What inspires you?

I have several areas of my life that could use an overhaul. I've attempted various diets only to drop them out of boredom or lack of planning.  I've let areas of my home and garden go due to many reasons, among them an indecision on where to start or to make the most of my limited time. As an interior designer that bugs me to no end! I put my family and clients first, so I've not given me or my spaces some well deserved attention

Click on the pic for a DIY weed killer recipe!

I need a bit of motivation, some inspiration to get the ball rolling and to complete a project or two with compassion and understanding that it's okay to have bumps in the road or starts and stops when life's changes have to be prioritized above my needs. Does that mean that it's futile to look for inspiration if there is a chance you'll end up back at the starting point again?  NO WAY! “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe (the first African American male tennis player to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon singles titles among other credits.)  I like that quote.

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Pretty Journals (for goal setting!)

So I started where I was - stuck at home with some added time in my day not having to commute to work on a daily basis.  I enrolled in a class at Madison College called 'Fundamentals of Well-Being'.  I wasn't exactly sure how it would help, but it was a free class for a limited time and I knew I needed to take some type of action. One small portion of the class was to set a goal for something. I decided to set one for going on a diet!  NO, not really.  I set a goal to stay on one. I wrote down all the obstacles I thought would get in my way and made a plan to remove or manage those obstacles.

What was on my side was working from home so that I could take time to make my food and learn about the type of diet I chose - The Ketogenic Diet. I also added the Carb Manager App to my phone. It's fantastic! It has meal plans and shopping lists and a daily log that is easy to use along with a host of charts to manage your progress. Using what I had - some extra time and a really great app - I lost 10 pounds in a bit over 2 months.  I haven't added in any extra exercise so imagine what I can do with that! I have a way to go to get to my goal, but I've been amazed at how many sweets, breads, and other carbs I can easily pass up.  I also gave myself a couple of full weekends to add wine, a dessert, and no carb counting on my wedding anniversary. This is what I call 'doing what you can'!

Dinner was great at Silvercryst Supper Club

Soon I plan to use Arthur Ashe's quote to start a small project at home, using materials I have, and with my creativity and problem solving skills I can work a bit at a time to accomplish great things.  And so can you!  Set your goal, plan for obstacles, look for inspiration. (You might find something to get you started in my Transitions blog post.)

What is your inspiration? Words? Pictures? Actions of others? Please jot down your motivational techniques in the comments.