Flourishing and Keeping it Real in 2014

2014 will be the first year I will succeed in picking and implementing my One Little Word *inspired by Ali Edwards. I feel an unrelenting need since the end of 2013 to pick a word that truly inspires and drives me to be healthier, be more financially responsible, and encourages me in all of my artistic and career endeavors. I discovered this word after careful reflection, and have never looked back.

flourish:

     verb

• To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as a result of a particularly favorable environment.
• To develop rapidly and successfully

     noun

• A bold or extravagant gesture or action, made esp. to attract the attention of others
• An instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way
• An ornamental flowing curve in handwriting or scrollwork

December 2013

Once my word was decided, I was pumped to get moving, to start working out on a regular basis, to eat healthier, and to make big improvements to improve my overall quality of life. It felt like a normal New Year's resolution, but times a million, and I know I have never felt this motivated in my entire life. I managed to get through the holidays without gaining weight (which is a big accomplishment for me,) and was ready to embark on my word in 2014.

Late December, 2013

I got the flu and was sick for 3 1/2 weeks. I was sick over New Year's Eve and spent the night watching the ball drop and shivering from a 103 degree fever. I have never had the flu this bad, and I ended up needing several antibiotics to make it go away.  PSA: Remember to get your flu shop.

January 2014

Still sick, feeling frustrated and complaining to my husband a lot, saying things like, "So much for flourishing," and "Of course I had to pick the word flourish." To which, he looked at me like I was delirious, which in all fairness I might have been, but I explained to him the whole One Little Word concept. The more Eric (hubby) and I talked about this, the more I realized that being sick further encouraged and affirmed my belief that this word is the perfect word for me. I need to be healthier, I need to exercise more, and I need to lose weight. If I did all of these things, I would not get sick as often, and when I did get sick it would not last as long.

It would have been so easy to give up, so easy to forget about my promise to myself to really commit to implementing the word flourish into my daily life, so easy to step away. I did not give up however. I did not give up. That is huge for me. Monumentally huge. In all honesty, when it comes to personal health goals, I have given up way too easily in the past, and given myself far too many excuses and easy-outs. I have not prioritized my health and I do not want to live that way anymore. I want to work harder this year than I ever have. I want to flourish, both mentally, financially, artistically, and physically.`

My January intentions did not go as planned. Not in any shape of the imagination. My flu went away, but it left me weak, lethargic, and feeling just plain crummy. My allergies got worse and I ended up with a head cold that would not quit and often included migraines. Regardless of these developments, I did lose 10 pounds thanks to a decrease in appetite, and cutting out junk. I even kept up those good eating habits once I was feeling better, and kept those 10 pounds off. The month ended with a step in the right direction.

February 2014

It's a new month, the flu is gone, my health is much better, and it's time to get moving. As I am writing this, I have lost an additional 4 pounds since February 1st and I am feeling motivated. That is a total of 14 pounds lost since the beginning of December. Today is Friday, February 7th (as I type this) and I am publicly challenging myself to move everyday. Specifically to walk at least one mile a day, everyday for 90 days. I will also be eating healthier and more fruits and vegetables in a multitude of ways. I will remember to take my multivitamin and I will drink more water. I will not give up on myself.

The Challenge

I will walk at least one mile a day every single day from February 7th through May 7th. I will take at least one photo a day to document my progress and to inspire others. I would love to see your take on this challenge as well and please feel free to play along and use this hashtag #supertonis90daychallenge. I also have a back-up plan due to the incredibly cold winter this year. When the weather is bad, I will be using our wii fit to do the step challenge for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. I will compose a bi-monthly update on my blog to further document my progress and be completely honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I would love it if you would comment on these posts, ask questions, and keep me accountable. Let's inspire and motivate one another to flourish in 2014.

I'm in. I'm in. I'm all in. Who's with me?

xoxox

Toni