Thursday, August 30, 2012
Preparation Pays Off
Preparation does indeed pay off. Having the foods that I needed to eat in my cupboards worked.
I was able to stay on track and meet my goals.
Yesterday, I was able to kick off my journey and meet my goals. My day got off to a good start exercising on my health rider, eating a bowl of organic cereal with almond milk and I snacked on fruit during the day (grapes and orange). My filtered water bottle allowed me to drink 80 oz of filtered water! I was able to drop my bottle in my purse and throughout the day when I was off to meetings, my water bottle was right there with me. A big healthy salad of organic veggies- romaine lettuce, broccoli, red peppers, sun sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and cranraisins with fat free salad dressing and a baked potato with veggie shreds (lactose and cholesterol free) made up lunch. I was surprised to find that after eating my salad and potato, I was full! Dinner was raw veggies and a turkey sandwich.
Today, I am continuing to be on track with my goals and was able to reach for a snack (chocolate fruit crunch- from Wellness foods) when I had to rush off to an engagement. Really pleased that I met my water goal. This has been such a challenge for me in the past. Already I have hit my 60 oz of filtered water- so will easily get to 80 maybe even 100 oz before the day is over.
Getting ready to sort through my recipes to ensure that I am prepared for the holiday and have some new dishes that are healthy.
My interview with Jennifer who has lost 90 lbs reminded me that focusing on new food discoveries will make it easier to stay on course. So it's not about what I am giving up, rather it's about what I am gaining! Join me on my wellness journey.
I'm serious- I choose to be healthy!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Get Serious-Choose to be Healthy!
I have chosen to get serious about being healthy so that I can "be my B.E.S.T." and realize my dreams. Today marks the beginning of my wellness journey, embracing the principles espoused by the Wellness Forum (www.wellnessforum.com). Over the next month, my blog will focus on the choices that I am making and how these impact my lifestyle and health status.
Recognizing that there is much for me to change, I have decided to manage my change in increments. Over the next thirty days, my focus is to eliminate dairy and oils, drink 64 oz of filtered water daily, start each day with breakfast, have lunch and dinner daily, one of which will include a
big green leafy salad, increase intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, eat only organic meats (minimize amount), and have only when it is a special occasion. With regard to exercise, I will ride my health rider 3 x per week, and walk 3 miles at least once a week. Every night, I will aim for at least 7hrs. of sleep.
DAY 1- Preparing for the journey
Today is all about preparation to make sure that I eliminate barriers and the likelihood for excuses.
First, I replaced my cupboards with all the foods that I need to eat. I stocked up on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, Ezekiel organic breads, organic cereals, fat free balsamic salad dressings, whole grain and brown rice, potatoes, variety of canned beans and tomatoes, organic meats, foods from the Wellness Forum. I purchased a 20 oz water filter bottle to assist me in having access to filtered water where ever I am (no excuses) and a vegetable steamer which also includes a rice cooker.
I have selected a journal that can easily fit into my purse so that I can record my health stats, choices, discoveries, and lessons learned. Recorded my first measures- weight, bmi, waist, blood pressure.
Now in the process of creating my Week 1 meal plan.
Recognizing that I can't go it alone, I have sent up a special prayer for guidance and support. My husband has agreed to help monitor my behavior and encourage my successes.
I would love more partners on this journey. If you are interested in joining me, send me an email at palhicks@comf5.com.
Being healthy is up to ME. I choose to get serious!
Recognizing that there is much for me to change, I have decided to manage my change in increments. Over the next thirty days, my focus is to eliminate dairy and oils, drink 64 oz of filtered water daily, start each day with breakfast, have lunch and dinner daily, one of which will include a
big green leafy salad, increase intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, eat only organic meats (minimize amount), and have only when it is a special occasion. With regard to exercise, I will ride my health rider 3 x per week, and walk 3 miles at least once a week. Every night, I will aim for at least 7hrs. of sleep.
DAY 1- Preparing for the journey
Today is all about preparation to make sure that I eliminate barriers and the likelihood for excuses.
First, I replaced my cupboards with all the foods that I need to eat. I stocked up on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, Ezekiel organic breads, organic cereals, fat free balsamic salad dressings, whole grain and brown rice, potatoes, variety of canned beans and tomatoes, organic meats, foods from the Wellness Forum. I purchased a 20 oz water filter bottle to assist me in having access to filtered water where ever I am (no excuses) and a vegetable steamer which also includes a rice cooker.
I have selected a journal that can easily fit into my purse so that I can record my health stats, choices, discoveries, and lessons learned. Recorded my first measures- weight, bmi, waist, blood pressure.
Now in the process of creating my Week 1 meal plan.
Recognizing that I can't go it alone, I have sent up a special prayer for guidance and support. My husband has agreed to help monitor my behavior and encourage my successes.
I would love more partners on this journey. If you are interested in joining me, send me an email at palhicks@comf5.com.
Being healthy is up to ME. I choose to get serious!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Who are you inspiring?
Today, at her homegoing service, I paid tribute to a family friend and sorority sister, Lula Goolsby-Daye. Reflecting on her life, three characteristics emerged-excellence, impressive, and inspirational. The latter is the focus of this blog- inspirational. When you inspire, you cause another individual to take an action that they might otherwise not have taken.
Ms. Daye, over her lifespan inspired many individuals, some she knew and others she didn't. These individuals included students in her classes- high school and college; peers in her professional career, speech-language pathology; clients and their family members enrolled in her speech therapy sessions; community leaders; colleagues that taught with her at the college and university level. Ms. Daye also inspired children and adults, who indirectly connected with her. I was among this group. When I was a child, Ms. Daye spoke at many church programs and community events. My mother would take me to hear her friend. Ms. Daye was articulate and everytime I heard her speak she was able to mesmerize her audience. Everyone in the audience appeared to be captivated by how she communicated her message. In fact, everyone seemed to hang onto every word she uttered. After one of her speeches, I told my mother that when I grew up I wanted to speak like Ms. Daye.
Because of her inspiration, I have a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology and have given over 300 presentations nationally. Today, was special for me because it was my time to speak publicly about Ms. Daye. I wanted to deliver my tribute in a way that she would be proud. Afterwards, when people came up to say the tribute was beautiful, it made me smile inside because they were speaking to Ms. Daye.
Who are you inspiring? Let Ms. Daye be a reminder to you of the importance of being an inspiration to others. Let your light shine so that others will see your good works and want to do the same. Be an inspiration and continue the legacy!
Ms. Daye, over her lifespan inspired many individuals, some she knew and others she didn't. These individuals included students in her classes- high school and college; peers in her professional career, speech-language pathology; clients and their family members enrolled in her speech therapy sessions; community leaders; colleagues that taught with her at the college and university level. Ms. Daye also inspired children and adults, who indirectly connected with her. I was among this group. When I was a child, Ms. Daye spoke at many church programs and community events. My mother would take me to hear her friend. Ms. Daye was articulate and everytime I heard her speak she was able to mesmerize her audience. Everyone in the audience appeared to be captivated by how she communicated her message. In fact, everyone seemed to hang onto every word she uttered. After one of her speeches, I told my mother that when I grew up I wanted to speak like Ms. Daye.
Because of her inspiration, I have a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology and have given over 300 presentations nationally. Today, was special for me because it was my time to speak publicly about Ms. Daye. I wanted to deliver my tribute in a way that she would be proud. Afterwards, when people came up to say the tribute was beautiful, it made me smile inside because they were speaking to Ms. Daye.
Who are you inspiring? Let Ms. Daye be a reminder to you of the importance of being an inspiration to others. Let your light shine so that others will see your good works and want to do the same. Be an inspiration and continue the legacy!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Numbers Tell A Compelling Story
I have started and stopped many diets, purchased many pieces of exercise equipment, subscribed to numerous health and fitness magazines, watched videos, dvds, and most recently became a Wii fitness fan. The struggle for me continues to be one of making the right choices consistently to be healthy.
This past year, one of my business clients shared with me that her organization was launching a new Wellness Program that included an initiative which included a plant based diet. I heard her but thought that wouldn't be of interest to me- after all, I love having meat as a part of my diet. A few months later, she once again brought up the Wellness Program and mentioned that employees were getting engaged and beginning to see progress. And again, I didn't engage in conversation about the program. Then a few months ago, while we were meeting and discussing an organizational issue that she could relate to recognition of the Wellness Program, the numbers presented from the employees engaged in the plant based diet initiative got my attention. One employee had lost 75 pounds, no longer on high blood pressure medicine and was able to complete job duties he had been unable to do before because of his weight. Another employee had lost 80 pounds and her husband 100 pounds. The husband was no longer reliant on his asthmatic medication and she had more energy and was more productive. Then there was another employee who had lost 50 pounds and no longer diabetic. These numbers were astounding but what really got my attention were the ultimate outcomes- lowered cholesterol, decreased blood glucose levels, decreased use of medications. These numbers tell a compelling story - that by making good diet choices a person can prevent some diseases and can also reverse them. The Wellness initiative was now worthy of a closer look.Wanting to know more led me to viewing the Forks and Knives video, read some of the research findings by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, review the China study and many more articles packed with data (which I love). The findings consistently affirmed that diet and lifestyle habits can prevent most degenerative diseases and also have the power to stop or reverse them. That did it for me. I went from disinterested- to interested -to becoming a member of the Wellness Forum (Worthington, OH). My journey has begun with me enrolling in Wellness 101- four interactive sessions led by experienced and certified facilitators. Additionally, I get to participate in weekly workshops that cover a range of topics from cooking tips to cancer prevention.
Follow my blog as I chronicle this important journey to wellness. It's really up to me- I choose to "be my B.E.S.T."
This past year, one of my business clients shared with me that her organization was launching a new Wellness Program that included an initiative which included a plant based diet. I heard her but thought that wouldn't be of interest to me- after all, I love having meat as a part of my diet. A few months later, she once again brought up the Wellness Program and mentioned that employees were getting engaged and beginning to see progress. And again, I didn't engage in conversation about the program. Then a few months ago, while we were meeting and discussing an organizational issue that she could relate to recognition of the Wellness Program, the numbers presented from the employees engaged in the plant based diet initiative got my attention. One employee had lost 75 pounds, no longer on high blood pressure medicine and was able to complete job duties he had been unable to do before because of his weight. Another employee had lost 80 pounds and her husband 100 pounds. The husband was no longer reliant on his asthmatic medication and she had more energy and was more productive. Then there was another employee who had lost 50 pounds and no longer diabetic. These numbers were astounding but what really got my attention were the ultimate outcomes- lowered cholesterol, decreased blood glucose levels, decreased use of medications. These numbers tell a compelling story - that by making good diet choices a person can prevent some diseases and can also reverse them. The Wellness initiative was now worthy of a closer look.Wanting to know more led me to viewing the Forks and Knives video, read some of the research findings by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, review the China study and many more articles packed with data (which I love). The findings consistently affirmed that diet and lifestyle habits can prevent most degenerative diseases and also have the power to stop or reverse them. That did it for me. I went from disinterested- to interested -to becoming a member of the Wellness Forum (Worthington, OH). My journey has begun with me enrolling in Wellness 101- four interactive sessions led by experienced and certified facilitators. Additionally, I get to participate in weekly workshops that cover a range of topics from cooking tips to cancer prevention.
Follow my blog as I chronicle this important journey to wellness. It's really up to me- I choose to "be my B.E.S.T."
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Finding My Purpose
We are here for a purpose and I believe that purpose has been predefined by a higher being. Finding my purpose has brought joy to my life. Life is not about me but rather it is about His works- "building work places, communities and people that make a difference." Achieving that outcome will result in a dream realized. My life's contribution is to use my gifts to assist others in working and living together in such a way that people, organizations, and communities are more productive, profitable, and peaceful.
Overtime, I have come to value:
Overtime, I have come to value:
- Everything starts with defining expected outcomes- hence, my passion for an outcomes focused business.
- Results cannot be achieved without a plan and that plan must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Strategic planning is essential to both personal and professional success.
- With adequate knowledge and skills you are able to achieve your optimal potential. Learning is a life-long process. Continuous improvement must be incorporated into everything that we do.
- Excellence is the desired output of all activity. Completion of activities is influenced by behaviors individuals engage in and these need to be defined and consistent. Best practices must be established so that excellence is achieved regardless of the individuals engaged in the activity.
- Stories are told in both words and numbers. If you look closely, numbers are indicators of our priorities, focus, and success. Numbers can be used to guide discoveries that ultimately facilitate continuous growth and development and our ability to reach goals.
- We can only manage that which we measure. Measurement must be integrated into all that we do so that we can make adjustments when we need to and improve our ability to manage our most valuable resource-time. After all, we each have a limited amount of time to do our work and none of us knows what that amount of time is.
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