Getting Started - My Mission for a Balanced Life

Through this blog, it is my intention to embark on a journey of self-improvement. Although I find her a little ooey-gooey, I will be using Crystal Andrus as my guide through her book Simply...Woman!

Here are the getting started steps (as in, before week 1 where I actually follow her plan):

1. Gather what you need:
2. Record everything you eat for 3 days
3. Measure where you are now
4. Sign your own contract
5. Make the most of this program
6. Success Tracker

Gathering the tools:

• journal --> I will be using this blog
• running shoes --> check (although new ones would be beneficial)
• weights --> she recommends 3 lb dumbbells and 8 lb dumbbells but soup cans and water bottles work to start (so maybe I will invest in dumbbells later)
• measuring tools --> cloth measuring tape (check), a scale (don't have one....maybe I will buy one or weigh in at work), a watch (with a second hand for checking heart rate), full length mirror, camera

Recording food:

• Thursday:
• Breakfast: bowl of Honey Graham Oh's
• Lunch: piece of pizza and a lot of carrots dipped in dressing
• Dinner: Vegetable Barely soup (from Progresso) with colby jack cheese and a tortilla
• Friday:
• Breakfast: bowl of Honey Graham Oh's
• Lunch: half a slice of pizza and chicken nuggetd with chipotle mayo on top
• Dinner: large piece of chile relleno casserole, spinach salad, Spanish rice
• Saturday:
• Breakfast: fruit smoothie (strawberries, OJ, and banana) and 2 pieces of sausage (might have to ask my hubby not to put them all on the table)
• Lunch: miso soup, fried avocado with salmon and crab on top
• Dinner: stuffed salmon (cream cheese, lobster, some sort of sugary marinade), sweet potato fries, spinach salad

Measure where you are now:

• Imagine photograph in a bikini...maybe I will post it in here. Right now I don't feel gutsy enough.
• Body Measurements, average dress size, weight, current fitness level --> all to be inserted in the Success Tracker (which I will post in a subsequent post)

Sign your Contract

• I, MR, agree to commit to the development and enhancement of my body and my life. I promise to love and respect myself and to take the time each day to honor that commitment by following all the steps outlined in this 12 week program.
• I promise to hold myself totally and completely accountable for all my choices, every emotion and reaction, both negative and positive, and I won't blame anyone for my shortcomings or failures. I know that life may sometimes get in the way and that I may encounter people who don't agree with my needs or desires, but I've made this commitment to myself - body, mind, and soul. I know that life will only give me what I demand of it, so it's up to me to make my dreams come true.
• I promise to do my best at work and leave work at work. I commit to daily excercise both for myself and my dog. I commit to making time for both reading and writing in my free time and to hiking and biking more frequently. I commit to treating my husband with the utmost love and respect, while encouraging him to get active with me.

 Sincerely,

MR

01-05-2014

Make the Most Out of the Program:

• Read the Beginning of the Journey and Week One --> Check!
• Do not read ahead.
• Build on what I've learned each week.
• Don't get discouraged.
• Chat at simplywoman.com if I need support
• Stay focused - all day, every day.

*Success Tracker to be added in subsequent post.