 |
|
| January 11th - Setting Goals Today I have myself the task of starting a journal to set goals for my health. This is a BIG area of concern for me as I have put on approximately 25kgs in the last 3 years or so, with large fluctuations in my weight during that time. Having recently turned 30, I have started noticing that the extra weight is significantly compromising my health and happiness. I have very sore feet from the extra weight combined with a poor step, I recently was told I have high cholesterol, and I am constantly tired and have frequent headaches. I also have a lot of sleep problems and great difficulties concentrating. I believe all of these things are interrelated with my poor attention to eating well and exercising. Therefore I am writing some specific goals to address these issues. 1. Weight Watchers This has probably been the most difficult decision for me. I have at other times managed on my own to lose excess weight. Since being a teenager I have generally been just on the upper limit of my healthy weight range. I am a curvaceous woman and carry extra weight quite well. However, the weight is getting out of hand (hitting a high of 85kgs), and being 30 I am keen to stop a pattern of being heavy as I get older. For the first time, my weight is now a real health issue rather than just an aesthetic one. My father had a stroke at age 56, and my recent cholesterol reading has given me a kick up the arse to do something positive. I've already started by making a New Year's Resolution not to eat any chocolate bars this year, I am addicted to them and I need a break.. I saw Sarah Jessica Parker on the late show the other night during an insomnia attack, and she talked about the issue of trying to change a small habitual behaviour (biting the inside of her mouth). She expressed a sentiment that rang true for me. She said that it was not so much the behaviour that was depressing for her, but the disappointment of having a flawed character in that she could not control the behaviour. That is precisely how I feel about my inability to control my weight. I feel as though I am flawed psychologically by being undisciplined. 'Going public' by attending a meeting in some ways feels like an admission of defeat (this is my self critical voice). However, when I put on my compassionate hat, I realise that it is an admission of the fallibility of being human. I remind myself that it is most helpful when I am compassionate about being a fallible human being. This is the first step, but there is an important second step. Being compassionate also involves the responsibility I have to do something self caring. To be firm in a loving way, to say to myself 'it's time to do something about this'. So, I have a plan to go to my first Weight Watchers meeting next Tuesday night 16/01/2001. I read their website and felt particularly inspired after reading the journal of one of the members, Karen, who is now a life member. To help strengthen my resolve, I wrote an email to her. I was very happy to receive a reply within an hour, I feel now that I've already started sharing and receiving support. 2. Podiatrist To address my inherited foot problems I am attending a podiatrist and will have orthotics made. I believe with reduced foot pain I will be more motivated to exercise and walk as a mode of transport. This goal has already been started, with my first visit two days ago. I also had x-rays taken and have another appointment tomorrow at 10:30am to have an assessment to get the orthotics made. My feet have been so painful lately I am feeling very positive about having finally organised something that I knew needed to be done for several years now. 3. Tennis This is something that my boyfriend and I enjoy doing from time to time. We would like to go to tennis more often and they have a Thursday night competition at a nearby tennis club. I am a little unsure about my specific goal in regard to tennis, but I will include this paragraph as a reminder that I need to come up with something specific. I will discuss it with the boy and come to a decision. 4. Yoga I have decided upon Yoga to further address my health issues, as it is an integrated approach that looks at physical, emotional and mental factors. I also can start it without a high level of aerobic fitness. The thought of physical exercise at the moment (especially with my feet) is a little difficult, so I think Yoga is a great start. I believe that the mentally focussing aspect of Yoga can help me in balancing and disciplining my life in a range of areas. I have already found out about classes which are only a couple of streets away, starting on the 29/01/00. That's about two and a half weeks away. I don't have a further task between now and then, but will just routinely remind myself about my plan ***** That's quite a lot for starters. Let's hope it all goes to plan Home Next>> |