But in the dream, my immediate answer was, “Make it fun.”

The subconscious can get right to the bottom of things, can’t it? You HAVE to make it fun, to make it part of your life. Anthony Robbinsonce said that successful people got up early in the morning out of sheer excitement for life. I find myself looking forward to my workout in the morning. And I’ve really had fun tracking points on all the food I eat. I’ve got a record of everything I’ve consumed since January 3rd, without fail. That wouldn’t have happened had I approached it grudgingly. I love finding out how to work in my favorite foods, some of which aren’t so healthy, into a healthy lifestyle. Yes, it CAN happen! You can’t eat junk food all the time, and certainly not in the serving sizes promoted today, but it certainly is possible. And I don’t feel deprived. I still eat lots of ice cream and chocolate, and periodically get things like pizza, fried chicken, and buffalo tenders. I’ve even had fun getting my water in. Admittedly the first couple of days that 64 ounces wasn’t that easy – but on that third day I discovered the skin on my face was so baby-soft that I was excited to see what else drinking water could do!

So how can you make it fun? Even if it is a simple thing like buying some cute exercise clothes, do it. I now have five outfits I can wear, so I can put a fresh one on every time I work out. Exercising is way more fun when I can wear a cool outfit! Yeah, I still bulge in weird spots, but Maya does, too – just look at her plie! Only my family will see me, anyway, and they are very supportive and know what I’m about when I have the proper attire on.

Of course, periodic rewards are really great, too. I cleaned out my wardrobe, including a TON of “skinny clothes” (you all know what I’m talking about!) that were SO out of style it was embarrassing! Or at least it would have been had I worn them again! Would you believe I donated over ten pairs of pants with pleats! I’ve refused to buy any REAL clothes until I’m at my initial goal of 120. I have plenty of items left to wear in my closet that are relatively stylish, except for needing some jeans as I lose sizes. I’ll be getting those at the thrift store, since I won’t be wearing them for long, if the past few months is an indicator of how I’ll be dropping sizes. But that doesn’t mean I can’t replace and update my other basics – shoes, accessories, purses, exercise equipment! And, most importantly, the exercise clothes I mentioned before!

So, here’s to making it fun! *toasts with her water bottle*

Originally written on July 6th, 2007; I found out a few weeks later that I was pregnant with my first child.

I have always tried to follow this principle, making a very determined effort over the past few months. I feel it is helping a lot, and my family has even noted some good changes in my attitude. It has even inspired them to do some similar things! Isn’t it wonderful how good attitudes can be contagious?

You really do determine your own reality. I decided many years ago to stop basing my reality on my level of misery. Why not base it on the good things in my life? Anthony Robbins suggested that, even when you can’t think of a single good thing, you can at least shout, “Hooray, my feet don’t stink today!”

I found this wonderful article by Steve Pavlina: Abuse of Power. He lists some of the more common ways that many of us feed that negative teller: Complaining, Self-Doubt, Cowardice, Arguing, Asking Permission, and Blaming. I know I have personally struggled with Complaining, and since making a concentrated effort to improve, I have noticed my entire outlook has changed for the better! His article is definitely recommended reading.