Thursday, May 19, 2011

Motivational Quotes and Thoughts

Hi Everyone,

Did you read my last post about having a "Bucket List"?  And, have you now begun one of your own?  I hope so.  It's fun to find out what other people have on their lists.  The other day I found out that a colleague of mine wants to take a trip across the country on a tandem bike, with his wife.  Cool.

As you can tell by the title of today's post, I'd like to share some of the quotes and thoughts I've found along the way, as I research tips for improving one's health, or level of wellness.  Below are some of my favorites.  I hope you find at least one of them inspiring.  If you do, why not write it on a sticky note, and place it on your mirror, kitchen cupboard, or some other place where you will notice it often?  The author is listed when known.

Treat yourself like company.
Amen to that one.  We go all out for our company, but why don't we go that extra mile for ourselves?

There's no such thing as a failure--it's feedback.
That's an optimist talking.  Try to find a message, a lesson learned, the next time you have a negative experience.

The longer the excuse, the less likely it's the truth. -Robert Half
Have you found yourself giving too many excuses for something?  And, were you really just not facing the truth?  Sometimes I need to quit making excuses to that little voice in my head.  Is it the same for you?

Do you need to give yourself the same advice you'd give to others?
Well, do you?  Don't we all at times?  Next time you give someone advice, ask yourself if you should be doing the same thing you're suggesting.  I know I'll be checking myself more on that one.

Don't exchange what you want the most for what you want at the moment.
When temptation strikes, pause for a moment and think about what you really want.

Self-control is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it is.
Take a moment to pat yourself on the back at those times when you know you've exercised a lot of self- control.  Maybe you could keep a journal to write down those moments when you are most proud of yourself.  I bet we could all pat ourselves on the back for at least one thing everyday. 

There's more to share, but that's enough to digest for now.  Do you have any favorite thoughts or quotes you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear (and learn) from you.

Until next time, I wish you wellness, and positive motivation towards whatever your goals might be.

Mary R.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Do You Have a Bucket List?

Hi Everyone,

I hope this post finds you happy, and working on improving your state of wellness.  It's a continuum, so we can always improve, at least in some areas; and, if we don't watch out, we can let it slide.  Somehow our bodies and minds let us know whether we're improving or not, if we just pay attention to the mental and physical cues.

So, the title of this week's post is, "Do You Have a Bucket List?"  Well, do you?  I'll attach a visual for you, so you can get either get started, or at least put the one you have onto a piece of paper and put it somewhere where you'll return to it from time to time, adding and changing it to suit your needs. 


I assume people know what a "Bucket List" is, but perhaps there's someone out there who hasn't heard the term.  It's when you make a list of things you'd like to do before you leave this world, or "Kick the Bucket."   Weird term, I know.  But, let's be positive and make out those lists, and live life to the fullest!

Here's a few on my list:  Learn how to speak Spanish more fluently and correctly;  take a helicopter ride;  teach every grandchild how to swim;  publish at least one book;  travel to some of our National Parks; and,  master the art of moderation.  There are and will be more on my list, but those are just some to share.  I'd love to hear some of the items on your Bucket List. 

Wishing You Happiness, and a Fun-Filled Bucket List!

Mary

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Swimming- Gotta Love It

Hello again.  My goal is to write one post a week, and I think it has now been nine days.  Oops.  I've certainly thought about it. One thing I'm trying to do is locate other blogs that interest me, and put links to those on my home page.  So far I've found three, but that's only because of time constraints.  I'm anxious to take a full day and do nothing but search blogs.  Well, that's other than taking time for the usual dog walk, and workout, of course.

Today's post is about swimming.  Do you love it as much as I do? It's such a great activity for all ages, plus it's good for you, and easy on the joints!  I think swimming instruction should be mandatory for all elementary school kids, don't you?  It's such a life skill.  I so very much enjoy trying to teach my two grandchildren (one is three, and one is 19 months) how to swim.

Anyway, I have just a few things I wanted to share with you about swimming:

*We already know that it helps to wear a swim cap, to protect the hair from the chemicals, but it's also good idea to wet the hair first, and then to put on some conditioner.  A leave-in conditioner works well for this. 

*Most of us know that it takes 72 lengths (36 laps) of a regulation pool to add up to one mile. Well, that's hard to keep track of, don't you think?  My sister has a film canister with pennies, and uses the pennies to help her keep track of laps, placing them back into the canister, one lap at a time.  I've also seen people use beads, on a knotted cord, moving them across the cord after each lap. What works for me is to count the laps in my head, but I break it up into four sections, nine laps each.

*If you'd like to improve your stroke, ask a lifeguard or coach to watch you swim, and give you a critique.  Or, you could have someone take a video of you swimming a lap or two, and analyze it yourself.

*Here's a wonderful article, titled "Ten Elements of a Perfect Freestyle Stroke," written by Alex Kostich, at Active.com.  He is a three-time Pan-American Games gold medalist and does a great job breaking down the parts of the stroke, discussing head position, arm movement, body rotation, breathing, the kick, etc.  I've always wondered why so many people are now using bilateral breathing, and tip #9 gives excellent reasoning for giving it a try.  I hope you find the article helpful:
http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/10-Elements-of-a-Perfect-Freestyle-Stroke-Part-1.htm

I hope you find this information helpful and motivating, and that you are enjoying working on improving your health, with whatever activites you choose.

Mary R.