I have exercised on and off…mostly off, for the past three years. I’ve decided I’m ready to tackle this; I want to be in shape and feel healthy and strong again. Last week I met with a personal trainer. This is a big deal for me, because I usually don’t ask for help, especially help I have to pay for. But I decided this time, if I am going to stick with an exercise program, I need to be accountable to the money I’m spending, as well as the person I’ve enlisted to look after me.
Our meeting was great. Before my trainer designed my workout we talked about my fitness goals and what I like to do for exercise. She asked me how often I’m eating and what I have been eating at each meal. I told her I’ve been skipping breakfast a lot and snacking and only occasionally eating a good lunch. Her eyes grew big, and then she reminded me how important breakfast is for our metabolism and overall health. She suggested I eat four to six times per day, and that I make sure there are plenty of vegetables and lean protein in my diet. I started to open my mouth to defend myself. I wanted to tell her that I know all this, that I know when to eat, what to eat…but then, before saying anything, I closed my mouth. I realized that if I’m not doing all this, if I’m not consistently eating breakfast and consistently making healthy food choices, I have no claim on that knowledge anymore. When it comes to fitness and healthy eating, we can know all we want but if we’re not doing it, we are neither fit nor healthy.
This got me to wondering if there are other things I know are good for me that I am not doing. The truth of the matter is, there are quite a few things. I would imagine that is the case for a lot of us. There are things we mentally take note of, look into further and approve of. We commit to doing these things as soon as we can. And then for whatever reason, we put them off.
So this is my lesson right now…it’s time to collect my thoughts on exactly what is best for me and make sure I’m putting thought to practice. The act of doing is what counts. Collecting knowledge is good and important but thoughtful integration of these practices is what makes all the difference.
I’m starting with exercise and eating right. From there, I’ll keep fine tuning.
How about you? Is there anything you need to change from an “I know” status to a “I do that!” status?
Oh Jodi, how much room do I have?
I know a lot of things and yet. .
I know this could be my last day on earth and yet am I acting if I know?
I know that worry is disrespect for the Bigger Plan and my covenant with God and have I stopped worrying, ahum, not really!
I know that I can make requests and that they are very valuable and do I make them with grace and ease and gratitude? . . .I wish.
I know I cannot deal with eating cheese that well and I love cheese, have I stopped eating it? I guess you know the answer by now.
I know I have to look after myself first and yes I am slowly doing that with baby steps. Hurray for that one.
I think I have said enough though, ha, if I sat a practical exam in living would I pass?
I always could defend myself by saying “I knew that but . . .”
Jodi you have hit a sore spot, ouch, but I guess you knew that.
Thanks, my friend
Hi Jodi,
When you write about meeting your trainer..and making up your mind about getting fit..I felt like you were talking right at me..cause recently I have also decided to do the same. Lose weight. I have been battling this issue since my little one was born. But serious action wasnt being taken. I would decide but not DO!!! And as you and i now know..Doing is what truly counts. So you and me both decide…GET FIT together
When you said you missed breakfast most days…I thought like God is she like me..or am i like her?? I have always been a no breakfast ..only coffee person…See, how much i need to change my unhealthy habits…
Thank you for the sweet nudge..and i hope you keep updating on this getting fit bit…will help me a lot. Your tips might work for me too
Lots of love.
Hi Jodi,
So, I have this grand idea that I can write a book. The thing is – if someone wants to write a book, he (read: me) can’t just think about it. This past spring, that led me to hiring a personal life coach. And what a difference that made, at getting me focused on what truly matters. That has currently ended, the formal coaching – although we’re still in contact – on a more informal basis – to keep on track. And this, like you Jodi, is not something I would normally ask for help with – much like you at the gym. It’s so good though, even when it’s stuff we claim we know – to hear it from someone else and be more deeply reminded of what that means. Anyway, the book is in the works…and there are days (and sometimes weeks) where it just sits – and then I go back to my experiences this spring – and I get re-motivated to continue on with those things which have great meaning to me.
Jodi, I wish you well on your health journey – it’s one that’s so worth going on…
Many of us must be on the same page here. I just began a new morning meditation practice, something I have been putting off forever! I dove in–busy mind and all–and surfaced 45 minutes later in joy. I can’t believe it! Turns out I was doing the “wrong” kind of meditation for the kind of mind I’ve got. (wink). So now on to the body. I, too, want to get in better shape. Been out of it for a while now though I eat very well and healthy (organic, veggie, meatless). Walking, stretching, and once we get to Florida, easing into bike riding. I am really enthused. Thanks for the encouragement and best wishes on this new leg of your journey too! Live with heart…may we all….
Hi Joydi! Yep. You did it. You hit it. If all the exercise I THINK about doing, I actually DID, well then, I’d be SO fit I wouldn’t recognize me! I do so darn well with visualization on things but I know, really know, I fall so short in the exercise dept. Visualizing myself doing it just doesn’t cut it, no matter how much I visualize the darn sweat!!! So thanks for this! I will re-new my efforts!
Eating I’ll take a bow for! I make a huge pot of oatmeal and keep it in the fridge. Every morning, boring as it is, I eat the same thing. But at least it’s there and ready, thereby saving me a heap of time deciding and preparing each morning. (I do have a recipe for an oatmeal/apple casserole that is YUMMY and super healthy ingredients if ya want it)
I eat small amounts (have to cuz of colon surgery) and lots of veggies and fruits.
I’m halfway there at least. (she says, trying not to be embarrassed about typing being her main exercise!)
hugs
suZen
Hi Jodi!
I also thought I knew what I was doing when I was on a mission to lose weight. I kept a food journal and tracked all my activity. I even had two fitness trainers look over it and tweak it.
I was killing myself (not really, but it felt like it) to lose one pound a MONTH.
And then I did something brillant. I joined Weight Watchers online and in three months lost 13 pounds. I’ve got 11 more to go, but between two weddings (well, one wedding, one non-wedding but a food fest nonetheless) and an anniversary, I put myself in maintenance mode. I’ve neither gained nor lost. Now that the crazy foody time is over, I’m back at it.
WW made it easy…
and turned what I thought I knew into a nice big humble pie.
Hi Jodi,
We’re on the same page! I’ve found with awareness and release, I connect more and more with intuitive innocence and in this space, many of the things that I had struggled with now come about naturally, like fitness and weight loss and just being. Sounds whacky, I know.
It’s interesting–this shift from “I should” to actually doing it or deciding to drop it–when and why and how it happens I’m not exactly sure, but it has a lot to do with awareness.
I look forward to hearing more about your fitness journey.
k
Hi Jodi,
Good for you for being so open and sharing your journey with all of us. I so relate to what you wrote about your eating habits. I personally love to exercise but my eating habits could use some improvement. For example, I don’t eat breakfast. I truly cannot eat breakfast. I have tried and do it on the weekends but during the week there is just no way that I can. So I simply have a smoothie or a cup of tea or coffee. I used to eat breakfast but after my mom got sick, I just lost my appetite for breakfast.
The irony is that last week, it came to my attention that I really need to slow down when I eat. So I started to count how many times I chewed my food before I swallowed it and that was a shock. So now I am actually chewing and taking my time. I hope that I stick with this once I get back to work. I do admit, I feel much better.
The minute I saw the title of this post I thought, “Oh boy, I need to read this pronto!” There are so many things I know would be good for me, but I don’t yet practice on a regular basis. I have a “to-do” list that’s many items long, and some of them were put on there more than six months ago! I’m very good at making excuses as to why now isn’t the time to do X, Y or Z. I’ll get to them next week… (cut to me hitting “snooze” on my to-do list reminders)
Eesh.
That being said, you’re inspiring me to do what I know is good for me, Jodi, and not compromising. Maybe not in all areas of my life, but certainly in a few. Key items: meditation daily (non-negotiable!), exercising daily (because when I don’t, my mood isn’t as good), getting outside for 30 minutes a day (this will be tougher, especially once the weather turns cold and bitter).
Good luck to you as you start exercising regularly again. You can do it!
Hi Wilma!
I’m laughing because reading your comment is like a peek inside my inner dialogue! I keep thinking of Adyashanti, who wrote that awakening is not about becoming perfect, but becoming whole. Like you wrote, it all starts with one step! I’m pursuing this one thing right now; I will pursue other things as I progress; and hopefully the things that don’t really matter anyway, will just fall away. Thanks so much for your comment!
Hi Zeenat!
I can relate to making the decision and then doing nothing. I can’t tell you how many Monday mornings I’ve exercised–and then that has been it for the whole week. A strong decision with little to no action…ugh! Anyway, I would be happy to go for this together. You can do it!!! My trainer recommended weight training 3x/wk and cardio 5x/wk plus the changes in eating. Right now my main focus is on just making sure I exercise; while doing that I’m slowly changing my eating habits. Soon it will all come together! Thank you for sharing your story!
Hi Lance!
Thank you for sharing your experience with the life coach. I am glad to hear the book is still in progress. It is nice that you can put it down when you need to and pick it up again when you are ready. It is nice that you have that strong motivational period from the spring to mentally go back to when you’re ready to get fired up again. Please keep working on that book–it really is a grand idea!!
Hi Jan!
Well now you’ve got me interested in the different kinds of meditation for different kinds of minds–would love if you could write a post on that, or have you already? (Please send me a link if so!) I really think it is difficult to fine tune all the components of mind, body, and spirit at once. It is wonderful that you have the healthy eating in check (well done, by the way!), that you have a strong meditation practice and that you are now easing your way into exercise again. I love it that you have the goal, or reward, of being able to bike in the Florida sun! Thank YOU for the encouragement!!
Hi SuZen!
That’s so funny! I wouldn’t recognize myself either! I love that thought! Like I wrote to Jan, I really think we can become an expert at just a couple of areas at at time, so big kudos to you for how well you eat (love the oatmeal waiting in the fridge each morning!!) and now if you’re ready, it’s a great time to fine tune the exercise component. Good luck! Keep me posted! And yes, I would love a copy of your oatmeal/apple casserole, it sounds divine! My email address is: joydiscovered@gmail.com — Thank you, SuZen!!
Hi Peggy!
I’m glad you found something that works so well for you. Other people have also shared with me how great they think WW is. I love it that there is a maintenance mode so you can enjoy the food fests as they come without falling off the wagon. Isn’t humble pie the best? Ha! I love it when I learn something new…even if it’s at my own expense!
Hi Kaushik!
Your comment reads like poetry–thank you so much. I have had this same experience, where when it’s truly time to adapt something into my life, or drop it, it comes easily and naturally. It’s too early to tell on this one, I am cautiously optimistic, but I’m seeing good signs. I love, love, love your “intuitive innocence” phrase; it’s magical. Make sure that’s a line in your next book! Thanks for your comment!!
Hi Nadia!
I have heard really good things about mindful eating–and counting how many times you chew your food certainly falls in that category! I’m glad you can tell a difference and I hope you can stick with it once you return to work, too. Hopefully over time, you will be able to embrace eating breakfast again–if that’s what you want and ultimately what you feel is best for you.
Hi Megan!
It’s very tough to do it all, isn’t it!? I think your non-negotiable list of things to do (exercise, meditation and time outdoors) is absolutely wonderful. Those all contribute so much to the mind, body, spirit connection–to joy and clear thinking–and to so much more. Thank you for the luck on my exercise program. It’s nice to share my experience here and receive so much support and read such relatable stories.
Jodi, I love this post! especially this part:
I am really trying to focus on constancy and personal responsibility for changing my life! I’ve been trying to ‘visualize’ who the ‘best version’ of me is lately in terms of health and its been driving me bonkers! I can’t see her! Then I realized.. hmm.. I’m asking the wrong question, who do I look like well, daily? What I really need is to ‘Let the healer within’ .. so that means, I need to ask ‘What does the healer image look like’.. that shifts huge for me! I will post this shortly of this discovery.. Now, I think I’m getting somewhere, between the vegetarian commitment for 30 days and this mental image shift. In regards to you having a coach that is wonderful! I thought lately, why is it fair if not many can afford this? Then, I read somewhere that it is those who ‘invest’ in what matters that are truly willing and ready to change. This made a lot of sense. Everything that is worth doing, has a cost involved. There is no easy route to truly be all that we can be! So, I say *cheers* to you and I’m so happy to hear your good news! Your first commandment: Eat a yummy breakfast! I highly recommend this cookbook for you! It will get your tastebuds rockin’ 
hehe /Breakfast (Marie Claire) – http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Claire-Breakfast/dp/174045958X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256222393&sr=8-1
“I realized that if I’m not doing all this, if I’m not consistently eating breakfast and consistently making healthy food choices, I have no claim on that knowledge anymore.”
I think it is easy to ‘find the answer’ rather than apply it, isn’t it?
much luv, Jen
Excellent post. I love the distinction. My biggest areas of challenge in this regard all come under personal productivity. I know that getting started is more than half the battle yet I often distract myself form tackling projects that have been on my plate to complete for sometime. I know I’ll feel much better with the completion. So I’ll think of your post as I set off to work with fresh determination. Thank you Jodi!
Jodi,
When I first read the title, I thought this could challenge me–there is lots I “know” but for various reasons don’t necessarily “do”. Huge example is my boat–my neighbor just told me all that he would “do” if he owned my boat, and I shook my head in agreement for his list was right on…I “know” what needs to be done, just haven’t “done” it. Unfortunately there are a few other things in my life that I “know” but don’t do. Things I am currently wrestling with out of doubt or fear of the unknown, and you’ve just provided the perfect answer..just “do” it….Thank you for sharing and indirectly challenging me in your gentle thought provoking way:)
Jodi,
Yeah for you!
“Collecting knowledge is good and important but thoughtful integration of these practices is what makes all the difference.”
This is what us bloggers do collect knowledge. Knowing that I print off posts that speak to me and read them over, underline stuff and take action.
I really don’t want to add another change right now. I’ve been meditating since April and I just want to continue to commit to that.
My norm is to bite off too much and then be overwhelmed and then quit.
God bless on your new journey!
I KNOW that I need to get my scraps of paper under control but I haven’t gotten around to it
I have so much to reply to, and do.. but then interesting blogs like yours pop up
Hi Jody!
Really enjoyed this post, I am like you. I know what to do, but of late, I haven’t put it into action. I keep wondering if I just haven’t rooted out the blockage of this request. Things to think about. Thank you!
For me the big issue is exercise as well. I should do it at least three times a week, but i DON’T. I want to, but then again I don’t. Crazy huh?
I think about this all the time. I did hire a coach to help me through some business stuff I knew I should do but wasn’t doing. I agree that accountability is key.
Also, I know my house needs to be cleaned on a regular basis, but it is my least favorite activity…so it’s a struggle to do! does that count???
Hi Jodi – just checking in because I haven’t seen you in awhile…just wanted to make sure all’s well in your world!
xxoo
I just thought the same thing as Peggy and went to your site to see if I was missing something my google reader wasn’t telling me.
How weird is that? I too hope all is well and am sending you love anyway.
Hi Jen!
Thank you for your comment. I like all of your thoughts about taking personal responsiblity for your life and letting the inner healer rise to the occasion, to make healthy and wise choices for your life. As for the cost of the personal trainer…I always shyed away from such an indulgence because of the cost but I realized I needed to be accountable in a monetary way, as well as to an objective bystander to make some changes. When I did my research I found that trainers range in price from $15-$50 per hour. A 1-2 hour consultation to set up a 4-6 week workout ends up being really affordable, especially if it yields healthy, life changing results!
Hi Tom!
Thank you for stopping by! I have the same problem as you! I keep myself busy and very productive but there are certain projects, which carry the most weight on my to do list, that get passed from one week or month to the next. Ugh! Sometimes, I have to stop, look at the list, and tell myself to pick just one thing that I am going to commit to getting done in the next week. Then I actually do it. Somehow looking at the list in a collective manner makes it seem too big to tackle right now; breaking it down helps a lot. Good luck with your own list!
Hi Joy!
I hope this article did challenge you and help you make some changes. That is why we’re all blogging, I think, to share ideas and challenge ourselves and each other–to really feel like we’re all in this together! Good luck and keep me posted on your progress! (P.S. Although your neighbor may have been right on with all those suggestions about your boat, I do think it is much easier to go into someone else’s space and name all those things. “Doing” them, in your own space or even someone else’s is another issue all together!)
Hi Tess!
My norm is to bite off too much and become overwhelmed at quit, too! I’ve been changing that recently and it has helped. I get this nervous little voice in my head sometimes that signals I need to back away from something because I’m about to over-do it, and I’ve actually been listening! Great job on meditating — since April is a big, big accomplishment!
Hi Everyday Minimalist!
Thank you so much for stopping by! It sounds like with your issue, you could benefit from using a timer. Just set it for 15 minutes at a time (or even 5 in the beginning), work while it’s going, and walk away when it goes off. Do this a couple of times per day, everyday and you won’t believe what a difference it makes. Best of luck to you! Thanks again for stopping by!
Hi Angelia!
It’s so great that you stopped by here! Thank you for leaving a comment! Try and choose just one thing to work on starting now. When you feel like you have that under control, add in another thing. Don’t try to take on too many changes or improvements at once. My example: right now I’m working on exercising 5x per week and I’m making sure to eat breakfast every morning. I have not started adjusting my diet and making it ultra healthy yet. I’ll do that once the exercising part is down pat. Baby steps = success!! Good luck!
Hi Tabitha!
I did the same thing in regards to exercise. I thought, I want to because it’s good for me and I’m “supposed” to do it but I don’t want to because I just don’t want to-I have other things I would rather do with my time, etc. Having the trainer come over and give me a consult helped a lot. She wrote out a simple routine for me to stick to that mixes things up and makes the time pass faster. It has actually been kind of fun! Perhaps you could try a new form of exercise that is more fun for you, too. Good luck!
Hi Stacey!
I think anything that weighs on us as something we’re not doing but should be doing is something in our lives that needs to be addressed. It’s awesome that you hired a coach for the work stuff. I think we could all benefit from doing that but we hesitate for monetary and other reasons. As for your house, maybe you could find a way to hire someone just once a month to come in and do a heavy cleaning and then you could just maintain it in between. Cleaning does seem like such an endless chore, doesn’t it!?
Hi Peggy & Wilma,
You both are so sweet to check in. All is well on my end…just got wrapped up in a home project that took over all my spare time. Add Halloween festivities in there, and I was toast! It’s nice to be getting back into the routine again!