Category Archives: Reaching Goals

Reaching Goals

Stop Fighting Yourself!

Honeychild, your arms really are too short to box with God. But guess what?  They’ll too long to box with yourself.  You’ll just in your own way. So, stop fighting yourself.  Let me explain. I’ve been on a journey to get fit for some time now.  Over time, I managed to lose over forty pounds, build strength and do tasks that had been physically impossible for me for a long time. Then I hit a plateau. I followed all the advice on breaking the plateau.  I increased my activity, decreased my caloric intake, and upped my water intake.  I juggled with different strategies including fitness trackers, organized programs, personal training and nutrition coaching. Still, with the exception of constant sore muscles, I am the same.  I’m still weighing in within the same seven-pound weight range as a year ago, 2o pounds from my goal weight. How could it be? I even had blood work done to determine whether there is a medical condition that is in the way.  SO here I am. I weighed in today and I gained 2 pounds.  Frustrated, I ate chocolate covered Oreos for breakfast and chips and Reese’s for lunch.  Then It hit me… I was eating things because I was mad at not losing the weight even though I was working so hard but honestly, these are some of the same things that I was eating to prevent me losing weight, otherwise they would not have been in my house.  That may seem obvious but it wasn’t.  I only ate these things on occasion. I didn’t keep them in my house on a regular basis, just leftovers from social events and sometimes bringing home bake sale items to put in the freezer.  Well the fact is that chocolate covered Oreos, Reese’s and chips were at hand when I got frustrated and decided to have an emotional binge, yes call it what it is.  I didn’t eat it all at one time but it was a binge nonetheless. You can call it breakfast, lunch and dinner but eating candy, cookies and chips as your only nutrition is still a binge. It was all in my house so this was obviously not the first time I did it.  Not logging also doesn’t negate the fact it was a binge. Dancing around and doing some weightlifting doesn’t necessarily negate the binge. The body is objective- calories in, calories out is what it knows. SO what I am saying?

We sometimes live in a denial that our best is really not our best. We delude ourselves into believing that we’re doing all the right things and then get mad when the result is not as desired, when in reality, we are not living up to the full potential of a goal.  It happens to most of us.  The difference between those that succeed and those that give in is recognizing the icebergs instead of looking past them.  It is not over the horizon. It’s in your face, if you’re paying attention. You can only pay true attention when you’re connected to both your goal and the One who promises to keep you and bless you beyond measure- God!

This is not just about losing weight. It’s about reaching goals, ANY goal. Its’ about changing the plan, not the goal. It’s about not giving in but giving up to God. If your goal is Godly, it’s also connected to God’s promises and you will know this.  It really is that simple and that serious.  You can nothing without God and all things with God but you must pay attention to everything. Actions big and small, all make a difference.

Scripture reference:

Proverbs 16:3 ESV Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established

Psalm 32:8 ESVI will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you

Empowerment link:

DO YOU SABOTAGE YOUR OWN SUCCESS? HERE’S HOW TO STOP SELF-SABOTAGE by Adam Sicinski   http://blog.iqmatrix.com/overcome-self-sabotage

Continue reading Stop Fighting Yourself! →

Compassion, Reaching Goals, Role Model

Soothe Me, Move Me, Lift Me Up!

Hey Honeychild! Do you remember the last time you heard a song that lifted you out of your fog. You know: that dance tune that brings back fond memories of way back, the slow ballad that reminds you of your sexy self, the old time gospel that growls God is on your side, the contemporary inspirational that confirms the best is yet to come, the jazz number that soothes your soul. You know which one I’m talking about. It lifts you up, it makes you smile, it gets you moving…
Well, whatever your pleasure, whatever your song, remember this- these songs are a gift. They are a light to your pathway to let you know that your story is not over. Music is one of the ways that life gives life. Am I going over the top here? NO. I’m more than a cheerleader for rhythm and rhyme. Music is known for its healing properties. Sometimes, when we are losing focus and we’re headed to the pity party, all we really need is its quick pick me up. Music is brain changing as it releases the chemical dopamine- the same pleasure-related response that you get from drugs, sex and foods like chocolate; all of which can get you in trouble if used to self- medicate. Heck, those may be related to some of the reasons you were in that funk anyway. But Ahhh, the right music will get you to think outside of yourself, remember your possibilities and spark new thoughts.

Well. I got you covered Honeychild. “Today’s a new day.” “A-B-C…easy as 1-2-3.” “It’s a wonderful world.” “Happy.” “Walking on Sunshine” “The Greatest love of all.” “If what I am is what’s in me…” “Somewhere over the rainbow.” …So perhaps not the hippest playlist but you get my point.

Put on that vinyl, CD, iPod, whatever thingies turn you on and get it going.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Empowerment Link: Some songs to get you started-
www.thehealthy.com/the-20-most-inspirational-songs-of-all-time

Purpose, Reaching Goals, Role Model

Celebrating Single

Honeychild, dear Honeychild,

This is the time of year for parties, gifts, cheer and sharing. But for many, it is the time of year for grief and loneliness. Some people are happy and eager to post to Facebook, hashtag on twitter, pose for Instagram and Snapchat. Others are dreading the holiday season in favor of thoughts of lost, despair and conflict. Whether you are in one of those categories or somewhere in between or know someone who is experiencing sadness during the holidays; be encouraged. You are not alone. You can help yourself or someone you care about to get through the season with peace and joy.Here are three thoughts to help you.

First, remember the reason for the season? Consider that it can mean different things to different people. For Christians, Jews, Buddhists and some years Muslims, there is a universal call to show love. Christians are celebrating Christmas, the birth of Christ. Jews are celebrating Chanukkah, the festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Buddhists are celebrating Bodhi Day, the day Buddha received enlightenment. On years that is coincides with December on the Gregorian calendar, Muslims are honoring the Feast of Sacrifice; Id Al Adha. Stills others are simply celebrating the Winter Solstice. At any rate, although the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas has become a season of cheer and merriment, keeping the holiday in context can help you take it in stride and understand that it is ok not participate in every gathering if you don’t feel like doing so.

On the other hand, it is also ok to join in the celebrations as a single. That brings me to thought number two. You can go celebrations alone or with another single friend. People are not, as one might think, singling you out. The Bible says that if you want friends you have to first be friendly. So go to the party and enjoy yourself. There are also many things happening during the holiday that are great enjoyed alone. It may seem awkward the first time you go out alone, but trust me, it can freeing and fun. Go the theater, the movies, skating at the rink. Take in the holiday show or a city tour of the lights around the city. You’ll find the joy of the season will make you smile whether you with others or by yourself.

Having trouble with thoughts of lost loved ones? Thought number three: Don’t try to forget about them during the season. Instead, embrace their memories; celebrate them. You can give a donation to charity in the name of your loved one. Light a candle in their memory. Write a poem or letter of remembrance. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the time you had with your loved one. This is good even when you are grieving lost due to a break up rather than death.

You see, Honeychild… changing how you think about the holidays and what you do in response can help you see this season as an opportunity to practice the love within. And you take that right into the new year!

Scripture Reference:
Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Empowerment link:
For Mourners: http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/blogs/getting-through-holidays-advice-bereaved
For Singles: http://www.womansday.com/relationships/dating-marriage/advice/a6771/holidays-alone/

Purpose, Reaching Goals

Be Extra!

I was watching the Steve Harvey Show today. He did a segment on the Disney Dreamers Academy. During one of the sessions he talked about the difference between ordinary and extraordinary people. Sounds corny but the answer is EXTRA! I know! But as I thought about it I was reminded of what I had been thinking a lot about lately, my own failure to fly at times. Don’t get me wrong Honeychild, I have done well. I enjoy a measure of success and I have contributed to the welfare of my community. However, I am thinking of the possible magnanimous impact I could have if I flew a little higher and spread my wings a little wider.

Everyone tells you that you have to have a dream, you have to write it down, and you have to work on it. All of that is true. I’ve done all of that but remained at the precipice of accomplishing my goals. I had to come to grips with the fact that I just don’t always do the extra, not really. I do a great job of appearing to go above and beyond but that’s because most people are generous and don’t realize that they have a pretty low bar. Only a few people in my life have pushed me and expected more. More importantly, only a few times in my life have I pushed me and expected more. You do better…well you gotta do better.
We each have potential to do great things, most of us won’t. I once heard a preacher talk about the potential that one find in the graveyards of the world… scientists, inventors, mothers, fathers, presidents, the list goes on. It’s all about the extra. Make the extra phone call. Do the extra set of planks. Study the extra hour. Create the extra prototype. Join me- Be extra!! Let’s see where it takes us.

Scripture references are found in this empowerment link
http://whowudathunk.wordpress.com/tag/steve-harvey/

Purpose, Reaching Goals, Role Model

The Big Bad Boat

Honeychild, let me tell you…

Sometimes you don’t know you really want to do something until the opportunity presents itself. I just spent 5 days on a sailboat. It was a simple, pure, and absolutely amazing experience. You could not have told me that I would be climbing in and out of this boat and loving it. But that is not how it began.
It began when I tried to book my annual trip to the Vineyard. I had waited too long and everything was sold out for the date that I wanted. I then tried to book another date and it didn’t work either. Now I was on a mission. It occurred to me that maybe not everyone on the boats owned them. I googled bed and breakfast on a boat and voila! I found a sailboat for my stay. Thinking outside the box paid off. Mind you I had no idea what it entailed.
Fast forward, I’m excited about this trip and staying on a ship. Well, I get there, ready to walk the plank onto the boat, bad enough, but wait! I was stunned as the captain explained to me how to get on the boat. I had to climb over the dock edge, down a flat ladder, cross over to the edge of the boat and climb in. I stood there looking at the space between me, the water and the boat. No, I don’t swim and I booked a vacation on a sailboat. I was weighing my options: could I get a reservation some place on the island, could I change my train ticket and go back home, sleep on the dock, anything but get on that boat? Well, I sucked it up, grabbed God and slowly and very awkwardly made it into the boat, declaring that I was not getting off again until it was time to go home in five days.
Let me tell you, not only did I get on and off that boat each day but I lived in close quarters with my 3 mates and some very basic supplies. It turned out to be one of the best trips ever. I even got on a dingy and rode out to a charter boat in the outer harbor, made a slightly less challenging climb onto that yacht and got to see fireworks from the sea view. Honeychild, let me tell you what I learned…
If you get outside of the box, trust the process, and embrace challenges you will be rewarded with experiences beyond all that you can imagine.

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:13New King James Version (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Empowerment Link: http://christinagreve.com/daring-to-dare-why-you-should-step-out-of-your-comfort-zone
http://www.boxingscene.com/motivation/25341.php Challenge your self