Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Wellness Wednesday: Part Deux


I have become a huge fan of Patti Digh since reading her book Life is a Verb.

Truly powerful reading. Taught me to write in the margins as well as a few other things.

Her question: Could you change your life in just 37 days? We have until Friday (this Friday, the 27th) to choose what we are going to do. She says to make it simple and pick ONE thing, one thing only and concentrate on it.

I've decided to take her up on her challenge.

Starting Friday, for 37 day, I am going to walk from my house to the lighthouse at Bronte harbour. That should be a round-trip of about 3.5 kilometers.

Of all the choices, as Patti suggests (via her Facebook friends suggestions) on her blog:
  • Loving fully, completely, with abandon
  • Eliminate the negative voices that nag at me
  • Not eating sugar
  • Cleaning out mental and emotional closets first then the real ones would follow suit
  • Forgive and appreciate
  • I'd try breathing...deeply
  • Prayer, sit-ups, creating art
  • Writing + running
  • Exercise of any kind
  • Cleaning out the physical closets and then the emotional ones will follow
  • I would create one small piece of art a day
  • Seeing everything as a offer ... embracing the inner control freak and noticing more
  • Yoga
  • Get up each and every morning at 6am to breathe the fresh air and have a fighting chance to get things done
I've decided the best thing for me, right now, is to take the first steps into getting into shape. You see, I'm fat.

I live in the land of many emaciated, competitive, hungry women who are generally the size of a toothpick. I often find myself a complete embarrassment to my kids - you know them, the athletes. People will say things and in my "jovial fat lady way" I make a joke to not let them know much it hurts. But now I'm being criticized for my "quick wit". Well, in actual fact, my daughter, Claire, made a quick (and very funny) retort at a hockey game and one of the charming mothers commented to her: "Oh, you must be Lee's daughter with such quick wit." Said in such a way it hurt Claire, but in her pre-teen way she didn't know why it hurt, just that it was said in a way to make her feel bad.

If joining the toothpicks will protect my children from their charm, I'll take whatever steps required. And it looks like these steps require laces!

Starting on Friday, I have 37 days to get started. Good thing the weather is improving! But I promise, rain or shine, I'm walking.

What can you change in 37 days?

9 comments:

Jack said...

You go girl!

Sherry said...

Geez Lee...this is so good. Wow. Why is it that I know exactly what I need to do, but I am afraid to speak it or think it for fear that I will fail by day 3? Ugh. I need to read all of this again. You inspire me in so many ways. Don't quit. You can do it. I understand 100% the quick wit stuff. I feel like the captain of that ship. =[

Jayne said...

Good for you! I love this idea but am a little late to the party. Can I think of something to start by Friday? Hmmmmm....

ArlaMo said...

21 days makes a habit (or so I've always heard) so 37 will definitely make it stick. I'm right there with you on the walking...

Kaye said...

I'm in, Lee! I decided after reading this post a few days ago that I would give up soda completely for 37 days (and hopefully for good!).

Several years ago my dentist told me that I needed to give up soda. I knew he was right, but I really like soda. Ok, who am I kidding?? I LOVE SODA!! I was drinking 5-7 cans a day.

Last summer I cut back a lot. I've been drinking 5-7 cans a week instead. I had my last soda last night. This is going to be hard for me, but I am going to do it!

thekreativelife said...

Girl . . . you have NO idea how much you inspire me! THANK YOU SO MUCH, for just being you and putting it all out there on the table.

I read your post yesterday, and just had to come back and comment to let you know that I'll be following suit.

And just because I'm a diehard overachiever . . . I picked two things. I just felt that the one went hand in hand with the other, and right now I'm just in a hole with both.

Health and spirit. ~ I'll be wearing my pedometer and making 10,000 steps every day if it KILLS me. I had a bagle for breakfast, and salad for lunch . . . and I'll be getting up a little earlier each morning to spend some quiet time with the Lord and my own thoughts.

Here's to the next 37 days! I'll be rooting you on!

Lee said...

Thanks for the support ladies!

Kaye, that's a great idea cutting out the soda, and Kyla, my favourite over-achiever, good luck with your plans - you KNOW that was more than two!

I didn't quite make my target today - but I did get well over half way there (about 2/3 of the way) then back. My daughters walked with me and they want to come with me every day. Their idea! They're so sweet it makes me cry :)

TMI: At any rate, I walked for over 45 minutes, at a pretty good clip, ground through the pain in my back but the bathroom won and I had to head home.

Here's to tomorrow!

Again, thanks for all the support. I'm rooting you on, too.

Char said...

Well, today is the 28th so I am late to the party. But I would still like to join.
I had 2 options - cut back on the swearing or some form of exercise. After my day yesterday, I realize that I need the swearing! LOL. So exercise it is!
I will be rooting you on!

Stacey said...

AWESOME Lee - what a truly inspiring blog post. I am joining in - 37 days right - hmmmm - how about walking/moving (purposeful setting out to excercise moving) for 1 hour per day - no matter what. We can cheer each other on - all of us - thank you for sharing this concept - off to check out the authors site!!
And just remember Lee - You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down - sing along :)