Indulge me for a moment. I've mentioned that I'm reading "Mastery" by George Leonard again, and I've been once again inspired by his insites. I want to share a bit of it here.

Mr Leonard describes "The Five Master Keys".

The first is Instruction. He says: "Instruction comes in many forms. For mastering most skill, there's nothing better than being in the hands of a master teacher." He goes into depth on what makes a good instructor, how to find one, how to move on if you find your instructor isn't a good fit for you, etc. I can see how a lot of this applies to My particular journey. After all, there are a lot of instructors out there, Bill Phillips, Dr Atkins, and many MANY others. At the same time there is much to be learned from others who are also on this journey. Groups of folks who are walking the same path and because of that I consiter them as much my Instructor as some unknown face on the back cover of a book.

Key 2: Practice: I love this particular quote."A practice (as a noun) can be anything you practice on a regular basis as an integral part of your life -- not in order to gain something else, but for its own sake" WOW. Let's take the first part of that "as an integral part of your life". How often have I seen that particular trait in those whome I consiter "Masters" People like Skwigg who it's obvious that live and breath this and have obviously 'gotten it right'. The second part of that statement is the part that I REALLY have a hard time realizing, and yet I know is the most important..."not in order to gain something else, but for its own sake". After all, isn't that the basis 99% of the time we DO this.. to GAIN something, good health, a great body... He addes "The people we know as masters don't devote themselves to their particular skill just to get better at it. The truth is, they love to practice--" How do I eat right and excercise for it's own sake? How do I learn to 'love' it? That may be something that takes me a while to figure out.

Key 3: Surrender "This means surrendering to your teacher and to the demands of your discipline" Of course the first thing that stikes me here is that you must HAVE a teacher. Then you have to be willing to surrender to them. To take thier advice apply it and continue to apply it in faith until you begin to see progress. But that's not all... there is more to that when I read it again. you must also surrender "to the demands of your discipline" surender myself to the pain and fatigue, to sometimes passing by that chunk of chocolate cake for a cup of yogurt.

Key 4: Intentionality

189 this morning. The weekend water weight is officially gone!



Today is probably going to be a rough day. I can hear the candybars calling my name. This IS day three after all - the point where addictions get worse right before they get better. I keep doing, as was suggested by a friend, and 'playing the tape through'. Instead of focusing on the short term enjoyment that may come from something sweet and crunchy (I'm currently jonesing for a Smores Candybar) I'm thinking PAST that pleasure to the shame and dissapointment I'll feel having blown my plans. I've made a commitment to ME and by god I'll keep it!

I've you've ever struggles with body image issues (and who hasn't) GO... READ... THIS... NOW!



Q & A

I ran! I ran I ran I ran.



Finally I've had a day where everything goes right. I ate clean I ran and I feel terrific! I've got to remember this, keep this feeling at the forefront of my mind. run with it, figuratively and literally. Yay me!

Still taking one day at a time here. Checking in regarding yesterday and my goals.



Bad News: Didn't read my book on mastery

Good News: I brought it with me to work and started on it at lunch



Bad News: Didn't take pictures

Good News: I'm starting a challenge on Monday with a bunch of other ladies and thus am FORCED to take pictures for that



Bad News: Didn't lift weights

Good News: Spent the time shopping instead and filled my cupboards up with good foods.



Other Good news: I stayed on plan the entire day. I'm now feeling 'DeToxed' and am on a BFL style program today. I packed my lunch. Brought REALLY good food to work and I've managed to NOT eat any of the cake that's sitting across the room.



So, as I said, I start an offical challenge (offered by Divaquest) on Monday. I had to fight a temptation to just throw this week into the trash and say "I'm starting Monday" BUT if I can get a running start into this challenge it will be that much easier and better. So, I'm sticking to a plan this week. No 'Do-overs'!



I'm going to run tonight - 3 miles on the table.

One day at a time folks. That's where were at here in geekland. One day at a time. So far today I've been really good. I'm in detox. Going 'induction phase' ah la 'atkins' so that I can stablize my blood sugar and hopefully bash these cravings out of the way. So far, it's been a sucess. Weight was back up to 192 this morning, so I'm back to square one, but it's not like I was being 'good' enough to expect progress. There are a few things I want to do tonight. 1) reread my book on mastery. I need to wrap my head around some of the concepts in that book again. 2) take pictures. I've been avoiding looking, and I mean LOOKING at the damage I've been doing. Hopefully this will do much to motivate me in the days to come. 3) Do weight training. I haven't picked up a weight in months. I need it, for my mental as well as physical health.



I need to take my health back. I need to focus. I need to stop thinking that I can just do it 'tomorrow'. Change can and will happen today.



I was the poster child for progress last year. I've been the poster child for mediocracy since then. Enough is Enough.

One victory already today. I stood in the lunchroom, money in hand, poised above the vending machine and I WALKED away! I thought, WHY blow it already when just last night I was talking about what a schmuck I was and not sticking to my plan! YAY me! First step taken, first hurdle overcome.