My Project Of Change (It’s Always On-Going)

There are times when people get the wrong idea about me.  They think my life is perfect, but it is far from it!  My words and photos tell a lovely story, but I do have my moments.  Like the next person I have to regroup, reassess, reprioritize and restructure parts of my life (what I like to call my project of change).  It’s perpetual, as the way it should be.  There is always room for improvement.

Some of my friends will read this post and say, "Who?  You?!"  Yes, me!!  People like me (organized, slightly compulsive and a tad rigid) from time-to-time must do a little bit of self-reflection too in order to qualify our current path in life. It’s one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.

Many people travel through this world without truly taking control of their life. They often spend too much time feeling sorry for themselves. They leave their mind, body and spirit to a careless whatever attitude, often saying, "Woe is me."  "That’s just life!" or "It’s out of my control."  How careless can you be? Each and every one of us has a responsibility to be the best we can be. Yes, there are people to help us along the way (friends, family, etc.), but it’s up to us to choose wisely, manage appropriately and navigate (with focus and diligence) our path, without being careless and passive.

We must tap into our body, which is the inner barometer of our soul, to help us in life’s journey of challenges, as well as for helping us to foresee any stormy weather ahead that could potentially alter or prevent us from being all we can be.

Not too long ago, my body was telling me something was wrong because I had cut my exercise regime in half. I had begun eating unhealthy foods (not too many, but enough). I was not choosing mind over matter with a few personal obstacles, and I was spending time with certain friends who no longer grew my spirit, and there was no challenge, either. (This has to do with their own paths twisting and turning out of control, taking them down roads I had already traveled, and I definitely learned my share of lessons.  BTW: Don’t be afraid to travel down those roads because those lessons are invaluable to your resolve – trust me.)

A few weeks ago I decided to act. I turned off the computer and the cell phone more frequently.  I only allowed myself to check my mobile messages twice a day.  (Too many people allow computers and cell phones to rule their world, but I digress.  Keep in mind, when posting on Facebook and Twitter – if your negative posts outweigh the positive ones, that’s a real problem!  There is a fine line between informing the public and being obnoxious and manipulative because of your own fear, and that can jeopardize your spirit in more ways than one.  Instead of growing, your anxiety intensifies because you’re not making any progress and that, my friend, can be overwhelming.)

I began an intense workout. This was a no-brainer for me because I am competitive and an overachiever. I’m happy to say I do between 30 and 40 miles each week of walking/running. I have a renewed energy that feels right and was missing for a while.

As for eating, I follow the King, Prince, Pauper method. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Vegetables, fruit, nuts and whole grains are key to any diet, especially mine. Water? I can’t get enough of it. It’s important for all of us to drink more water. Many people are dehydrated without knowing it, which leads too poor concentration, irritability and fatigue. Is this you?

As for my personal obstacles, the ability to emphasize "mind over matter" is back in my life. It was never really that far away from me, but I am learning to apply it in a whole new way.

I encourage everyone to get "re" methods back in your life for change. If you don’t remember what I said at the beginning of this post I’ll say it again because it’s worth repeating. Take time to regroup, reassess, reprioritize and restructure your life. I see so many people taking their friends, health and employment situation for granted. It’s important to know who your real friends are, being proactive about your health and being the best employee you can be, never taking any job for granted.

A special note to a few friends I love dearly. If you find yourself in the following, I’m talking about you. Give up the cigarettes. They are unhealthy, especially for someone who already has health challenges. If you can drink alcohol, you can exercise, too. Trying to figure out which is healthier is easy to do. If he/she doesn’t love you, move on and start a new life. Stop sharing your personal life with everyone because it makes you look bad, immature and unstable.  Manipulation, fear and neediness will only bring you down.

There is no time like the present to seek out change and what better way than with "re". – paerki