Well, now, where to start? I guess the first thing will be the weekly Weight Watchers report. I was up 4/10ths of a pound. No panic, though–I did take a look at my portion sizes and make a commitment to be a tad less generous. 🙂 The thing is, there are always going to be ups and downs, as on any path, and certainly this doesn’t qualify me for a life in the circus (darn it), but I’ve learned through long experience and more than a few hard knocks that it’s best to deal with a problem when it’s still small. I’ve been very successful with this program and I expect this to continue. Why? Because I’m not giving up, ever, no matter what.
What makes the difference between success and oh-well-I’m-only-human? For me, it’s making a decision and sticking to it, come hell or high water, or both.
Trust me, I’m not as wise as some of you are probably thinking. I learn everything (and I mean everything) the hard way. My first response to a problem is usually mulish resistance. As in, “I don’t like this reality so I’m going to dig in my heels and refuse to accept it. Period!” Does this EVER work? Of course not, but it’s my default attitude most of the time, just the same.
Go figure.
Here’s what does work, for me anyway:
Writing Morning Pages faithfully–this is simple stream-of-consciousness stuff, and the technique was popularized by Julia Cameron, author of the classic THE ARTIST’S WAY. One writes three notebook pages in long hand, about any subject, every morning. No judging allowed.
Prayer and Meditation. I need spiritual connection, on a daily basis. For me, this means getting up early, lighting candles, being grateful Right now, I’m behind on the Daily Audio Bible podcasts (hey, this has to be honest or what’s the point?), since I seem to be seriously allergic to the Old Testament these days. I’ll catch up, though, if only because this is my third time through the Scriptures and I don’t want to break the flow.
Exerise. I do my best to avoid it.
But that’s going to change. Right now. Today. Weight loss efforts notwithstanding, a little moderate movement makes me FEEL terrific.
Work. Writing isn’t just the way I earn my living, though heaven knows that’s important. It’s my soul’s purpose, not a chore, but a sacred privilege.
When I let myself forget that, I almost immediately find myself in trouble. (See above, the part about mulish resistance.)
Finally, I seem to need to make art, every single day. It doesn’t have to be gallery-worthy (a really good thing given that I am no Georgia O’Keefe); an artist trading card or laying down a background on a journal page will almost always satisfy the yen. Lately, I’ve been playing around with Ranger’s Dylusions, which are colored mists. I am IN LOVE with Postbox Red. 🙂
What do you need to do, to live your best life? And don’t tell me you don’t know, because deep down, we all know.
About Linda
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West.
Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
