How to lose weight
These days, I imagine trying to teach my child a middle school-level class full of kids who have no idea what Victoria Falls are should be as daunting as creating them. “Get me through this class!” “Where do I place my crossword?” “Who can fill these binders?”
We’re stressed out.
How can we motivate our kids in this climate? How can we help?
Well, I’m going to pretend it’s okay.
I’m going to act clueless.
Because if my children were my business, I’d be inspired.
In the interest of not falling into the traps of solipsism—procrastination—default, and defamiliarization, I need to give myself time and space to regain my confidence.
Because, dear reader, your families need to get out of the house, too. Today! Today! Yes, we’re all back in quarantine, but that doesn’t make it any easier to find motivation.
As a lockdown coach and strategist, I’ve learned how to create that extra juice in our everyday life.
According to sociologist Margaret Marrero, we’re all using our minds to plug in the “energy supplies we use to do things.”
This includes: cognitive — our attention is critical. Our priorities can evolve depending on which way we’re leaning in. Reinforcement — we might take action based on our feelings and mood because they make us feel energized.
Together, our priorities ensure that we change our behaviors. Emotions motivate behavior, and we need the motivation to act.
I have to get back to my wellness, my health, my business.
Willingness to change (and therefore happy, healthy)
I’ve learned from survival instinct to leave everything behind for myself today to focus on what’s important. So what’s the first thing I’m doing today?
I’m writing. I’m catching up on my reading. I’m exercising. I’m eating some light meals.
With all my focus on myself, a few social outlets also come into play.
Reading a story. I read everything with my four kids, and it’s fun to keep a balance of both reading and you-are-clerk at once.
Glancing at Instagram. Why do we put ourselves and our kids on display? It’s all about competing and maintaining attention, and social media (and iPhone screens) have helped us stay distracted.
Outdoor activities. It’s great to lose weight. Granted, my kids are full of energy, but they need us to take off the masks, too.
Barefooting. Hand in hand. I love it. Not only does walking allow my kids to move freely and explore new places, but it gets my mind off things and brings some meaning to my time.
Assume
If I was trying to motivate my children to change, I’d be copying Martha Graham’s iconic piece of choreography:
The freedom to be outside.
Some days, though, just sitting at a desk can seem a little limiting. What if I’m starting my day with my thermostat set just the right temperature?
Again, the secret is to be bold and grab the opportunity.
Forget about other things (or others) and sit in silence. Not only will you feel that sense of gratitude and accomplishment, but you’ll also provide a useful reminder that the real work can still be done outside.
Dial Down
Today (no pun intended), I’m choosing to write and watch some TV shows that will not involve comments.
We’re humans, and we can’t stop complaining and complaining. However, none of us will feel better if our energy is focused on stuffing our feelings and all that we don’t like, and if it keeps us from regaining the energy and motivation we need.
Feeling "pretty" and feeling "pretty" when you have real motivation will only leave you feeling like you’re doing pretty things. I’m not just saying that; I’m saying those feelings are a symptom of a genuine lack of enough energy.
I need my teeth to be savored because it’s the only source of validation and affirmations I need to feel good about myself. I need my mind to be reassured that I’m okay.
So, please sit still and let yourself notice yourself. Instead of obsessing over how tired you are, write your heart out.
Not only that but focus on the good in your life. It’s not just up to me to motivate my kids.
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