Motivation Monday
11.7.16
The Gratitude Experience: Part 1
Hello and Happy Monday!
As I sat down at my computer on Sunday morning with what felt like an extra hours of Zzzzs under my belt (thank you daylight savings), my mind was ready to put forth a great Motivation Monday and my heart was full of thanks. At the same time, I was sitting next to Matt, Leah and Liv, who were watching a cute movie about superhero dogs and for that sweet moment, I was bursting with gratitude. What’s more, when my fingers were done typing, I took off for an outdoor run where I got to breathe in the cool fresh air, listen to my favorite jams and get my fitness on. You got it: I’M THANKFUL!
To that end and in the spirit of the season, I give you the first Motivation Monday series called the Gratitude Experience! The upcoming topics will concentrate on the act of experiencing gratitude and how that can strengthen and reward your life in the context of health and wellness. I promise you (because I have experienced this firsthand) that having an appreciative heart can help promote your mental energy, physical capacity, ability to make sound nutritional choices and your chance for continued success. This series launches today, will continue until the end of the month and I hope you like it!
We begin with an understanding of thankfulness, and while there are many ways to define it, I am going to keep it simple: recognition and appreciation for something considered a benefit. Now let’s translate that positive awareness into a vehicle for energizing our minds. It sounds a little bit like a science project, but in reality it’s more like a passion project.
Here is an example as it relates to my personal experience. I recognize and appreciate the access I have to various spaces around me where I can exercise. Perhaps you are thinking gyms and fitness classes. Yes, there are loads of those where I live, and yes I frequent many; but, what I am really thankful for is the fact that I live in a safe neighborhood where I can run outdoors, that I have access to many beautiful hiking trails, and I that have a yoga mat and some hand weights sitting around my house.
The point is, I take the time to feel grateful for the opportunities because they remind me that I have no excuse to abandon or resist my goals. My mind wraps around what I get to do as opposed to something I have to do. And as I practice the act of doing…of seeing and seeking those opportunities, which in turn makes me feel great (woohoo!), then my mind remains energized to do the do! So what does that mean for you: YOU CAN do the same exact thing!!!
Let’s face it. There are going to be days when you don’t feel like working out…or moments when you're not quite interested in making the healthiest menu selection BUT be thankful that you have the opportunity to do so. Identify your opportunities and get to 'em! And if you can (well I know you can), pay that spirit forward.
In good health and much gratitude,
Meg
About Motivation Monday
Ultimate Fall Salad
Lamb Sausage with Lentils and Sauteed Pears
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars
Meghan Lyons, MS, Nutritionist
Email: meghanlyons626@gmail.com
Website: http://www.arbonne.com/pws/meghanlyons/tabs/home.aspx
Phone: 310.422.6031
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