T.G.I.F.

...Thank God it's Friday ... this is an expression which we all hear quite often, but of course we all put different thoughts and feelings behind it. Most often people cannot wait for the weekend to come because of the long work or study week they've had. Personally, I prefer to think of the weekend as a fantastic time to reflect on the week that has just finished. Celebrate my successes (small or big) , think of solutions to any problems I may have encountered and get myself excited for the new week that is to come. Every Monday is a new beginning. Sometimes we feel as if we don't get a chance to have a new beginning very often, but the truth is that every hour, every day, every week, and of course every new year can be a new beginning. This brings me to my next point ..
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS!

Of course it is great to feel motivated to change the things you don't like about your life or yourself, because of the new year ... but this doesn't mean that we have to wait for the old year to end before we start making plans and taking steps toward our goals.How many of us can say that on New Year's Eve they have set a goal to lose weight, get a new job or take up a new hobby? Probably everyone :)But why wait for the new year?The truth is that if we want to change something in ourselves or our lives, we can do it at any time on any day of any year :)

Problem:
Blue Monday is a name given to a date in mid-to-late January, as part of a publicity campaign by Sky Travel, declared to be the most depressing day of the year. This year Blue Monday was on January 21st. This is how it works.According to a press release by a mental health charity, the formula is:where weather=W, debt=d, time since Christmas=T, time since failing our new year’s resolutions=Q, low motivational levels=M and the feeling of a need to take action=N_a. The date was calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action.What this all means, is that January.21.2013 was the most depressing day of the year. If you're reading this ...then you have probably made it through the most depressing day of 2013, which means there is another 11 months and 6 days to accomplish all of your dreams and goals... and of course.. time to celebrate your successes!

So why do we all give up on our resolutions so quickly?This is different for everyone, but of course it includes losing motivation, coming face-to-face with our problems/debts and feeling nervous and anxious. But these things are all just bumps in the road, and if you are trying to get somewhere, anywhere ...there will always be bumps in the road, but the important thing to remember is to enjoy the ride and focus on where we are going.


Solution:
Remember, that if you started a diet on January 1st, and were eating sweets and junk food by the end of the first week, it doesn't mean that you have failed FOREVER. It just means that there is a bump in the road, and we have to get past it if we want to get to our 'destination' aka goal. This works the same for all resolutions we make.A good thing to start doing is wake up each morning and set small goals for yourself for that particular day. These could be: go grocery shopping, do the laundry, get a haircut, study for a midterm, eat 3 healthy meals, or absolutely anything that you feel you want to accomplish that day.At night, when you go to bed, think of 3 things that you are thankful for. Be it, your family, your job or the fact that you accomplished the goals you set for yourself in the morning.

If we don't celebrate our small victories, we will never be motivated enough to move on to bigger and tougher dreams we want to see become reality, or solving bigger issues that are coming your way.Last year, when I realized it was time to finally lose weight, it was as if something happened overnight, that changed me as a human ...and made me feel completely different. It was not New Year's day, nor my birthday, it wasn't even a Monday. I just woke up one morning and realized it was time to change my life. And I did. The hunger and desire I felt when I thought about my end goal was enough to keep me going for months and months, and it is what still motivates me today. It all happened subconsciously. Of course, it wasn't easy. I changed my life completely ..overnight.and those three words were the magic that made it happen this time. And it was what had been missing before.I have tried all kinds of diets, weight-loss pills, and exercise programs my entire adult life... but I never thought about changing my life.
My weight loss took discipline and dedication, but because it wasn't just another fad diet, it was a lifestyle change, I never felt as if I was depriving myself of anything. And I still don't. I allow myself bread, sweets, and all other things that I love, but I do it in moderation. Because of this, I don't crave bad things anymore. The thought of eating McDonald's, or drinking a large frappuccino with whipped cream on top, not only doesn't excite or tempt me ... but it actually disgusts me. As awful as that word sounds, I no longer desire to put those things into my body, because I know that they not only will not make me feel good, but they will also worsen my health. I know that I will feel a short satisfaction while I am drinking or eating something naughty, but as soon as I am finished, I always feel guilty, full and regretful. The difference was that I thought about my future day and night, and whenever I would dream ... I never saw myself as a big, unattractive and most importantly unhealthy individual. I realized that if I want to change my life, I need to start focusing on my health, so I could make sure I am there for my family, my friends, my future children and of course myself. More than anything, I wanted to be healthy, happy and inspiring to everyone around me. 


The best part:
The most extraordinary thing of all, is that we all hold the power to influence and help everyone and anyone we meet and see, everyday. Something as simple as smiling, can make such a huge difference in someone's life. We don't realize how such small things can really help others feel great, which in return, makes us feel even greater.All of this, came from a spontaneous meeting I had with a stranger yesterday. I had a long hard day at work, and after that, I met with a group of amazing people, who are doing incredible things with their lives and careers, all because they are motivated and positive. I then got into a taxi, and I just happened to meet a great person. It took me 10 minutes to get home, and in those 10 minutes, I had a deep and thoughtful conversation with the driver of the cab. It all started off by him asking me if I had just finished work. He said he was very surprised that I am so positive and happy, after being at work all day. I told him that even though my day was tough, I met amazing people, who made me smile, which made me feel great. After that, the driver - Vasko, shared some personal facts with me. He told me about his life, and how tough it had been for him. Every time he mentioned something bad that had happened to him, I tried to answer with a positive outlook on the situation. When we got to my destination, he told me that I had changed his mood entirely. He said that after our conversation, he felt great and positive, and most importantly, that it made him smile. This was the best ending I could have asked for to a rainy, long day. Knowing that I made someone feel good, and have a positive outlook on life made me feel even more amazing.


Bottom point is: 
smiles are contagious, share your happiness with everyone, because it will change the way they feel, which will make you feel encouraged, satisfied and accomplished.Although this is a long post, it is all quite simple ...and somehow profound. Reading and sharing it can help you stay motivated, and put a smile on yours, or someone else's face. 

...and since humans are very visual beings, I have collected a few simple icons that can keep you motivated with your goals. Take five minutes out of your day and search for something which motivates YOU! Whether it is a photo from the internet, or a bikini you have kept in your closet for years, or a beautiful home you would like to own one day, find it and take time each day to look at it and think about how you can make this dream come true. You may find that it is easier that you thought. 

Don't be BLUE, be RED, BRIGHT and BOLD, and BELIEVE in yourself. You are more powerful that you can imagine!

Smiles, 
S


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