Working summers helps me keep a routine. Routines are great for people like me. When there is a change in my routine, I will sleep all day. I will wake up after 12, be lazy the rest of the day, and worse, I will get bored. That’s dangerous. When I get bored, I get hungry (or at least I think I’m hungry). This summer I chose not to teach summer school. I don’t have a routine. I’m a little scared.
My classic, no-work summer routine includes waking up past noon, showering (or not) and heading to the kitchen to prepare the day’s meals. When I was a teen, this usually involved potato chips and hot sauce, soda, chocolate, cookies, doughnuts, and other such goodies. Of course, that is not all I would do as a teen. I would also watch television and read books and magazines all day and fight with my younger brother. That’s about as fun as my summer days were. Now, in my late 20s I still wake up late (around 10 a.m.). I still shower late but I don’t eat junk food. I eat cereal and I prepare myself egg omelets or smoothies for lunch. Sadly, I have replaced the television and books with the internet and I still don’t know how to swim. How will I change my no-work summer routine so that I will not hate this sunny season anymore?
I thought of a few options. I searched the internet for volunteer opportunities and found a few. I’m visiting the gym at different times to add variety to my week. This, unfortunately, affects my meetings with my workout buddy and takes away the motivation I had in meeting someone at the gym. I am also busy packing and moving into my new home. I will be painting walls, remodeling a bit, and decorating. I will even do something I wanted to do for a long time; lounge in a pool under the hot summer sun. I will practice swimming and I might even be daring and buy a swimsuit…
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At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Jun 10 | Kathleen said …
Zulema, you have the perfect summer exercise right out your back door. You dont't even need to learn to swim to do water aerobics or just plain exercises in the pool. Although swimming lessons are a good idea. Check your closest YMCA for adult swim classes. Have fun.
Jun 11 | Monica said …
You have done a wonderful job completing the challenge - now its up to you to continue your journey to a healthier you!
You have made great strides in becoming a role model for your kids! Good luck with all the fun and exciting opportunities you will have with your new home and unscheduled summer - sounds like a whole lot of opportunity to Choose To Move!
We'll see you in New York!
Jun 24 | Tonya said …
Hi Zulema,
Things are hard by yourself and some may think that it is easy when you have support from family and friends. When it is not the right kind of support or the support that you need then you know that it is time to turn to the support of God. Don't get discouraged don't beat yourself up when you don't meet your goals. Just try harder next week or just know that you will have to step up your game. I am writing this to you because these were and still are my problems. You dont see what you are doing wrong until you see it in someone else. Now the only thing that I need to learn to do besides follow in a healthier lifestyle is PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH. God bless you and keep up the good work.
Jul 12 | DENISE said …
I need motivation as well. However, you have to be friends with yourself first & do this for you. Use headset & CDs to keep motivated. Good music keeps you going. I had gastric bypass 2+ years ago, have not reached my goal but a plateau! Even with the major help of the surgery, I need motivation myself. I have started going to the beach this past year which I have missed dearly. all due to my weight loss thus far. Do something for you & keep motivated!
Dee
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