Bat Fit 2012: My Goals, My Health

Today is the official start of my Bat Fit 2012 journey. I've been so busy with the holidays, end of semester grading, family, and our vacation to Salem/Boston for the New Year that I didn't get a chance to really work on my journal or my solidify my goals until today. In the past month I've blogged about what I wanted to do and where I want to be by my 40th birthday in June. However, today I am making a concerted effort to reach those goals.

Page from my Bat Fit 2012 Journal

Here are my general goals for 2012:

1. 40x40 (aka Bat Fit 2012): diet and exercise. I want to be athletic and healthy -- small portions and limited sweets;

2. come back to my spirituality in a big way. I let my Wiccan practice go while concentrating solely on my grad school work;

3. go out more/participate in the scene more: dancing + being more social = healthy living;

4. write my dissertation ~ 4x40~ try for 4 chapters by June and try to be done by January 2013/latest June 2013;

5. be more creative: painting, sewing, etc.;

6. get into the habit of reading for work and reading for fun = balance;

7. be more mindful of my time and use it wisely. Do not waste time surfing the internet, etc. Make time for myself, my family and my friends;

8. be mindful of my moods and what I say. Forgive myself more and allow a little leeway;

9. be more compassionate and patient with/towards others;

10. do things that are healthy for me -- therapy, not putting myself into terrible situations with toxic people, etc.

Page with General Goals

Plan for 40x40 (aka Bat Fit 2012):

1. eat on smaller dishes and cut portions -- this is NOT a diet, this is healthy portions;

2. avoid eating out a lot (for convenience), when we do choose wisely;

3. "steal from Peter to pay Paul," when I know that there's going to be an indulgent evening or holiday make sure I adjust my eating throughout the day accordingly;

4. EXERCISE!!! Dance in the living room, weights, hiking, walk, bike ride, yoga, etc.;

5. don't worry about the clothes -- stuff can be altered, some not. Who cares!

6. stop feeling embarrassed and badly -- be proud that I am doing this and the work I'm putting into this;

7. don't let others comments, "advice," etc. sway me, make me feel bad, etc. And don't let people "feed me!"

8. limit beer and wine -- these are liquid calorie bombs!!!
9. mind my posture.

The following photos are from my journal. I took many of my posts related to Bat Fit 2012 and 40x40 and made a collage out of them. In the posts I further explain my goals and what I expect to achieve.

My answer to: what are my goals to 2012 and the meaning of good health

Bat Fit 2012 Challenge One:

1. Health Goals for 2012: as I stated throughout this journal (blog) thus far, my health goals are to lose 40 pounds by my 40th birthday on June 16th. I also want to take control of my mental and emotional health by coming to terms with my PMS, stress and status as caretaker (of my Mom). I am determined to lose the weight by eating smaller portions and cutting back on sugar, snacks, beer, wine, etc. I also intend on strengthening my core and my body by doing core training and aerobic exercises. I am tired of being fat and weak. I have no desire to be rail thin and I am realistic about what is good for me. I need to do this wisely because I don't want to gain the weight back like I did before. This time it's for keeps.

In addition, I want to finally control my PMS! And I really want to work towards emotional and mental health. I will continue to see my therapist; I will be present in my moods and honest about what I need to be happy and well. I will also make time to do other things besides research, writing and teaching. It's important to feel my creative side. It's also important to take a break.

2. The Definition of Good Health: Good health is a balance of physical, emotional and mental well-being. When all three are in sync and working together then true health can be achieved. It also means having a positive, forgiving and loving relationship with oneself. It means being realistic about what can and cannot do, and what one should and should not do. It's about saying NO to toxic situations and people, and YES to the things that make ones heart and soul sing. It's about doing good work well. 

Essentially, I need to be more mindful and more active in my everyday and long term goals. I need to be mindful of what I eat and how I eat .... and why I eat. I also need to be aware of how situations affect my eating and my moods. All of this is completely linked! I also need to tear myself away from the grad school mentality and make time for other things like working out and going to clubs, or doing creative, inspirational and fun activities.