The latest master plan...

My year is coming to a close and one of the things I have learnt...I already know how to do a lot of things to be successful.  I just need to do them.  If I stop and think of what I truly want of me...I have realistic ways of achieving my goals.  I have a bad habit of not wanting to start something if I can't do it perfectly.  I am hoping that I can overcome this fear and just try.  Something has to be better than nothing.  I need to lose a lot of weight...as in almost 100 lbs.  That would be great but I should be thrilled if I can lose 10lbs to start with! 

Here are a few of my goals and how I am going to work to achieve them...(I am hoping that putting them in writing will make it a bit more concrete for me and encourage some follow through)

1) Learn French.  Actually practice....over the years I have taken numerous courses, lessons and used apps.  I just need to buckle down and do something.

• Commit to at least 15 min a day of app practice.
• Sign up and try at least one French meet up to practice speaking to people
• Try and talk with Cait at least 10 min a week
• Try a Learn French Podcast

2) Lose weight.  I am going to try something new! 

• Intermittent fasting.  I inadvertently did this a while ago and had success.  I will try and go back to it again...maybe aiming for 5 - 6 days a week of 16:8 to start with.  
• Check in with Jolie...I sort of need someone to check in with for accountability
• Be reasonable...eat the foods you know you should eat and minimize the others.
• Weigh in twice a week

3) Write a book.  I have no illusions of being a famous author but I want to write something that I can be proud of...to prove to myself that I can do it.

• Write.  The best thing to do is just sit and write, even if its crap...it can be edited later.
• Sign up for writing meet-ups
• Use a writing coach for important feedback and someone to talk through the process
• Commit to 2100 words a week (300 words a day - can edit later!)

Role Models 2

Another glimpse into some of the amazing people that inspire me...

Emily - I adore Emily. Her sense of humour, her humility and her general view of life is admirable. I want to be Emily when I grow up. She is the definition of steady, dependable and a great friend.

Craig - He is one of the best people I have ever met. He’s genuine. He’s funny. He can talk to anyone. I need to remember his approach...just be yourself. Works well for him because his self is pretty darn amazing.

Marty - This man is kindness personified. I am convinced that he would help anyone he could at anytime. He is passionate about his wife, his work and his cat. He’s a reminder that being kind is not weak - in fact just the opposite.

Jed - He’s a tv character. But the motto “what’s next” tells me to just move on. Good and bad things happen, focus on what’s next

Jill - I just finished her running with curves book. Inspirational and motivational. It’s clear she loves running and I admire her desire to try and recruit others to a healthy lifestyle. As a “runner” who has stopped and started a lot...I am interested in getting back to it for my health - mental and physical!

Jolie - My bff for years. She can always say the right thing to help me with tough choices. She’s supportive no matter what but has no problem when pointing out something I may not want to hear. A person who just “gets” me.  She never judges but is always supportive.

Ed - No one I have ever met has such a dedication to taking a new task or interest to such a level. He learns everything about it and then embraces it fully...from mountain bikes, superfoods and my favourite...coffee! He’s hard working...just a really good person.

Regina - She’s a nurse in Sierra Leone.  A dedicated person - to her patients, her coworkers, her family and her faith.  I have seen her walking all over the town, stricken with malaria to make sure that going away presents are sorted.  She is the glue that holds so many things together.  I simply adore and admire her in many ways.

Tim Gunn - He’s known mostly for being he mentor on Project Runway - and it’s how I “know” him too.  What I admire about Tim is his genuine approach to every situation.  He “tells it like it is” but with complete honesty and sincerity.  I take away that bit that you can be honest, give your opinion (even when not favourable) as long as you communicate with an authentic and kind approach

Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez - Not being American I can’t say that I know a lot about the political scene.  So, is AOC the best political option - I’m not sure.  But one thing I can say...I am impressed by her gumption.  It’s not easy to put yourself out there.  From everything I can see, she worked tirelessly to fight for what she believed in.  I can’t imagine putting in the long hours when you know that there is a good chance it will end in failure.  I am impressed.

Guy on the boat - I don’t know his name.  But he always seems so positive.  He explained at lunch once that him and his wife were blue collar workers who saved their whole lives so they could retire early and travel the world.  And that’s just what they are doing.  He spends his retired days researching and planning their port trips.  I couldn’t be more impressed.  And more than that...he's a random guy that just made me feel good about myself.  “It’ll take more than one cowboy to tie her down and every time I see her I think, what a fascinating life she has." This is a stranger who takes the time to make me feel good...more of us should do that.