Archives for September 2009

From the time we learn to write, usually around Kindergarten or first grade, we use the skill of writing nearly everyday for the rest of our lives. As a matter of fact many of our personality traits are revealed in our own handwriting. {+}

Through the ages, people have used writing to convey messages. Hieroglyphics, used by the Egyptians thousands of years ago, prove that mankind has depended on writing throughout history.

Childhood romances might never get started if not for the familiar love note. When words escape us, we choose greeting cards to send our message. Writing is our way of communicating with one another when we can’t or choose not to use the spoken word.

I have always enjoyed writing. Each day I write my affirmations and repeat them aloud. This begins my day on a most positive note. When I start my morning with thoughts and words of gratitude and celebration, it helps me to realize just how lucky I am.

For me, writing my feelings down on paper is a great stress reliever, too. Many times, writing down an event helps to put everything in perspective. Instead of my brain playing back the episode like a series of repeated television shows, this act of writing helps to free my mind of the guilt and contemplation that accompany this scenario.

Writing helps me sleep better at night. By writing everything down, I have nothing left to worry about when I go to bed. Once I say my prayers, I’m ready for sleep.

I keep a journal that I use daily. I record everything that I eat and drink at every meal. In addition, I write down the exercises and activities that I do each day, including how long I spent on each and the muscle groups that were worked. These journal records make it easy for me to maintain my weight and fitness or to take it to the next level.

My body is my temple and I believe it’s important that I take care of myself. I’m in my forties now, and I want to stay healthy and physically fit. Maintaining this journal makes it easy to see what works for me and what doesn’t.

I enjoy five meals instead of the traditional three meals in a typical day. Eating healthy is part of my plan and that includes snacks too. Writing it all down in my journal helps to inspire creative twists on ho-hum meals. I make a weekly meal plan and then add all the ingredients that I’ll need to my weekly grocery list. Even though I’ll probably return to the store during the week, this planned method works well to keep my family eating wholesome, healthy foods.

To save money, I pay close attention to what fruits and vegetables are in season. When produce can be obtained locally, it is generally less expensive than if it is shipped or flown in from another country. Best of all, local produce will be fresher and that means it usually has a much better taste.
I mention these helpful hints about weekly planning and buying in-season produce to help you save money as often as possible. I hear many times, that women avoid purchasing fresh fruits and veggies because they are so expensive and they have a very short shelf life. If this is a problem for you, try purchasing only the amount of produce that will be eaten in a few days, then return to the store later in the week. Don’t compromise your health; there are ways to eat wholesome foods without breaking the bank.

Another use for writing is organizing your life with lists. Some people make lists for everything. I find them very helpful when I am planning my weekly meals or when we are preparing for a family vacation. Boy, the list can get really long when I’m including all the things that the boys want to bring along.

When my boys were younger, I had lists for everything. When your mind is going in five different directions, it’s helpful to have some form of organization to unburden your brain. Lists help prevent you from leaving the diapers behind or forgetting to pack healthy snacks.

If you are familiar with making lists, you are just steps away from journaling. A great way to organize your thoughts and plans, a journal will allow you to free your mind and unleash your creativity.

Those of you concerned about fitness will soon find that a journal can be the secret to your success. Whether you are looking to gain weight, lose weight or take your workouts to the next level, your journal can be the guiding light to help you reach your goal.

The best thing about this use of the journal is that people, who maintain a fitness journal and record their eating and exercise habits, have a far greater chance of success than those who do not. This has been proven time after time. So if you are looking for a sure-proof way to make your fitness routine work for you, begin your journal today.

Start out by recording your present weight and measurements. Now that you know your starting point, where do you want to go from here? Write down your desired weight and measurements, too. If there is a big difference in your present size and where you want to be, make another entry for a short-term as well as a long-term goal.

Having short-term and long-term goals are helpful when you have big changes to make. Each week, you can compare your strategies and achievements and make plans for the upcoming week. Be sure to write down all the wonderful changes that are happening to your body. Try not to overlook these affirmations of your hard work.

I hope that you can discover the joy of writing every day as I do. You don’t have to be a novelist or a poet, just be truthful with yourself and allow the inner you to shine through. Use your journal as a sounding board when you need to vent. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes just being able to vent your anger does a soul good.

Share your experiences with us and our readers by posting a comment.