New Years brings New Year's Resolutions

I can honestly say that I never would make resolutions at the beginning of the new year. I'll admit that part of that was sheer laziness, but part was the realization that I would likely hiccup, with what I resolved to do, but I was always taught from 12 years on that I should have goals in life in personal, professional, spiritual, and other areas. So should that ever stop? I don't think so.

So a week or so ago I watch Oprah's opening show for the new year. It's about new year's resolutions and she has her trainer, Bob Greene, on so I'm thinking, "Oh great another show about now it's time to lose weight for the next year." So I watch and so many things she said rang true for me and I'm pretty sure would ring true for you so here goes with what I learned on Oprah today.

When a lot of us know that we over indulged this year, we look in the mirror and say, "Oh my gosh, this is my body? It's so different than when I went to high school or when I got married or was 30, etc." Well the overweight self is not really craving food is it? No, my friends and family, it is craving LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Think about it and be honest with yourself- the overuse of food is the "drug of choice" and the lack of activity we extend (not exercising) in our life is the very indication that we lack and even crave love. This is what we're really hungry for. The gift we did not give ourselves this year, (if this applies to you) is the gift of love, receiving, extending, all forms and you know what I'm talking about. We have to make ourselves "the priority." We're all so busy doing for others, our families, church, our jobs, and extending ourselves in so many directions that we've become unconscious about it all and maybe you're just trying to get through the day, but we eat and eat, and don't exercise, and don't communicate important stuff to pretty important people and it will all boil over one day when we're so imbalanced that we're emotionally withdrawn, physically overweight, and spiritually deficient that the weight just pours on and the regular visits to the doctor for pills is our answer.

Since this is my blog, I speak for myself only but I think a lot of this rings true for many of you too. So what do we do about it?

Something!
Anything!
Walking!
Talking!
Loving!
Doing!

Any other verb for action is appropriate too. Insert your own for your situation and you'll know what I mean.

For me, this last year was extremely hard. I'm already away from all of my family and dearest friends living in South Carolina. Joni's job is such that she has had to travel a lot, leaving me alone with a bunch of cats, who I love, but it's not the same. Food has been my choice of "comfort" and it's silly and stupid but it is what it is. So here I am. Change can only be made once you are aware and can admit it. So here I sit, 40 lbs heavier than my college basketball days. Heaviest I've been, people, so it's time for some changes.

So getting back to Oprah, the #1 thing they suggest is to plan for your life and meals so that you keep in check what you're taking into your body. Lots of recipe's on her site and others. If you don't plan your meals you get hungry and you eat fast food or other unwise quick choices and it all adds up.

Cardio (running/jogging/moving) is essential to losing/then maintaining your weight, so 30 minutes/day should be spent.

#2 Resistance training. The older we get the more muscle you lose and need to try and maintain. So even though weight may not drop as fast for this area, after awhile your shape changes and your clothes fit differently-more comfortable and loose.

Carnie Wilson, who had battled an extremely public view of her weight ups and downs, had gastric bypass surgery, then ballooned back to 220 this year. Carnie says, "You need to love yourself." You have to take care of yourself. What do you really want in life? Food? What's the real craving? She wanted to be healthy and that's her focus. She's lost 50 lbs in the last 6 months. "Put yourself back on your list." Exercise is the best way to start.

So look at "falling off the wagon" as not a weight issue but a love issue and make some changes today. I say all of this for myself most of all but I know a few of you need a kick in the pants also. "How much love can you give youself in 2009?" Make it the year. Let's not make excuses or whatever, "Do it!"