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20 Days to Go

A dear friend, Phyllis Serbes of Many Creative Gifts,was telling me last week that it only takes 21 days to put a new habit in place.  I don't know about you, but 21 days sounds a lot less intimidating than committing to do something for the whole year.  I've decided to take her up on the challenge and today is as good as any to start. I hope you'll join me - what do you want to change!

I have two things I'm starting today.  I know, don't overwhelm by trying to start too many things at once, but I think (hope) I can manage two.  The first is blogging, that is right 21 posts in 21 days.  Each day I will share with you day something I've learned.  I believe that learning is a lifelong activity and there are opportunities every day if you just open your eyes, so I'll prove it to you. 

Secondly, I'm going to the gym.  Seriously, I am one of those people that cannot lose weight by simply dieting.  The only time in my life I have been able to successfully lose and maintain a healthy weight I was walking anywhere from 4-10 miles a day.  (That is another story for another time.)  For now, I am starting out of shape and realistically just expecting to get the gym and try.  (I wore a pedometer for a few weeks in December and I average 4,000 steps a day...far below the recommended 10,000.)

Today, my two goals are intersecting because at the gym this morning (45 minutes/2.5 miles if we are keeping track, including the walk across the street to the gym and back 5809 steps), I discovered that the speed of the music I am listening to on my iPod can actually change my feeling/energy/determination while I am on the treadmill.  I was dragging and ready to call it a day when I hit 1.5 miles and then Poison's Fallen Angel came on and helped me boost my energy enough to go just a little further.  I kept the music upbeat and managed to walk another mile.  As I find songs, I'll put together my treadmill playlist on a list here.  Please feel free to send in your suggestions!

Happy New Year to you all!  May 2011 bring the beginning of something special in your life!

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