Point to Ponder:
Why should you iGnite this week?
Last Wednesday through Friday I was in San Diego. I flew back for our annual Christmas party. You got it! It was a jammie party, that we’ll also have in Austin this Tuesday evening (Austin family, be sure to RSVP). While the trip was short it was full and very sweet. My flight got in too late Friday night to see the kiddos, so when we awoke Saturday morning we laid low and hung out in our pj's until noon, before heading out for errands. Since I was gone for three days I decided I’d make it a semi-special outing by treating them to lunch at a Thai Food Restaurant. Then, upon arriving home we watched my personal favorite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. It wasn’t long until they were “starving”—even after what I thought was a large and late lunch. Sadly, I really never feel like cooking but last night I really didn’t, so I took the path of least resistance and made them both a grilled cheese sandwich, cut up some strawberries and transferred a jar of Costco peaches into a plastic bowl. And to minimize the after-dinner cleaning, their food was served on a paper plate. As they bellied up to our bar to begin eating their gourmet grilled cheese meal, the moment Malaine laid her eyes on her 5-star supper, she gasped and said, “Oh my goodness! This is the best dinner ever!!! Thank you Mommy!, followed by, "Today was a great day!"
It was at that very moment I thanked her, gave her a big hug and borrowed her dinner to take a quick picture of it, as I always want to remember how the simple things in life are most often the sweetest, and bring us the most joy. Case in point, Durant and Malaine didn't beg me to take them to the Thai Food restaurant and spend $45. That was my idea and they could’ve cared less. They would’ve been just as happy with eating at Subway. And, I definitely didn’t receive the “wowed” response after dining at the restaurant. In fact, what I heard was, “I’m tired! Can we go home now?”
With the Christmas countdown beginning, I write today’s journal to encourage you to continue to fix your focus on what matters most: the sweet and simple things, the quality of your time with the people you love most, and continuing to love yourself by iGniting and making your holistic health a priority!
We know what you’re thinking, we get it…
We can relate to that feeling of having "too much to do" and no time for "extras" like exercise, certainly not in the week before the BIG day... We know the anxiety you feel upon receiving 5 last-minute RSVPs to Christmas dinner, or when you forget to move the elf (for the 100th time - and why is this mom's job?!), or when you get an email notification that the "perfect" gift for your mother-in-law is on back-order - ugghh (again, why is this mom's job?!), or when you forget where you hid gifts purchased back in October (thinking this would reduce your holiday stress - ha!), or you realize the class party was... yesterday. And the list goes on. WE SOOOO GET IT!
So... we want to remind you that the important "stuff" will get done. And the "stuff" that is back-ordered, forgotten, overlooked, well, it's just stuff, "small stuff." Further, exercise is NOT an "extra." A good sweat keeps you from "sweating the small stuff," and exercise is the key to making the "most wonderful time of the year" truly wonderful... Happy holidays are made up of good times with friends and family. And endorphins make you happy. So make time for exercise this week before Christmas, remembering the best gift you can give your loved ones is a HEALTHY HAPPY YOU! Oh, and exercise also improves memory, so it might just help you remember where you hid those gifts back in October.
If you need further convincing to continue to iGnite until Christmas, we have included our Top 10 Reasons to Exercise The Week Before Christmas:
1. Helps Control Spending
The 45-minutes to an hour of exercise is less time you’ll spend shopping on Amazon.(Remember it's just stuff!)
2. Improves Mood
Exercise is a natural pick-me-up, keeps you sane, allows you to be more patient, and increases your feelings of joy. Ultimately, your loved ones are safer.
3. Me-Time
It’s something just for you (which happens like never!).
4. Improves Energy
You’ll be high on endorphins for all of your holiday parties!
5. Improves Sleep Quality
You’ll sleep so soundly (whether you’re nestled all snug in your bed, or on an air-mattress at your in-laws) that you’ll have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.
6. Increases Metabolism
That second slice of grandma's fruit cake will replenish your energy stores, not be stored as junk in your trunk.
7. Builds Immunities
You'll awaken Christmas morning singing the alleluia chorus, rather than wheezing and hacking.
8. Enhances Feelings of... well ummm... ahem...
Exercise puts a spark into... kisses under the mistletoe.
9. Boosts Confidence
Confidence is the "must-have accessory" to all your holiday outfits. You'll feel and look great walking (strutting, prancing, or dancing?!) into your Christmas parties (whether they are cocktail parties or PJ parties) when you've got your confidence on!
10. Builds Strength
Strong muscles allow you to safely lift those Amazon boxes to the top-shelf hiding-spot. (You remembered!)
Action Item
Avoid sweating the small stuff and keep your focus on what matters most: spending quality time with the people you love, including you! Make your health and happiness a priority by continuing to iGnite as much as possible this week.