Life Lessons: Reflections
Day 31 of the 100 Reps Challenge
We did it! Today is the last day of December and therefore the last day of the 100 Reps Challenge. The exercises I’ve chosen today are good for the core and whole body. As I’ve said before, I love abs, so I couldn’t resist the knee tucks. Downward facing dog is a yoga/Pilates pose and that seems appropriate for this time of year because of the association with self-reflection and inner peace. Have fun!
20 stability ball knee tucks (do bicycle crunches, regular crunches, and reverse crunches if you don’t have a stability ball)
20 downward facing dog
Complete this set 5 times for a total of 100 stability ball knee tucks and 100 downward facing dogs!
Fitness Tip: Go slow. You have all day to complete these exercises so really concentrate on taking your time and feeling your body working. Relax, breathe, and congratulate yourself for having made it through this challenge (doesn’t matter if you did every day of the challenge, half of the days, or one day; moving and pushing yourself is definitely reason to be proud! And if you didn’t do any of the challenge, then thanks for putting up with me and my challenge every day for the past month:)).
Happy New Years Eve!
There’s a lot of talk about resolutions at this time of year. I think that I used to make resolutions years ago, but I haven’t the faintest idea what they would have been about. Partway through high school I decided it made more sense to make resolutions in September rather than January because it’s the start of the school year, so I did that for several years. One of the resolutions, I remember, was to be able to do the splits by the end of the year. That was, oh, four years ago? Still have yet to achieve that goal!
This year has been a lot about independence for me. Within a few days of the start of 2008 my heart got broken, so I spent the better half of the year trying to mend that and deal with the depression (and mild orthorexia) that came along with it. I began this blog and have learned more about health in the past year than I possibly ever did in all the rest of my years combined. I experimented with different kinds of fitness and improved my strength immensely and had a lot of fun cooking and baking. Then there was the traveling and moving out of my parents place and rediscovering my passion for writing. I certainly have had a lot of assistance and tons of support, but ultimately I found my way by doing things on my own and figuring out what I want.
While I was belly dancing and enjoying boot camp and taking up fitness challenges and overcoming the orthorexia and going through life in general, I was always working towards goals. I’d decide I wanted to do something and then somehow would find myself following through with it. I’ve always thought of myself as the kind of person who would say they’re going to do something, but then wouldn’t bother to do it. But after looking back over this year, I think that my problem in past years has been that the things I would say that I would do were things that other people wanted me to do, or things I thought I should do, or things that I only half-heartedly wanted to do.
This year was different because of all that self-growth and other cliche things we’re all supposed to go through when we’ve been around for a couple decades (and which we actually do go through- there’s a reason that they’re cliches, after all). I have been listening to more of what all of me wants and from that have been able to find something like a direction, and from there, have made my little goals and resolutions.
It’s for that reason that I do not make resolutions at New Years. Some of us need monumental occassions to get a jump-start on our goals; others of us find them too intimidating or obligatory and don’t follow through with the goals because of that. I’m one of the latter. I think that if I were to make a resolution at New Years, it would only be because I’m supposed to make a resolution, because its expected. I’d only be making a resolution for the sake of making a resolution, rather than making a resolution for the resolution itself.
Throughout the year I am confident that I’ll make lots more mini resolutions and goals, and that’s what works for me. I’ll be making them because I’m ready to make them and follow through and because I really want to do them.
What about you? Do you make resolutions? If you do, do you usually stick with them? What are your resolutions this year? And if you don’t make them, is there any reason for it? I’m curious about your thoughts on this. Enjoy the last day of 2008- here’s to another year passing and a wonderful year unfolding before us!
I’ve never made resolutions before, but I do have plans for next year but didn’t really consider them as resolutions. Next year is the start of my new life, removing all the bad from my situation (family etc) and focusing on me. Heading back out to Quebec, Canada in January and then maybe California for some work. (Some serious winter conditioning is in order when I arrive, Snow hiking š )
Have a good one tonight if your celebrating, and start strong in 2009 (Sounds like its building up to be a toughie)
I dont make resolutions but I make goals for the upcoming year- which im excited to get started on!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
I dont make resolutions but I make goals for the upcoming year- which im excited to get started on!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
I dont make resolutions but I make goals for the upcoming year- which im excited to get started on!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
I dont make resolutions but I make goals for the upcoming year- which im excited to get started on!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Great post! You have had quite a year, and I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey.
I’m with you on the resolutions. If I make them, it’s only because I feel like I am supposed to, not because I really want to. I do make changes and set goals throughout the year, but they just happen and aren’t some big “resolution.”
It’s been great reading your site this year, Sagan!
All the best as your adventure takes another trip around the sun!!
Great post, Sagan! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog, and watching you grow and learn. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
No resolutions here, either. I will try to take a page from your book, though, and set some mini-goals for myself throughout the year.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Sagan,
I find you to be wise beyond your years. Pulling yourself out of problems that come in life is one of the demands that comes with breathing. Your writing is great for you as well as your readers. Just like you’ll find support from readers, I found that Iām happy that I stumbled through your site. Good luck to you in your future.
Sagan – Great writing and what a beautiful story. It’s very empowering and triumphant (even though you probably didn’t feel that way in the middle of things). I love reading others insight and reflections – Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year.
Jack- your traveling sounds like so much fun! And I think you’re right; there’s a distinction between plans and resolutions. Will most definitely be celebrating tonight:)
Kelly- there’s something so nice about starting out fresh!
Robin- I’m so much more likely to get things done if I don’t have tons of intimidating pressure- works out much better to do it through the year.
Dr. J- thanks and same to you!
Bag Lady- Happy New Year:)
Tom- thanks, that’s really nice. “one of the demands that comes with breathing”… isn’t that the truth!
Jolene- it never does, does it? š Happy New Year.
Happy new years eve! This year Im focusing more on intention, and continued changes, rather than drastic resolutions. Those usually don’t have staying power! Goals seem to be a bit more realistic. Great post, I enjoyed the read, have a great night Sagan!
-C
Rather than resolutions, I prefer goal setting, but also reflections on the past year. It has been wonderfully insightful to look back (through your blog) on YOUR past year and see the changes you have made, and how much you have grown into an amazing young woman. I look at 2008 and can only say “WOW, what a journey it has been” with so many changes in my life. I am so thankful for everything in my life: health, happiness, an honourable profession, a flourishing new business, the most wonderful husband in the world (even though he is 1/2 way around the world for the next year) and the proudest achievement of my life…..being the mother of my two amzing daughters, both who I treasure every moment of every day (even if I don’t always show it). Have yourself a great party this New Year’s, Sagan, and warm wishes for a happy, healthy and exciting new year.
Anony-mum
I do have a few goals in mind myself too.
And congratulations on completing the challenge!!
I making a few this year, just to see if I keep them, a test for me. Since they are in writing for all to see, they will be harder to ignore.
sagan – congratulations of all you have accomplished! you've achieved so much through your challenges & life in general… hope you have an even better 2009!!! š
Great post! Congrats on all your accomplishments this year Sagan! It can only get better from here š
I’m always amazed at the ups and downs life throws at us and how much more we have left to learn from each valuable experience. Can’t wait for 2009.
Happy new year to you! Wish you all the best for ’09!
~rupal
Fantastic! Happy New Year!
ConsiderEatz- that's a great idea; focusing on intentions and what is motivating is more likely to lead to success!
Anonymum- awww you're so sweet:) Enjoy the fireworks from your balcony!
Sharon- thanks, its been fun:D
James- putting it into writing is such a good idea. Good luck with your resolutions!
Loveofoats & Mark- Happy New Year!
Rupal- there's lessons and learning from all those experiences, even the downs- good to know that even when we make mistakes we'll get something out of it.
ConsiderEatz- that's a great idea; focusing on intentions and what is motivating is more likely to lead to success!
Anonymum- awww you're so sweet:) Enjoy the fireworks from your balcony!
Sharon- thanks, its been fun:D
James- putting it into writing is such a good idea. Good luck with your resolutions!
Loveofoats & Mark- Happy New Year!
Rupal- there's lessons and learning from all those experiences, even the downs- good to know that even when we make mistakes we'll get something out of it.
I do a resolution theme because I find it's easier and it leaves more openness for opportunity. Mine will be about money & love. More details to follow.
I'm so glad to see that you are learning from your journey and that you get it's a journey filled with ups & downs. It's not a road to Perfectville. You're very wise my dear š And indeed, you have many wonderful people standing with you.
Happy New Year!
Amazing!!
I don’t make resolutions – I just live out my life and take all that happens as it is. I don’t want to disappoint myself by making too high of expectations to follow.
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year!!!
I like to set lots of short term goals to help me get to my long term focus. So i guess it’s a resolution =)
Happy New Year!
I like making general resolutions, but not being too specific. I make specific goals throughout the year. I don’t know if I stick with them because I don’t usually remember. Probably not the best system š This year I posted my resolutions so hopefully I’ll go back and keep reminding myself of them. I like the idea of resolutions in Sept though.
It’s nice to hear that you’ve learned so much in the past year š Blogging can be pretty awesome.
I think I am like you with mini goals and resoltions, but I’ve been inspired by the other bloggers to set some yearly goals.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog this year and hope you continue writing about your journey. It seems cliche, but it’s unique to you!
Heather
Happy New Year!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Happy New Year!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Happy New Year!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
I’m all about the goals! Both long-term and short-term. I like planning. And lists. It’s only bad when life doesn’t go as I planned it;) Happy New Year, Sagan!!
I’m a goal gal! I suppose it’s a carryover from my business life, but when I think of goals, I think in more structured terms. Pyscho-semantics probably, but I’m okay with that. š
Happy New Year, Sagan!
Stephanie- hope to hear more about the money and love! And Perfectville would be so boring:)
VeggieGirl- you really can’t go wrong with simply living life- especially if much of it is spent baking in your new kitchen:D
Fitness Surfer- short term goals certainly puts it all into perspective and helps with being able to achieve things.
Magpie- blogging IS awesome:) And writing things down is so useful too.
Heather- funny how that works! Mini goals are nice.
Kelly- Happy New Year:)
Charlotte- am all about the lists! They make me happy.
Cammy- hahaha, somehow, it DOES work. Structure can be handy.
Happy New Year, Sagan. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog so much.
Resolutions? Nah.
Belated Happy New Year, Sagan! I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your posts here and of course the encouraging comments you leave over on my blog as well :).