One Little Word: Consistency

As a part of my scrapbooking and personal journey, I chose one little word to represent my year.  I had posted before that my word was consistency.  I wanted to develop consistent practices in all areas of my life.  I believed then and still believe that it will help me live a calmer, more peaceful life.

One huge component involves my fitness.  I am 40.  And I started to feel it a bit.  I have a small frame and have always been relatively thin.  But I had always been physically active in my life.  Until I had the excuse of children and working full-time.  It was legimate.  But at the end of the day, not being able to stick to some kind of workout plan because of other responsibilities was just a lame excuse.  So I went with consistency for this year.

I have been working out regularly, 3-4 times a week.  I am about to up that and take on a bigger challenge, exercising more.  I feel different already.  I can hit certain yoga poses that were sooo challenging two months ago.  I stand a bit taller and my pants are not so tight.  Muffin top still exists, but it is as though the cup wasn't as full as it used to be.

I feel good. 

To help me on my journey, I created a fitness notebook.  I received my Teresa Collins goodies a while back and saw the Sports Edition II line.  It is my favorite of the group...and I love them all!  I love the colors, the sayings, the chipboard and all the stars in this collection.  They sparked the idea of having a notebook where I could track my stats, write down inspiration quotes and set goals!

Here is it!

I simply adhere the patterne paper to sheet of notebook pages within the notebook.  I think it cost me $3.00 at Target.  I used the Circle Tags, which were cut out, as tab dividers.  That will help me quickly flip to the page I need.

For quotes and inspirations:

For goals and even workout plans:

For tracking all of my stats:

Why not have something so functional look pretty too?  It will motivate me to use it!

I am hoping it helps me to stay consistent too! 

Word of the Year 2011

Before I talk about my word for this year, I want to reflect back on last year.  My word was "Balance."  I worked hard to achieve more balance in my life.  And for the most part, I have done okay.  I mostly needed to balance my hobby with my other responsibilities and with my family.  I have developed a signal to myself so when I got to sit on the computer, I say something like, "Nope, this is a time to be with your family."  It has worked pretty well...

which brings me to my new word. 

Balance is only good if you are consistent.  Meals only get cooked when you plan accordingly.  Friendships are maintained through frequency.  Exercise only works when you do it regularly, kids only understand and meet expectations when they have been communicated clearly and followed through with consistency.  With conscious and consistent effort, moods can become more even and predictable. 

I am a Libra, folks...I need consistency.  But I don't have it, which makes me live far off from my center.  So this year, I will focus on consistency.  It is going to take effort, tracking.  I forsee lots of pep talks and reminders to myself.  I will explore my feelings, progress and reflections here.  Because it holds me accountable.  Like any committment, it will take work.  But...it will be worth it!

I want to live this life fully, have healthy and beautiful relationships, have a strong mind, body and soul.  Consistency will get me there!

Now that I have shared my word of the year, let me know what yours is too!

Happy Saturday!