I know that many of you set goals for the holidays or for months at a time, I am a very short minded person, I need to do short term goals that are attainable, so here I am.

Holiday Goals: 11/17 - 1/4/08
1. I will swim three times a week for 45 minutes
2. I will stay on program each and everyday at 29 points, eating fruits and vegetables BEFORE extras.
3. I will take time to relax and play my new piano.
4. I will take time to write and scrap book.

No more elephants in the living room.

Cathy Jacobson

My holiday goals:
1) Exercise 3 times per week
2) Continue to journal food
3) Relax...take time for me!
4) Organize scrap book stuff to get ready for some major scrapbooking in January.

thanks jill, i appreciate your sharing. i think you and your dd have a grat ritual!

good for you for walking extra this week. i am going to put in some "extra" also just to have a safe cushion there. the gym has limited hours so it will be a great excuse to get outside. your posting made me realize how wonderful it is to connect with nature.

quote:

Originally posted by isabel:

I will enjoy and take pleasure in creating new rituals for me and dd. I will take the time to laugh a lot, pray a lot and journal. I will look forward, making new goals for my life and for dd. I will rest when needed, and breathe breathe breathe.

thanks cathy! good idea.

Isabel,
I admire you. Good for you for looking for ways to create new and memorable times for you and your dd! I have been in your shoes. One thing that I started for dd at Christmas after her dad and I separated was every Christmas Eve, she gets to open one gift. It is always pajamas, always festive and Christmasey (not really a word, LOL)! She, and I, look forward to her new jammies every Christmas Eve. If it is a year where she is with her dad on Christmas Eve she gets them the day before or that day before she leaves to go to her dads. And having those jammies from me and wearing them, even at her dad's house on Christmas Eve, makes her feel special and it is "our thing". I wish for you and your dd to find "your thing".

Now, to answer Cathy's question:

My plan is to walk 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week. This week I did get in 5 days. Getting out in the fresh air feels SO good. It clears my mind, even when it is 30 degrees out. I get more done at work, I am happier and nicer to my family. I know that I eat more this time of year. So, getting out and walking is so good for me. There are days when I argue with myself. "Walk, don't walk, walk, don't walk-it's too cold, it's raining, Walk, walk, walk" and I do! You know, when I gave up my gym membership I worried about what I would do for exercise. But, walking is the most natural exercise around. It is an everyday thing to walk. And I incorporate at least one big, steep hill in every walk. So, even if I overdo the cookies, stuffing, wine, etc-getting out and walking makes me feel better. My plan for this coming week, knowing that Thanksgiving is on the horizon-is to walk extra miles. 45 minutes to an hour a day. If I can maintain my weight through the holidays I'll be happy. I posted elsewhere that I tend to gain more in the summer than over the holidays which is totally true. So, I hope that with all the walking I might actually lose a few lbs. this holiday season.

Jill

I think stress management is key for me. I think i have the exercise and food down. If the stress runs away, the food goes out the door.

I will enjoy and take pleasure in creating new rituals for me and dd. I will take the time to laugh a lot, pray a lot and journal. I will look forward, making new goals for my life and for dd. I will rest when needed, and breathe breathe breathe.

thanks cathy! good idea.