.
Place the paper in an envelope (preferably RED) and seal it. Place this in a prominent place where you can see it.
KNOW that Jesus blood (symbolized by the RED paper and envelope) has covered this sin and by His grace you are forgiven (or are able to forgive)
Every time you feel compelled to pick up your guilt or to cast accusations toward the one who harmed you-look at the RED envelope and remember CHRIST, through whom all things, even forgiveness, is possible!
Monday, September 13, 2010
16-Make a list
I am recovering from Shoulder surgery and am busier than ever with all the therapy sessions in addition to my regular schedule. It is overwhelming and I feel almost manic at times and my insomnia is back with a vengeance. Something has got to give!
I am going to make a list before I go to bed and see if that doesn't help me sleep better. I am also going to post a notepad beside the bed to jot down stray thoughts when the awaken me.
I have increased my prayer time during middle of the night wakefulness and will incorporate a meditation on "THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT AT THIS TIME OF THE NIGHT ANYWAY!" in order to relax.
I am going to make a list before I go to bed and see if that doesn't help me sleep better. I am also going to post a notepad beside the bed to jot down stray thoughts when the awaken me.
I have increased my prayer time during middle of the night wakefulness and will incorporate a meditation on "THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT AT THIS TIME OF THE NIGHT ANYWAY!" in order to relax.
Monday, August 23, 2010
15-Do good
Only I can make a difference.
My actions are a powerful force and I can use them to make the world a better place...or NOT!
This week I am going to seek out ways to make a REAL difference. Maybe it will be time spent in prayer, or giving a well placed hug of encouragement. Perhaps holding my tongue or speaking out may be the best way to make the world a better place this week. Maybe it will be in cleaning the break room, or picking up litter in the park. I can make a donation to a charity of my choice or buy lunch for the homeless man that lingers behind the parking lot.
Won't you join me in doing ONE THING each day to make your world a better place this week?
My actions are a powerful force and I can use them to make the world a better place...or NOT!
This week I am going to seek out ways to make a REAL difference. Maybe it will be time spent in prayer, or giving a well placed hug of encouragement. Perhaps holding my tongue or speaking out may be the best way to make the world a better place this week. Maybe it will be in cleaning the break room, or picking up litter in the park. I can make a donation to a charity of my choice or buy lunch for the homeless man that lingers behind the parking lot.
Won't you join me in doing ONE THING each day to make your world a better place this week?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Toning the Abdominals
Edna Valentino is a Life Coach and an ACE-certified Personal Trainer. She understands that the power of weight loss comes from the power of the mind first, then the body. Not the other way around. You can reach her at www.AwakeningsLifeCoach.com. She also works at Robert's One on One Personal Training Studio, a private training facility in Malvern, PA. Visit the studio at www.RobertsOneonOne.com
Mixing up your routine and how you train is a great way to achieve tight abdominals. You can't train your muscles the same way day-in and day-out and expect new results. You need to keep those muscles guessing. You can either change the specific exercises with each workout, or you can keep the exercises the same while varying the intensity. The following are sure-fire ways to surprise your muscles so that you can develop the smaller, more toned mid-section you dreamt of that cold January day!
Tip #1. Vary the number of repetitions.
Instead of always doing three sets of 12-15 repetitions, on various days, do different numbers of reps. For example, for medicine ball twists, use a heavy medicine ball one day and do three sets of 15 reps. Two days later, use a lighter medicine ball and increase to three sets of 40 reps. This will confuse your muscles and force them to respond.
Tip #2. Switch up your speed.
Play with the speed at which you execute the exercise. You will notice how quickly you fatigue when doing super-slow bicycle crunches, for example. On the other hand, doing bicycle crunches super-fast will create a different point at which your muscles burn. And, if you really want a challenge, use both speeds in the same workout. For example, do the crunches fast for 10 reps, super-slow for 10, fast for 10, and again super-slow for 10. Now, how do those 40 repetitions feel compared to 40 repetitions done all at the same speed?
Tip #3. Squeeze at the top of every contraction.
You can really get more out of every exercise if you squeeze your muscles hard on the exertion. For example, when you are doing a basic crunch while lying on a stability ball, squeeze your abdominals hard at the top of the crunch every single time. You will no doubt feel a deep burn develop quickly, which is a clear indication that you are starting to chisel away that mid-section.
Tip #4. Alter the length of your rest periods.
Having variety in the duration of your rest periods will increase the intensity of your workouts. In one workout, rest just 10 seconds between sets. On another day, do the same exercise and rest 30 or 60 seconds between sets. The shorter rest periods result in greater intensity because your body doesn't get a chance to fully recover, while the longer rest periods allow for greater endurance. Mixing it up is important to keeping your muscles guessing!
Tip #5. Create a circuit.
Come up with five or so exercises or so regular exercises. Set them up so that you can go from one to the next without stopping. At the end of all five exercises, rest one minute and repeat. Next time, reverse the order of the exercises to keep the muscles confused.
You can see how easy it is to mix up what you are already doing without creating a new program. Remember that change is the key here, so don't get stuck doing the same old routine. Hit your muscles with different intensity levels and you should start seeing results. And don't forget that even if you are tightening those muscles from the inside, you won't get to see the results on the outside if you aren't eating well too. A healthy diet is an extremely important factor in revealing a beautifully toned mid-section. There is still a lot of summer left. Add these tips to your daily regimen, and by Labor Day you'll be closer to fulfilling that New Year's Resolution.
Mixing up your routine and how you train is a great way to achieve tight abdominals. You can't train your muscles the same way day-in and day-out and expect new results. You need to keep those muscles guessing. You can either change the specific exercises with each workout, or you can keep the exercises the same while varying the intensity. The following are sure-fire ways to surprise your muscles so that you can develop the smaller, more toned mid-section you dreamt of that cold January day!
Tip #1. Vary the number of repetitions.
Instead of always doing three sets of 12-15 repetitions, on various days, do different numbers of reps. For example, for medicine ball twists, use a heavy medicine ball one day and do three sets of 15 reps. Two days later, use a lighter medicine ball and increase to three sets of 40 reps. This will confuse your muscles and force them to respond.
Tip #2. Switch up your speed.
Play with the speed at which you execute the exercise. You will notice how quickly you fatigue when doing super-slow bicycle crunches, for example. On the other hand, doing bicycle crunches super-fast will create a different point at which your muscles burn. And, if you really want a challenge, use both speeds in the same workout. For example, do the crunches fast for 10 reps, super-slow for 10, fast for 10, and again super-slow for 10. Now, how do those 40 repetitions feel compared to 40 repetitions done all at the same speed?
Tip #3. Squeeze at the top of every contraction.
You can really get more out of every exercise if you squeeze your muscles hard on the exertion. For example, when you are doing a basic crunch while lying on a stability ball, squeeze your abdominals hard at the top of the crunch every single time. You will no doubt feel a deep burn develop quickly, which is a clear indication that you are starting to chisel away that mid-section.
Tip #4. Alter the length of your rest periods.
Having variety in the duration of your rest periods will increase the intensity of your workouts. In one workout, rest just 10 seconds between sets. On another day, do the same exercise and rest 30 or 60 seconds between sets. The shorter rest periods result in greater intensity because your body doesn't get a chance to fully recover, while the longer rest periods allow for greater endurance. Mixing it up is important to keeping your muscles guessing!
Tip #5. Create a circuit.
Come up with five or so exercises or so regular exercises. Set them up so that you can go from one to the next without stopping. At the end of all five exercises, rest one minute and repeat. Next time, reverse the order of the exercises to keep the muscles confused.
You can see how easy it is to mix up what you are already doing without creating a new program. Remember that change is the key here, so don't get stuck doing the same old routine. Hit your muscles with different intensity levels and you should start seeing results. And don't forget that even if you are tightening those muscles from the inside, you won't get to see the results on the outside if you aren't eating well too. A healthy diet is an extremely important factor in revealing a beautifully toned mid-section. There is still a lot of summer left. Add these tips to your daily regimen, and by Labor Day you'll be closer to fulfilling that New Year's Resolution.
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