What's your New Year's Resolution!?

Everytime, at this time of year...there's a heavier volume of people at our local recreation center (which is awesome, by the way!). It will usually slow down by mid-February. I always wonder, what happened to those people? Did they get discouraged, frustrated? I would love to start some sort of club so that people that are new to the whole workout-thing, would have support!

I know how hard it is to get started! Years ago when I first started to workout (this was after I finally quit smoking in 1995--mainly because I didn't want the smoking wrinkles (very vain), I could only workout for 8 minutes...I'm not kidding, 8 minutes, and I was exhausted!

I started buying a few different workout tapes. One of my favorites was a Winsor Pilates tape; easy for me to do, and they had a 20 minute workout.

When I finally actually went to the rec center, it wasn't easy. I was such a "newbie". I asked for help with some of the machines, and before you know it...I was becoming a regular!

I am now addicted to my workouts! Years ago, I was always so fatiqued, that I finally went to the doctors because of it. Guess what the woman with the great degree told me!? After several tests, she diagnosed me as having "chronic fatique syndrome". And what do you suppose they should prescribe to someone with "chronic fatique syndrome"? Answer: an antidepressant, of course! I never like taking any medications, except maybe an advil now and then. I was hesitant, but decided I should try it, since I was at a desperate point. After only a few days on this drug, I stopped. I was having the strangest dreams, very bizarre. They do not recommend that you just stop taking a medication cold turkey, like I did, but I just had to.

Back to the workout part of this story. I started working out more and more, and now take a spinning class (it's an intense workout with a stationary bike) 3 times a week, I also take two pilates/yoga classes/week, and on Friday mornings, it's Bosu!

I have so much more energy now...and without taking horrible drugs!

The main reason I started this story, was because I know how tough it is to make that first step into a public workout place! You can do it! If I can. you can. Keep in mind, most people feel the same way, at first.

Today I went to Dicks Sporting Goods to get some new workout clothes. I've been putting it off, but I know I need some new things. That's another tough step. Why do they have to make the tops so darn tight!? It was tough enough actually getting some of the tops on...but to get them off..well, I wasn't sure if I could! I'm not kidding, I thought I might have to live with one of these workout tops permanently stuck on me!

There is a moral to this story...A couple of morals..#1-trust your own instincts. I knew that the pills the doc prescribed were not the answer. #2-we're all basically the same. We all have our insecurities. #3-if you put your mind to it, I mean, really put your mind to it...you can do anything! What is usually holding us back is ourselves, those darn little voices! Believe me, I've had them! I'm finally ignoring those voices and have started hearing new voices! Positive voices!

Whatever it is you're wishing for -for this new year, write it down, then DO IT!

I know 2009 is going to be a great year for me..how about you!?

Twitter

I'm on a Twitter craze! Anyone else finding it hard to leave Twitter!? One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is, well first of all, I have met a lot of nice people there. Just about the only negative comment you hear on Twitter is about the weather! Otherwise, it's positive and upbeat, and that's what I like!

I rarely hit the Etsy forums. It seems everytime I join in on a thread, there's someone there that would prefer to create a debate. I just don't understand conveying yourself, your business in a negative way. I'm not sure how that can help your sales.

The first thing I do after I add a new listing to either of my shops, is go right to Twitter to let everyone know! And they look...instant views! Very gratifying. And they comment too!

So...if you haven't joined Twitter, I recommend that you do! My twitter names is jenscloset (isn't that clever)...so feel free to follow me and I will be happy to follow you too! And check out my followers, I have over 2,000, and I am happy to share! Right now I am ranked 2nd in Cleveland, so that's pretty exciting, and another good way to get your shop name out there!

Good luck to all of my Twitter friends, and soon-to-be-twitters! http://www.twitter.com/

Jen

Snow Day!

This is my kind of snow day! Nowhere I have to be! I will miss my yogilates class, but I will just put on one of my pilates tapes and do my workout at home today!

Don't you love this beautiful vintage pink hat! I have a nice collection of vintage hats, but I have to say, this is one of my favorites! This is from http://www.laura47.etsy.com/ another vintage shop on Etsy I found! Laura had my package wrapped so pretty, and it's those little touches that I love so much!

I purchased a beautiful wrap recently from another shop, but I need to take a picture of it, and then I will show off that shop too!

I have several other shops to talk about that I have purchased from...including some great soaps and...well, you'll see!

If you're having a snow day today, I hope you're able to just enjoy the beauty of it. It is beautiful, I just don't like driving in it!

Check out the picture to the right of my hat...another Etsy shop! My daughter, Lindsey, bought that for me!

It's Here! Welcome 2009!

It's 2009! Well....did you make any new years resolutions!? Have you already broke them!?

Every year I see a new bunch of well-intentioned people join our rec center and the place is packed in January! This year they seemed to start a little early..towards the end of December I noticed a lot more activity. I noticed something diffferent this year too...a lot more couples. It's a good idea to have a partner when you're starting out, I think it's less intimidating. Everyone looks so eager!

But...by February, I would say the crowds have died down. And by March...I have the place to myself again, except for the rest of us regulars.

It's tough to stay with anything, but if you stick with it..you'll notice changes. Not just physically, but mentally. I'm talking about working out, but I think this can pertain to any goal you're shooting for. You will feel energized when you realize your our obtaining the goals you set out to achieve! You'll be proud, and it will motivate you to do more!

So whether you've decided to workout or save more money, or whatever...you CAN do it! When you feel like giving up, push yourself. By the end of 2009 you'll find that you've achieved more than you ever thought possible. What a feeling that will be, right!?

So go on....do it! Just do it!