A New Life's resolution - Day #79 (Occupational)

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Day #79 - Occupational

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The occupational dimension of wellness is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work. Occupational development is related to one's attitude about one's work.' Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you'll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You'll know when you're on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting."
 
The Indianapolis Race for the Cure on Saturday, April 17th, 2010 was quite an event with THOUSANDS of participants and a whole LOTTA pink!  I do love me some pink!
 
There were quite a few corporate sponsors of the event (thank you Kroger for all the great grub in our snack back at the end of the race!).  Among them was Ford.  Every year they are an amazing sponsor and give out some fabulous scarves at their Warriors in Pink tent.  The line was HAUUUGELY long, so I skipped the scarf this year.  To make a donation or check out my other photos from the Indianapolis Komen Race for the Cure, go here.
 

Seriously!  Who wouldn't love a pink pin-striped Mustang?

A New Life's resolution - Day #78 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #78 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system."
 
I know I promised you my thoughts on "eating right", but inspiration has steered me a different way this week.  I promise I'll get back to the regular plan in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
 
As I enter week 12 of my "new life", I've realized that at some point, these 6 dimensions of wellness have become part of my thoughts on a daily basis.  It's not just because I'm looking for blog fodder, which I usually am, but also because I'm trying to change from the inside out.  So I wasn't very suprised this last Sunday as I participated in the Indianapolis Race for the Cure, that I spotted all of the dimensions of wellness in all their glory all around me.  I decided to snap a few pictures and since rumor has it that a picture is worth 1000 words, I'll let the photos do (most of) the talking this week.  (Donations are always welcome to help fight this disease, so if you'd like to give, just click on the Race for the Cure link above.)
 

PHYSICAL

 

 

A New Life's resolution - Day #76 (Social)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #76 - Social

According to http://www.definitionofwellness.com/, "The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family. As you travel a wellness path, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway."

Alright!  Let's get this discussion of how to look at exercise in a new way wrapped up so that we can look at eating right!

When I thought of exercise and how that fit into my social element of well-being, I immediately knew what I would talk about.  I have a confession to make.  I am scared terrified of looking like an idiot.  Seriously!

It's one thing for me to admit I don't know something that can be learned in a book or to mess up an answer on Jeopardy!.  Those things are to be expected and I feel confident enough in my mental abilities to recover pretty quickly.  The thing that makes me want to crawl into a hole and then into my skin to avoid complete and utter embarrassment is being shown to be out of shape physically.

Case in point, yesterday as I was leaving work, the elevator in my parking garage was acting a bit funny and I wasn't about to chance getting stuck on it, so I decided to take the stairs.  I usually take the stairs down even if I'm on the 7th or 8th floor, but I guess I've kind of drawn the mental line that if I park above 4, I'm taking the elevator back up.  Alas, I was on 7 yesterday and so taking the stairs meant that by the time I was at the top, I would be breathing hard(er).  I was fine for about 4 1/2 flights, but at that point I started to feel the pressure of the knowledge that there was someone else taking the stairs about a 1/2 flight down from where I was.  I knew that at any moment my breathing would be harder and I would start to feel self-conscious.  So, I opted to get off on the 5th floor and walk all the way over to ANOTHER set of stairs to continue my climb the rest of the way.

I think this fear comes from feeling like if people see me (the fat girl) huffing and puffing up the stairs, it will only solidify their thoughts that all fat people are lazy and out of shape.  There have been MANY times in my life that, despite being the fattest girl in the room, I had NO problem keeping up.  The assumption that I couldn't cut it was always there though.  Almost universally, aerobics instructors get this look on their face that screams, "Oh no!  A fat girl!  I hope she doesn't collapse in my class!"  Whether they really are all thinking it, I don't know, but it sure feels like it!

Which brings me to my exercise/social issue.  My new gym has a racquetball court.  I love racquetball.  It's like tennis in a boxand what's not to like about that?  I took it as a fluff class in college and it was just a blast!  Akin to yesterday's discussion, you get to take out some aggression and there's actually some strategy involved in it.

So, every night when I get to the gym, there's a group of 4 or 5 guys that are playing.  I've stood there and watched a bit, but I'm always too scared to join in - even the one time they asked if I wanted to play.  I would love to, but it all goes back to not wanting to embarrass myself and look like an idiot.  I would rather ease myself back into it by getting my feet wet alone.

Next week I think that's exactly what I'll do.  The courts aren't busy early in the morning, so I'll grab my racket and pick up some new balls.  I'm guessing the ones in my sports closet have been dead for a loooong time.  If anyone wants to join me and promises not to laugh too loudly, I'd love a little competition!  

A New Life's resolution - Day #75 (Emotional)

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Day #75 - Emotional

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others."

The emotional aspect of exercise as we are talking about it this week is something that I've been thinking about for a long time.  A seriously REALLY long time.  I just haven't been able to pull the trigger.

 

If I'm going to be able to include exercise in my life as a daily habit and joy rather than something I HAVE to do to check off of my To Do list, it's gonna have to be something that I really look forward to.  There is an exercise/activity/sport that I've been interested in trying for a REALLY long time.  That sport is boxing!  Well, let me clarify.  I don't really want to box with other people.  Generally speaking I don't really want to hit anyone.  (Mostly because I'm afraid of getting hit!)  What I do love is the thought of strapping on some boxing gloves and just wailing on a heavy bag!

Perhaps my draw to hitting a heavy bag is that it seems like an appropriate and socially acceptable thing to hit when I really want to punch the guy who just cut me off in traffic or when I want to shout, "HEY!  I was next!" to the customer who "accidentally" cut in front of me in line.  (Because apparently my super-power is invisibility!)  I think much of the time there are a great number of emotions that I trap or supress because I don't think other people can handle them or because I've been told those emotions are unreasonable.  A few years ago I discovered that I'd been eating to keep those emotions in check (STILL haven't fixed that action!)  Maybe beating on a heavy bag could take the place of candy bars and cookies.

And yet, despite being a great preacher of getting out and doing all those things you've merely been thinking about for ages, I know I've fallen down on this one.  I've thought and thought about it.  I've looked at where I could put one in my garage even!

I would, of course, have to have no REGULAR heavy bag and boxing gloves.  Mine would, of course, have to be pink!  When I saw Shea from the Biggest Loser boxing with Laila Ali on The Biggest Loser Tuesday night, she was doing it with pink boxing gloves!  All I could do was drool and be jealous.

A New Life's resolution - Day #74 (Intellectual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #74 - Intellectual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community."
 
If you've been reading this blog for very long, hopefully you've picked up on the fact that I'm a big proponent of getting to know oneself.  I think this week's discussion of exercise and how it relates to the various dimensions of wellness provide me with a perfect opportunity to learn about myself.
 
As much as I would hate to admit it, this isn't my first go-round at the "exercise as part of my every day life" rodeo!  It feels like ever since I got out of college (that's been A WHILE!), this desire to make exercise less odious has been there.  It started out as a desire to be more attractive to the opposite sex.  While I was in college, I dated the same man for quite a long time and then the rest of the time, I assumed it would "just happen".  I knew that the men I was always interested in were interested in women much thinner than me, but I didn't realize that that was going to be true FOREVER.
 
So, as a way of being more attractive to a potential mate, I have tried any number of exercise programs since then.  Nothing ever stuck for very long until about 8 years ago.  It was then that I found "Body For Life".  In the 2 years that followed I dropped more weight than I ever had and gained a good opinion of myself physically for perhaps the first time in my life.
 
How did I do it?  Besides being religious fanatical about what I put into my body, I went to the gym at 5 AM EVERY MORNING.  I spent about 2 hours there every day lifting weights and doing cardio.  Now, if you know me, you know that I am NOT a morning person unless I'm up because I stayed up all night!  But I was still there putting in the time every morning.
 
Then about 6 years ago, Troy popped onto the scene and the early morning workout sessions were no more.  At the beginning of the year, I started going to the gym after work with a friend, but I was sick for several weeks and then daylight savings hit so it's lighter outside later into the evening, so we decided to go by our own schedules until the fall.  Consequently, I can find LOTS of other things to do in the evening after work than go to the gym!  So, other than walking to and from doggy daycare, my workouts have been very lacking.  UGH!  I feel like a total slug.
 

This is where my intellectual wellness with regard to exercise kicks in.  What I realized about those early morning workout sessions several years back was that by the time I got to work, I'd already put in my workout!  That tiny thought lifts a world of angst and worry off of my shoulders.  No more do I have to think about how crowded it's going to be at the gym that night after work.  No longer do I feel like I don't have any time to myself to relax.  If I simply change my schedule so that prep my clothes the night before, go to bed a bit earlier, and NOT hit the snooze button 10 times, life seems so much better.  The advantages of working on out in the AM (not having to THINK about exercising the rest of the day, getting the workout in before my brain has fully woken up) seriously outweigh the discomfort caused by pulling my butt out of bad that early.
 
Now if only I can remember this all when the morning comes.  {sigh}

A New Life's resolution - Day #73 (Spiritual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #73 - Spiritual
 
According to http://www.definitionofwellness.com/, "The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe."
 
So, this week I'm looking for ways to make exercise a "want to" instead of a "have to".
 
I can't think of a more "spiritual" exercise activity to engage myself in than yoga.  I first experienced it about 10 years ago when I attended about 8 classes with a friend.  She wasn't a big fan of perspiring as a result of exercise since her skin was so sensitive, so we decided to give a yoga class a try.  It didn't really do it for her, but I absolutely love it.  Maybe it was the peaceful sound of a babbling fountain or the dim lighting, but I would walk out of there 45 minutes later and feel like I could simply be poured into a bucket.  I was just that relaxed!
 
Unfortunately, after those 8 classes, I stopped going (I think it was because of the money).  I took another class about a year ago that was offered at the church and, while the instructor was wonderful, I could really relax fully enough with the thought that random people might be walking through the area where we were holding the class.
 
So, I think it's time to try it again.  I have a couple of yoga exercise tapes, but I think I might try to find a class in the area.  It somehow seems more relaxing to me to simply listen to an instructor and do what they say instead of having to try to pay attention to a tape.  (Miss something, get up to rewind it, watch it again, etc etc).  Besides, while I love my kitties and puppy, it might be a little more conducive to relaxing if they aren't trying to climb all over me.
 
If you're in or around the Indianapolis area and you know of a good yoga class, I'd love to hear about it! 

A New Life's resolution - Day #72 (Occupational)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #72 - Occupational

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The occupational dimension of wellness is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work. Occupational development is related to one's attitude about one's work.' Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you'll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You'll know when you're on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting."

Continuing this week's discussion of finding new ways to incorporate exercise into my daily life in new ways...

I have the great fortune of working in downtown Indianapolis.  When I first moved here after college, I worked at two different jobs which were both on the north side of town just outside of the 465 loop.  The culture around these places were simply cubicle people who went from their house to their car and their car to their office only to repeat the cycle in reverse at the end of the work day.  If we went out to lunch, we had to get into our cars.  If we wanted to sit outside and enjoy a day, our options were to either find a restaurant with outdoor seating or pop a squat on the one picnic table that was outside of the building next to a retaining pond and near a VERY busy and loud road.  It wasn't an atmosphere that had much "life" to it.

For several years after I had left my first job, a former colleague of mine would call and tell me about a position in her office and rave about how fantastic it was to work downtown in the heart of the city.  She told me about all of the great activities that take place on Monument Circle during the summer and how much fun it all was.  I waived her off saying I wasn't interested and that I didn't want to deal with the horrible traffic of DOWNTOWN.  (I was young and unaware that the traffic where I was was WAAAY worse than that of downtown.) 

Finally, after pleading with me continually for several years, she won me over.  (Thanks, Stacey!)  Once I got over the initial shock at having to find my way around the maze of one way streets and paying to park, I grew to love it.  There is an energy in downtown.  There really always is something going on on the circle.  When all of the motorcycles come in for Moto GP, I get to see them and meet some of the riders.  Every August, the church on the circle holds its annual Strawberry Festival.  YUMMO!

But the best part of working downtown is something I never even take advantage of!  During the warmer months, throngs of people escape from their cubicle farms and venture down to the circle to eat lunch on the steps of the monument.  Some people visit with friends, some read books and magazines, some simply soak up the warm rays of the sun.  What do I do?  I eat a frozen meal at my desk.  EVERY.  DAY.  Seriously!  What's wrong with me?

Maybe the best way for me to integrate exercise into my Occupational dimension of wellness has only to do with nothing more simple than walking down to the circle and enjoying my lunch with a good book.  I could maybe even take a few laps around the circle to get a few more steps in during the day.  It may not be the strenuous exercise of a jog or a swim, but it has to be FAR better than sitting on my rump at my desk missing out on all of that glorious Vitamin D.  Perhaps I'll even come back to work rejuvinated and reenergized.  It's worth a try anyway!

A New Life's resolution - Day #71 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #71 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.

I don't know about you, but the shower is a great place for me to do some thinking.  I think amazing thoughts about brilliant blog posts or make to-do lists as long as my arm or comes up with solutions that will bring us all a cure for cancer and world peace.  Unfortunately, by the time I've dried myself off, my inspiration (and memory) has dried up too.  (I really need a shower dry-erase board or a voice activated recording system to jot down some of these stunning solutions.)

Fortunately for me (and you), not all of those thought evaporated yesterday!  As I was compiling my to-do list for this week, I thought about trying to plan my meals for the week and schedule my trips to the gym.  The mere thought of the forced attention to "eating right and exercising" sent my brain into a tailspin.  These thoughts seem like a broken record that has been playing all of my life.

It was at that point I decided I had had enough of feeling the gloom and doom and dread associated with the need to "eat right and exercise".  That old definition of insanity postulated by Albert Einstein popped into my head.  He said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.


So, for the next two weeks I'm going to try to change the way I think about eating right and exercise in an effort to change the way I act.  It's easy to think of eating right and exercising as only being beneficial to our physical well-being, but I think all of our areas of wellness could benefit from these thoughts.


Week #1 is exercise!  I don't know about you, but because exercise was never integrated into my life as I was growing up, I immediately think that to do it right, I have to drag myself to the gym.

What if, instead, I think about all the ways that I can "exercise" throughout the day?


For instance, spring is (finally!) here.  That means the weather is amazing.  I have legs that work quite well.  I live in a friendly neighborhood where people are outside with their kids and their dogs all the time.  I take Sasha to a doggy daycare place just about 2 tenths of a mile from my house.  Instead of stressing out after work every day about rushing home to pick her up (in the car) and then mentally beating myself up into going to the gym afterward, why don't I kill 2 birds with one stone?  A vigorous walk (or a jog when I'm in better shape) to get her followed by a more leisurely doggy/owner walk on the way back home doesn't seem like such a stressful thing.


Remembering that exercise doesn't have to be perfect and torturous could most definitely help me feel better about the thought of engaging in it on a regular basis.


Have you ever tried to redefine exercise as a positive and fun activity?  If so, what works for you?

A New Life's resolution - Day #67 (Intellectual) {written for 3/25/2010}

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #67 - Intellectual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community."
 
Continuing this week's discussion on health coverage:
 
 * How will this bill affect the intellectual wellness of the country?

*  What are the steps we must take in order to become more educated about our own health care?
*  With all of the mixed messages about how to "eat right" and "exercise", how do we sort out the good information from the bad information and make it a part of our daily lives?
*  Is there an information gap between the "haves" and the "have nots"?  If so, how do we bridge that gap?

What other aspects of the health care bill have I missed as they pertain to our intellectual wellness?

I eagerly anticipate your thoughts about these things.