ThePinkLight

What exactly are you afraid of? Huffing and puffing? I try to think of it this way- whatever I give myself permission to do in spite of my fears, I give others permission to do in spite of their fears. I change the rules of the game. I am a fat woman. I do Bikram in my little Bikram shorts. Some folks will see the excess skin literally draping off my thighs. So- now here are the rules of the game- my avatar is fat (I realize that exact situation may not apply to you) you have now discovered that in the game you can do Bikram and gain flexibility points (and bravery points)- even if you are fat (or socially anxious). If you are out there running around by the sea- it becomes a thing that is done. Maybe some new mama that doesn't know how she can get exercise with her twin toddlers in tow will think "I saw a guy just running back and forth outside." and she will create a totally awesome day for herself and the twins with them all running around "by the sea". Most people will absolutely silently cheer you, some people won't even notice you. But- you will level up on strength and bravery. Did you also know- anyone on your team that does the same - you get to share some of their health points? When I do my next publicly humiliating thing I will say "Timeylord" three times and send you a lot of power. We may even go looking for these opportunities because we are going to get so much strength off them!

Anyone else interested in going "minimal"? Anyone else working on setting intentions in the morning, sticking to a schedule? Minimalism or "Lightening the Pack" - I don't have a lot of "extra" stuff- but I do have a lot of books and CDs, a CD player, some cups, and a lot of paperwork that could be possibly eliminated. Today's challenge is this- if I will not re-read the book within the next year- I am giving it to Goodwill. I guess most people here have not yet accumulated a lot of stuff... Today I am also going to move my weight bench (easier said than done because I have to move around furniture to do it.) I am going to do the beginner bodyweight routine and a few barbell moves. I also have garden space that is going unused. I would like to weed the space and plant things from flowers to veggies, and create a pretty sitting area outside. This is just going to require physical labor and patience. (I can't afford to buy everything at once.) Today and Sunday I am taking pictures of two nearby parks for inspiration. Today's challenge is this- to spend 2hrs every afternoon from 4pm - 6pm removing the Holly, Morning Glory, and Dandelions that are choking the roses. I also need to remake the sandbox cover- and am intimidated by the whole saw and hammer thing. My goal is to create an awesome space for sitting with friends in the evening and sipping beverages and to have a great space if any babies show up and want to shovel and pour sand. Another quest is to study for the GRE with a friend. This means every night at 9pm- sitting down with it for two hours. My babystep is to send her the materials and be there tonight! I am also challenged to prioritize my quests- (In addition to work and family life) I have my nerdfitness challenges for finding a new job, eating (meal prep) and working out, am writing a book, growing a nonprofit, and now- creating a garden. I really do have time to do everything as long as I schedule my time wisely. Best, ThePinkLight

NobleAsylum- If you totally want your cookie and you've planned for it and it's an awesome treat- go for it. I personally find that sometimes I can have a little treat, and sometimes I can't. So- if at any point the cookies come alive and start calling your name like sirens on the deep sea- destroy them with water and/or salt!

It's been two weeks since you posted Roaring Girl. I want to open this thread back up. I have gone much longer than one summer- but I too have allowed my muscles to go soft and feel I don't have the money for a gym or space for a lot of equipment. One of my goals is exactly the same as yours- to get restarted exercising. I am so weak that I might as well be hurt. Anytime I do anything I am going to count it as a win. I am doing the beginner bodyweight workout, and some barbell work and walking. My other goal is to fully commit to 100% eliminating sugar (by any name) and white flour (a vegetarian modified) Paleo. In Whole 30 they say- if you are veg for ethical reasons- do what ya gotta do. But- I cut out all grains and dairy. 99% of why I got fat is from not having any water and eating a stupid amount of "sugar treats" and lots and lots and lots of grains. So- now I am replacing that with lots and lots and lots of vegetables and water as well as other healthy stuff such as fruit, good fat, and (for me, beans.) Please keep writing back about your strength recovery. Do you have a physical therapist? Is there somewhere you can swim? What modifications are you doing to be able to exercise? I will be following your journey. Pink Light

Hello Everyone, I am new here. I read to join the challenge I had to post my quest. My Epic Quest is to write a children's book (it involves time travel). I want to create the first draft of the story by September 25th and then the illustrations by October 9th. Meanwhile, I plan to teach a course based on the book for some little friends (do art projects based on the book) so I also want to assemble the materials and have them try out the activities by October 15th. I'd like to have a second draft by October 17. By 7pm on October 18- I will also have painted four walls! Good Luck Everyone, ThePinkLight