What Does Your Ideal Life Look Like and Are You Living It?

 Are you living your ideal life? We all imagine what our lives will look like. Notice that I said "Ideal", not perfect .... be realistic. This is not the time to say "No, my prince charming did not come on a horse and swoop me off to his Castle". We are not living in a fairytale! So, when you look at the aspects of your life, right now, would you say that it is ideal?

Your definition of ideal should not involve comparing yourself or your life to others'. Ideal should involve your feelings and what you rate as important for you. An ideal life should be about all the pieces of the puzzle fitting neatly together. Ideal should feel like everything is balanced, because you have worked out what is most important to you and you have let go of things you don't rate. 

If we were to break down the areas of our lives they may include our home, our schedule, our job, our friends, our financial situation, our kids, how we parent, our attitude, our relationships, our fitness, our health, the way we deal with situations, our contribution to our community and the world ... The list could be quite long, but what matters for one may not even appear on someone else's list.

Life moves fast and we don't always have control over the way things go, but we often have choices. As we grow, our ways of looking at things often change, as our idea of ideal can change too. 

That's OK. 

What we think is an ideal life as a child, or teen, or young adult, may be very different to our idea of ideal when we have experienced life and have some knowledge of the world. Definitions change!

When you look at all of the aspects of your life, right now, how does reality compare to your ideal, imagined life?

Which bits are close? 

Which bits are vastly different?

Why are there differences? 

Do you want to reach your ideal?

What do you have to do to make that happen?

Have you sacrificed some areas of your life to build another? 

For me?

           I know that there are some aspects of my life that aren't necessarily ideal, yet they are reasonable. I can cope with the stage they are at. 

          There are a few areas that I have pondered over and toyed with most of my life. Trying to get them to a stage of "reasonable" is a struggle, with the changes within life, myself and the world always tilting the table one way or another. These areas will probably be a work in progress for years to come. 

          There are a couple of areas that have just fallen into place over time, with little effort, and continue to be easy. I dare not mess with these, and ask no questions and count my blessings.

           Mostly, I have a tendency to plod along, being swept down the stream of life and doing the best to not hit my head on the boulders on the way. Occasionally I stand back to look things over, like I am doing right now. I believe that nearly anything can be improved, so of course, there are always a few things that I note are not, in fact, ideal in my life, and that its time to get to work and change them.

I think that having an ideal(not prefect!) image of our lives is healthy. Like dreams, it gives us something to aim for. As long as the the image is realistic and achievable, why should our lives be less than ideal?

Fats, Sugar, Diet and Cholesterol

A little while ago I did a full check up with the GP. This included the full bloods workup. Some things came back good .... others, not so much. Cholesterol was one of the readings that could have been better - both my HDL (known as good cholesterol) and LDL (known as bad cholesterol).

This happened at the time when our family had been under the full influence of the "low fat" is best attitude, so everything in our cupboards and fridge were low fat, fat-free, etc.

image source

It was right at the start of the "sugar is toxic" era, and I had my ears open and had been listening.

Not only did I feel that I was not on the right path, but it really did bug me that obesity statistics in Australia, and so many other countries had gone through the roof! How could this be when there were so many "better choices"available on the shelf?

So, I knew I had to make some changes to improve my Cholesterol readings.

Change 1: I increased the amount and type of physical activity, which wasn't hard, with the help of our Company Personal Trainer.

I also started reading labels and researching more of the theories behind the fat vs sugar debate.

I already knew that not all fats were equal, as some behaved differently in the body.  So I increased the foods in our diet which were said to contain helpful fats, like olive oil, tuna, and avocado to name a few.

Once I started label reading though, I was horrified by the high amounts of sugar, and sugar products that were in our everyday foods. Equally as horrifying, was the discovery of sugar added to foods right across the board, which seemed hard to justify. These foods were being processed excessively! I won't even go into the chemicals listed on the labels .... that is a whole other essay length blog post!

Surely, if you put so much sugar into the body, which is a processed food in itself, the body had to then break it down ... and in my mind, if you did not use the energy that the sugar provided .... wouldn't it too turn into fat???

image source

So, in summary, we had been eating many "low fat" products, which certainly did have a lower fat component than their counterparts, but every one of them had sugar added to them, some in significant numbers.

It also made sense to me to eliminate foods that were heavily processed and go back to basics. After all, if the scientific world could claim certain foods were bad for you one minute, like they have with eggs, wine, and chocolate, and then turn around to later claim that in fact they are good for you because of X, Y, and Z, then surely I could examine my choices and make a few educated guesses.

Change 2: We stocked up on eggs, lean meats, fish, butter, fruit and vegetables. We sourced as much as we could from the local producers, so it was as close to it's original, non-processed, chemical-free form. We also dramatically reduced the sugar in our diets to be closer to a "no-sugar or low sugar" level.

image source

So .... what about my cholesterol???

With another test, 6 months later, having changed from "low fat"choices back to full fat products, how did my scores fair????

The doctor assessed my results and said simply,

 "Whatever you are doing now, keep doing it!" 

My good cholesterol (HDL) had improved, and my bad cholesterol (LDL) had also improved ... and quite significantly!

This made me reassess everything I had been taught and heard about a healthy diet ....

Coping With Anxiety And Adrenaline

Adrenaline is one of those amazing hormones that your body creates when you are scared, angry or excited. Your body makes it when it thinks you need it, like a boost of energy and confidence to get through something. Unfortunately, when you have Anxiety, your body may misinterpret the signs and create adrenaline when it is not needed. When adrenaline is released into the body, it quickens the heart beat, strengthens the force of the heart's contraction, and opens up the bronchioles in the lungs, among other effects.

Some people refer to some activities as "an adrenaline rush", and seek them for the buzz that it can help you feel. I remember the adrenaline rush of our wedding day and it kept me warm in my sleeveless gown well into the night. My husband also refers to adrenaline when people ask how he copes when attending accidents with SES.

These examples are fleeting in their longevity, and do not compare in any way to the adrenaline I felt through Anxiety.

I would be emotionally and mentally exhausted, and battling several other symptoms of Anxiety, but my body would still be ready to go.

I would go to sit down in the late afternoon, or prepare for bed in the evening, and my body would fight it, trying to tell me that it was ready to take on more. I would be laying down shaking all over, from my chin right down to my toes. As much as I tried to stop it, my teeth would chatter, but I was not cold.

It was what I termed Adrenaline Shakes, and to experience it is quite disconcerting.

I had started medication, but knowing that it would take weeks to take effect, I wanted to do whatever I could myself to aid in the journey to recovery.

I was doing two forms of exercise a day. During the day I would pop in my earphones, put my head down and would take a fast, lengthy walk. Between dinner and bedtime, I would do a workout that would eat into that build up of adrenaline, such as an hour of Kick Boxing.

I have found exercise to be a fundamental part of treating my Anxiety, for using up the adrenaline, but also to keep me fit and able to cope both physically and mentally.

Palpitations were a complication of too much adrenaline too. I had numerous episodes, both at home and in the presence of medical practitioners. I used breathing, relaxation and ice packs to the head and face to try to slow down my heart rate, but eventually I had to be prescribed a Beta Blocker to control the palpitations until my other medication became effective. After a couple of months I was able to come off the Beta Blocker.

I was also aware that if I could limit my Anxiety by any other means, it would reduce the amount of adrenaline I was building up. I actively sought any forms of relaxation like breathing, massage, listening to music, yoga and progressive muscle relaxation.

I would love to know how Adrenaline has impacted on you and your methods of coping?

1st Fun Run - City to Casino

Now that I am finally over the experience of my 1st City to Casino, I wanted to let you know....

IT WAS GREAT!

Having never even attended a fun run before, it was exciting, nerve-racking, and exhausting all at the same time.

I entered in the 7km Walk event as part of the Blundstone Corporate team. I was thrilled to be part of this event that saw a record number of entrants this year. The City To Casino raises funds for The Heart Foundation which is such a good cause.

My event started at Cornelian Bay and finished at the iconic Wrest Point Casino in Sandy Bay. If you enter at a walking level, you can walk, shuffle, jog and run to get yourself to the finish line. So, being my first event, I did a combination of walking and jogging (there may have been a little shuffling).

I crossed the line at exactly one hour, which gives me a good and achievable goal for next year.

Just a tip: If you can enter events like this one as a Corporate team member, the perks are usually worth it, like the entry fee paid for and the 10 minute massage at the end.

Do you have any experience with Fun Runs? Maybe you have also entered The City To Casino in Tasmania, or better still, maybe you entered this year too?

Posted via BlogPost

The Weight Loss Debate - STOP JUDGING

I get a little frustrated with the negative attitude and comments aimed at some people's efforts towards weight loss. Amazingly, it is sometimes coming from people who have been down the weight loss road and know firsthand the battle people face.

I say, to anyone trying to lose weight to put them into a healthier state, I don't care which method you choose, because half of the work is making that decision to lose the weight, commit to it and maintain the loss.

Yet, I hear time and time again people saying things like, "Oh yeah, she has lost heaps, but she had Lap Band Surgery." or "He looks much healthier now, but he has a personal trainer."

There is no easy way to lose weight in my mind.

Every single method, whether it be Diet Shakes, Exercise, Lap Band Surgery, using a Personal Trainer, or the many other options and tools at your disposal, involve a commitment of time, sacrifice, effort, and ups and downs, and I see none of them as cheating.

Weight Loss can be one of the biggest mental and physical battles you may have to face in life. To make the decision and effort to turn around bad eating and exercise habits, which may even have been present your whole life, is such a commendable position to take.

To hear opinions that the weight loss can be bought, or that the help from surgery, medicine or trainer is the simple, easier option is honestly disappointing.

LINKING UP WITH
 

Are You Centred and Balanced?

Isn't it funny how we go about our lives, never really examining how we go about things unless something goes wrong. I know the saying "why fix it if it's not broken", which is often true. I also like the saying "if you do something, then do it well" which is why my trainer introduced a new app. recently to measure posture.

My awesome trainer, Sherri loves to look at things from every angle. Her business, Energy Health Concepts, has earned itself a great reputation because of this approach.

Sherri has been excitedly trying this posture app. PostureScreen Mobile (available through itunes and Google Play) with clients which requires two photos, a front view and side view (neither of my photos will appear on the blog to save the mental health of my readers).

From here, some key points are marked over the body which allows the app. to measure your posture. It also goes on to recommend exercise and techniques based on the findings.

Apparently I am a typical office worker/computer user. I hold my head and shoulders too far forward. This may not be causing problems yet, but with knowledge and some techniques to correct this, hopefully it never will.

My front view showed that I naturally shift to the left, from my pelvis up to my head, although my stance doesn't tilt either way.

Now that I am aware of this I have made some changes at my desk, and set a timer to remind me to do a few office friendly exercises every hour. The timer means that I am constantly reminded to check how I am sitting as well.

Retraining yourself is hard!

Are you conscious of your posture? Has any bad habits with your posture caused you grief?

Wordless Wednesday: Cape Raoul - Ship Stern Bluff Track

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

There is nothing like getting outdoors amongst nature and sucking in the crisp, fresh air to help you feel alive and provide some stress release from the daily grind. Add an invigorating walk, some breathtaking scenery and the sound of the ocean crashing against rock.

We have wanted to walk out to Ship Stern Bluff for some time now. Ship Stern is located at the South-east tip of Tasmania, and the walk takes about 2 hours return (depending on how long you stay to admire the view). You can also access the tracks to Cape Raoul (5 hours return) and Tunnel Bay from the same point, which all have their own amazing views. The track is easy to find, and clearly marked as you turn off the road past Port Arthur, just before getting to Nubeena.

 The track to Ship Stern was relatively easy, with mostly a good path. There was a little up and down, some exposed trees roots, rocks and overgrown sags, but generally the going was easy.

The track to Cape Raoul is longer and a Grade 4, and is generally a little hillier in sections.

 When you get to the clearing where the view is at it's best, Ship Stern Bluff is breathtaking. The beauty of the sheer cliffs against the surging ocean, backed up with that thick, green foliage is just magic.

 Speaking of magic, there is just as much to see and admire along the way. Nature has provided some beautiful specimens in the area.

I daresay we will be going back for another look. Hubby and I are keen to take the children.

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

Defending the Biggest Loser Approach

There has been a lot of flack across the social media with the latest season of The Biggest Loser-Australia.

Tweets and posts on Facebook about torturing kids for ratings. People saying that the contestants must sign a clause to be dehumanised on TV. Comments about The Biggest Loser becoming a freak show when they bring out the bigger contestants, and that watching fat people on TV is not entertaining. I'm sure with every season comes a new barrage of haters.

The Biggest Loser is currently being show by Channel Ten in Australia, and you should check this preview out here if you are not sure what I am talking about.

I am standing up for their approach,

While watching this season, as well as previous ones, I have seen the trainers push the contestants to reach their potential. They are not degrading the contestants and name-calling. They are truthful in what it takes to get results. They are truthful and honest about how the contestants came to be in their current situation. They know all of the excuses and whinges to slow down or give up, and hear it all of the time. They are not there to pretend, or give these people a break; that is not their job. They are not there to make friends. 

They are there to share their expertise, get results and be professional in their role as a trainer.

These contestants put their hand up for the show because they knew they needed help.

The selectors chose these particular contestants because they were prime candidates to improve their lives.

Just as putting on weight does not happen overnight, the process of losing yourself, your self-worth and confidence is a gradual process.

The facade that a person will put up to say they are happy with life or that they accept that this is the way life is for them, is never their ideal situation or their lifetime dream.

The family and friends of these people may tell them from time to time that they need to get off their bum, that they need to eat better or look after themselves, but mostly, they bite their tongue, or the arguments turn into disapproving looks over time. 

When people approach a personal trainer or go to the extreme of applying for a national TV weight loss show, they are asking for help. 

They need help with their eating schedule and choices. 

They need help with food portions and selection.

They need help keeping motivated. 

They need help with their mindset, confidence and self-worth. 

They need help with exercise routines, techniques and equipment use.

They need help to see that their decisions and the way they choose to live affects a wide range of people.

They need help seeing the truth behind the consequences of poor eating habits, loss self esteem and inactivity. 

They need to know there are options.

They need to know they are capable, to do more than they think, to achieve their dreams.

They need to be told what to do, a push to keep going, and the encouraging words.

They need goals to aim for and rewards.

Many are asking for help in one of these areas; but many need help in all of these areas.

2013 The Biggest Loser, Australia Trainers Shannon, Michelle and The Commando

If the task was easy, there would be no contestants, no trainers, and certainly no show.

This year, there is the added challenge of dealing with family issues between the contestants being the child and their parent.

The fact is, obesity is an epidemic. Obesity causes multitudes of health problems. Obesity has detrimental effects on the person and those around them.

There is no doubt that the creators of The Biggest Loser are making money and getting ratings over this show. Whether that is the driving factor behind the show, or why it has survived many seasons; I really, truly don't care.

I do care that this program gives opportunity to people who need it, whether it be the contestants who appear on the screen, or whether it is the people at home who are being inspired by the efforts, motivated by the words, and grossed out by the hard truths.

Still With A Twinkle In My Eye

I was just reminiscing. This time last year, according to my blog, I was exhausted. We all were!
I was so thankful that the children were finally going on holiday. I needed the break from the mundane morning hassle. Luckily, I am not feeling so zapped this year!

So what's the difference?

Well, I should be even more exhausted, with having two children to get ready for school, as opposed to just one last year. Two children, I might add, who often like to do anything accept what they are meant to in the morning.

So does my extra energy burst come from increase in exercise and healthier living?

Or

Could it be because I did the 30 Day Sugar-Free Challenge, to give my body a break before Christmas?

Either way, I have altered my lifestyle and habits, and the proof is in the pudding (sorry for the pun so close to Christmas), with more energy, better fitness and weight loss.

Finally, this year, I am ready to start the New Year from a really good point.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas
                            .... and if you don't hear from me again this year,
                                                          I wish you and your loved ones a Safe and Happy New Year.
                                                                                                                                                 xxxx

Thankful for Not Falling On My Face

Today I did great things .... at least by my standards. I had my monthly health assessment with The Personal Trainer, and she always gets the best out of me, whether I am doing boxing, routines with weights, treadmill or aerobic routines. I never know what to expect, as she is always pumped to get me moving and likes to mix it up.

I really think The Personal Trainer has been well worth the money My Workplace is paying her. If you want to know how this came about, then read here. My first assessment is here, and my post explaining what works for me is here.

So I am steadily losing weight, which is ideal, and I can feel I am so much fitter than 5 months ago. This is showing in my Netball games where I have moved positions, and am now enjoying playing two thirds of the court instead of struggling to cover one third. Also, there is no way I could achieve my milestone today, without my improved fitness.

We worked with some 1.5kg dumb bells today, doing a series of of squats, pumps and burpees. This is itself is a good workout. Here is the twist! Between each set with the weight, I got to have a quick drink before jumping on the Treadmill and jogging for 2 minutes. You heard it here first - I RAN ON THE TREADMILL! Wooooo Hoooo!

There is something about a trainer standing beside you, talking you through every step, encouraging you to go a bit more, and praising your achievements. I must tell you, there were a couple of high fives in the room.

Who gives you the confidence to try things? When have you thought yourself incapable, and been encouraged to push harder?

Finding my exercise mojo

When you are trying to get into exercise, or re-trying for the 10^th time this year, the first thing you try may not work. I don’t think there is any one exercise or method that will work and come easy for all people.

Part of our company’s Personal Trainers’ job is to get to know each person, teach them different techniques and try them out, and assess their progress.  Our trainer, Sherri from Energy Health Concepts, has come to know us a bit better over time, and is now recommending exercise and methods a bit more tailor-made for each individual.

For me personally, we have tried several things over this time, and one thing became clear for me and Sherri. Firstly I was already playing Netball with a team, and had a set roster for the next 5 months. Netball is once a week for 1 hour. This is a sport I have been playing since I was young, and one I thoroughly enjoy. Whilst it maintains my level of fitness, it is not enough for me to shed kilos or better my fitness.

The addition of exercise equipment at our workplace has been good, and I have made use of it by myself, and with another. This has not become a regular event though. At the beginning of the program, with our enthusiasm at a high, I suggested and started a walking group. This went well for a while until some members started to dwindle due to reasons like illness, the weather, work commitments and personal commitments. In the end I was going solo, every now and then. The fact that I am not doing any things enough or routinely means that I am not getting the results I want.

So in my last monthly assessment and training session Sherri, a plan of attack was made.

The plan consisted of:

• 1.       A group – formed for support, commitment and encouragement. 

• 2.       A schedule was drawn up to suit all members and ensure we would meet twice a week.

• 3.       An exercise regime was introduced using circuit exercise. The circuit work would use different exercises using the equipment at our disposal equal to the number of people in the group. The group would move around the equipment in a circle, getting a good workout aimed at working the whole body and getting the heart rate up.

• 4.       The Tabata method would ensure a method of timing each exercise and allow time for rest. For example, I might start with a medicine ball and go from squat to overhead continually for twenty seconds, then a 10 second rest. This might be repeated 4 times before going on to the next exercise. 

• 5.       We have a group of about 5-6 usually so we start with a warm-up, go around the circuit 2-3 times, and then finish with a cool-down and stretches.

So what does this mean for me?

It means that I have a regular commitment of twice a week. It means that when I get there, I am with a group of liked-minded people. The group consists of girls I know and have worked with for a while and we encourage and praise throughout the session. These girls will also not accept excuses not to attend unless you are in hospital or worse, even if It means using the treadmill in the background on minimum speed whilst shouting out encouragement.

It also means that the exercise is fast paced, aimed at working my whole body, and exercise that is proven to get good results.

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Bright Side Up on Pinterest

So I want to know what works for you? Have you found your exercise mojo?

Maybe I should lower my expectations?

As if exercise comes naturally for everyone. As if I want to venture out on a cold night. Wouldn't you think that if a group of people are going to sign up for something, they would make an effort to know what time to turn up?

Having organised our dinner earlier than usual so I could digest before going out, I dressed in my netball gear that I had put on the airer in front of the heat pump to make sure it was dry in time. I checked the time once again and made sure that my bag was by the door, money ready, and drink bottle full.

I received a message from a team player on Facebook, letting us all know that, beyond her control, she was too sick to play. These things happen. It is team policy that players let others know if they can not play. Luckily, we had recruited more players than needed for a team for the Winter Roster, knowing that people get sick, as well as having work and family commitments.

The time had come to leave, so I psyched myself up to firstly, go outside in the cold to the car, and then, drive to the Sports Centre to play an hour of Netball in a t-shirt and skirt. This is the commitment I have made. A commitment to my health and fitness, to my team-mates, and to the group of ladies that make up the Winter Roster, including the umpires, the girls scoring, and the Vice-president who opened the Centre and set-up.

Imagine not only our disappointment, but also our frustration that only 3 members of the opposing team had turned up.

To me, this is inexcusable!
Sure we all make mistakes from time to time.
It is quite easy to mix up times.
We have all been there.
But when everyone else goes out of their way to make sure that rosters are distributed, that team members are kept up to date, that Social Media is used wisely, that baby sitters are arranged for children, that time is allowed for travel, that uniforms are ready to wear .... it is hard to smile nicely and forgive a team who have done this several times now.

Am I expecting too much? Do I need to lower my expectations of people? Do you notice more and more disrespect for others lately?

Just Do It! Monthly Health Assessment

I met with the Company personal trainer today. Remember? The great Australian company that cares so much for it's employees that it is paying to look after us? I know - still hard to believe! It's a month on from my Grateful .. for being accountable post and I am still pinching myself.

So my weight had been measured, my measurements noted down, my blood pressure recorded and my glucose and cholesterol levels checked. We talked about goals and a strategy.

A month has passed and I have been a little casual in my efforts, but still very conscious of my goal and pushing myself when needed.

The first week was great. I was motivated. I wrote religiously in my food diary. I joined other employees to make a lunch walking group. I tried to be better with my food choices. I pushed myself to fit more exercise into my week and did it solo.

The following weeks were not so good. I got slack writing in my food diary. I ate a few things that I knew were not ideal, but I didn't go overboard. I continued to walk with the group and exercise solo. The last week the Winter Netball Roster started, which is something I enjoy, so I got the most out of the first game.

My trainer had suggested that I don't check my weight or measurements at home. "Let it be a surprise"she said. Overall, I had been eating better and moving more, so I was confident that I should be heading in the right direction. I could not tell a great difference with my clothes ... maybe a little more comfortable instead of tight?

I went into my monthly assessment positive but not overly confident. My trainer put me through a Strength & Conditioning Circuit which really got the blood pumping and the sweat dripping. It was great but I was thankful it only lasted half an hour. With a cool down and stretch done, it was time for the nitty gritty.

I stood on the scales and waited for them to display my current weight. I stared at the little screen, not really registering the numbers. My trainer had to say it several times before it sunk in. "You've lost 4 kilos!" She could see that it wasn't sinking in at first, because I certainly wasn't mirroring the excitement she was showing.

4 kilos was a much better result than I had been expecting.

Given that I am a person who can find an excuse not to do things or procrastinate until the opportunity has passed, I am glad for those little pushes I gave myself to get out there and JUST DO IT.

motiveweight.blogspot.com.au

Grateful for ... being accountable

Most people moan and groan about their place of employment. They say there is too much taking and not enough giving. They feel like they are just another cog that makes the company tick. The company's main concern is the number on the bottom of the Profit and Loss report. This is possibly why so many people work for themselves.

So let me tell you a little story about an Australian company (that, fortunately, I am associated with) that actually says they care about their employees, and does something to prove it.

On Thursday I met with my personal trainer. No this isn't a separate story, so stay tuned. We discussed my goals, my history, my habits and noted down my personal measurements. I will record my food intake and physical activity in my diary over the next four weeks, then meet with her again.

So where is the link?

The personal trainer has been hired by my place of work. 

Meet Sherri, of Energy Health Concepts. 

 

Those who wish to have access to her and her company's tools and expertise can do so, all at the cost of the business.  This includes nutrition consultation, cholesterol and glucose testing, massages, Pilates workouts, a Company Challenge and monthly check-ins. Those who would like to take part in the group training sessions can do so at half price, with the company paying the other half.

So this week I am more than happy to be accountable. I have signed up for all the bells and whistles and am really looking forward to the support and the information they can offer. I have done the exercise, watching what I eat, and dieting all before, but all on my own.

How often does an opportunity like this come my way? How hard is it to lose weight, and maintain a good fitness and lifestyle without support? How often in your life would you like to say to someone "just make the decision for me and tell me what to do"?

So I guess I am grabbing this opportunity and running with it. 

I will keep you all posted.

Rehydrating

Welcome to 1 November, the first ever Me and YOU Monthly.

I have never been a big drinker ... of water that is. It is something I always have to work on and do better. Since getting back into Netball, I am aware of how important it is to keep hydrated (from past experience). It's not only during sport that I need to be consuming water though.


I was using a drink bottle at work, filling it up at the water dispenser that is supplied there. I then got on a little fitness kick and decided that if I used a glass, instead of my drink bottle, I would physically need to go downstairs more often to fill it up. Great in theory. The problem is that some days get really busy at work, and I was finding I was not drinking as much after a while.


So I would like to go back to the drink bottle and make a better effort at keeping my water intake up.


Have you got any little tricks to drink more water? I'd love to know.

This great link was created over at The Mother Experiment
All you have to do is pick one area of your life that you want to change. Make it something personal to you. Make it that little thing that has been niggling away at you and you just can't seem to shake it.

This is the start ....

Today is the start of.........

well, Winter here for starters. I was working today so my little heater kept me toasty warm.

It can be hard to gauge the temperature outside when the heaters are cranking through the winter and air conditioning in the summer. That's why it's great that our trusty and thoughtful computer technician - PC (and that really is his initials) installed, for our convenience, a little weather application that tells us the temperature outside our cosy building.

For the first day of winter, the weather was actually quite pleasant. I'm sure the cold stuff is on the way though, so we are making plans to the head to higher country for our annual family snow trip. We are hoping to get the timing right.





Today was also the start of The Healthy Heart Challenge. I'm sure you can still register and you would be doing yourself a real favour. If you are anything like me encouragement and something to aim for is great.

https://healthyheartchallenge.goredforwomen.org.au/ehome/index.php?eventid=22691&

Not inspired to join me?
Maybe you could read Dreena's story. She happens to be one of the ambassadors and she also happens to be my hubby's adored cousin. Her story is VERY real and one that should be taken note of, as it mirrors the current situation of so many people. I'm sure she won't mind me sharing.

https://healthyheartchallenge.goredforwomen.org.au/ehome/healthyheartchallenge/DreenaLawrenceGray/?&

So part of the Challenge is to choose a goal suitable for you - so I have chosen "be active everyday". So I checked the weather application today before venturing outdoors. I chose my route and set off at a decent pace. Once on my way, the sun felt great on my back, and I think if it was hotter

I may have been a bit "stinky" when I got back to the office. On my return I had some water (very important) and had a healthy lite lunch.

I'm not training for a marathon, just trying to improve my fitness and quality of life.

Have you had a check-up the the doctor lately? Do you know the risk of heart disease or of you having a heart attack? A little gruesome, I know... and I know you read my blog for some upbeat, positive influence.... so look on the positive side and join me in the challenge to make the most of life.

A wise person once told me "YOU need to look after number 1, because you can't rely on anyone else to do it for you". I have thought back to this on many occasions and it was sometimes been the "make or break" when I have chosen one way or another.

Are you looking after number 1?