Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Walking Her Way to Happy


I recently met an incredible young lady – I’d guess she was in her mid 40s. We had seen her almost every day while we played tennis in the local park! She always had a smile on her beautiful face. Swinging her arms - she walked at a good, brisk pace up and down the rolling hills in our little neighborhood park.

One day I finally asked her how she managed to always have a smile on her face. Without hesitation she told us her hour-long walk was a favorite time of her day. She enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and walking away her troubles. She was so genuinely friendly and full of smiles I had a hard time imagining her getting bothered by anything., She went on to tell us how she had lost over a hundred pounds just walking every day and eating a sensible, healthy diet. It took her about a year – but she stuck with her daily walk and succeeded!

Several scientific studies suggest that optimists live longer, more satisfying lives. So if you’re not an optimist, take a few steps in that direction each day. If you keep thinking like an optimist you will eventually join those many people who already know the benefits of living with a more positive outlook. Vow to make your first thought of the day a positive one. Try to begin each day with an inspirational or positive message. Forget the early morning news. If it’s really important – you’ll hear about it. Many people enjoy starting their day with a positive Bible verse. The key is to start thinking good thoughts first thing in the morning. Start your day off right – with good, positive thoughts.

Whether you want to lose ten pounds or 110 – if you maintain a positive outlook, you’ll have a much better chance of achieving your goal. Visualize your success! If you think you can reach your goal – you most likely will. I think it was Henry Ford who said – “If you think you can or think you can’t – you’re right”.

Create a picture in your mind – a vision of you reaching that goal – visualize yourself wearing a smaller size before Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Set a reasonable target – one that you can honestly expect to meet. Break it into manageable pieces – like “I will lose one pound each week” Or two.

Then set out and take action. Start small if you like. Just start! Take at least a little action in the direction of your goal each day.

Start with a brief walk. Or, if you feel ready, start jogging. Don’t push yourself too hard at first! Learn a new sport. Take up golf or tennis. Or simply start walking in the mall where the temperature is always pleasant! A variety of sports and exercise routines will help you maintain a better balanced level of fitness. Work your legs harder one day and your arms the next. Try to get some cardio in at least five days a week.

The key is to get started. And then keep moving.

Gradually increase your time and your pace. Walk a little farther and a little faster each day. When you start to feel comfortable – start jogging. Again, take it slow – and don’t try to go too far too fast.

Don’t look back - stay focused on enjoying right now! Or at least making the best of whatever life brings your way!

If your life isn’t how you imagined it would be, forgive yourself for your mistakes and move forward with the lessons you’ve learned. Treat yourself kindly. Don’t dwell on your mistakes – or beat yourself up. Learn to move on. And then keep moving – in the direction of whatever goals you seek. You can reach your goals. Adopt a relentless pursuit - persist and you will attain better results than you might even imagine!

Remember - getting in shape fast takes daily exercise and healthy eating choices. Start your journey today. The quickest way to lose weight is with daily exercise and healthy eating! You can do it - enjoy the journey towards a much healthier lifestyle. You can eat healthy, exercise and lose weight fast!

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