The Nine Reasons Why
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Books, Health
A friend of mine is the Queen of Excuses. Need a reason why something hasn’t gotten done – she’s got one. Clever ones. Believable ones. The Nine Reasons Why list (I call it) because she can give you a whole long list of reasons why she can’t do this or hasn’t done that. If you are looking for an excuse for something, she’s your gal!
It is easy for me to see right through her list of excuses. I can spot them before she even finishes her story. Most all of her reasons boil down to one or two basic themes: perceived lack of time to do something or lack of money. Really though, you could probably break it down even more; when it comes right down to it, isn’t it really just a matter of motivation? You are either motivated to do something or you are not. Because, if you are truly motivated, you will (somehow) find the time …
What to do with an Audacious Idea?
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Health
See Jane swim * See Jane bike * See Jane run
My best friend just emailed me with an audacious idea: she wants us to start training for a mini-triathlon. Never mind she is living on one side of the country and I’m on the other. Never mind that neither one of us are exercising currently (a polite way of saying it). Never mind that I don’t swim (I mean, I can – just not very well – again, another understatement) and my idea of a bike ride is a LEISURELY ride in the neighborhood with the kids. My friend is excited, really excited, about the idea and all I can think is: is she out of her blooming mind??!!!!
Interesting what we do when faced with a proposition such as this one. This Zen Mama Wannabe finds myself rapidly searching for the exits – you know, the easy way out. What about doing a half-marathon I suggest. That sounds …
Ringing out the Old, Ringing in the New
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Life, Tips
I love this time of year. I love reflecting over the past, thinking about what I accomplished – and what I did not. Was the year all I wanted it to be – all I had hoped it would be? What worked, what didn’t, and what can I use from all that as I sit here thinking of what I want the year AHEAD to be. Call them resolutions (or not – as some people have a adverse reaction to that word). Say they are goals, a roadmap, or a plan. Just don’t miss out on this opportunity to make sure you are creating the life you want, you REALLY want, to lead.
This year is particularly fun, because not only can you look back for the past year, you can look back at the past decade. Think of where you were back in the year 2000. Then think of all that has happened in your life. Perhaps you …
Getting Back in the Saddle – Again
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Life, Tips
It has happened to all of us at one time or another. We’ve been working hard on doing something on a regular basis, sticking with it, making it part of our routine – and then WHAM! – “It” happens (whatever “it” is that throws us off course) and suddenly we find ourselves back at square one. Having to start all over – again. AGH! It is enough to make you want to give up right then and there. So, what do you do? When it has happened to you, how did you (or did you) get back up in the saddle again?
We usually think of this happening with exercise plans or diets we start, but it is really true with ANY goal we are working toward. We work so hard at following the plan (1,200 calories a day; 5 work outs a week; whatever it is). Perhaps we even start seeing some results. We are feeling motivated. Things are …
Stick to the Facts
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Life, Tips
What are you dealing with today? Now that the New Year has started, with all the good intentioned resolutions that go along with it, are you feeling unhappy that you are in a particular situation? Are you mad or disappointed with yourself – after all, you KNOW better. So why can’t you DO better?
Before you set out to tackle whatever it is you want to tackle, this time around why don’t you try something new? How about considering that you need to straighten out your thoughts first. First, you need to see the situation clearly – and chances are (if you are at all like me) you’re not. Because you’ve intertwined your “story” all over the facts.
The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or …
Ready for the Best Year of Your Life?
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Life
The countdown is about to begin. Out with the old, in with the new. One year ends, another begins. Do you use this time to reflect at all – to look back at all that has happened in your life during this year? Do you think about what you accomplished – and what you did not? Do you think about how to make 2009 even better?
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, my girlfriend informed me. I think she is crazy not to – and told her so! When is there a better time than NOW – as a year winds down? It feels so natural. Sure you can make resolutions any time, but the calendar gives us a start (January 1st) and possibly a finish (December 31st — if you set yearly goals).
I don’t set them so I don’t break them, another friend told me (rather tongue in cheek – I HOPE). But that is …
5 Steps to Becoming A+
Posted by Zen Mama Wannabe | Filed under Life, Tips
School is about to start…new books to read, new things to learn….for ME, I mean. Lately this Zen Mama Wannabe has been feeling like my parenting skills need a overhaul refresher course. What do I do when I get a bit down about things like this — when my character flaws, my permanent wannabe status, leads me to feel so far away from the mom I REALLY want to be?
- I beat myself up a bit. An important step, I think, as long as you don’t wallow in it. Admit to yourself you are not where you want to be.
- Educate yourself. Before you know which diet to go on, for example,
you need to research the various ones to find the best match for you.
So many people eliminate or avoid this step, yet I feel it is a crucial
one. How can you devise a plan without all the facts/information? Go
to your toolbox and figure out the
