Tools Are Useless If You Don't Use Them

What does this mean, you say? Again allow me to reiterate that I have been reading fitness magazines for about 13 years, and have managed to let myself become sedentary and a little on the softer side despite this knowledge. So I'm taking this realization and using it to notice a trend in my life. There are many things for which I have physical tools or knowledge that I am NOT putting into play. Here are a few examples:

• Although I have knowledge of fitness requirements, I am still often sedentary.
• Although I have healthy cookbooks and knowledge of food components, I often choose to eat junk, like scallion pancakes and bubble tea.
• Although I probably own 72 bottles of lotion, I have dry skin.
• Although I own a hairdryer and flat iron, I typically have a ponytail and one tangley dreadlock in the back.
• Although I have a closet full of beautiful size 4-6 clothes, I continue to wear my small sad collection of larger clothes.

Sigh. I know this sounds depressing, but the reality is that it means I've taken the first step. I have the knowledge and the supplies to be a better version of me, but I often get in my own way. So while healthy weight loss is a slow process, I've begun to take some other steps to showing myself more respect. Because putting it in writing has always helped me (Undergraduate poetry major), here are my new in-the-works habits...

• Neutrogena body oil right out of the shower
• Drying my hair and leaving the house with hair DOWN
• Limiting portion sizes and trying to eat 90% natural or whole foods per day
• 3 strength workouts per week

I may not have to keep this blog up for long, but I think I will. Taking a break a few times a week to analyze my actions, even if for only me, has been helpful. I want to make changes, permanent changes. And that often involves little reminder sessions where I sit down quietly and think to myself. And to blogger.com.