This morning, I saw this quote on Instagram: “You need to hang out with people who fit your future, not your history. Hang out with people who inspire you and force you to level up.”
Of course, no one knows what the future holds—but we can hope and dream and I hope you are doing that especially right now!!!
Winter…in Chicago. While making some winter plans for myself, I have thought a lot about how we can make the most of this time. It’s a dreary time of year in Chicago for me. It’s cold and gray and to my surprise, there is far less snow than I thought there would be when I moved here 15 years ago. Wow…15 years! I never imagined I would be in Chicago this long. Since I opened Coaching by G on Chicago Avenue eleven years ago, a lot has changed, but here I am, wintering in place because there is a pandemic. Little feels normal right now…whatever normal means. In reality, our version of “normal” is just a construct. We construct the things we need when we need them. Isn’t that kind of fabulous? It is, and yet sometimes we construct things that don’t actually serve us well.
Today, I turned 54. And all I want for my birthday 🎁 is to be coaching my athletes IN PERSON, to be coached IN PERSON, to be coaching other coaches IN PERSON.
We are, quite simply, better together — in person.
Communication is better LIVE.
In today’s post, I want to talk about something besides fitness. Just like you, I am a multifaceted human being with a varied background.
As you know, I always write about fitness, nutrition, ways to get inspired to change, and ultimately I will find a way to write about health. But now I’d like to talk about the things happening in our world, because I am not at work in the same way and likely, neither are you.
I must also amend my earlier description of this pandemic as a “forced pause,” and call it what it is…a “hard stop.”
So while we are STOPPED, why not read a book that transforms your reality, plant a garden, build a fire-pit, learn a new spiritual practice, take up a new sport, learn to cook? I have a million suggestions!
Greetings!
I genuinely miss seeing you in my studio, my dear clients. I hope you are thriving and that your sense of humor is intact. During this time, I have been reading a lot, training with purpose and really thinking about how best to connect with you during the quarantine. I miss watching you flourish in our shared physical space. If you have suggestions for connecting, please email me!
Here we are in the midst of a global quarantine. For some people working from home or schooling from home is a relief, social distancing is already a preferred way of life. For sure, this generation is adept at virtual social gatherings. As an introvert, I can get behind a great degree of social distancing. Some people are truly extroverts, though, and they really are having a hard time feeling confined and alone.
“A journey of a thousand steps must begin with a single step.” Lao-tzu
In light of the current situation with the COVID-19 viral scare, a piece about healthy habits – and specifically keeping healthy habits during a pandemic – is just what the doctor ordered. As a PhD Biochemist, I am up to date on the available literature regarding the virus and know a lot about viruses in general. Without going into the mechanisms of viral infection, I would love to remind everyone that the best defense is a great offense–especially in the case of a virus. If you are healthy, your job is to stay healthy. If you are unfortunately in the midst of an illness, especially cancer treatment and any and all respiratory illness, please follow the orders from your attending physician. This blog is not intended to be a cure recommendation; it is a reminder to maintain or begin or keep healthy habits that support your immune system.
Are you SO excited to head to the gym to train? And are you SO excited to embark on a healthful eating plan? I didn’t think so. For most people—those people who are not trainers or competitive athletes or both, for instance—going to the gym is a chore, and eating what’s “good” for you is a chore. Rather than feeling the benefits of the workout (in advance) or the delight of your body (in advance) it is much easier to focus on what you can’t eat, or what you can’t do…or how strenuous the workout is going to be? That’s old programming.
I was delighted to hear from a few of you in regard to my last blog–thanks for your responses and for your willingness to try something new…ignoring the scale! The scale is one of those things, like social media, that can give us immediate permission to sink into negative thinking simply due to a number. And we don’t need permission to feel good, just do it–without checking on the scale or the number of likes and followers. I’m glad to have elicited some thoughts and agreement, but please feel free to respond if you disagree as well.
Happy New Year!
Give yourself at least two weeks before you even think about stepping on the scale…even if you already have. Especially if you already have. Because where did that first step lead? Very likely to a mindset of regret and recrimination. Not the ideal way to begin your new year.