Join the world in a spring renewal

Don’t forget, this Sunday, March 13, marks the date we change our clocks in observance of Daylight Saving Time. On this day, most U.S. residents will move their clocks forward one hour, resulting in more daylight at the end of each day.  Many people dread this “spring forward” tradition, because it equals one less hour of sleep. 

But why not think of the time change in a whole new light. Spring is a time of new beginnings. As the world wakes up from its long sleep, our minds feel energized, refreshed, and ready to celebrate more light.  

If you haven’t been working consistently on your health and well-being this winter, your body may be struggling to keep up with your mind. It’s hard to make a new start when you feel sluggish and discouraged. 

That’s why I exist: to help you move from reality to your dream. If you have tried and failed, then you may feel too paralyzed to try again. Motivating and encouraging people to make healthy changes in their life is what I do and have passion for. But you have to let me, or someone else, help you.

We are going to focus mainly on what is ahead for you. The past is the past and it is best to leave it there. However, in order to make the best start, we need to take a look at what may have sabotaged your previous efforts to change your behaviors.

Impatience. Because we live in a society that is used to instant gratification, it can come as quite a shock to find that fitness doesn’t happen fast. I don’t care how many infomercials you watch that promise you a six pack in six weeks, it is not going to happen. There is no short cut to optimal health. If you grew frustrated in the past because results didn’t happen as fast as you would like, prepare yourself now for a different attitude. We will celebrate small results and be patient as the transformation happens.

Lack of planning. The biggest sabotage in any wellness journey is lack of planning. If you have tried and failed, it is almost certain that you came up short in the area of planning. Without forethought and intentionality, you cannot eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep each night and stick with an exercise routine. This time, let’s plan before you begin.

Support. If you have attempted to get fit with little support, you are not alone. Many people try to change their lifestyle on their own. The trouble with this approach is that those around you will probably not value what you are doing.  They will unintentionally or intentionally sabotage your efforts. For example, they may resent the time you take to workout, or they may ridicule you for the radical changes you make to your diet. However, you will have support this time, and the difference will shock you.

Let’s move forward. Today you start fresh and leave the past behind. Yes, you may have quit during your previous attempts to be healthy. That doesn’t matter now. What matters is what you do today, tomorrow and next week. 

“Do not be afraid of the space between your dream and your present reality.” 

Liz Whalen is a personal trainer and certified health fitness specialist who lives and works in Libby. She also blogs at lizwhalenhfs.com