UP

This week we got UP fitness bands. Since wearing them for 3 days we are now able to see how many steps we take, how much deep sleep, light sleep and even how long it takes for us to fall asleep. 

It is very cool but the reason it helps make better / healthier choices is because we are now accountable and we get immediate feedback. Deni can see what I have done and I can see what she has done. 

It even allows u to be on teams for an additional challenge if u want that. A lot of times we make unwise or unhealthy choices because we think it won't hurt, no one will know or I will make it right later. With his little bracelet, we get instant feedback. 

This thing will even remind u (by a light vibration) that u have been sitting for 15 - 30 mins. If we are in the car or if I am at my desk checking emails, I am gently nudged to get up and move around. 

My point: we all like instant feedback. We like to see "likes" or comments on our posts, we like to see the number go down on the scale, we like to get a laugh at a joke - whatever feedback or affirmation looks like to u, we like it immediately. 

What if we were this intentional with our spiritual lives - c'mon somebody!!!

blog nazi

I am known to a few people as the "blog nazi". I have an deal/wager/agreement with a couple people. We have to blog a certain amount of times a week or we have to buy the other lunch. Let's just say "I have some lunches coming my way!". Believe me, I will collect and I will eat very well, not just soup either.

I appreciate the accountability in my life. I knew there would be times when I wouldn't feel like blogging but I wanted to be sure I kept in the habit of it. I think it is important to line up accountability when you want something. Things get done when you know someone is going to ask about it. It is a lot more motivating than if no one cares/notices.

I have some friends who have tried all the diets but when they actually started going to the weight watchers meetings the weight started coming off. Look at all the "groups" there are for addicts or support. We need people to help us through this life.

Big problems come when you start isolating yourself. You get in a mood and then little by little you start withdrawing then before you know it, you feel like no one cares or notices. You have convinced yourself that you don't matter or are unimportant. Isolation is used for punishment in prisons but some people choose to do it to themselves. WHY?

Maybe they don't want the accountability. Maybe they are to insecure to take constructive criticism or feedback. They don't want to hear what they could do better or different so they just don't ask and avoid people who will tell them.

My point: without accountability it is easy to slip into bad habits and isolation. When you are alone your mind can go into areas it shouldn't go. You begin to focus on thoughts you shouldn't have. You need someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth and hold you accountable.

I would like to thank those of you who help me stay accountable. I would also like to thank those who are not blogging and have to buy me lunch...

my last crap

I am officially removing the word "crap" from my vocabulary. I guess some people think it offensive. I would like to say I don't give a crap but I can no longer use that word.

I have never had a problem with the word but I guess my filter should be "how does this word sound coming from my daughters". "Crap", coming from a red-headed 2 year old (as funny as it sounds to me) is not appropriate. I need to be sensitive to other people as I want them to be sensitive to me and my family.

I think we all do things that others view as inappropriate. Your decision is whether or not you care. If you don't care, don't expect others to care about your opinions either. If you do care, do something about it. Develop some safeguards or accountability measures... like blogging about it or asking people around you to kick you in the kneecap when you do it (or say it) again. Another thing you can do is have some consequences to your actions. If there is no desire to change or accountability - chances are, you will not change. You will continue to offend people and just say you don't care. The reality of it is, you are just too weak to change.

My point: Give a crap! Care what other people care about. Always look for things you can change about yourself to be a better person. Be strong enough to admit a weakness. Get the crap out of your system.


Whew, I think I have pretty much got "that word"out of my system. I hope you enjoyed my last "crap"... ok that really was the last time.