Say You Wanna Resolution?
After recording this vblog I think I have come to the conclusion that “old school” New Year’s resolutions (a.k.a. the proverbial list) are for the birds. I really like Nataly Kogan‘s ideas about setting realistic goals and then taking a moment to appreciate all that you have accomplished instead. I took her advice gosh darn it and despite how hard the road was in 2008, I left it on a high note after reflecting on what it all meant in the end.
This year, instead of my usual list of ten things I hate about myself, my resolution for 2009 is to say “yes” to things, experiences or just plain old living. I got this idea originally from a radio interview of Shauna James Ahern, but I got reminded of the power of the word “yes” when I watched the over-the-top Jim Carrey movie called “Yes Man.” I’m not a big Jim Carrey fan and I don’t particularly like his brand of humor BUT for whatever reason this movie made Paige and I howl with laughter. Perhaps it was because of all the trouble we had to go through to get to the movie theater but I actually would watch it again.
Getting back to resolutions, first thing I am going to focus on is saying “yes” to is being skinny. It’s hard to admit, but all of these years of being overweight has just basically meant that I was saying “yes” to being fat. I know it’s just semantics or word play, but somehow it totally sucks when you think about it that way. It kind of makes you … uh … accountable.
Watch the latest Momversation with Nataly, Mindy and me:
Tags: jim carrey, mommy blog, momversation, nataly kogan, say yes, shauna james ahern, work it mom, yes man
This entry was posted on Monday, January 5th, 2009 at 8:39 pm and is filed under Daily, Weight Loss. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
19 Responses to “Say You Wanna Resolution?”
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Totally with you. Bryan and I always do a reflect back night where we talk about all the cool things that happened in the year prior. And as I mentioned in my New Years post, since we do health education web sites at work, I like to do measurable, attainable goals that are very specific. Like, “I will exercise 15 minutes more per week” rather than “I will lose weight.” But this year I just wasn’t feelin it. January and February are my worst times for anxiety and depression so my mini goal is to just make it to St. Pat’s Day staying in a good place. And then we’ll see!
Aimee Greeblemonkey´s last blog post..January Greeblemix Contest!
Good luck with your realistic goals and here’s to a thinner you!
I figure that if I lose 1-2 lbs per week this year, I will eventually make my goal of losing 70ish pounds. 70 is a big number, but 1-2 seems attainable.
Thanks for the support!
The book ‘yes man’ is based on is similarly uplifting very different from the film and well worth a read.
I read your story on cnn.com and had to read your blog. What’s funny is I had a very similar realization maybe at the beginning of December and blogged about my “resolutions”. Which, of course, include weight loss, but also saying “yes”. I realized that I need to put myself out there more and have more fun. I also blogged about what I was thankful for and learned from in 2008 as a start to a new year. I think that it helps to look back and see how you’ve changed and grown and what you have learned. Especially if the past year brought hard times. ….I just wanted to share. Good luck
Amanda´s last blog post..Welcome 2009
Giyen,
I am not making a comment about your above post since I did not even read it. I wanted instead to offer encouragement to you and reinforcement for me since I saw in your IReport and visit to your website that we have some things in common.
I suspect that you are discovering the concept of self-actualizing. This is the pinnacle of the motivational hierarchy from Maslow’s motivational theory. It just so happens that I am doing my doctoral dissertation on this subject so I will offer that I can speak to some of your issues from a certain level of knowledge maybe somewhat more than the average bear.
I too, recently quit a job. Mainly to dedicate more time to my dissertation. In the process of the transition over the holidays, I also had time for some self-reflection I did not have before. I used this time for rediscovery of my goals which I have had for the last seven years and recommitted myself to making some changes that would help me become more congruent with those things I consider the elements of my happiness. I decided to lose some extra weight I have been carrying for the past 4-5 years. While I have exercised in the past, I also have recommitted to this part of my wellness because I know it is for the best. However, I have also decided to give up alcohol because I believe that it was interfering with my self-discipline and was counter to my attempts to diet and exercise. I still work a part-time job two days a week as a psychology assistant but it is part of my professional passion so it keeps me plugged in and I still have five days a week to work on my dissertation. If I may, I would like to offer some personal insights that may benefit you.
From your list of 28 things in 2008, it seems 28 is the closet to the best of all. Not only are you the one you have been waiting for but you are also the most important one in your life. I’m sure you are already thinking that this is not true and your daughter is #1. As a father of two daughters and a husband for nearly thirty years, I understand the nurturing aspect of motherhood and the “should” social influences that make this seem like the only right response. However, think of it this way, without you making you number one in your life, how will you ever be able to provide for your children in the best possible way?
You made a number of references to your blog and how happy you are that people are reading your postings. Two things. One, you seem to have a strong desire to become an accomplished writer and so this is reinforcing. I wish you lots of success with this. Second, the attention is enticing and feeds your self-esteem. Self-esteem is the motivational need in Maslow’s hierarchy just below self-actualization. However, this is still a deficiency need and the presence of any of the deficiency needs is inhibitors to one’s journey towards self-actualization. May I suggest that you give some reflection to those self-esteem needs. You may discover that through cultivating a greater level of self-love you will satisfy this self-esteem deficiency. You may also find that you position yourself for being able to give love to others more freely, and it will enable you to make deeper commitments to yourself for those things you have made priorities in 2009 such as losing weight and furthering your journey of self-discovery and happiness.
I hope you have tons of success and happiness in 2009 and beyond.
Warm Regards,
Paul
PhD Candidate
Hi Giyen,
Let me first start off by applauding you for quitting your job! That was a courageous thing to do! It’s nice to see a fellow Korean American blogging about daily life struggles, especially with health and weight issues. I too have felt that I have gained weight and haven’t really been paying attention to my health. I recently started exercising by running 2 miles a day and I started last Dec. 1. It’s been quite difficult for me to maintain this, especially since I have never in my life continued on a steady exercise regimen. I’m hoping for 2009 to be the year though that I can change those bad habits and reinforce good ones. I encourage you to do the same and if you ever need some encouragement, just give a holler!
Take care~
George Song´s last blog post..Day 38
I found your blog on cnn.com and I think that you are just halarious! Good luck on the new years resoltions. Mine are similar. I’m tired of saying yes to being overweight too.
Tired right along with you, Liz and Giyen. Something made me click on your link this morning, after eating two donuts at a morning meeting. Grr. I plan on joining you on your journey!
I really enjoyed your blog! The bits on bacon had me cracking up! I wish you well on your quest and hope you achieve all you set out to!
Hi Giyen,
I’m also a resident of Seattle! I read about you on iReport at CNN.com and wanted to offer support as well. If you haven’t tried it already, I’d say check out Wii fit. My husband and I got it last year and love it!! It’s great for the days you just can’t seem to drag yourself to the gym and it’s raining outside.
I also lost a lot of weight after starting a class at a gym near me and would invite you to try it out. If you’re interested, let me know!
Good luck and maybe I’ll run into you around town!
Giyen – hey, great courage to step away from your job and wanting to re-invent yourself. I was in a different but similar situation that might give you some additional confidence that anything is possible.
At 40 I decided I’d finally “get in shape”. Then I turned 41. So much for that. However I was pretty pissed at myself for not delivering on my commitment so I got some workout equipment at a tag sale and actually started. Then two events happened by coincidence that propelled me into getting fit: the first was the doctor telling me my cholesterol was through the roof and writing me a Rx for Lippator, which I handed back to him and that day gave up cheese, hot dogs, shrimp and a variety of other foods. It wasn’t hard because the way I internalized what he told me was that I visualized my arteries clogging up and me having a heart attack and never seeing my kids again. I was scared. That was all the motivation I needed, and I don’t miss any of those foods (I now eat them occasionally in moderation).
The other thing that happened is an athletic friend of mine asked me to join him for a triathlon. I laughed out loud and told him that was for athletes! I had only biked a little in my life and had never swam or ran any distance in my entire life. But for some unknown reason I signed up anyhow and enjoyed it – the training, the event, the people you meet and the pride you feel afterwards. Like an addict I slowly worked my way up to longer and longer tri’s and only 4 years after my doctor gave me my off-the-charts cholesterol number I finished the Ironman race: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run.
The bottom line – any of us are capable of just about anything, it just about the choices we make.
Good luck – hope to see you at the Ironman soon!
Steve
p.s.I hate to suggest this but calories from alchohol adds up fast.
Good luck with the weight loss. I recently lost 32 pounds by following Weight Watcher points plan. It was the best thing I could do for myself. Again, best of luck!
Hi Giyen,
I read your CNN article. My wife and i struggled with our weight for so many years until we FINALLY found THE program that will set you FREE for life! I thought it was so cool that you said that your prayed regarding your next moves in life. I work for a weight loss company called The Weigh Down Workshop that is helping people get permanently thin! And you don’t have to HATE bacon! Please check out the website…www.weighdown.com
We are experiencing so many change lives right now.
Thanks!
BB
Saw the story and link on CNN. Good luck on achieving your realistic goals!
(Not to be too picky, but “There ARE two beginnings…”)
I saw your story and wanted to offer you some encouragement. I understand your struggles with losing weight as I have been there myself many times. I tried several different diet programs and then realized that losing weight is about eating the proper nutrition. I found the solution for myself and my husband. I lost 21 inches of body fat in the first eight weeks and have went from a size 14 down to a size 8/10. My husband has lost over 60 pounds, has been taken off of two blood pressure medications and has lowered his cholesterol by 100 points. We feel the best we have felt for several years. If you want more information about what we are doing please email me at pd-enterprises@windstream.net.
This is too cool – I am a CNN jimkie and wish you all the best with this journey!
Joy
Your blog is funny and so easy to relate to. Bravo for your courage and commitment to change. As another Asian working mom, I wanted to let you know your fan club will be following your journey as inspiration. Keep the pictures coming and best wishes to you!
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