“You’re the most positive person I know.” These words were spoken to me not once, but three times in the past few weeks. I wasn’t always a positive person. I was immersed in a world of worry and negativity for most of my life. My acceptance into the “gifted” Kindergarten class crippled me with fear. I didn’t think I would be able to keep up with the other kids. Yes, Kindergarten. Ask my Mom. Some major self-esteem issues at 5. I refused to go to school for a week in 4th grade because I failed my first test. A history exam. My sister Lynda's math homework sent me into a state of panic. I was sure I’d never be able to master the same concepts when I was her age (she’s 9 years older me). I drove my Dad crazy in the car - asking if we had … [Read more...] about What Anxiety Can Teach Us
What it Takes to Lose the Weight For Good
The short answer. We’ve got it backwards. Permanent weight loss has nothing to do with finding the right diet or having enough willpower. Keeping the weight off requires more than a diet - it requires change. To change anything about our lives, even our brand of laundry detergent, causes great anxiety. This is exactly why the support of a coach (who has been down this road) is so helpful. The not so short answer. Losing weight isn’t the hard part. We all know what we need to do – put down the damn cookies and move our bodies more often. The “hard” part is choosing to feel rather than cover up the sadness or anxiety with pizza. The "hard" part is getting clear about who we really are and what fulfills us. When we’re fuzzy about these … [Read more...] about What it Takes to Lose the Weight For Good
Reclaiming Your Sparkle
On November 26th of last year, I had foot surgery. My second in two years. I’ve written about it quite a bit, because you know - surgery is a kind of a big deal. Especially when it renders you unable to walk for a month. But this post isn’t about surgery, it’s about sparkle. Losing your sparkle and reclaiming it. Let me begin by clarifying my definition of sparkle... A spring in your step Your inner light Effervescence Feeling vital and vivid and in technicolor Your bam, boom, kapow and razzle dazzle (like Superman meets Bob Fosse) When you’ve lost it, things feel a bit of grey and blah. I’m not talking about depression - more like a lack of pizazz. So, I have a theory. On that cold and gloomy day in November, the … [Read more...] about Reclaiming Your Sparkle
When Goal Setting Goes Bad
Last July I committed to simplifying my life. You know - declutter, organize, procrastinate less, create more. In fact, I wrote a detailed post outlining my plan. I’ve made some headway and it's due time for an update - more like a progress report of sorts (eek). Here it goes. Create a daily MIT list (most important things) - A Mindfulness - B+ Purge - B Unplug from the internet - F Teacher's Comments: Robyn works hard in class, but doesn't seem to put much energy behind the subjects she's not passionate about. Also, she is easily distracted. Sorry, having a little fun here. Oh yeah, that big old F. If you’ve read this blog for awhile, you know I’m not a fan of beating myself up. I prefer to look at “failure” as a learning … [Read more...] about When Goal Setting Goes Bad