Ode to Joy!

Well here we are again. Another day, another dollar?? lol! 

I was up early this morning to wash, blow out and straighten my hair. I still can't believe I've become so high maintenance with my hair. I never was. I just wanted a change so straight hair is that! But to give up sleep for my hair? Gah! What is that?? ;) I need to figure out what to do for the Summer. Humidity isn't going to help keep it straight. Looking into the Keratin treatment aka the Brazilian blowout. It lasts for three months..so would be perfect for June-Sept. Keeps it straight with no work! Wooo. That would be fantastic!! 

I talk on here a lot about healthy habits and change and living a happy life. I think people need to learn how to create these habits and understand how to stick with them. It is definitely not an overnight process especially if you've been living on processed or junk food and zero activity. But by understanding that it takes baby steps and moving forward slowly but surely most will be able to stick with it. 

First you need to set realistic expectations. No matter if you are trying to lose or gain weight, eat more vegetables, drink more water, exercise more or even just be more positive, give yourself the time to accomplish this endeavor. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to have everything be different immediately. 

Have your focus be on how you want to feel in the body that was given to you. Don't compare yourself to anyone else as they are different with different skin, bodies, metabolism, problems..and they are trying to figure their own way. And that way will have nothing to do with you. And try not to make your goal be a specific number on the scale. So often we see people who look fit and healthy and they end up being a higher weight than someone who is thin yet not fit. It all depends on what is going inside your skin not the number on the scale. 

Try to keep things positive and focus on what the great, healthy foods and lifestyle is doing for you. Pay attention to your body and how these foods make you feel. Try not to dwell on what you are eliminating in order to find that healthier place. Focus on how early morning exercise makes you feel and sets the tone for the day and gives you energy. Don't dwell on the alarm going off at an earlier hour. I am an eternal optimist yes but even I have days I groan and say "nooo, I want to sleep!"  

I have written before about getting rid of that all or nothing way of thinking. That is the biggest mistake so many people make. You deprive yourself completely and then burn out on the things you are doing to be healthier. That is not a healthy way of living nor is it realistic. Just find that balance. That is the most important thing you can do for your health and your psyche. 

Finally, try to spend time with those that encourage you and are like-minded in regards to the healthier lifestyle. They don't need to think exactly as you do but if you are trying to change your way of living and then spend a lot of time with a couch potato, that isn't going to help motivate you much. Try to surround yourself with those that give you that extra pep in your step to get going. Whether it be a class at the gym, a website with message boards or just talking and sharing ideas with those friends who live a healthy lifestyle themselves, it will only help to motivate you. 

I leave you with a little Beethoven. I luuuuurve him. What a brilliant man! When I hear this I think of the Olympics!! :) 

Have a great day, my friends! 

xoxoxo
Tam