Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

Those of you who know me, know that it’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of the NBC television show The Biggest Loser.  I watch not only the American version, but also the Australian version, and am inspired by the transformations that occur in the lives of the participants.   I consider it to be one of the biggest sources of inspiration for me taking off 82 pounds of excess weight that I’ve been carrying around for far longer than I’d like to admit.   This year, I plan to reach the goal weight that I’ve been working so hard to achieve.

The theme song to The Biggest Loser (U.S.) is a song by Heather Small that I first heard years ago on the Oprah Winfrey show-   it’s called  What have you done today  and the words are nothing short of inspiring.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It’s never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Still so many answers I don’t know
Realise that to question is how we grow
So I step out of the ordinary
I can feel my soul ascending
I am on my way
Can’t stop me now
And you can do the same

What have you done today to make you feel proud?
It’s never too late to try
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
You could be so many people
If you make that break for freedom
What have you done today to make you feel proud?

We need a change
Do it today
I can feel my spirit rising
We need a change
So do it today
‘Cause I can see a clear horizon

I read earlier that success creates success and I believe that to be true. Each time we accomplish something, especially something that we’ve strived for, or were maybe fearful of in the past, it makes it much easy to accomplish the next time.

I can’t tell you how many times in the past that I would be defeated in something before ever allowing myself to try- just the thought of certain things overwhelmed me, and I can’t became more the rule than the exception. It was the excuse I used for many things in life- but no more.

Even when I’ve had to take baby steps, instead of leaps and strides, I’ve done that- and taken pride in knowing that the momentum is forward, and moving forward is progress.

I’ve noticed that the more I accomplish, the more I want to accomplish, and realize that the only thing limiting what I’m capable of is ME. How often are we our own worst enemy?

I remember last year vacationing in the Czech Republic (Prague) with my parents and Marcel. I’d started working out and living a healthier lifestyle at the beginning of the year, and our trip was in April. I remember standing at the base of the Charles Bridge at the location of Prague Castle, and how it towered over the city, and we were walking to get there. I remember thinking to myself, that I could ‘never’ get to the top of that hill- that it was just too high, and that I didn’t think I could make it.

I remember pausing and telling myself that those negative thoughts were exactly what was holding me back in life, and that IF I didn’t try, I’d already failed. It didn’t matter if I got winded, or even tired, but trying was the important thing.

What I wasn’t counting on, was just how much those few months of exercise had done for my physical condition. I breezed up to the top of that hill, overlooking the red clay rooftops down below and found that I wasn’t even winded.

I had tears in my eyes at the sense of accomplishment, and also wondered how many times my self defeating attitude had held me back in the past. Never again.

There are many things that we can do each and every day to be proud of, and even if it’s something as simple as turning off the phone and computer and spending time with our loved ones instead of answering emails and taking phone calls- it’s something to be proud of.

So tell me- What have YOU done today to make you feel proud???

My Gratitude List for March 19, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• The sense of accomplishment I feel after working out, and pushing myself.
• Sitting outside with Marcel and Mister M. this afternoon, and soaking up the sunshine.
• Great deals for some of my favorite products at the supermarket.
• Being invited to join a new promotional group for a certain product.
• Ground almonds and hazelnuts, which is more delicious than any peanut butter.