This is my year of making dreams happen (and it can be yours, too!) so I finally gathered the courage/strength to make changes in my life. After all, why be miserable with the things you can control? One of my dear friends has taken on the role of my health coach, and others have joined me in shedding both the pounds and doubt that have plagued us for years.
The first three days of my "healthy, happy me" journey, I wanted to do a post about "Food, Glorious Food" from Oliver!, and the next few I had "Whipped into Shape" from Legally Blonde: The Musical constantly running through my mind ... well, I still do, actually. But I don't necessarily want to talk to you about losing weight or working out -- those are the things on the surface. WHY I'm doing them is something I think you'll be able to relate to a bit more.
I think for a long time I was just ... waiting. Dreaming of the day the Wizard would ask "Would it be alright by you, if I de-greenify you?" As if someone could just walk up to me and take away all my problems. But that's how a lot of fairy tales go, right? Sometimes we forget that we must dream as well as act (and I don't necessarily mean on stage!). If we don't fight for something, there's a good chance we won't fight to keep it. And I don't know about you, but I want my dreams to last.
One of my biggest dreams for the year is to get back to being the healthy, athletic, energetic person I used to be. And I'm not waiting anymore ... It's a struggle -- creating new habits, resisting the temptation to grab a handful of cookies at an event - or having a salad when we go out to eat instead of a burger and fries. But two weeks into my resolution, and I already feel better/more energetic/more hopeful.
I tried on my skinny jeans this morning -- and THEY FIT! What a great feeling -- knowing that your hard work is not for naught.
I don't know what challenges you are trying to overcome, and what goals feel just out of reach, but let me encourage you to take another step closer to your dreams. What's holding you back? Time? Money? Resources? Chances are there's someone in your life already who is looking for a chance to use their gift, and it's just the thing you're missing.
My friend that's taken on the role as my health coach? She loves healthy living and has been looking for a way to make good use of her talents and share her passion.
You're not alone -- take a deep breath and reach out to those around you. You may be surprised at how much better you'll be together.
This week's song -- in the spirit of togetherness and the idea that people are just looking for a way to help you succeed -- is "Don't Let Me Go" from Shrek: The Musical, sung brilliantly by Daniel Breaker as Donkey.
"You don't know what it's like to be considered a freak!
Well maybe you do.
But that’s why we gotta stick together!"
Well maybe you do.
But that’s why we gotta stick together!"
"Just hear me out! I might surprise you.
I'll be a friend, when others despise you.
Don't roll your eyes! Stop with the mopin’.
You need a pal! My calendar’s open!"
I'll be a friend, when others despise you.
Don't roll your eyes! Stop with the mopin’.
You need a pal! My calendar’s open!"
"You and me, we belong together.
Like butter and grits, like kibbles and bits,
Like yin and yang -- sturm und drang -- like Eng and Chang,
Attached at the hip, but not an old lady hip that might break!"
Like butter and grits, like kibbles and bits,
Like yin and yang -- sturm und drang -- like Eng and Chang,
Attached at the hip, but not an old lady hip that might break!"
