WELLNESS: KEEPING PROMISES

I think one of the most difficult things about committing to health and wellness is that we often find ourselves in a place where we no longer trust our word. Maybe it was a few broken resolutions here and there or the fact that we promised ourselves we would wake up and do yoga, but decided to sleep in instead. Over time, these broken promises build up and subconsciously make us loose trust in ourselves. All of a sudden, a resolution or goal is thrown to the wind as a "that would be great if I could actually do that, but I doubt it will happen...", when in reality, the only thing holding us back from keeping promises is ourselves.

How do we break the habit of promise breaking and start trusting ourselves again? When I decided to start my health journey 7 months ago, a main motivation for that decision and its success in my life was the fact that I was done making "resolutions" and ready to start keeping promises. I was ready to start treating myself well and living. Throughout this year I've learned a couple things about keeping promises to yourself that I'd like to share. :)

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1. Practice. ---> Just like loosing the trust of a loved one, loosing trust in yourself takes time to build back up. It takes little steps and a continual pursuit. Start with small things. Make a promise to yourself today and do it. Maybe for a couple days in a row, make a promise that morning and follow through. Begin expanding that to bigger promises and eventually "habit" types of promises like exercising regularly, flossing, and eating lots of greens every week.

2. Write it Down. ---> What's truly important to you to accomplish? Is it to be healthy? It is to accomplish a long hoped for goal? Make a list of the things you want to follow through on and keep it in a place where you won't let yourself forget. Start working on those goals and promises one at a time.

3. Recognize. ---> When you do follow through with something and begin building that trust with yourself, recognize it. Celebrate it! Stop and think about where you were, where you are and where you're going. Let that accomplishment motivate you to continue moving forward.

4. Accountability. ---> Whenever I've made a promise to myself that I've really, really wanted to keep, I make sure to tell as many people as possible. When I decided to shape up and start working towards being a wellness warrior, I told my husband, family, friends, acquaintances, and shared it on my blog. The fact that I told these people automatically made them a form of accountability for me. It's motivating to know that people are wanting you to succeed and you want to succeed for them, and especially for yourself. If you find that you need a deeper sense of accountability, seek out a close friend or family member that might be on the same journey as you...or better yet, further ahead, so they can encourage you and provide wisdom.

5. New Day. ---> There are certainly weeks when I'm not doing as well. Rather than give up or accept failure, I like to look at the very next day...or beginning of the week, as a fresh start. It's my chance to push the restart button and continue moving forward. It's important to accept that you won't achieve perfection and sometimes we just have "those days". Give yourself permission to continue moving forward and don't give up.

Seeing as Halloween week wasn't my proudest health week ever, I'm excited to take these things to heart and continue strong. Do you have any tips for keeping promises to yourself? I'd love to hear! Please feel free to share in the comment section below!

Also, one quick mention: My favorite health warrior, Kris Carr, just came out with her new cookbook, Crazy Sexy Kitchen! I just got it in the mail and I can't wait to read it and start cooking! :)