Friday, August 28, 2009

Hi everyone!

Quote for the day: The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.
Confucius

If you live in Victoria I hope you managed to stay out of the unbelievable weather this week! Thank goodness for the hard working SES (State Emergency Service) members who attend to calls of damage as a result of violent storms.

The wild winds of more than 100 km/hr we experienced this week reminds me of climbing Denali in Alaska a few months ago (minus of course the -30 degree temperatures). 😉

I vividly remember being caught in life threatening winds and extreme cold temperatures just prior to being forced to abandon my summit attempt on May 25. Fortunately, I am not in this kind of danger as I shelter in my cosy little unit in Bayside Melbourne.

Now for today’s post. Simplicity is the key message I would like to share. I believe that we (yes, me included) often over-complicate many things in our lives. We do it in relation to diet & nutrition, exercise, relationships, at work, in social environments…the list goes on.

So, I have constructed a list of simple things that should lead to positive actions and results in your life. I hope this helps, give it a try…

Find your purpose in life: Decide how you want to contribute to life, what sort of mark will you leave in this world? Ask yourself “What drives me as a person, what inspires and motivates me to get out of bed each day?” A meaningful and rewarding life is one that is purpose driven. Discover what your purpose is and live it with honesty and passion.

Move more; sit less: A new study conducted by the Queensland University revealed while most of us believe we are meeting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, in fact only a third of us are. Basically we spend to much time sitting on our bums, in fact some Aussies spend up to 23 hours a day sitting or lying, yet are eating more. So, to put in bluntly, get off your rear and move move move!

Eat more fruit & vegies: Yes, we here it all the time but a large percentage of people still don’t do it. Get rid of the packaged, highly processed food in your kitchen and choose a variety raw & natural foods with plenty of colour. Combine this with quality wholegrains, protein, good fats and low fat dairy and nutrition become very simple. It’s not rocket science!

Don’t avoid hard: Most people want results in their life but are not prepared to put in the work. If you want change, growth, excitement and enlightenment in any area of your life do things different and be prepared to get uncomfortable. The discomfort will be worth it. Or if you want the same just keep doing the same, it’s up to you?

Drink less alcohol: A glass of red wine may be good for you, but excessive alcohol consumption isn’t! Not only does it have adverse health effects it is packed with empty kilojoules that you really don’t need. Try and have more alcohol-free days (better still don’t drink at all) and replace it with other healthier options such as herbal or green tea.

Cut portion sizes down: If weight loss is your goal exercise alone wont be the only answer. You have to reduce the size of your meals and increase energy expenditure. By just reducing all your meals in half you will be one step closer to a lighter you! Be consistent, patient and committed and you will shed the weight. If it helps try reducing the size of your bowls or plates, the larger the bowl/plate the more we tend to put in it!

Make sleep a priority: We all live hectic and demanding lifestyles but nothing is more dangerous to our health than inadequate rest. Sleep has the power to restore, rejuvenate and energise our body and mind. Be kind to yourself, get adequate sleep and you will feel and function so much better as a result.

	Don’t over think: Many people over think themselves to self destruction, unhappiness and ill health. Think and worry less and life will be much more fulfilling and enjoyable.
	Savour life’s joys:The simple pleasures in life aren’t hard to find, appreciate and acknowledge them. Often the big goals and challenges we strive towards often lead to disappointment and false satisfaction. Focus on all the good things in your life, stop being a victim and react to all situations with positivity and optimism.

Be honest and true to yourself: Ask yourself what you really want in your life then do what you have to do to make it happen. This can be quite confronting but so important, it’s your life and there is nothing more important than that! If you need help in achieving this seek it, if not find your own path and enjoy the journey. You are the maker of your destiny, be true to yourself and be the person you want to be.

There we go friends, stop trying to make the simple truths far too complex!

Have a fantastic weekend, do something differnet and keep it simple!

Take care and be thankful for everything you have.

Love always

Cherie x

PS: My Health & Nutrition on-line store is not far away…next week I will launch it!