rule #2: eat real food

image via flickr

They eat real food. They eat annoying amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, grass-fed meat, wild fish, and organic this n that. The thing that distinguishes them from others is that they don't get militant about it. They do indulge every once in a while, but only on special occasions or special meals, and they don't let it spiral out of control. They prefer eating real (non-processed) food because it provides vibrant energy and an amazing life force.

Your assignment: Drop the sugar beast. Every last drop of it. Re-train your body and your taste buds to 'taste' food again. For 30 days, eat only fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and eggs. No sugar. No grains. No dairy.

I started the Whole 30 yesterday. One day down, 29 to go. I'm excited to see and experience some dramatic changes in my body. I'm equally excited to shake my sugar addiction.

rule #1: exercise

image via flickr

She exercises regularly. She has found a workout that is effective for her body, and she does it 5 - 6 times a week. Her healthy, svelte, rockin' body is part of her allure.

Your assignment: If you're not already doing it, it's time to get yourself a regular gym routine. Commit yourself to going to the gym Monday - Friday. The first day will be the hardest, so bite the bullet and just get it done. Better yet, get it done first thing in the morning and you'll feel good all day.

the it factor

Have you ever seen one of those women who seem to have it all together? She could be standing in line at the grocery store, riding her bike, or just waiting in the school carpool lane. Whoever she is and wherever she is, something makes you notice her.

What is the It Factor?

She is usually beautiful, but not in a fake, overly-processed way. Her clothing, her jewelry, even her nail polish say style. She might be a little trendy, but she has usually put her own spin on it. Something tells you that although her look is 'simple', it's not one that is easily replicated.

But it's more than just what she looks like. It's her attitude. She is comfortable and confident --and happy-- with who she is. It's evident in her easy smile and the graceful, quiet way she carries herself.

Personally, I tend to make assumptions about these women. I assume 'they have it made' and 'everything always goes according to plan' for them.

But every once in a while, something happens.

Not often, but sometimes I will catch other women looking at me as if I were one of these special breed of women. I can see the special mix of envy + awe + longing in the way they look at me. [It is worth mentioning again that this is a rare occurrence... not a common one.]

These rare but real experiences got me thinking: What makes these women so special? What is the fundamental difference(s) between them and me? And therefore... why can't I just become one of them?

Those assumptions that I mentioned earlier... What if I applied those assumptions to myself and made them my reality?

That's what this blog is about:
Making assumptions + Making those assumptions my own reality =
Becoming me (the best version of me)