Today is Ash Wednesday which means it's the first day of Lent. This is the time when people give up something of significance up for the next 40 days. If you're looking for a time to give something up to improve your health now is the time. So often we wait to start working on a goal that it never ends up happening.
When I give up something for Lent I work really hard to accomplish it, for myself and for something bigger than myself. A few years ago Lent occurred right at the time that I had to be getting ready to leave for Miss USA. I had to give up eating and drinking certain things that I really enjoyed to accomplish my goal. No more sweets, alcoholic drinks or pasta. It was hard but it was something I was committed to doing to reach my goal. There is no doubt doing this improved my health, in addition to me reaching my goal of how I wanted to look in my swimsuit. Also, it was a commitment I had made that I kept. I felt proud and accomplished for a multitude of reasons.
Using this time to do something good for yourself will reap multiple benefits for you. Even if you do not participate in Lent make a promise to yourself or someone else who looks up to you. You will not want to disappoint them and be more likely to stick to your goal. Maybe it's your daughter whose concerned about your health or a co worker who really believes in you. No more putting things off that are going to improve your life and health. Make a commitment.
A few things to think about:
1) Pick something realistic. Don't give up everything in the world that you enjoy and then fall short. Choose one thing. Maybe it's cupcakes, Starbucks or all sweets.
2) If you can't give something up completely limit how often its in your life. Instead of giving up all Starbucks, commit to only going once a week instead of 7.
3) Treat yourself to a little something every 10 days you stick to your commitment.
4) Don't be overly hard on yourself. If you forget or cheat one day, pick right back up the next day. (I know you say forget, one time I totally did and felt so disappointed I ate a cookie).
Feel good about your goal and your commitment. I know you can do it. You have to believe in yourself and maybe something a little bigger than yourself too.
Have a fun and fit day, Chicago.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: 40 days, ash wednesday, commitment, giving up, health, lent, motivation, sweets
