Two Plans to A New You
It’s not unusual for anyone, at any age, to desire a new beginning, a new you – to be magnificent not just of mind and body but the very core of who…what one is. Or, just to embark on a journey like none other…your journey…your adventure.
Years ago, I started my journey to become a hottie, to compete in the Senior Olympics even though I was 70 plus, not an athletic and in no way a hot. Of course, I may not succeed. But, oh what a journey it has been!
I have invested more time and effort than I ever thought possible. Failed so many times, I forget why I was on the journey in the first place. And, many a day depression has been my best friend.
Before you begin your journey, ask yourself, “Am I willing to invest time and effort, try over and over again, even I fail?” Will you accept lessons learned if they were not what you intended? How badly do you want – that goal of yours?
As you travel about your journey remember this – You are on a grand adventure – an exciting journey, a wonderous challenge, which are as magnificent as achieving the goal you seek, to become magnificent, better what you are.
If any of your plans are to harm or torture, others, animals, yourself, then, you should seek professional help. As always, please seek medical advice before you start any endeavor. And guard your own personal safety in all that you do.
Now, on to the plans.
Plan One. Ask yourself what do you want, other than winning lottery.
You might have something in mind but I ask…it is something impossible to obtain, yet, possible, if you try? Is there a bit of challenge to it? Conquer a health issue, maybe therapy? Become a healthier, happier you? Fill retirement years with more than couches, potatoes and television? Go to an event looking and feeling great, confident? Fit into those pair of jeans you hid in the closet decades ago? Become a more magnificent you? To believe in yourself again?
Now, use your imagination. How about trekking into the center of the earth and finding treasure? Upon golden wings, fly through the universe among the stars? Discover the meaning of life of which all agree is the truth? Live in your ancestral home of lore and magic…yes…go home? What are your imaginary dreams?
These wondrous flights of imagination add a little “spice”, a little “fun” into your journey. You’re going to need them! Believe me, it took me a long time; but I finally learned how important they are. If nothing more than to keep your sense of humor afloat. And, when you are walking down that long winding hot road or swimming endlessly in a pool of icy cold water, those inspirational dreams, bits of imagination, can make the task at hand a grand adventure, indeed.
Plan Two. Goals, Plans, Charts, Priorities, Flexibility…Something else
Choose one of your “impossible, yet, possible if you try” goals. Then, write down a short and a long-term plan to reach that goal. Short can be a day, long a week. Regardless, both are basic plans, upon which to build and expand your journey.
Do a little research. Look about your community for available services. Study the internet, books, etc. for information that relates to your goal, i.e. diets, exercises and so forth. Look to your past for what has or has not been successful for you. Add to the mix, something to inspire your imaginary goal – travel brochure, etc.
Now, be as honest with yourself. Glance into the mirror and take a good look at yourself. Be not ashamed as you have nothing to be ashamed about. Realistically look at your situation and what you have to work with to meet your goal.
A journey…a grand adventure… can instill life, excitement, into an ordinary day, but any journey can be an all-consuming thing. It can easily be derailed when life steps in with chores, appointments, sickness, unplanned repairs, money problems and the unexpected just wantin’ around the corner. Or, you wake up one morning and say, “I’m tired! Go away world! Leave me alone!”
When I started my journey, I did so with a journal, daily entries, experimenting with diets, health and beauty products, documenting successes, failures and lot of self-made charts and forms. Yet, none of that included setting priorities, flexibility, those wonderful flights of imaginary dreams nor what calls to me, which was the reason why I started my journey, my adventure in the first place.
So, as the unexpected reared up, no longer could I put off chores, said to the world “Leave me alone”, everything derailed. My grand adventure a nightmare.
I revisited my journal and all that I have done, and revised my chart/form to include setting reasonable priorities on a daily bases, flexibility so that my journey does not become a nightmare and, most importantly, not to forget the true reason, beyond training for the Senior Olympics, for my …a grand adventure.
I’ve met many senior citizens, many people, who think they have no future – no journey – no grand adventure – but they do! Yes, YOU do. In fact, you are on one. It’s up to you what you make of it. And, for those who grew up in less than perfect circumstances don’t let that destroy you nor your future. Believe in yourself. Yes, are worthy enough to stand before the gods whether you succeed or fail because… you tried.
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