Live Intensely

January and February. The months, at least in the Northern portion and central strip of the USA, that can be the most depressing of the whole year. Those months that are too cold or too rainy/snowy to get out of the house and do anything. Those months where the sun shines infrequently. The months that seem to cause”cabin fever.”

It is during these months, January and February, that I want to curl up with a comfy fleece blanket and a good book in front of the fireplace. It is so easy to forget that I set some goals at the beginning of January. It’s so easy to say, “It’s too cold, too dreary, or too rainy to go to the gym today.”

I sometimes wonder, in these months, why anyone would want to begin working on self-improvement or self-education. I wonder why the new year begins here instead of in March or April when the sun shines longer and the temperatures warm up.

Here is My Thought

If you can determine who you are and what you want to accomplish in the difficult and depressing times, it is much easier to stand your ground and follow your dreams in the good times.

At the beginning of the year, I set for myself both a writing schedule and an exercise schedule. Both schedules have an end goal in mind: With the writing schedule, I want to completely finish the novel I have been working on for years. With the exercise schedule, I want to be fit and healthy enough in 2023 that I can complete a through hike of the Appalachian Trail.

#1. I decided to work on my writing (in some way) for a minimum of two hours a day. I didn’t identify which two hours or if they had to be all at the same time. I’ve given myself a goal, but a goal with flexibility.

#2. I signed up for a membership at Planet Fitness. The plan is to work out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings when hubby goes to cardiac rehab and then be active the other days of the week. The plan is, however, flexible. If I don’t leave for the gym until early afternoon because of ___ (You name it. Today was the pest company visit.), it is ok – as long as I get there.

These are two goals I will NOT let anyone (even my own subconscious) bend (and I must say this to my self every day), I will NOT water the the goals down for myself or anyone else, I will NOT try to make my goals logical to myself or anyone else, and I will NOT edit MY passions for others.

When you have the confidence, courage, and strength to live life intensely, you are living life instead of just existing.

Don’t let how others define how age, gender, race, or disability can be an obstacle to your passion or obsession. Don’t wait until the time is right to pursue a passion because the time may NEVER be just right. Instead, begin today. Maybe with a baby step, but begin today. Remember, life is a marathon and obstacles in your path can be hurdled or detoured around because if you never try you never know.

What are you passionate about? What dreams or goals have you never let go of? What dreams or goals have you altered to please someone else?

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Thanks for reading.

AND

As you move through your day-to-day activities and responsibilities, please remember to

Live Life –

Keep Things Simple –

Look for the Positive –

AND

Smile.

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