January 28th, 2010
One of the finest moments as a parent is sitting in the school gymnasium listening to the list of hard working students whom have made Honor Roll. This morning at my children’s school, I had that honor, but before they called my son’s name, they read this poem by Edgar A. Guest. It couldn’t have been more appropiate for the students who had reached this goal, and it is most appropiate for all of us trying to reach ours.
Can’t is the worst word that’s written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.
Can’t is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.
Can’t is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man’s purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you some day shall gain.
Can’t is the word that is foe to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that’s deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed ’twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: “I can.”
Posted in Mind and Body - No Comments »
Tags: can't, determination, Edgar A. Guest, inspiration, Motivation, perserverance
January 22nd, 2010
Making a Healthy Lifestyle Change can sometimes feel like a monumental task. Recently, an online client I work with sent me an update that I wanted to share with you. Not only does it show the funny side of change, it also speaks to the way our eyes open to new things when we are giving ourselves the time we deserve.
Candace,
I wanted to give you an update…I’ve done GREAT and I’m very determined, but these are some ramblings I want you to know:
1. My urine is no longer yellow
2. I never knew cardboard (Ezekiel bread) could be so damn good.
3. I’ve increased my aerobic exercise running to the bathroom in every house, store, business this side of Alabama.
4. It is rather boring from 5 – 7 without a cocktail, however I’ve learned to enjoy my green tea hour.
5. I would kill for some Triscuits and cheese.
6. I’m very tired of salmon.
7. Once a week wine is something to really, really look forward to.
8. It is impossible to eat 4 egg whites, but 2 is manageable
9. When you drink a lot of water you are full most of the time.
10. Days pass more slowly when you’re watching what you’re eating…which isn’t a bad thing.
Just an update, but I’ve been hugely successful this first week and want to look at this as my new healthy lifestyle. I was weighed and measured on 1/13 and will not weigh or measure again until I have a month under my belt. I’ve learned from past mistakes. I do feel stronger and a little more lean, sort of like letting a tad of air out of a balloon. Thank you for devising this plan for me. I go to your website often to get more inspiration. My family and friends are very supportive. I’m determined to drop 30 but probably 40 would be better. Thanks again; I’ll let you know my progress next month!
Are you ready for your healthy lifestyle change? What are you waiting for???
Posted in Mind and Body, Training - No Comments »
Tags: clean eating, fitness, goal setting, healthy lifestyle change
