A Life Changing Decision (well, for me anyway)

I've always described myself as a "runner wannabe." For the first time in my life, I feel like maybe I am turning a corner...I started running 8 weeks ago with a friend doing the program from the couch to a 5K (C25K), and I actually enjoy running for the first time ever. Maybe its the camaraderie of running with a friend or the joy of getting my heart rate up while enjoying the fresh air. Whatever it is, I am thankful.

I decided in January to make a conscious effort to take better care of myself. I have avoided sugar and carbs so far in 2016, and partner that with running and I feel so much better.

For so long I knew I needed to exercise; exercise is my stress release, but yet I never found enough time to do it. I've learned a valuable lesson in all of this. Changing behavior begins with a conscious decision to start. One day I decided not to eat sugar and to exercise -- and I did not. The next day I made the same decision. Over time, I strung several days together and the result is a much happier, healthier me.

So, what habit do you need to change? What is it that you need to stop making excuses for and just start? Make a decision to do something different today - change happens one decision at a time.

Who knows, maybe you'll turn a corner like me. I'm no longer a runner wannabe but slowly but surely, I am becoming a runner.

Start writing!

Did you know that there are therapeutic benefits to journaling? Not only does it help you to purge negative thoughts and feelings as you write them down, but it also helps you to gain perspective. In a recent study exploring resiliency factors in women who lost their husbands to suicide, five of the six women discussed how writing in a journal or on a blog helped them move forward in the grief process.

We talk about the importance of exercise for our bodies, but journaling may be similarly helpful for our mental health and spiritual health. This allows us to see how we've changed and grown, and also helps us to identify areas where we may be stuck.

It isn't so much about how much you write or how often -- the key is to JUST WRITE!

I encourage you if you are not doing so already, take time to journal. Write when you are mad. Write when you are excited! Share your heart on paper. Not only will you be glad you did, but who knows -- your words may be an encouragement to someone else in the future.

How has journaling been beneficial for you? Will you share your experience with journaling to encourage others?