Knowing is Half the Battle

In the world of wellness with so much unknown to the average Josephine, so many opinions, so many options... how do you know where to start? What are your goals? How do you know when you get there? Truth is, if you don't know where you ARE, you can't determine your improvement. 

Knowing is half the battle.  So, tomorrow morning, I'll be breaking out the measuring tape and scale.

Scales and Tapes

I'm freaking out. I don't want to see what those numbers are. I already know that my favorite jeans are a little snug, and that blouse isn't as flattering as it once was. Why do I want to know my measurements? 

So I can measure improvement. 

 

Knowing that the choices I make daily have a positive mental (I feel good) and physical (I look good) affect, I will be driven by success! I know it won't happen over night, but you'd better believe I'm going to brag about the changes I feel and see in the mirror. 

The scale - let's face it - we all hate it.  And I vow, now and forever, to not be driven by that number. I'm looking for a healthy me - whatever that number says. Do I secretly long to be able to slide into that slinky black number I wore to a wedding once or that high school cheer leading uniform that I've wanted to wear for Halloween, but knew there wasn't a chance in Hades I was going to get it zipped? Sure. But I also fantasize about dating Gerard Butler. Big whoop. Would I be flattered if Gerard walked up and said, "Nice uniform." ? Uh, ya. But am I living my life for it? No.

Knowing where I started will help me to see progress, no matter how small, and provide the analytical side of me a measurable outcome to compare and evaluate. I'll probably graph it. I'm sick like that.  

Oh, and don't get your twisted hopes up, I'm not sharing the actual numbers with you here... but will absolutely brag from the mountain tops as I see improvements.

I've found these resources to help with how and where to measure:

Livestrong: Measure Yourself for Weight Loss

About.com's Weightloss Track

There are tons of other sites with about the same advice, and I'm planning to enlist the help of a local expert with the body fat percentage and BMI measurements, but this is enough to get me started.

Don't let those numbers deter you. It is just one of the first steps to a healthier you. And, at any size, shape and age - that's what I'm after. To be healthy in my WHOLE life.

<3jen

Are you living your WHOLE life?

What does it mean to live your WHOLE life? 

Sure, I've been alive. I just turned 37, I'm converting oxygen into carbon dioxide, I eat, sleep, and pee. I have a pretty good life. I'm employed, have a great husband, kids to be proud of, friends, a home, (naughty) dogs, twisted sense of humor, even more twisted relatives.  By gosh and by golly, I'm LIVING!

But am I living my WHOLE life?   What does that mean?

Here's what I think. My WHOLE life should include all the things that would make me the most awesome version of myself. Stronger in mind, body, spirit, family and community.  I'm an active gal, try to eat things I know are good for me (but let's be honest, I love ALL food!), love to learn, volunteer regularly and try to be an active and loving mother and wife. But, and there is always a but, I sometimes feel like I'm running in circles. There aren't enough hours in the day. I do the best I can, but are there tools out there to help me reach a better balanced, WHOLE life?

Turns out there are a plethora of amazing resources right here in Omaha. Experts in their field, who would like nothing more than to share their knowledge with the Average Joe (or Josephine) to make us so much more than average. 

So - he's the next step. I'm going to reach out to some of those experts, enlist their help in finding balance in my life: nutrition, exercise, relaxation and rest, community, and mental growth.  

Holy cow. That sounds like a lot. I still only have 24 hours in each day... 

Join me in this journey to find out what it means to live your WHOLE life. 

If you are one of our local experts, I'd love to talk to you! Reach out to me via email at jenmarhenke@gmail.com!