Famed poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
I have been reflecting on this quote for quite some time now. I think of the brevity associated with the moment the goal is achieved, relative to the activities necessary to achieve the goal. The joy in the immediate moments of the destination, though wonderful and incredibly rewarding, are fleeting; they pale in comparison to the lessons and experiences learned during the journey. This same concept applies along the wellness journey to the destination of a Fit and Fabulous Lifestyle. My first guest blog is dedicated to what I consider to be the three pillars of a fit and fabulous lifestyle.
Pillar #1: Own Your Destiny
No one forced you to have bad eating habits and not exercise. Equally, no one will force you to make healthy eating choices or to exercise. You must take responsibility for your actions and be accountable to yourself and your goals.
Pillar #2: Have The Right Motive
Pursue a healthy lifestyle for one person only – YOURSELF! You cannot take this journey to satisfy someone else. You must love yourself enough to be committed to discovering and revealing the best possible version of yourself. You deserve it and so does the rest of the world!
Pillar #3: Be Kind to Yourself
Remember that you will make mistakes and bad choices along the journey. The best response to a bad decision is to make a good decision. Acknowledge the bad choice, source its origin if possible, then course correct. Avoid subsequent bad choices which can sabotage your efforts. The objective is not to be perfect but to perfect your response and issue resolution process.
Always remember this is a lifestyle journey. Life represents newness while style is subjected to change over time. While on the journey, embrace the newness of each day and be willing to make the necessary short-term changes to achieve your long-term goals. Be present in each moment and cherish the small victories along the way as you live the fit and fab lifestyle!
Paula Hollis is a wife of 27 years, a mom to 3 sons and a Program Manager for a major health insurance company in the Philadelphia Area. She enjoys singing, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is committed to living a fit and fab lifestyle and has lost over 135 lbs so far.