The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Can you give yourself 3 weeks? Just 3 weeks...

Did you exercise today?


It's almost the first day of May. It's time for a new beginning, or a new start, or a new motivation. Whether you are a regular exerciser, a weekend warrior, a fair weather exerciser, or a non-exerciser...we can all use a new beginning. Let's face it...we're not getting any younger. Unless you are already aware of your diet and exercise needs, we're also not getting any healthier. Many of you may be like me and have high cholestrol, or are pre-diabetic. What are we doing about it?

I have gained and lost weight a handful of times in the past. I put the weight on, and then I take it off, and then I regain it once again. Has this happened to you? Yes, diet plans do work...Weight Watchers is effective as are several other plans. The problem for me, is that once the weight is off, I am ready to eat again! I'm hungry by the time I've completed the plan!

So, my new plan is not to worry about weight and food right now. Right now, I need to focus on establishing a new habit. One new habit...just one...because long term good health isn't about losing weight quickly, or exercising madly for a few months, just to end up hungry, tired, and uninspired. If we want to prolong our lives, we need to make proactive choices, and stick with it! Do you want to make any changes in your lifestyle?

Would you like to join me in making a change? I'd love to encourage you in your journey. I won't ask you to tell us how much you weigh, or ask you to comment every day, or to do anything at all. Just think about a change you may want to make and let me know if you would like to commit to it for 3 weeks. It could be to exercise daily, or cut down on sweets or alcohol, or to eat two more servings of vegetables each day. It could be anything that you feel is a need in your life that would lead to a healthier lifestyle.

I am going to commit to exercising daily for 3 weeks. I'd like to move 2 miles a day. Period. It doesn't matter if I walk it, jog it, bike it, run it, skip it, or crawl it...it doesn't matter if it is at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m. BUT I will commit to moving my body 2 miles a day!

At the end of 3 weeks, let's touch base...was a gradual change easy? How do we feel physically after 3 weeks? Is it a change worth continuing? If so, can we commit to adding one more positive change to our lifestyle? I'm not going to promise you I will nix chocolate from my diet, or stop eating cookies...but I will commit to moving 2 miles a day,for 3 weeks...no matter what.

What happens if you skip a day? Am I going to say something? Am I going to tell on you? No! There is no diet police here...no 20 lashings with a wet noodle...no ridicule...just keep track. Does this sound too loose, or too lacking in accountability? Perhaps. Here's my rationale. For a change to stick...we need to do it for ourselves...not for our families, not for the doctor that says we need to change, or to fit into a new bathing suit. We need to make a change for ourselves, and for ourselves only. Because if it is for any other reason...for any other intention, we will fail. Maybe not right away, maybe not for weeks or months, but ultimately, making changes for someone else is not going to lead to lifelong success.

I love to send "snail mail!" There is nothing like a handwritten note and a few stickers to brighten the day. May I send you some snail mail along the way during our 3 week commitment? If so, e-mail me your address to apple926@q.com.

I started exercising last week, but will start a new chapter today...today is Day 1. You don't have to do a thing, but if you choose to, "Hooray!" Let's get started!

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Denise I love this idea. I think it will be effective for lots of people...me included. I am going to think of something manageable for me.. May is a crazy month so I need something I know I can do... Thanks for the push for motivation! Go baby go!

glitzen said...

It was SO WONDERFUL to chat with you. Its the first time we have been able to ask each other questions, and go back and forth and well it was just fun.
I am already on the way, so its great to know there is encouragement for this exercise journey. My goal is to manage some health issues I have, have more energy, and be able to ride my horses and train more effectively. I want to start jumping again too!
I have been exercising each day for about five days so far. I either walk on my treadmill, work my horses, or bike. Our snow is nearly gone and I have no excuses not to just get moving. Thanks for the inspiration and the support. :)
I adore snail mail! I will send you my addy.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Hi Denise, this is an excellent idea with an endless variety of changes that can be made along the way! I love it! I'm on board, but I started last week...hope that doesn't count against me! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I really appreciate it because I know how busy you stay.

Lorri said...

I weigh...wait did you say you WILL or WON'T ask our weight? I'm the opposite of you right now, I just started the food part last week and will be adding the exercise in the coming days. Count me into the challenge! Love you!

ShutUpandRun said...

yay! Good luck with this. You seem very motivated and will likely motiave other people. You know me - I exercise regularly, but there are other lifestyle changes I could make that would make me happier and healthier. Thanks for the boost!

Sue said...

I'm in!! Thanks for doing this... I'm off to get up and MOVIN'!!

Have a wonderful day!
xoxo

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I admire you. I need to do this, but oh, how I dread it, Denise.

XO,

Sheila

Lorri said...

denise, my sister will be here through tuesday, when are you coming back?!

Anonymous said...

Hi Denise!
You know I'm in!!! I promise to excercise 1 hour/day for the next three weeks. I can't wait to catch up tomorrow!

Unknown said...

Denise, I love the idea of support. I'm not sure what I want to commit to....I'd say food management is easier than exercise.
It's very hard for me, even though I know I should.
I'm in, 3 weeks of better eating, I will think more and give you a specific.
You go on that 2 miles per day!!

Lazy Mom Leslie said...

Good for you! I will try to make better eating choices. I guess that means no more cookie dough and wine for dinner?

It's Always Something Around Here said...

I am in!!!!

I need to get back to exercising again!!

Unknown said...

Okay... I am going to to do sit ups! I really struggle with eating, but I think excersise is the secret for me... it at least dulls the hunger and gives me energy... because I walk to work most days...i am going to do situps and hopefully add some strength moves to it!

Emily said...

This is a wonderful idea.... but how do you get motivated when your in a depression funk and don't want to do anything?

Lucy Marie said...

What an awesome idea - I wish I was home to join in but I won't be on blogger much until the 10th when I'm home. You are awesome.