Now

You ever think about how everything is better when you're on vacation? Coffee tastes better, food tastes better, you sleep better, you're happier, you have more sex and it certainly seems more special.

Why is that?

It occurred to me this morning that it's because you are present, in the moment and you can enjoy these things. You aren't thinking about how you are running late for work. You aren't thinking about your job and the deadlines you have. You aren't thinking about how the laundry is piling up.

When you are on vacation, these aren't issues that surround you, but these issues, or issues like them still exist in your life...right? The difference is, you choose not to allow them to affect your vacation time. You're not thinking about them...at least, they don't CONSUME your thoughts. What you ARE thinking about is enjoying your PRESENT time on vacation.

The point is, 'vacation' (and, more specifically, your experience of 'vacation') is a state of mind. You get to CHOOSE what you think about, there for creating the happy, blissful experience of being on vacation.

So, when you aren't on vacation, but you 'need' to take a vacation, take the time to choose the thoughts that will create that experience within you. You can take several vacations in a day! It's your choice!

I'm going on one with my cup of coffee, right after this...

Bon Voyage!

Are you normal?

Be forewarned: this is a rant.

This is a subject that has been eating at me for a while and, since I'm in a particular mood this morning, I thought I'd write down my thoughts.

I came across a book title this morning that included the phrase "traditionally built." As soon as I read that, I got into my shit about it [easily, since I'm punchy at the moment]. I thought to myself, "What? What does 'traditionally built' mean?" There was also a picture of a full-figured woman adjacent to the book cover, so it brought to mind that what they were trying to tell us was that we now had a new pc word-phrase to take the place full-figured, which also indicates that it's "NORMAL."

Now, I don't mean to sound like I have a problem with full-figured, traditionally built people, because I don't. What I have the problem with is how society is constantly trying to place labels on what is normal, especially when it comes to our 'IMAGE'!

It matters not what 'size' you are! It matters not that you are big boned, small boned, tall, short, long-waisted, short-legged, have a voluptuous breasts, or small breasts, one sized penis or another. IT DOESN'T MATTER! What does matter is that you are healthy and happy!

Bruce Cockburn nailed it when he said, "The trouble with normal is, it's always gets worse."

Here are some Stats on what is becoming normal:
* Heart disease: 652,091
* Cancer: 559,312
* Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 143,579
* Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 130,933
* Diabetes: 75,119
[http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/FASTATS/lcod.htm]

Is this the "NORMAL" that you want to be included in?

The CDC also reports that obesity is prevalent among adults at 34.3%, and contributes to these health conditions:
* Coronary heart disease
* Type 2 diabetes
* Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
* Stroke
* Liver and Gallbladder disease
* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
* Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
* Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
[http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/]

Is this the "NORMAL" that you want to become a part of???

Being 'SKINNY' is not 'NORMAL' either! Anorexia and Bulimia bring with them their own sets of health issues...however...there are those who have that body composition, but it doesn't put them in any category 'normal' or 'not normal'...IT'S JUST WHO THEY ARE!

"Healthy and Happy" is a long lost normal. I get caught up in what society has deemed normal and loose sight of it as well...but I'm done. My focus and my intention, for my life, is "Health and Happiness"...and I'm taking as many of you "NORMAL" people with me, that this healthy and happy body can!!!

Week One - review

I've held my death grip on winter (and, more specifically, my "winter coat") for long enough. This last spring snow storm dumped feet(!) of snow and then promptly melted away in about a day, bringing with it the realization that winter is over. We will be seeing a lot more sunshine and warmer temperatures this week...even reaching into the 80's...just days after the biggest snow storm of the year, for this area!

All this, to say that I now have the much needed motivation to get back on an athlete-respected food/diet/meal plan, as well as, a consistent regime of exercise.

I have been a week on P90X (workouts and meal plan), to include the exclusion of a dear buddy of mine, alcohol. Being 'dry' for two weeks now, really seems to have allowed the accelerated cleansing and weight loss that I have experienced this week. Not to sound like I was an alcoholic, by any means, but I do enjoy the occasional drink with dinner and friends.

Also, as an experiment, I've eliminated a great deal of gluten in my diet. I'm not aware of any allergies that I have to gluten, but I wanted to see how my health might change, if I were to reduce and/or eliminate it from my diet. I can't say that the increased energy and overall wellness I've been experiencing these last couple of days, is directly related to the reduction of gluten in my diet, but I do have to consider that as part of the overall equation, coupled with my improved meal planning, working out and the absence of alcohol.

To date, I have lost 6 lbs. I think a lot of that was water weight due to the toxicity of my system. Again, just proof that what I'm doing is working for me. Also, losing 'weight' is not my goal, but losing fat and increasing my overall athletic build is. For now, I'm concentrating on losing my 'winter coat' and then, we'll see about increasing some muscle mass.

I have the focus and support I need to ramp this up and stick to it...but being in integrity should be enough. For myself first, then for those who I support with their health.

Rock and Roll!