Showing posts with label me first. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me first. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

What do you think?

We spend a lot of time thinking about how others perceive us. "Am I wearing the right thing?"... "Did I say the right thing" ... "Do they like me?"..."What will people think of this decision?" The energy and time spent on worrying about what other people will think of your choices is precious and might be better directed toward making sure the decisions you make are right for you.

Have you ever made a decision based on what someone else thinks? Most likely, the answer is "yes." After all, we're only human. For example, imagine your friend asks you to go out for some night time shopping and dinner b/c it's been too long since you've seen each other. However, you have been burning the candle at both ends lately and feel exhausted. What do you do? There is no right answer. But there is a right approach.

This type of simple decision has the potential to send you into a whirlwind of thought. "If I say that I need to go home and just relax, when will I see my friend next? Will she be hurt if I say no? Will I regret my decision?" The energy spent on worrying isn't worth it.


Listening to your body, understanding what would be best for you and your health, and making a decision based on those things is the approach that will leave you feeling happy - whatever that decision may be. Maybe a night out is exactly what you need to feel refreshed. Or maybe you really need the be on the couch at home. Chances are, whatever decision you make, no one's feelings will be hurt b/c when you do what's best for you, those who care about you would have made the same choice for you.

The example above is just one of many situations like this that we commonly encounter. Life is too short to neglect yourself. Of course, there comes a time and place for sacrifice, because that's just part of having relationships. We should all think we before we speak or act in order to make sure we're expressing ourselves clearly. But sometimes, an overly-analytical mind can backfire. So here's a little Guiltless challenge: Think a little less before you speak or act this week, because chances are, your gut instincts are the right ones. Just a little food for thought! Be well and enjoy the day.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Give to yourself and also to others

By: Stephanie Horton


Here at Guiltless, we absolutely love the Me Movement. Registered Dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield created this movement in order to remind us all to stay focused on taking care of ourselves in both body and spirit. As part of the movement, you can Download the “me” movement pledge (PDF) and fill in some goals for this year aimed at keeping you healthy, happy, and guiltless. It's easy to lose yourself in all your daily obligations and to do lists. In times of high stress, remembering to take a minute to put yourself first can be a saving grace. Check out my post today on the Me First page. It's called Let Them Eat Cake!

On another note, Guiltless believes in giving back to our environment, and with all the sorrow in the world right now, there's no time like the present. Putting yourself first emotionally and in health is incredibly important for your overall well being. But contributing to the health and well-being of others is just as vital. At this very moment, hundreds of thousands of people in Japan are suffering the horrible consequences of
the aftermaths of one of the most catastrophic earthquakes in history and the following ferocious tsunami that's demolished the northeastern area of the country. The damage is unthinkable. You can help survivors of this natural disaster with a small donation. Apple, Google, Twitter, and other technology kings are making it easy to do this. Check out this Discovery News Article on Digital Ways to Donate to Japan Disaster relief. Every little bit helps. Thank you.

Be well and enjoy the day everyone, and remember to pledge your Me First goals for 2011!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Me First

The theme of this past week has been inspired. After attending FNCE (The American Dietetic Associations annual convention) and being inspired by some amazing RDs, on Friday we attended Grand Rounds at Sargent College. We are lucky that the nutrition department shares space with other Health Sciences, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech therapy and once a semester they gather together and discuss a case for us all to learn from."Our patients are our best teachers" one of the professor's started and we were honored to have Matt there to teach us what it was like living after a Stroke. His resilience, and dedication to trying to restore the activities of daily life, while being Mr. Mom to two small children was so touching. The entire time he kept saying "step by step" "little by little" "One step at a time" If Matt can recover from a very serious stroke and impairment, and work hard to regain his Independence, we all can. It was so wonderful to see the amazing work therapist can do to really make a difference in people's quality of life. Thank you Matt.

Every little step makes a difference, and little by little we can reach our goals.Whether we want to feel comfortable in our bodies, appreciate our beauty, smush fat talk, eat healthier, feel better, it is the little steps towards those goals that matter. You need to listen to your heart, follow it, and remember to put yourself first.

One of my mentors and role models, Rebecca Scritchfield just launched a new initiative called the Me Movement-a way to help you stay healthy and sane this holiday season. She designed a pledge to commit to positive self care through the hectic holiday season. Of course, I signed up asap. I printed out the pledge I made for myself and put it on my desk. Finals are coming up, and I have a funeral, thanksgiving and christmas, all periods when I could start stress eating, over/underexercising or feeling bad. Not this year though! I am committed to having a guilt-free holiday season. I'd love for you to join me! Download the “me” movement pledge (PDF)Feel free to print the pledge and spend some time thinking about what self care habits YOU want to be accountable for this holiday season.


The "me" movement

For my health and wellness, I want to put myself first this holiday season. This year will be different. I am going to take care of myself during this busy (sometimes hectic) time. If that means asking for help, saying “no”, or scheduling “down time,” I will do it. I’m done being overcommitted.

  • I pledge to remember how good it feels when I’m taking care of myself. And when I feel good, I am able to take better care of those I love.
  • I pledge to keep in mind that social situations are about the companionship, as much as the delicious food and drinks. I want to enjoy foods that look and taste good while respecting my body’s “fullness” and “satisfied” signals. I won’t judge myself if I ate “too much” of the holiday foods that don’t come around that often.
  • I pledge to stay in tune with what my body needs, whether that’s food, rest, exercise, or sleep.

My well-being is my priority. The goals below reflect the healthiest ways I know how to meet my own needs.


What are three things you can do to make sure your wellness needs are met this holiday season? You may want to choose one goal for each of these areas: nutrition, exercise and stress management. Or maybe you want to focus on just one or two areas. These goals are meant to be personal for you! Hang this pledge somewhere you will see it on a daily basis as a reminder of your commitment to honoring your health.

Goal 1: I will dedicate 20 minutes of every day for “me” time. This can not be in front of a screen-I will use this time to read a book for pleasure, collage, or meditate.

Goal 2: I will get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Goal 3: I will incorporate more yoga into my workouts, for balance, flexibility and peace of mind.

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Signature Elizabeth Jarrard Date 11/11/10



Need some ideas for your own pledge? Check out this list!

What are you inspired by right now? Are the holidays a stressful time for you? Would you consider signing the pledge and putting yourself first this holiday season? Guiltless is right here with you!