Entries tagged with “Persistence”.
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Wed 5 Aug 2009
Posted by Danielle under Personal Growth
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My family and I took a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure this week and of course we took a drive through the safari. It wasn’t like it was many years ago where the animals were pretty much all over the cars but, we did have a pretty funny experience. We stopped the car to look at an ostrich that made its way right up to us. The ostrich then began to peck at the window—right where the car registration sticker was placed. It pecked, pecked, and pecked. Then, it took aim for my daughter’s pointing finger. Again, it pecked and pecked and pecked at the window. Clearly, it was hoping to get a bite of something. It continued to peck at the window for at least a full half an hour. While we were all amused by this poor ostrich trying so hard, it really made me aware of two important concepts: perception versus reality and persistence versus playing it smart.
Lesson 2: Persistence vs. Playing it Smart
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.” Isn’t that the famous saying. Yes, that is clearly what the ostrich was doing but, is it always the most effective method?
I think there is certainly something to be said for persistence however, I also think there is something about doing something the same exact way over and over again when it is simply not working. I am sure you know exactly what I mean. It is like the “lost car key” phenomena—the one where you look in the same place 10 times thinking that the car keys will magically appear in that exact spot.
The same thing holds true when we look to accomplish our goals, make changes in our habits and try to achieve something new. If you are doing the same thing over and over again and it is NOT working, it is probably time to start playing it smart! Yes, change it up.
If you keep going on diets thinking you are going to lose weight but it never seems to work that way—maybe dieting is not the answer. If you keep trying to find some time to relax but realize you can not even find enough time to sleep, then perhaps it is time to try something new.
What are you looking to do but just can’t seem to accomplish?
Tue 14 Jul 2009
After lots of hard work preparing the soil, growing, planting, weeding, and watering, I am finally able to start seeing the results of all of my hard work. We have been happily enjoying strawberries, lettuce, string beans, romano beans, and zucchini straight from the garden. The tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli and more are also well on their way. What’s this have to do with health and wellness you ask?
Well, besides having healthy, organic produce growing in my own garden, this really serves as an analogy.
Sometimes, the things we do for our health and wellness are a little bit like gardening. We might not see the results immediately and heck, when we are working hard, it may in fact seem like we will never produce results. Do you know what I mean? You might be trying and trying to eat well but not seeing the numbers on the scale go down or your family changing their eating habits.
The garden also requires constant care. The weeds are always growing and it seems like there is always more to clean. Just like our bodies, minds, and spirits. We are always in need of cleaning out the junk to make room for new, beneficial growth.
Just like my garden though— you will reap the fruit of you labor! Hang in there and you WILL see the results!
Tell us about the results you are looking to produce. Share them in the comments.
Fri 12 Jun 2009
Listen up— the REAL truth is: NO ONE is perfect. I know this is sometimes hard to believe but anyone and everyone can lose sight of their health goals.
Maybe you have set a goal to workout 5 days a week. The first week you are totally motivated and actually workout 7 days in a row. Then week two you do the same. All of the sudden, come week three, you have to attend your son’s graduation (which happens to fall during your workout time), and you have a family member in the hospital you need to visit, and you just are not “in the mood.” So, you only workout 2 days that week. At that point, you have two choices. You can either be totally frustrated and annoyed with yourself or you can get up and get going again. You can recommit the next week and aim for 5 days a week again. Easy question– which choice will lead you to your desired result???
So, when you find yourself stuck, not doing what you said you were going to do or finding your commitments fall by the wayside, take a moment to regroup, recommit and get back up and into the game. You’ll be glad you did!
What are you going to recommit to this week?
Thu 21 May 2009
Posted by Danielle under Personal Growth
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This past weekend, my family and I took part in welcoming home a wounded hero.
In March of 2008, Corporal Chris Levi, US Army, was severaly injured when his vehicle was hit by an explosive device in Iraq. Twenty-six year old Chris Levi lost both of his legs and the use of his right arm. After a long recuperation on Saturday, Chris returned home.
As my family and I went to join the community in welcoming home this brave soldier, we had no idea how touched, moved, and inspired we would be. Not only did thousands of people line the streets from the local airport all the way to Chris’ home but, hundreds of Patriot Riders led the way and all of the local fire departments lined the streets side-by-side and used their ladders to hold the 2 ends of gigantic American flags. (check out some of the videos on YouTube– just search Chris Levi)
As I watched with tears in my eyes as this brave young man was welcomed home, I was completely and utterly inspired— inspired by his courage, his commitment, and his drive as well as that of the community.
No, big events like this don;t happen everyday but, there is just so much to be inspired by.
Take a moment today to be inspired. There is so much out there to be inspired by if you just look.
Happy inspirations!