3 Ways to Fail

I am sure by now that you all are aware that I do a lot on social media...well, I consider it a lot. I'm old though so maybe it's not as much as I think. Sometimes, I think that very good points are made on social media and today I am going to talk about a meme I've seen around for a while now. It goes something like this. (Usually written on a whiteboard)

3 WAYS TO FAIL AT EVERYTHING IN LIFE
1. Blame all your problems on others
2. Complain about everything
3. Not be grateful

Let's break this down and see how we can work this into our new lifestyles and our way of thinking.

Personally, I don't think you can fail at EVERYTHING in life, let's start there. I think you can feel like you can fail at everything and I have those days as do you. But, let's break this meme down and see where we land.

Blame all YOUR problems on OTHERS - I see this behavior in a few different places. First, in the workplace, people who don't really get their job are good at blaming others to keep the spotlight off of themselves. This works to a certain point, until someone realizes that every time these people talk it's someone else who is wrong. Throwing someone under the bus is shady in my opinion and you need to take responsibility for what you do. In the long run, this is better than the alternative. Second, children. Kids afraid to get in trouble will blame everyone except themselves. They do this to stay out of trouble. They really don't want to get anyone else in trouble, but, they don't personally want to be in trouble. Now that you know my thought process on this, how can we apply this to our new lifestyle?

This is a simple to understand and harder than hell to do. Take responsibility for what you do, and what you eat. It's easy to talk yourself out of going and exercising. I can't I have to work late. I can't I have to deal with the kids and get them to bed. I can't I'm tired. I have used all these excuses and I am being honest with you that in most cases they are just an excuse. Be honest with yourself and force yourself to do what needs to be done. If you work late sometimes, join a club that stays open 24/7 Instead of going to the club, go for a walk around the neighborhood.  Stop making excuses and start doing what needs to be done. The same goes for what you eat. It's easier to stop and get fast food than to cook, guess what the time you spend cooking versus the amount of time you will need to exercise to work off those extra calories is minimal. It's a whole lot easier to gain it than lose it.

Complain about EVERYTHING - As I have heard my entire life, "why complain, nobody listens anyway." What does that mean? Simply put complaining does no good. This is true whether your talking about life, losing weight or anything else that your trying to accomplish. You can complain, but, all that really does is...make others think your a whiner, make you depressed and unable to bring yourself out of it and finally it makes you a Debbie Downer. Complaining does not good. Stop it. Think about what your goals are and make sure that your not the biggest roadblock you have. There are plenty of roadblocks without setting up your own.

Not be grateful  - That means don't be a jerk. When someone tries to understand what your doing, let them in. We have to get over the idea that every one is out to be a roadblock. Yes those people are out there, but, honestly there are a lot fewer of those people than those who are  going to support and back you along the way. When you find those people that are willing to support and back you, please thank those people and don't take them for granted. Please to find that person that has your back is special and important.

I have gone on long enough and will leave you with this. Take responsibility for what you do, say and eat. I love you my friends.

Until next time Gentle Reader,

Jaxion Rebel

Determination= a way to success

Greetings fellow travelers in the universe,

Today's subject is determination and how it leads to success. 

For me I know from my past that will power and or sheer determination have lead me to small or larger successes so far in my life.

When it comes to health, fitness, and overall well being I have learned that while being motivated is a great start, determination is what gets me through each new work out or day of choosing healthier food options versus junk. It is the fuel to the fire so to speak. 

According to Webster the definition of determination is a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult. So without this "determination" I think it might be difficult to continue working towards a goal. For me I am determined to get to my target weight of 155 lbs. Currently I have plenty of determination and I know it will lead to my success in reaching it, however I also know that my determination has been slightly hindered until this past week. Recently I bought a new Jillian Michaels DVD set and am determined now more than ever to get at least 1 workout in daily, then working at building up to the 2 workouts a day that will push my fitness level higher and give me the successful results I am seeking. This is all part of my determination to reach my goal before the end of summer and to hold myself accountable, I am posting it openly here. 
I know that my determination will grow as I gain strength, endurance, and health physically. My determination will lead me to success, I just have to be more than I was yesterday. That means giving it my all and continuing to fight for myself every day. I do not do this because I have to for anyone else but myself. I, you, we all owe it to ourselves to be determined to be our best selves and fight for us as individuals. So whatever you are trying to achieve it can and will be done if you are determined it will be. Some might even call determination (at least when it comes to me) as being "bull headed" or "stubborn" and that is also fitting.
Be determined to reach your goals. Stay positive and keep moving forward.
Namaste.

What Does it Take?

Often Gentle Reader I as this question, what does it take to...the rest of the question doesn't really matter. The question matters less than what drives what it is you want. I can ask the question "What does it take to be a millionaire." The answer desire. "What does it take to be famous?" The answer desire. The question doesn't matter...your desire does.

I am one step closer to finishing up one of my goals that I set not so long ago. I am officially registered for my first 5K. I know this may not sound like a huge deal, but, honestly I have been training for this day. In the last 12 days I have walked and/or ran more than 30 miles. I hurt, I honestly do. That said I am amazed at what I have been able to do. My first 5K is on June 11 and I will give a run down on how I do, here on June 13...if I don't post earlier if I do really well. My hope is to finish in 45 minutes or less. I will be pushing myself to a point of breaking just so I can do this.

I have a desire to be better than I am. I desire the ability to make myself better than what I am. I will make my desires a reality, pain is temporary. Bad choices are temporary. Everything you can do to derail your efforts are temporary.

You are better than the bad choice, you are stronger than the pain. You are a strong person with a desire to be an even stronger person. Here is my challenge to all of you out there...desire to better, desire to be stronger than your strongest weakness. Desire to be you, you with the desire of a superhero.

Until next time Gentle Reader,

Jaxion Rebel

The cost of convenience

 Hello fellow travelers,
Today has me thinking about "convenience" in food and what it could mean to your weight loss or health journey. How many of you can say you have hit the drive thru or even gone to a restaurant because you were "in a hurry" or didn't "feel like cooking?" Be honest it's probably more times than you realize. I know for me the past couple of months have been a lot of that. Maybe not necessarily the drive thru, but my food choices haven't been as good as they were. Now like most your day up to even lunch starts out great. You have a wonderful breakfast at home that was healthy and delicious. But come dinner time, you scramble to get food and end up caving and going to the nearest pizza place or maybe decide to have food delivered to your house.
The problem with this "convenience" is that you are not getting the quality of "real" or good food. Which means your body suffers. If you are like me, you can't do much greasy or "fast food" because your stomach will not just get upset but you will feel like you might be dying. Today we have a problem in the world, and that problem is "convenience." When it comes to food, be it grocery shopping or going out to dinner, there is too much available at any given time. It causes us to pick food that might taste and look okay from say a fast food joint, but ultimately if we do a little digging or research on why that food is so good, and why our waist lines are increasing, you will find that is because those foods aren't just loaded with MSGs, sugar, and salt/sodium, but also full of other chemicals or ingredients that I can't even pronounce.
I think it is time for people to stop with the "convenience" and get back to the basics with food. What does that mean? Well maybe you can start growing some of your own food (like some fruits and veggies; yes I know this is Wisconsin so that option can be limited due to weather). Plan ahead of time, meaning when you go grocery shopping, maybe instead of trying to buy food for a whole month, you buy enough for you and your family for two weeks. That way will help you think of meal ideas and then you won't feel pressured or bad when something goes bad before you get to enjoy it. When grocery shopping stick to the perimeters of the store, for most items. This can be tricky as some stores have gotten sneaky by moving things around so that you are tempted to buy the quick and easy meals over the ingredients to make a full and healthy meal on your own. Now you might be saying, but I have a limited budget for food and this is cheaper, okay I get the budget thing ( I've been on a grocery budget for years, and if I can manage to find healthy good whole foods on my budget you can do this too) but ask yourself why is it cheaper? What is actually in the food I'm purchasing?
For me I stay away from too much sugar and definitely don't buy anything with corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup. It might take a little more time and effort reading labels but trust me it is worth it and your body will thank you in ways you didn't realize.
That's all for today, keep drinking water, stay positive
Namaste

Sometimes

Sometimes, sometimes you sit in front of the key board and try to think of what you want to write about. Sometimes, nothing comes to mind. Sometimes...

Thus, Gentle Reader I began my day here. Then I asked what does it all mean? In the end we all die right? In the end as they say "...From dust we came and to dust we shall return..." I ask what does it matter then how we live our lives. Why try so hard? I think I can shed some light on that...

A little over a year ago I think...I feel that I was staring death in the eye. I was very overweight, I wasn't eating well and on top of everything I'm a diabetic. I didn't move well, I didn't really want to move. I hurt all the time. I was sad. What was there really to live for? I'll tell you what I did. I looked at my wife and my children. I knew they wanted me around for as long as possible. I looked around and realized that I hadn't done a lot of things I want to do before I leave this plane of existence. I started making a list, really two lists. What I had done and what I wanted to do. Guess what folks? The done column was a lot shorter than the want to do list. I knew that this wasn't going to be a proverbial walk in the park, I knew I would need support. I found a program that I thought I could do, I brought on my family and friends to be my cheerleaders and yes at times you have to as them to cheer. It was what motivated me in the beginning. You need to know what you need to succeed. Then ask for what you need. It ISN'T the responsibility of your support group to know what you want, you need to let them know. Then if they don't give you what you need, find a different support group. This is for you and, yes, this time it IS about you.

Sometimes you have to know what you want. Sometimes you have to tell others what you need. Sometimes it IS about you. Sometimes...

Until next time Gentle Reader,

Jaxion Rebel

You're Nice

Hello My Cute and Cuddly Followers!

"You're nice." I have been hearing this repeated quite frequently lately and usually accompanied with a hug, pat, or pet on the arm or back. Weird? Not in my house. My youngest has a lot of love to give lately. And quite honestly I'm eating it right up!

Who can't go "Awwww" when a peanut of a 2 year old tells you how great you are?  As a self professed person of low self-esteem I absolutely love it. I have a built in cheer-leader who I know loves me for not what I can do for him, but just because I am there. Yea me!

What does this have to do with this post?  Ummmm....let me think about that. Ah! First, my kids are cute. No, wait, that only pertains to me.  How about I follow up on some ideas about motivation. I know we've covered this several time already, but it really is a great topic.

Most people believe that the only motivational force you need is yourself; self-help, self-reliance, the American way. And if that is your school of thought, that is great. It's hard to argue with the logic that you have to take care of yourself before you can help others.

However, there are some if us (yes, that means me too) that need slightly different motivation. While we might not do something for ourselves, we are much more likely to do it for someone else. Have a favorite charity run? One whose fundraiser is near and dear to your heart? Very likely this is because someone you know or love has been affected by the issue addressed by said charity. So, naturally you want to help. Time to strap on those running shoes! Now for me, it is my family. I want to be around for my little cheerleader, all his siblings, and the love of my life their father.  Even if that means I have to eat a few less cookies and start really getting serious about getting into shape. That ladies and gents is what motivates me.

So, what motivates you? I'd love to hear some reasons. No reason is too small, too simple, or too crazy. You know why? Because, as a wise little man once told me, "you're nice"!

Happy trails until our paths cross again,

UltimateJinx007

Sugar it's everywhere...

Hello fellow travelers,

Recently I've really been looking at labels on foods I've been purchasing or even more closely looking at the break down of items I'm plugging into myfitness pal (it's an application for your phone that allows you to track food, exercise, water, etc) and it almost astounding as to how much sugar is in practically EVERYTHING. And when you're trying to clean your body or do a "reboot" or "reset" of your metabolism it can be tricky these days to avoid sugar completely.

However that being said, put down the spoon with ice cream, take your hand out of the cookie jar. And do not suddenly go for the "sugar free" or some other alternative to sugar. Like everything else sugar in moderation is not a terrible thing, the problem comes in when you have it every single day for every meal. Now there's foods like bananas, apples, and oranges that have natural sugar in them. However too much of even that can cause problems. Especially if you're diabetic (I'm not thankfully, but I have friends and family that are and I know their struggle).

Here's the problem I've been having lately (like almost the past two months, and trust me my waist line and body has noticed), I've been eating out, buying "easy" and "quick" foods just because it was "cheaper" "convenient," and slipping on my workout routines. Today was the last straw for me, I've been trying for the past two days to start a 14 day reboot (if you want more information on specific details contact me directly :) ) which will help me cleanse my body of fat, and boost my metabolism. The past couple of days have started out wonderfully and perfectly to plan, but then by dinner I'm falling so far off the wagon that the only thing I can do is start again tomorrow. So I've realized that in order for me to move forward, and seriously want this reboot, is to be completely sick of sugar. And for you who know me, that is no easy feat. But I did it once a few years ago and it's time to saddle up and stay focused and positive. I got this. I will beat this sugar and junk food fix. lol... That is not to say after the 14 days of reboot that I won't have something "off plan" or something sweet but not going back to the person I was a few years ago or even a year ago.

Keep moving forward, and try not to beat yourself up. If you are struggling with exercise or food choices (I don't believe in "diets" persay; that's another post someday), perhaps you need to find someone who will help hold you accountable and work with you until you can comfortably do it on your own.

Stay positive,

Namaste

Goals!

The idea of this post is to show how hard work and commitment pay off. I am sure by the end some of you are going to be saying, how is this a good thing? I know exercise is not to all of you what it has become for me. Even on my days off of exercise I still try to get a walk in or something that doesn't leave me feeling like I did nothing that day. That's a discussion for a different blog post...

When I began on this course of a healthier lifestyle I had a lot of goals. Some I have achieved...buying clothes off the shelf for an example. Some I haven't achieved yet...I am not down to my goal weight yet. Some I am soon to achieve. I will be signing up for 2 local 5k charity run/walks! I know some of you may ask how that is a goal I set in the first place. That is a story I would like to share.

Back in December of 2014, I stepped on a scale and was shocked at what it said. You have all heard that story, but, then I started setting goals of things I wanted to do along the road to my weight loss. I have achieved many of them, this is one I have not achieved. When I started walking, I walked somewhere in the neighborhood of a 32 minute mile. And walking three miles would have left me down and out for days. Let alone doing it for fun, ridiculous. So I said that one of my goals was to register and complete (regardless of time) a 5k race. I have been doing them during workouts for a couple months now and found a couple local ones that fit into my schedule. I am registered to do these 5k's. I have a goal in my head for each of them. Since they are a run/walk I am aiming for a time of 45 minutes or less on the one in June and 40 minutes or less for the one in July. Will I hit these numbers? That is still to be seen. Will I work my ass off to make it in those times? You bet I will!

What are your goals? What are you hoping to achieve this summer? Let us know in the comment section below.

Until next time Gentle Reader,

Jaxion Rebel

Team Player?

Hello My Spritely Little Spring Time Friends!

Yes, for one day only, it is Spring in my cold little state. Seriously, is summer ever going to get (and stay) here this year?!  But I digress. Shocking I know. Ok, today's topic is are you a team player.

A team player you say? Why yes I did.  Honestly, I normally am not a people person. I much prefer to hide behind my computer screen. BUT, there are times when playing with others is to my benefit. Take this summer for example. Some friends, acquaintances, and strangers, are getting together to join a recreational volleyball team. Normally mass amounts of people watching me exercise ranks up there with public speaking in my book. Or maybe that dream people say they have about going to school and finding out they are naked. Has anyone actually ever had that dream? Can't say I have myself, but I am digressing again. (Better than undressing I guess. <grin>)

Ok, I'll try to focus; team sports. Not that bad if you need or want others to work out with you. As long as you are all on the same page. Is this strictly for fun, or are you out to win it? Make sure you find a group who thinks like you. This will save you a lot of stress and anxiety, and more importantly make it more likely you will show up to the game!  My group is there to have fun. Heck, my daughter is even going to be on my team! Brings back memories of playing on my mom's bowling team when I was a teenager.... Where was I?

Oh yes, the team. Having people you know, love, or just want to hang out with is a great motivator to get your butt off the couch. Most likely you have plunked down a bit o' money to play with those people. Nothing like the thought of wasting money to give you that extra bit of motivation. Or, in my case, I need to make my daughter gets to the game. Kind of hard to drop her off and then say I couldn't make it to the game!!!

Give team sports a try this summer. If you don't like it, at least you've tried. If you find out you did like it, then you will have found a fun way to work out and possibly made some life-long friends!

Until I have more to ramble on about,

UltimateJinx007

Believe

Greetings fellow travelers,
Today's topic is believing in yourself. For years I struggled with truly believing in myself. Believing that I was good enough for this or that, or even in getting to where I want to be with my life.
I've faced rejection, I have faced divorce, I have lost and gained weight, and I have faced so much disbelief in such a short time that it could be overwhelming.
However, when you believe in yourself the (pardon my language) bullshit doesn't matter. When you believe you can do something, you can. You find yourself laughing at the walls that once stood in your way. You realize that when you believe in yourself everything falls into place.
The opposite can also be true, if you don't believe you can do it (whatever it is) then you won't be able to do it.
We use the word "believe" so often, that some lose it's meaning in a deeper sense and not what webster's dictionary says. We hear just believe over and over through various forms that it gets faded or washed out from time to time.
I am here to say that and I hope you feel it: I BELIEVE IN YOU. I BELIEVE IN ME.
I can finally say I BELIEVE in ME because for the first time I truly get what that means to me. That means telling myself that I am good enough, I am worthy of my goals and dreams, I am a warrior. I am believing in myself that I am stronger than before, I am fit. I believe that I can and will do great things in my life. I am a light force that will help others see the light within themselves and help them to BELIEVE again.
One more time in case you really didn't hear me before: I BELIEVE in YOU.
Now look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, Do I BELIEVE in ME? If not, why? What has stopped you from believing you can eat better? What has stopped you from believing you can push yourself just a tad further in your workout?
We are in a transition time, and you make the choice every day to believe or disbelief in that moment what you are going to do. I choose to believe in me and the power I have to go further with my workouts, workout more often again, eat healthier, and believe I'm good enough for myself.
Namaste

Achievements!

Hello Gentle Readers! Happy Monday!

Today I want to talk about achievements and what I mean by that. By now, we should all have our goals and know what it takes to get to them. When we get to that point we call it an achievement. When you achieve something, you usually get something for it right?

You graduate high school - you get a diploma
You get a promotion at work - you get more money

Just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Yes, you with your hand up?

"How should we award our achievements when it comes to a healthier lifestyle and m9ore exercise?"

Great question and I hope this answer will help you determine what is right for you.

I can't tell you what your reward for your achievement should be, but, I can tell you that it should be in line with the achievement. Let's take this as an example...You set a goal to lose 5 pounds. You achieve this goal, what should you get for your achievement (yes, losing 5 pounds is an achievement)? A trip to the Bahama's right? Wrong. It should be something small, something that makes sense.

That said, it should not be food. That is a horrible way to reward yourself for losing weight.

Find something that makes sense. Ideas? If your goal is 5 pounds, maybe a movie or a date to go bowling. Let's say you do this and you lose 100 pounds or 200 pounds, then what? Well, personally, I am working towards a new tattoo, something that will be a constant reminder of what I have achieved. When I make 200 pounds lost I will be receiving a very expensive tattoo. It will remind me forever what I did to get this and remind me forever why I never want to go through it again.

I don't regret anything I've done or have gone through, that said it hasn't been an easy go. I guess what I am trying to say is find a goal and find a reward and work to it. I have faith in you and you must have faith in yourself.

Until next time, Gentle Reader,

Jaxion Rebel