Fitting Back Into Life

From “The Best Year Of Your Life” by Debbie Ford.

Questions that need answered for planning my year…

Where do you want to go? What is your vision or final destination?

My vision is me living a normal life, being happy with myself, my accomplishments, my body. Being married with children and a home of my own. I will be a paid writer. I will have published books and made a writing career for myself. I will be physically fit, feel attractive, and I will experience living.

My more immediate vision is living every day to its fullest potential. Being proud of myself every day. I see myself sleeping normally, keeping my apartment clean, and writing every day. I see myself losing enough weight so that I am proud of my body and comfortable in my own skin. I see men finding me attractive again. Flirting, going on dates, making friends. Being social and keeping busy.

I see myself in a serious romantic relationship, falling in love, and the man I love feeling the same way about me.

What is a specific goal that will move me toward my destination? And by what date do I want it accomplished?

My first very specific goal is to lose 50 pounds. and I want to do this by my birthday (June 4) in 2012.

What are some important milestones along the way?

Losing 20 pounds, 50 pounds, 75 pounds, 125 lbs. Dropping pant sizes. Dropping shirt sizes.

What skills do you already have that will support you in meeting your goals?

I already know what needs to be done in order to lose weight and be healthy.

What skills do you need to develop to get the job done?

Self- discipline, patience, and stop procrastinating.

What assistance or support do I need?

I need the support and encouragement of my family and my best friend. I need the outlet of my blog and a supportive online community. I need a gym in order to get the amount of exercise needed.

How much time will be required on a daily basis?

Everyday, all day long, I will have to watch what I eat. I will also need at least 30 minutes of walking (in the beginning) and eventually up to 2 hours.

How will I schedule this time into my calender?

I need to do some experimenting to see what kind of schedule works for me.

What bad habits do I need to look out for?

Procrastination, overeating, turning to food for comfort.

Who will hold me accountable for keeping my word?

My parents and the online friends I hope to make.

What are the consequences for not following your plan?

Remaining stuck in the rut I have been living in for the last 15 years. Never going anywhere. Never feeling proud of myself. Always feeling ashamed, worthless, pathetic. Staying fat. Never feeling comfortable in my own skin. Never having a boyfriend. Never getting married or having children. Never having a career and earning my own money. Always being a disappointment to my family. Always being alone. Never getting to experience life and all the great things that come with living. Never getting to experience being in love and being loved in return.

What are the rewards for following your plan and reaching your destination?

Moving on. Being productive. Being proud of myself and my accomplishments. Being someone my parents can be proud of. Feeling attractive again. Feeling comfortable in my own skin. Getting to experience love. Getting to be a mom (hopefully.) Having a career that I worked hard for. Making my own money. Having friends and having fun. Living a life I can be proud of.