Nyet. Uh uh... Nope. No can do. What part of no didn't you understand?

Super Human

I think the key to getting in a workout, massage, getting a moment to yourself or getting more important things done, is saying "no." Say "no" to things that will otherwise fill your time with stuff that doesn't serve the goal of your health, your personal growth or your family's/society's well-being. I think many of us still believe in the Super-Mom/Dad concept without realizing what we are sacrificing, which is usually your personal time and a calm mind.

I know that when my kids' schools needed something, I was often the first responder. I have come to control that recently, since I realized that it was taking a toll on me. We cannot be all things to all people and we MUST take care of ourselves first. Our entire selves; mind and body. We have a great tendency to ignore the body part (piece ;-) of that puzzle because the body is seemingly pretty good at taking care of itself. But, I think if we could actually speak to each and every cell in our bodies, they would be yelling at us to exercise and eat right WAY before they turned into cancer. It is unfortunate that most people don't start really thinking about health in a meaningful way until after they have, or someone close to them has, a catastrophic illness.

Getting to "No" You

But not us, I say!!! So from now on, if someone asks you to do something, think before you speak. Then add only those things that promote your own personal growth. The below is part of the paradigm that I am developing that I think will help people to figure out if they SHOULD do anything, even if they can.

1) What will I sacrifice to do this? (time with family, working out, sanity/calm time)
2) Does it satisfy any of my needs? (Mental, Physical, Social)
3) Will it help to OPTIMIZE my life?

In order to take control of your life, you should answer these questions constantly. Whether you are thinking about putting a potato chip in your mouth or deciding whether or not to run for President.

If you want to start working out, writing a blog, painting landscapes, etc., tell your significant other/baby-sitter/boss that you'd like to do that and tell them what amount of time per week that will take up. Schedule it. Then do it. Make it a part of your PERMANENT lifestyle, not just "until I lose ten pounds" or "until I feel fit".

Also, stop playing around on the internet ;-)