Bucket List??

BUCKET LIST??

A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before...well, before you die. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the 34 year old brother of one of my most cherished friends. He has a disease called Arteriovenous Malformation. It's basically a disease that causes defects of the circulatory system. Where we have two arteries that feed the arm, he has two hundred. This leads to hemorrhaging and a host of other complications. His heart works at a rate like he is running a marathon all day, every day. A few months ago he was admitted to ICU in Toronto with a failing heart and kidneys, induced into a coma and managed to recover. He's now facing the amputation of his left arm in late fall. We met after class one night for dinner. As we sat at the table I couldn't help but notice that he was in pain, I could see it in his eyes and the way he moved. His arm was in a sling tucked close to his body almost as if to protect it. He never complained of pain it was just something I could feel. He told me about how he was here doing some things he had always wanted to do. His "bucket list" he said at one point. This led me to think about my own "bucket list" which I do have I just don't call it that. It's a list I made a few years ago of things I wanted to do in my life. I think we should look at a "bucket list" differently and call it a "living list." Which leads me to my point for writing this. It's so important to take care of yourself so you can live the life of your dreams, you deserve it. Don't wait for something to happen, get started completing the list now. Here are a few things I have on my list: Tell the people you care about that you love them, make sure they know. Give back. Go on safari in Africa. Go to Vegas at least once. Yes, it's true I've never been, but I'm going in November. Play golf with Tiger Woods (who knows, maybe). Live my life authentically and true to myself. Get a dog. So go ahead make your list...dream big...be outrageous and DO IT! Thank you Rob, for allowing me to spend one of your precious hours with you.

New Years Resolutions

Wow 2009 is upon us! Losing weight, getting healthy and feeling better are just a few of the resolutions we make for New Years. Here are seven tips on how to keep those resolutions so next year you're not making the same ones again.

1. If you have never exercised or haven't in a long time start with 15 minutes a day for the first two weeks. Then add five minutes every two weeks until you reach at least 30 minutes.

2. Get an accountability partner. This has to be someone who you trust to push you when you need to be pushed.

 3. Start weight training after the first two weeks. Adding too much at one can be overwhelming.

4. Cut back your daily calorie intake by 200 calories.

5. Find activities that you like to do like walking, swimming hiking or a sport you like.

6. Track your calorie output and input for at least two weeks. This will help to recognize how much you're consuming versus how much you're expending.

7. Hire an expert to help you. It doesn't have to be expensive, have them get you started and then meet once a moth for updates.

Input vs Output

In order to lose weight it's a very simple equation Output Must Be Greater Than Input. You simply have to be moving more than you are fueling your body. Here are a few simple ways to help solve the equation:

1. Keep a food and exercise journal for at least a week

2. Walk or bike to work if you can

3. Take Fido for an extra walk each day

4. Run up and down the stairs during t.v. commercials

5. Workout with someone fitter than you

Try these ideas for 1 month and see if it doesn't make a difference in your waistline.

Remember it's not your fault you don't lose weight or increase your fitness level. When you know better you do better.