We are now two weeks into 2014, and it is a good time to gauge where you are, as far as new year’s resolutions are concerned.
Millions of people vow to start each year by working out, eating healthy, quitting smoking, etc., but the majority give up on those commitments.
Why is this so?
Well, I am certainly no expert, but can only speak for myself.
First of all, I don’t even make any new year’s resolutions, because, quite frankly, I live the way I want to all throughout the year, and, therefore, don’t need to start doing anything from scratch from day one.
That is not to say that I have my “house in order” completely, but do by best to live the right way on a daily basis.
Perhaps it is because I spent nearly six years behind bars from 1998 to 2004, and do not want to chance returning to the negative lifestyle that I was involved in for so long back then, and now always maintain my focus on my top priorities in life.
Exercising, healthy eating, waking up with a smile on my face, and being grateful for where I am now in my life, are just a few of the constants that continue to keep me grounded and content these days.
Writing this blog, maintaining my sobriety, and delivering motivational & inspirational speeches to help others in their recovery, or anyone not living up to their full potential, are things I began doing once I came home from prison, and have truly become almost as important to me as breathing, since they are my personal ingredients for a happy, productive life.
Now, back to you, my readers.
For those of you who have made new year’s resolutions, and are now having a tough time keeping them, here’s some advice from me.
You might want to start off slow, rather than bite off more than you could chew.
For exercise, try walking a block every day for a week, and then each time after that, increase your distance by small increments until you arrive at a satisfying mark. If you feel that your stamina has built up to a good level, then by all means begin jogging.
As far as eating healthy, start your day off with a nutritious breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime.
Consuming a lunch that is high in protein will insure that you won’t get hungry and have to grab that unhealthy candy bar at around 2:00 in the afternoon.
For dinner, have a sensible meal that will carry you over to breakfast the following morning, including vegetables and a piece of fruit as a snack.
I find that drinking water all throughout the day not only keeps me away from binging on chocolate and chips, but also does wonders for the skin.
If you are a smoker – and I hope you are not – then quitting this nasty habit could very well be the toughest task of your entire life.
However, like anything and everything else, you have the power and the choice to accomplish this!
You weren’t born to lag behind anyone else in the world.
You are a winner and role model to others.
So, start to shine like the star you are!
lifestyle (2)
It is human nature to sometimes feel that we are lacking in one aspect or another in life.
Whether it is our ability to solve mathematical equations, capacity to hold an intelligent conversation, or confidence to get on the dance floor and strut our stuff, we were all provided with these talents the day we were born.
It is merely up to each and every one of us to put these innate skills into use on a daily basis, and to have the necessary self-esteem to realize that there is nothing we can't do if we apply ourselves.
I am not claiming that we are all Isaac Newton, JFK, or John Travolta, but my point is that we can do anything we put our minds to, just like those who became famous in their respective fields did, and it only takes practice, determination and enthusiasm.
For me, alcohol, drugs and gambling became my Achilles' heel, which, upon deep introspection, I learned was caused by a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence on my part.
Consequently, by getting help for my addictions, I have been able to turn things around, which has resulted in my writing, "Jew in Jail," becoming a motivational & inspirational speaker, and enjoying a healthy and happy lifestyle, realizing that there is nothing I can't accomplish.
An important note to always remember is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying and failing at first, simply because it is part of the learning process.
On the other hand, not even making an attempt at something will only lead to "should've, could've, would've" later on in life, with the uncertainty of what might have been filling one's mind for years to come.
Put differently, an error of commission is much better than one of omission.
So, remember, you can do and become anything in life.
All it takes is a decision and the desire to try.
Until next time, always reach for the moon, because, even if you miss, you will be among the stars!
