Why it is ok to 'fall off the wagon'...

How is everyone doing with the 15 minute challenge? I hope you are all finding the time to squeeze in a little bit of exercise and extra movement! I have been working on the challenge as well, however, yesterday I had my 'falling off the wagon' day. I don't feel bad about it and I'm going to tell you why.

I had deliberately done at least 15 each day this week until yesterday. I found myself falling into the 'not going to happen today' category (not an excuse - as my old gymnastics coach used to tell us "Excuses are for losers" LOL). Just got caught up at first in running a bunch of errands that only seem to get done when there is time off work or school followed by the promise of 'date night and wedding planning'. Long story short, Matt and I ended up at a fun Blues-themed bar, only to play shuffleboard and have a couple drinks. We had made a healthy dinner at home beforehand, however, we did not do our 15 minute challenge.

Today, we are going to make sure we do the 15 challenge and go well beyond that to make up for yesterday. I'm going to still count myself into completing the challenge this week and I want you all to do the same even if you have to make up for a missed 15 minutes on a different day of the week. We are all only human and there will be days that we have no motivation or unexpected events or time drains get in the way. And this is OK!! Do NOT feel bad about it. Instead, pick up the next day right where you left off. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. Make an effort to be compassionate toward yourself and let the missed day go with no negative self talk or thoughts. You are still a great person who obviously has the right intention and will get to where you want to be.

I think that when we miss a day and start to feel guily, it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like a failure (or at least like you have messed up). This is where I believe people run into trouble, because if you are SO strict with yourself and feel like a failure, you are more likely to quit altogether...so again, if you mess up or aren't perfect with your plan or goals - follow through the next day. It is NOT starting again, rather it is CONTINUING ON A JOURNEY.

Good luck finishing the challenge this week - try your best to get in that 15 minutes per day! I will have a brand new WEEK #2 of 2012 Challenge on Sunday...details to come!