Here is a challenge for you: For one hour today, just do one thing at a time. Whatever you do, just do that one thing only. If you are starting your day with a cup of coffee, just drink the coffee without watching TV, reading or listening to music. Just drink your coffee.
Continue this practice with whatever you are doing for one hour. Were you able to do it? How was it? Did you learn anything? In the book, “The Power of Full Engagement”, Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz warn that multitasking results in divided attention, lower quality of work and a shallowness of connection to others. Do you remember a time when someone gave you his or her full attention? How did that make you feel? Do you remember a time when you gave a project YOUR full attention? How did it turn out?
“Our life is frittered away by detail… Simplify, simplify.” – Henry Thoreau
I would love to hear if any of you took up this practice – even if it is just for one hour this week.
AffirMINTion: I am learning to focus on one thing at a time.
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
A Mini Minty MoMINT
My mom says… she likes to focus on spending time with only me for a time in the mornings… and I LIKE IT!
There are days in history that we remember exactly where we were when an event occurred. The day that President Kennedy was assassinated (5th grade classroom at Our Lady of Lourdes), the day Martin Luther King was assassinated (babysitting job at the O’Neil’s), on 9/11 (at work in Washington, DC across from the White House), and the day that Virginia had a 5.9 Earthquake (home for lunch in Virginia with Minty)!
I have to admit that I was a little frightened. This was actually the third earthquake that I experienced in my life. The first one was the big Northridge earthquake in CA. I was there with my family for my brother’s wedding – 18 floors up in a hotel that was four miles from the center of the quake. The second one was last year in Virginia – very small, but woke me up out of a sound sleep. Then there was yesterday’s earthquake. My floors shook, my chandelier and floor lamp swayed. I ran into the living room to get Minty as she was barking. It seemed to last forever although I doubt it was a minute.
When this kind of thing happens, it not only throws me for a loop; it also shows me that I am not in charge. Oh, I am SO not in charge! I have had this post in my head for a couple of days, but it was a lot different from what it is turning out to be; although I can still use the same principle, which is that you do not have to allow anyone, anything, or any event steal your joy. The greatest tool to help you is a simple one and one that no one can take from you; that tool is (drum roll please) to SMILE. Here is an awesome video played at the conference that I attended. I play this every morning while I am getting ready for work. I hope you enjoy it.
I am running late this morning so this will be short. I was supposed to walk with my girlfriend this morning no matter what the weather was like (we decided last night to walk indoors if it was raining). We did not make it. My friend was up all night with a sick dog and I had a headache, and nothing seemed to help it. It has mostly subsided this morning. My girlfriend and I will try again on Wednesday.
This morning, I was not going to write, but then I started thinking (are you smelling smoke?) and remembering ‘my why’ I write to you.
My mission is by sharing my journey towards a healthy balanced life; it will encourage and empower people to take charge of their own lives.
I want to share my entire journey – the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Here are my questions to you this morning:
Have you forgotten why you are doing what you are doing?
Do you turn to your ‘whys’ when you are ready to quit?
Do you know why you are working on today’s plan?
Can you directly relate tomorrow’s schedule to the ‘why’ of your goals?
I am asking myself these same questions. Stay tuned for more for my answers. I can tell you this; just writing these questions has helped me to focus.
I just love that the outdoor pool is open! It is not big enough for swimming; however, it is GREAT for treading water, and socializing. I like to go swimming in the indoor pool and dry off outside. It will be easy to go swimming after work now – yeah!
One of the reasons why I need to get stronger is that I am going to a conference in San Diego in August. I really need to be stronger for that and the pool will help me prepare for a lot of walking at a large convention center. One of my favorite authors, Jon Gordon is going to speak. He is author of several books, including The Energy Bus, The No Complaint Rule, and his latest, The Seed. I am including a link to Jon’s latest book, The Seed. I strongly recommend it. I am so excited about seeing him! In addition, Dave Ramsey is speaking – maintain a working budget is also one of my struggles. I hope to get some insight as to how to overcome some of my obstacles to keep that in order.
My top five summer goals are the following:
1. Work up to swimming 5 days a week
2. Work up to walking 3 days a week
3. Eat fresh, whole foods
4. Maintain my budget
5. Have fun with family and friends!
I actually did not have to list number 5; that is easy for me to do. Minty and I LOVE to spend time with family and friends. It is good though, because that is something that I KNOW I can check off easily, and checking off things on a list feels so good! On a side note – I usually bring a list to the grocery store, and if I ‘forget’ to put something on the list before the store, I add it IN the store so I can check it off! Unfortunately, it is something that I probably do not need to buy! LOL
Do you have summer goals that you would like to share? What is your top goal? I would love to hear your answers.
AffirMINTion: I plant the seed of good health each day!
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
Finding Purpose and Passion at Work and in Life!
Minty and I had a rough night last night as she was sick and I had hot flashes – what a duo! I did want to get this off to you this morning, as it has been a week since I wrote, and I am trying to be more consistent in my writing.
I did go swimming again yesterday. It was a week since I swam too. Rather than beating myself up for not going more often last week, I decided that it was a baby step to getting back to exercise. I guess some might think that this is a justification and perhaps it is a justification, or rationalization. I can tell you though, I feel like it was an accomplishment, and I am looking forward to doing two days this week rather than feeling bad about myself.
“All great things have small beginnings.” – Peter Senge
My plan for this week is to attend water aerobics on Thursday. What sort of things do you do that help you meet your goals, especially big goals?
AffirMINTion: I take small steps each day towards meeting my goals.
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
A Mini Minty MoMINT
My mom says that I will feel better soon… AND I LIKE IT!
I planned to go to the pool this morning and write to you afterwards, but I overslept so I am writing you now. My new plan is to bring my suit to work and stop off at the pool on my way home. I am choosing to be flexible today!
I received this Nick Vujicic video from my cousin after my last post. I have seen a couple of his videos before and each one, I feel more charged to go for my goals! I have no excuses for completing my goals – only choices. We all have obstacles in the way of reaching our goals. Nick inspires me to continue reaching my goals – If Nick can do it, I can do it!
Who inspires you? What keeps you motivated? How do you handle the obstacles in your life? I would love to see your answers here!
AffirMINTion: I can do anything that I set my mind to.
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” – Frank A. Clark
A Mini Minty MoMINT
My mom says… I can do anything that I want to do… AND I LIKE IT!
My mission is by sharing my journey towards a healthy balanced life; it will encourage and empower people to take charge of their own lives.
05/16/2011
Good morning Mintdom,
I know that I have not been consistent about writing lately. Mainly, it is because I do not have a lot to say. I do not have a lot to say because I have been off the wagon with my exercise and often with my diet. Of course, it is my choice not to do what I know I need to do and so I have no excuse. The only way I can explain it, is that frustration took over my desire to be healthy.
Yesterday, I made the decision to start again. I did a few things that I believe will help me to continue. I made the decision, I did not turn on the TV until late in the evening, and I took action by going to the pool and swimming. I cannot tell you enough, how good it felt to be doing something; almost as good as it feels to write this morning.
Above is my mission statement; it is the reason that I write Mintdom. It is the reason why I write the good, the bad, and the ugly! I want you to know that at times I fall. I also want you to know that when YOU fall, it is ok to get back up. It is even OK if others SEE you fall.
I am right there with this song. http://tinyurl.com/GetBckUp . I REALLY hope that by sharing my journey with you through Mintdom it gives you strength and encouragement in your own journey.
AffirMINTion: I am determined to be healthy!
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
A Mini Minty MoMINT
When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ~Author Unknown
My mom says that it is NEVER too late… AND I LIKE IT!
Whoo hoo! I have a new pedoMINTer. My little box is filling up with ex-pedoMINTers – it is difficult to find just the right one because I am fussy. This one actually speaks to me so I do not have to keep looking; it also reminds me to be conscience of my steps and it keeps me motivated. Anyway, I am happy to have one again – gotta love counting steps!
Right now, staying motivated is my biggest challenge. Motivation is like keeping a campfire going; it needs tending to constantly or it goes out. That is what happened to me – my fire went out and I lost my motivation. Having a pedoMINTer is the spark that ignites my fire; wearing it every day and writing Mintdom stokes my fire. The other thing that helps tend my fire is the support I receive from all of you, either in your notes to me with little nudges, or ones in person! I SO appreciate each of you!
What are some of the things that keep you motivated? I would love to hear your ideas!
AffirMINTion: I tend to my motivation.
Make it a GREAT day, IF you choose to.
What are you waiting for?
Life is good!
“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire.” ~ Fred Shero ~
A Mini Minty MoMINT
My mom says she agrees with Fred Shero … AND I LIKE IT
01/27/11 – 10 Minutes of Exercise – Strength Training Arms – H2O – 8 Glasses – 3,203
01/29/11 – 10 Minutes of Exercise – None – H2O – 8 Glasses – 4,678
01/30/11 – 10 Minutes of Exercise – Strength Training Legs – H2O – 7 Glasses – No Step Data – 10 minutes of shoveling sidewalk
Good morning, Mintdom,
I am venturing out of my culinary rut, and trying some new recipes. My sister got me started when she suggested that I look for some new healthy snack alternatives. I have tried a couple of new main dishes and I posted them on Facebook. A girlfriend posted her White Chili. I asked her for the recipe; it looked healthy so I tried it and posted it. So far, I have sent the recipe to all over the country, including CA, NM, and someone that went to my high school! Anyway, do not be afraid to step out of your culinary comfort zone.
Here is the recipe – it originally came from Cooking Light Magazine. Thank you to my friend, Maureen for passing it on.
This white chili recipe uses hot pepper sauce made from jalapeños; it is milder than the red hot pepper varieties. Stirring frequently toward the end of cooking time prevents the bean-thickened broth from sticking to the bottom and scorching. Serve with Spicy Jalapeño Corn Bread. (I did not make)
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup chili, 4 teaspoons yogurt, and 1 teaspoon green onions)
Ingredients
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
5 teaspoons green hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal
1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (about 1)
Lime wedges (optional)
Preparation
1 Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat Add chopped onion and garlic to pan; cook 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally Add broth, hot pepper sauce, salt, and chicken to pan; bring to a boil Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes Remove chicken from broth mixture; cool
2 Add cornmeal and beans to broth mixture, stirring with a whisk; simmer 15 minutes Mash about 1/4 cup beans against side of pan Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to pan; simmer 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring frequently. Top each serving with yogurt; sprinkle with green onions. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.
A Mini Minty MoMINT
“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” –Author Unknown
My Mom says… she is teaching me a new trick, and I LIKE it! My mom gives me a treat every time I shake hands…and I like that too!
01/04/2011 – 10 Minute of Exercise – Spark People Coach Nicole 10 minute cardio – H2O – 8!!!
Bad News / Good News:
Bad News – I had a bad food day yesterday with too many calories
Good News – I knew that I had a bad food day yesterday because I tracked it!
More Good News – I drank 8 glasses of water! Whoo hoo!
Good morning, Mintdom!
I was not going to write this morning because once again I have technical issues with my computer, but I need to be consistent; however, this morning, I am keeping things light and would like to share with you this awesome video. I am taking this little girl’s example and standing in front of the mirror to say my affirMINTions. What a GREAT way to start any day – with an encouragement to myself! Try saying your affirMINTions* for the next 21 days in front of the mirror and let me know if you see a difference in your attitude and self-esteem.
Mintdom 