Yes! Double fist pump! It’s my birthday! I’m headed out to visit my daughter, son-in-law and their two boys, (MY grandsons), ages 4 and almost 3. It’s a two hour drive through the Rockies. Not bad scenery at all.

For those of you who need cuddles, I wish I could send you all a hug for the work and sacrifice you have managed so far in your new life style. The change you’re making isn’t a walk in the park and you deserve a reward. As soon as you can, tell you dear spouse, dear child, dear significant other, or dear friend that you “want a hug.” Don’t tell them why. The hug is to be just for you and your accomplishment so far. Do this often.

For those of you who need rah-rah-sis-kum-bah, check out your accomplishments from yesterday. Did you drink an extra glass of water? That’s one accomplishment. Did you pass up the office donut tray or maybe you actually limited yourself to just half a donut? That’s an accomplishment. Now, do one double fist pump for each and every accomplishment. And, don’t stop with yesterday. Watch yourself today and do the double fist pump every time you make a good choice, record your food in your diary, or even park your car further away from the store. Pay attention and fist pump your way through the day!

For those of you who need a kick in the pants, I own cowgirl boots and I know how to use them, too. You know you deserve a swift one right in the kiester for that spoonful of food you stuffed in your face because you didn’t want it to go to waste. You didn’t record it, either, earning you a second swift one! How many times a day do you do that? It all adds up. The worst thing is behavior like that gives you “permission” to sneak a little here and a little more there. Well, just stop it already! You are trying to teach yourself to eat better, not to eat better and sneak food on the side. It isn’t cheating, it’s sneaking. That last spoonful is either going to end up in the landfill after you put it in the trash, or it will end up in the sewer treatment plant or your septic tank if you put it in your face. What’s the diff? It’s eventually waste, so send it on its way. Better yet, if possible, put it in a compost pile.

Hugs! Fist pumps! And I hope no need for kiester kicking!

Good morning all,

I've decided to take this day off from writing a post. Instead, I have a question: Does anyone read this thread? I love posting here and it helps me to keep up my own motivation. The lack of responses makes me wonder if it is of help to any of you. Let me know if you would like me to continue.

Have a terrific day!
Gerri

And a good Monday morning to everyone! May this day find you on top of your world!

Have you done something lately to renew your spirit? Something that brought you a bit of quiet joy? Something as simple as lighting a few candles, getting into your jammies and slippers, turning off the TV, or anything else that makes noise, and just sitting quietly with a cuppa coffee or tea?

There is a scene A Christmas Story where the mom and dad are sitting quietly on the sofa just watching the snow fall. That’s the kind of quiet joy we all need as a balance to our otherwise hectic lives.

If you need cuddles, look for opportunities to make for yourself some quiet moments. Concentrate your mind on just absorbing the quiet and warmth of the moment. Fix the feeling well within you and let that be your hug. Hang onto it and make it yours. When you feel good about moments like this, it’s easier to push forward toward your goals. Make these moments your regular reward for all your diligent work.

If you need rah-rahs or swift kicks, sorry, you’re not getting any today. You, too, need to make quiet moments for your selves. This isn’t meant to motivate you to further efforts. It’s just to bring you some balance and a well deserved hug. Not to worry, the cuddles people with be getting some of your medicine on another day. Gotta keep this fair!

Okay all you MFP-ers! Listen up! There is only one more week of this major holiday stuff. Even people who don’t practice the Christian faith are often subjected to the frosted cookies, pies, candies, and many more calorie laden goodies. It’s everywhere! Then we head straight into the New Year’s celebrations with eggnog and the alcoholic beverages. I believe the whole idea of New Year’s resolutions came about as a means of making a commitment to undo the effects of what happens to us for the month or two prior to the new year. How many times have YOU made a New Year’s resolution and then failed to keep it? Most people don’t keep them. My challenge to you is to NOT make one this year. Besides, didn’t you already make a resolution when you first committed to change your eating and exercise habits to be more healthy and fit?

If you don’t believe me, think back to when you first joined MFP. Didn’t you think something along the lines of, “Well, this tool will help keep me on track this time”? To help you remember, go to your profile page and read what you wrote for your goals, you inspirations, and the rest of it. If you haven’t filled that out yet, do it now. Read it often and change it to keep up with the changes you are making along the way. If you don’t want others to see it, just make it private. Your profile page is for you to use. If you really don’t want to put that info in MFP, write it down somewhere. Read it and update it at least once a month.

You who need cuddles, just check out how far you’ve come already. Even if it isn’t in weight lost, maybe it’s in your improved attitude and a few little changes that will soon add up. Maybe it’s just cutting back on something you’re trying to eliminate from your diet. Give yourself a hug for every single improvement.

You who need rah-rahs, make sure you recognize the changes and fist pump the little ones with double fist pumps for the big ones. Write down the changes you’ve made so far. Like Santa, make a list and check it twice. Successful people build on their successes, and they recognize those successes. So make your list and use it. Give yourself gold stars as you earn them. Don’t let yourself down just because you may not be getting recognition from others. Give yourself the recognition!

You who need swift kicks, look specifically for things you fully intended to do but haven’t yet done. Now, get up and start on one of those! Did you intend to increase your water? Go NOW and drink some! You brain remembers you promising that to yourself and every time you don’t do it, your brain registers a “fail” on your part. Whether you consciously think about it or not, that “fail” is still there in your mind. You need to overwrite those “fails” with SUCCESS! Might as well start now or let those “fails” continue to kick you over and over again. Those self administered swift kicks hurt the worst. So stop failing at the little things already!