iCiNG Transformation Challenge: 2/28

[ 2 February 2009 ]

Courtney Brooke
Photo by Courtney Brooke.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Frederick Douglass

Love letters & feather headdresses,

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  1. You’re Amazing!

    <3 Lugubrious · Feb 2, 05:15 AM · #

  2. I think I’m putting too much pressure on myself to be crazy happy and motivated for this challenge. I’m feeling down and yucky and it’s making me more stressed that everything I planned to do is kind of going out the window. I’m going to write in my journal, breathe and try and get a good night’s sleep and think positive for tomorrow.

    I hope everyone else is doing fantabulously! xx

    <3 shells · Feb 2, 05:25 AM · #

  3. Love the picture, reachin out for the sky..
    My fortune cookie said “In life and dreams nothing is impossible” so thats my iTC Mantra. Take good care everyone!

    <3 amika · Feb 2, 05:42 AM · #

  4. I definitely felt the struggle today! I went to the gym for a personal training session and really tried to push myself more than i usually do, the rowing machine, free weights, medicine ball and boxing, i was so worn out by the end of it, and will be feeling it tomorrow morning!

    I’ve managed to plan out my eating pretty well too by setting up things in the kitchen the night before so i can practically make breakfast with my eyes closed, i’m not a morning person AT ALL.

    Hope all is going well around the globe, keep up the good work guys :)

    <3 ashleah · Feb 2, 05:48 AM · #

  5. Hmmm I must not be struggling much these days then…

    <3 Nathalie · Feb 2, 06:03 AM · #

  6. I like that quote.. struggling highlights the progress we make too.

    <3 Kate · Feb 2, 06:09 AM · #

  7. Great quote!

    In a similar vein, Joseph Campbell said, “I think it is childish to try and avoid the pain of life.”

    I tend to find the first 3 days of anything are the hardest, so here’s to being over the hump already!

    <3 Nokomi · Feb 2, 06:11 AM · #

  8. I felt crumby in the morning today but found out it was because it was the time of the month and I’m always a bit down on the first day :)

    Anyway I’m putting myself in a situation where I have to get work done. My math and chemistry really make me cringe at the moment so I went to the cold, cold, sterile library with my friend and we were only supposed to be working for an hour and a half but ended up staying for an extra hour. I know, we’re crazy.

    Also peppering my day with beautiful things, beautiful food, dance and happy thoughts!

    Go everyone!

    <3 Christine · Feb 2, 07:08 AM · #

  9. I hooped this morning… w00t! it was so much fun. I am really hyped about doing it every day and I hope that everyone is going well with their challenges =)

    <3 amelia arsenic · Feb 2, 07:16 AM · #

  10. Yeah, nicely put. Have been struggeling with two pieces of birthday cake today. Am not letting them win.

    <3 Anouk · Feb 2, 07:26 AM · #

  11. While it was hard to not hit the snooze this morning I know it will only get harder, but I think I can handle it! Cause waking up this morning and having a very bleary dance party to “Sweetness” by Jimmy Eat World was so much fun and it was good to know that I had that many more extra moments to do such things.

    My exercise is done and today will be 1 of my 2 days for eating out this week.

    Now its off to all that schoolwork that still managed to pile up after a weekend of being productive.

    I saw a couple people posted their livejournal links here for added support, so if I didnt get to you yet feel free to add me: x_imnotyourstar. It is friends only but just leave a comment and you’ll be added!

    <3 Britt · Feb 2, 08:07 AM · #

  12. Oi… That’s one of the hardest concepts to realize when trying to make a change. In the context of my personal goal in your Transformation Challenge, I read that quote and recoil just a little bit because it’s so true!

    It’s like my Dad used to say when I was little: “If you’ve never failed, you’ve never done anything of consequence.”

    So true, but so frightening when facing your fears!

    <3 Miss Elle · Feb 2, 08:22 AM · #

  13. I actually thought I’d be a bit grouchy in the beginning of this challenge, considering it fell around my time of the month. Oddly, I’ve been given a bit of energy instead and I really do think it’s due to the motivation I have for this challenge. I’ve managed to do my 30 minutes of pilates every day for the past 4 days – It’s going well! I’ve ordered a hoop as well for a little variety. Here’s hoping my mood doesn’t slip, haha. I’d like to see if all this hooping and pilates makes a difference.

    <3 Christine · Feb 2, 08:35 AM · #

  14. Wow! I mean, you’ve all so far already:D I woke up this morning thinking: “Great, it’s -100000 degrees outside…” So not the best start for me. Still, I’ll try to work it up and start thinking positive.
    I actually got an unexpected offer to go to a yoga class that’s near my home!! GREAT:D
    On Thursday I’m going to Latvia to learn snowboarding, again great… and I’m going to try out this new salmon pasta recipe I found on the Internet.
    Ooh, yes! So Gala, how was your day?
    Love every single one of you!

    <3 Marléne · Feb 2, 09:02 AM · #

  15. Ah. Excellent. What I needed.

    <3 Abigail · Feb 2, 09:06 AM · #

  16. Today is actually only Day #1 for me — I was waiting for the start of the week, so I could begin on a Monday. But it’s so hard to be motivated to do anything at all because it’s so ridiculously cold here. It’s a total blizzard outside so all I want to do is curl up in a ball in bed.

    I’ll have to REALLY push myself to exercise later.
    D:

    <3 FearTheNumbers · Feb 2, 09:08 AM · #

  17. I’m struggling with cutting out sugar but so far so good! It’s a great quote, especially when routine seems to be the hardest struggle for me at the moment!

    Hope everyone else is doing great with theirs. x

    <3 Lucy · Feb 2, 09:28 AM · #

  18. Well, I’ve begun my challenege of yesterday and doing well so far— there are many challenges I have set for myself this year and specifically for 100 days (I’m doing the same thing that Obama has to do, just started a little later then him…) but as many challenges I can put myself up to are great!
    These two are smaller—- my first is establish a morning routine. I took a tiny, tiny step in the right direction this morning- woke up 5 minutes earlier. The second is to learn not to overreact/to be okay with that which I cannot control. This one is going to certainly be all about discipline- but after controlling my reaction to something yesterday, I’m pretty sure I have it in me. (Basically, I need to stop being a brat!)

    <3 jaimie · Feb 2, 09:31 AM · #

  19. Good advice. I think sometimes we feel like all we have to do is be happy and everything will fall into place, but hard work is still hard work, and it’s important to remember that we grow most in those times.

    Thank you ma’am!

    <3 Freya · Feb 2, 09:32 AM · #

  20. Amazingly, I actually did some writing and exercising yesterday! I thought it was going to be a total loss because I started feeling yucky, and I had an awful headache towards the end of the day—but I just took a nap, swigged some water and tapped, and it magically went away. Yay!

    I hope everyone else is doing well, too!

    <3 Trisha · Feb 2, 09:34 AM · #

  21. Woohoo, day two!

    I went to bed last night at 11 and woke back up at 6 this morning. Not so bad, I usually get less hours.

    Dinner last night consisted of a guacamole with mushrooms. Amazingly filling, it must be all the mushrooms. Breakfast today with soaked flaxseed, oats, and lecithin granules + raw sugar + fruit = mmm.

    I feel happy and good, and for everyone else, here’s cheers that it’s only day two. If you’re struggling, try going to day five, at least (and increase your wishes from that point on). Good luck! Joy! Cheers!

    <3 christine! · Feb 2, 09:34 AM · #

  22. I’ve spent the last couple of days making a vision board as part of my challenge to decide on how I’m going to ensure 2009 is a golden year. Am really pleased with the results and had so much fun making it. I’ve blogged the results, so if you’re interested check it out.
    Best of luck to everyone with their challenges!!
    Amy
    xx

    <3 amypalko · Feb 2, 09:43 AM · #

  23. grumble
    Up early to get a head start on school & make music on the train.

    I am on my way to the coffee pot.

    <3 Rachel Radness! · Feb 2, 10:06 AM · #

  24. So true. And an excellent reminder that work is worthwhile, even when it is difficult.

    <3 Sal · Feb 2, 10:19 AM · #

  25. Omg amypalko I’m loving that board!

    Two reading assignments done and now it is shower, physics problems, and reheating my delicious pecan-crusted baked tilapia from last night.

    I think today I also may overcome my fear of going to my professor’s office hours so that I can get help for my quiz tomorrow. Not one of my initial goals, but if I can do it, why not add it?

    <3 Britt · Feb 2, 10:28 AM · #

  26. Already I’m falling behind… no time for breakfast this morning, but I did get in a whole-wheat bagel. I’m going to do a fifteen minute yoga routine I saw on Real Simple this afternoon, as well as either walking home from school or taking a walk.

    As for food, I’ll probably have a bowl of butternut squash soup when I get home with some avocado. I don’t know what dinner tonight will be, but it’ll be squash-heavy, most likely!

    <3 Kristen · Feb 2, 10:37 AM · #

  27. argh, today went all wrong – got up at 9am as planned, then realised i was snowed in and ended up sleeping until 4pm! oh dear. never mind, there’s always tomorrow!

    <3 sophie · Feb 2, 10:52 AM · #

  28. I’m in the same place as shells – feeling yucky – but I’m fighting to stay on point with my challenge.

    A vision board sounds like a really good idea.

    <3 Cait · Feb 2, 10:55 AM · #

  29. Oh my, I’m really excited for this! I really needed someone to declare change, haha. I even started an iTC journal, which I plan on updating every night with my progress :).

    tulipsociety.com/itc/

    It only has one update, but I still love it. woo!

    <3 Tara Diane · Feb 2, 11:09 AM · #

  30. i don’t think the snow is helping any of the challengers – i couldn’t face walking to the city pool and back in this blizzard.

    i’ve eaten tons of fruit and veg though, and had plenty of water. plus updated my blog and journal, and booked some house viewings for next school year. i’ll swim tomorrowww.

    <3 Kate · Feb 2, 11:11 AM · #

  31. I’m using your ITC posts to help me on my monthly set of 2009 challenges, Making 2009 Sparkle, so I’ll be loking back at these during later months too!

    For February I’m going Teetotal and generally trying to live a healthier lifestyle alongside that sparkleandglitter.co.uk/2009/0… and last month I tried EFT which I found super-successful!

    I didn’t get around to participating last year but I’m definitely making up for it this time around!

    <3 Vixel · Feb 2, 12:09 PM · #

  32. I’m really glad you decided to do the itc again Gala. I feel like I didn’t really get to appreciate it the first time around, but now it couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. Thank you :)

    <3 Jordan · Feb 2, 12:50 PM · #

  33. Okay, I thought I’d give you all an update on how I’m going. Um, so far… I haven’t really done much. I was totally ambushed by my period yesterday (sorry if this is way tmi) which is mental because I usually know exactly when it’s going to be — but anyway, it explains my insane lack of motivation & general slothdom. For example, yesterday I sat on the couch & watched the Superbowl. & then got my hair done. & then talked on Skype for an hour & a half. & then went to bed. Not really my style! As for food, I have upped my raw intake a little bit but desperately need to go shopping to stock the fridge with fresh fruit & veg. After all, if you don’t have it on hand, it’s hard to eat it!

    I also extremely fortuitously got an email from a raw food coach the other day who would like to work with me, & I get a really good feeling from her. I’m going to let you all know how I go with that!

    Today’s plan is to go into the city, hit up the organics store & also go to the bookshop to see what they have in the way of raw food literatureeee! I’m really looking forward to it. So that’s me! FULL STEAM AHEAD, LADIES & GENTLEMEN!

    <3 Gala · Feb 2, 01:06 PM · #

  34. Day #2: I achieved four out of five goals, including making it to the gym on my own for the first time (I generally go with my sister), and even doing 15 mins’ of yoga at home, too. So I am proud of myself so far. One point I am going to work on today (Day #3) is cutting down on my mindless snacking, which is what I have struggled with so far. Watch this space. Good luck everyone!

    <3 mlle_elle · Feb 2, 01:15 PM · #

  35. Yesterday I took the big step and applied for enrolment into the course I want to do… so fingers crossed for that.

    Have been connecting with friends any way I can. Caught up with a friend last nite that I had not seen in months and tonight I will catch up with a friend I havent seen in years!!

    Still not doing good on the health and exercise part….Catching up with friends is stopping the exercise. I did eat lots of fruit yesterday so it is a start.

    <3 Manda · Feb 2, 01:26 PM · #

  36. So yesterday was day 1! Yesterday, I kind of blew it. I ate: a blueberry latte from 711, a bottle of juice, mcdonalds (it was my only option after a 24 hour stretch of no time to eat, so i went for it), some raw fruit and veg, a cinnamon bun, a muffin, a piece of veggie pizza. So much for vegan!! oops. And holy carbohydrate party! haha.

    But I did go ice skating, AND I played volleyball. So that’s 2 hours of fun exercise, which is one goal met! And the internet is down at work, and between checking email on my mobile and my internet when I got home, I only spent maybe 2 hours yesterday online.

    Today is another day, I’m not going to beat myself up about yesterday. Even though I did go to sleep sad after catching a look at myself in a mirror… I have gained a ton of weight lately, before I could get away with considering myself “curvy” but I am so far past that point now… But let’s not stress about that now, all I can do is fix it!

    Breakfast so far is a smoothie made of bananas, blueberries, and a splash of sugarfree juice. I’ll go take a vitamin, drink my coffee, and do a workout dvd. The day has just begun!

    We can do this, everyone! :)

    <3 Heather K · Feb 2, 01:40 PM · #

  37. I’ve been doing quite well with my goal of getting more out of my day, despite the random snow we have here in the UK!

    I got out early, dressed up and took photos in the snow! It was wonderful. Also did some sketchbook work, like gathering visual research by tearing things out of magazines, etc. So have had a relatively productive day, and certainly a lovely one!

    <3 PurpleTanz · Feb 2, 01:46 PM · #

  38. I’m about halfway through day 2, and I’m feeling pretty good. I was a few minutes late for work, but that’s because I made a conscious decision that I needed to stop for food, and the lines are long at noonish. But it wasn’t an issue, and I’m not beating myself up. I have a few meetings and such tonight, and I will be on time for all of them, and I was early to both my classes.

    I’m also pretty happy with my eating habits so far today- oatmeal for breakfast, an apple and a Odwalla Strawberry C Monster for a snack (I’m getting sick I think, so the Vitamin C is good!), and salmon with rice and carrots for lunch. Pretty good for dining hall food. I think I’ll go to the kosher dining hall for dinner tonight, since I’ll be on that end of campus anyway, and that gives me more options than usual. My workout today will be tap rehearsal, which is going to be intense.

    And I’m going to get reading done between class, meetings and more meetings. I should be done with all my stuff by 10, and then I’ll have time to finish everything. I want to start my Anthropology paper this week, since I have two papers due at once next week.

    <3 Rachel · Feb 2, 01:50 PM · #

  39. I’m feeling awesome though i do nothing special to feel so.
    I’ve walked by foot today and it felt super amazing! Yay i am so glad i am enjoying it even more)
    And right now i’ll get my lazy cute ass to write that review, oh!
    Have a good day everyone and head over to day 3! XD

    <3 maryjenn · Feb 2, 02:16 PM · #

  40. my day yesterday was pretty shit to be honest. i ate under my caloric limit, but i got in an argument with my dad about stuff i consider to be not his business in any way. i wavered on one of my goals by eating carrots that were cooked with beef, but it won’t happen again.

    today was fine though. i’m doing everything right but now i’m in a bad mood because i’m thinking of the argument ffs. and my period is scheduled to hit tomorrow (it sounds like i’m talking about a hurricane) and i have a gross cold sore….and i’m trying to be optimistic.

    <3 vici · Feb 2, 02:27 PM · #

  41. This is true. It took quite a few tries to get past my last of food-related intuition. I didn’t grow up around baking or complicated cooking so I really didn’t understand food and just couldn’t cook. I assumed it would be impossible and complicated and I’d never “get” it. Now all recipes are starting to look the same and I can anticipate how the components will make the end result taste or alter it. The hard part is over and suddenly cooking doesn’t = making a rediculous mess or missing important ingredients, etc. Its quick and fun now and I make it the best.

    Next step:
    sweet potato cupcakes!!! its possible:
    foodival.blogspot.com/2009/02/...

    <3 emily · Feb 2, 02:35 PM · #

  42. I’m actually not taking part in this particular challenge, because I’ve been challenging myself since the New Year!

    Goals for the year: – be more disciplined about my writing – lose 100 lbs – be more social

    So far this year, I have: – woken up early every morning to spend 1 1/2-2 hours a day writing before going to work – started Weight Watchers – said yes to just about every invitation I’ve received, as well as taken the initiative on outings myself!

    I started the new year with nookie from a cute guy, I’ve already made a couple of new friends, and I’m surer of myself than I’ve ever been. :)

    But I wanted to wish all of you doing the challenge the best of luck! It IS scary making changes, even when they’re for the better. But I promise, that once those changes become a habit, you will amaze yourself! :)

    <3 Teresa · Feb 2, 03:06 PM · #

  43. I really haven’t done much either.
    Today we didn’t have classes.
    I didn’t wake up as early as I planned today, but I’m ok with it because I i was attacked by awful nightmares last night, which is unusual for me, so I didn’t really sleep well.
    I have to study for an exam, and I must go to the supermarket too.
    At night I’m going to go for a walk.
    Nothing big today but I’m feeling calm, relaxed and happy.
    I’m taking it easy in order to be ready for my test and for recovering fully from the long weekend.

    off to the supermarket…

    lots of encouragement to everyone:)

    <3 em. · Feb 2, 03:16 PM · #

  44. The best part of the last two days for me has been hooping! In all honesty, when I saw the hooping posts on here i scoffed, but told my little sister about it, as she is doing the itc as well and i thought it seemed more like ‘her style.’ but the fun of it is totally contagious! I’m getting a little more graceful at it, and can even kind of do a trick!

    I got a bunch of delicious super-healthy groceries Saturday night in preparation, and have been enjoying them lots.

    My only slip ups have been eating 2 chocolate chip cookies last night (:-( Fresh baked!) and TOTALLY failing and stopping biting my nails.

    Super motivating moment of the day – I counted and it turns out my delicious tomato and mozzarella salad and raspberries were only 400 calories total (I thought it would’ve been way higher considering the cheese) which means I’m very on track today!

    Good luck, ladies!

    <3 Kayla · Feb 2, 03:34 PM · #

  45. What a tumultuous start to this progress — I had a big fight with someone who has been dragging me down for a long time. I took the appropriate steps, and now I feel like things are finally finished. I have done all I can, but this relationship cannot be rescued, so I have conceded to just part ways. I’m done being bullied, done being played. I stood up for myself and vocalized my discomfort, and my support resources rallied behind me. It’s empowering!

    Other goal progress: eating the same, being honest, and certainly living vigorously! Despite a few minor academic woes, life is good.

    ***

    iTC Goals:

    -Eat well
    -Be completely, totally honest (no lies of omission!)
    -Do everything with vigor
    -Tie up loose ends (personal, relationships, academic, professional)
    -Ring in my 17th year (Feb. 28) in a big way!

    <3 A.J. Alexander · Feb 2, 04:12 PM · #

  46. Today I hooped whilst watching Cardcaptor Sakura! I can keep it going for a couple of minutes now, go me. I had a go at turning in a circle which I wasn’t very good at, but mostly I was just trying to focus on my posture. I realised I really scrunch my neck and shoulders when I hoop, which looks silly and results in them feeling stiff afterwards, but I think I’m getting the hang of being more graceful about it now. My tiny faint hooping bruise suddenly got bigger overnight and spawned some little baby bruises which really look kind of sweet! XD

    <3 Kate · Feb 2, 04:35 PM · #

  47. day 2 was awesome – i hit up two local organic health stores, made raw key lime tarts, hung out with some friends and planned our next exhibition (in march, eep) and made vegan kumara and cumin ravioli with cherry tomatoes … it was good food, supporting local businesses with my money, & i didn’t hide away on the internet …

    today’s goals include cleaning my house! fun!

    <3 Natalie · Feb 2, 04:44 PM · #

  48. I started my day off wonderfully by getting up 15 minutes early. I had time to brew a cuppa, check my e-mail and get out the door on time.I felt invigorated instead of flustered. I got in about 20 minutes of exercise. Yes, it’s a far cry from the 45 I had planned but, given the craziness of my schedule, I am quite happy with it. I have not managed to write as much as I would like but I have prepped and organized and done loads of thinking. Because of that, tomorrow should be better. All in all, I cannot complain and I’m feeling all prickly and tingly about what I can get done tomorrow.

    <3 Lis · Feb 2, 04:46 PM · #

  49. Day two: Better than yesterday! Instead of going to eat something fried or full of carbs for lunch, I went to Robek’s instead and got myself a fruit smoothie. Much healthier. I have to try to find time for some yoga during the week before my class on Sunday. Instead of getting an after dinner snack as well, I am trying to get fruit more. Much better than having ice cream or some other kind of dessert.

    Other little goals here and there as well. trying to do more traveling this year, and I am glad to say that I am finally going to San Francisco in two weeks. I cannot wait for that trip. I hope everyone else is doing great with the challenge.

    <3 Alba · Feb 2, 04:51 PM · #

  50. Day two was a bit hard for me. I came down with what feels like strep throat over the weekend, so I’m feeling particularly hellish. But I stuck with my goal anyway, actually getting up two hours earlier to do yoga and meditate. I was so proud of myself, even though I went back to bed for a few more hours :)

    Yesterday I bought all vegetarian things at the store and made healthy meal plans. The iTC is going really well so far. Good luck everyone!

    <3 Lola · Feb 2, 04:58 PM · #

  51. Goals-wise I’ve achieved everything but turning off the laptop at 10 (it’s now 11… not so good) today, so it’s maybe not as bad as it looks. Had a bad day though, feeling as if everything was dragging me down and sapping the life out of me – I think it’s a combination of things. I’ve been stressed about my family the last couple of weeks, and my flatmate’s foibles are getting to me, and finally term’s starting up again but the timetable’s a complete mess… I had a long talk about it with my man, though, and I think tomorrow’ll be better. Right now I’m just really grateful that he’s always there for me (and kind of awed that he always seems to have the patience).

    So yeah, roll on Tuesday! (and now I’m off to turn off the laptop…)

    <3 anam-chara · Feb 2, 05:02 PM · #

  52. I’m finding it rediculously hard to stay away from caffine! Didn’t realise I was this addicted.
    Cravings are killing me but I perserver.
    No coffee today so far, and deffo no energy drinks!

    <3 [ t a y l o r ] · Feb 2, 06:00 PM · #

  53. I’m trying to give up picking my skin, inspired by Fran’s challenge at highonhealth. But it’s so hard :(

    But, I need to break the habit.

    <3 elle · Feb 2, 07:09 PM · #

  54. Being a vegan is kind of lame, especially when the rest of my family eats meat and are incredibly unsupportive. :[
    Oh well, I’m hoping that April 17th will be my three-months-or-so vegan anniversary rather than my fourth vegetarian anniversary!

    <3 Katelyn · Feb 2, 07:21 PM · #

  55. So far, I haven’t done well. I’ve gone through drive-thru at McDonalds and I haven’t made any effort to exercise. I am working on my confidence though, I’m starting to tell myself not to care of what others think of me, and I think it’s starting to get through, and well.. it’s process.

    But I know that it is a challenge, it will be hard, I will have fall backs, but I’ve just got to get myself back up again, and try just that little bit harder, and motivate myself that little bit more.

    I think you just have to visualize it. Why do you want it so badly? Just closing your eyes and imagining what it would be like if you accomplished all your goals. How you would feel?
    That’s what I’ve decided to do, and I think it’s helping.

    If I want it badly enough, I will try hard enough to get it.

    I wish you all the best of luck with it :)
    .. and just, if you have a bit of a hick-up take it as an opportunity to find the strength to try again.

    Hannah X.

    <3 Hannah · Feb 2, 07:40 PM · #

  56. I did wake up earlier this morning. Not by much, but it is still an accomplishment. :)
    I packed a lunch last night, but I forgot it in the fridge. Luckily, it’s still good for tomorrow.
    And I had breakfast this morning. I started drinking these protein shakes that are really yummy.
    While Pre-Calculus is pretty tough at the moment, and I’m having a few bumps with a friend (who I’m not sure will remain my friend), I feel fairly good. After a bit of an emotional breakdown Sunday, the boyfriend and I totally connected again.

    Even though it hasn’t been long at all, congratulations on making it this far. It may be tough, but we all can do this. :)

    <3 Vanessa · Feb 2, 07:44 PM · #

  57. I started today cause I was sick Sunday. I almost caved and didn’t go to the gym cause I was still feeling funny, but I pulled it together and went anyway and I’m super glad. I feel good so far, I hope that as my schedule gets crazier I’ll still keep up the exercise.

    <3 Olivia · Feb 2, 08:34 PM · #

  58. Can we apply this to the economy?

    <3 Zilla · Feb 2, 08:39 PM · #

  59. I picked a whole lot of things to work on for the iCT – and have made some little steps on a few of them today: * Eat healthy – had a raw lunch and dinner today :)

    * Worked more on a big presentation in March :)

    * thought about doing Yoga – ok so it’s not quite the same as doing it buuuuttt!! Ok 2moz I will work the Yoga!

    I have found it really great to read everyone’s progress and really interesting that there are sooo many similarities amongst us – from Yoga to writing to health – it’s so inspiring!

    <3 Nelly! · Feb 2, 08:46 PM · #

  60. Day 2 has been going well so far. I’ve been eating right and I’m about to go to the gym right now. Things have been pretty easy for me so far, but I tend to get really excited at the very start of things and then I’ll end up giving up by the second week. We’ll see how things go, though.
    Good luck to everyone!

    <3 Shannon · Feb 2, 09:08 PM · #

  61. Meh, around midday yesterday a personal matter occurred that took up all of my energy and focus until it’s resolution today, so, yes, slight setback. But now it’s back to full concentration! I’m currently devouring a lovely assortment of raw fruits and vegetable… with chickpea hummus. Err, well, one step at a time. Hummus is a major, major, major staple in my diet, and I’m going to have a hell of a hard time giving it up. I’ve tried to make raw equivalents with little success so far. Actually, since I currently have the time, I’m going to look up recipes to try later in the week.

    <3 liontiger · Feb 2, 09:43 PM · #

  62. Very busy day today, since I worked 9 to 5 & then had my weekly Russian class from 6:30 to 9:30, but I managed! ;p I looked up the free swimming schedule at the nearest community center & figured out when I’ll be going this week. I took care of myself, ate great food, read a good book on the bus; didn’t lie once today, which I think is a direct consequence of the above. I’m starting to think that lying comes from anxiety, from a feeling of inadequate-ness — not something I experience when I treat myself right.

    & now I’m off to write before bed, with a warm cup of herbal tea & that good, almost comforting sort of tiredness.

    <3 Amélie · Feb 2, 09:55 PM · #

  63. My 1st day of iTC got off to a sort of rocky start, as I overslept 2 alarms & wasn’t very productive. I did have a nice workout at the gym, so there’s a start! I’m keeping the quote in mind, and know that each day will get better & better…

    <3 suzanne · Feb 2, 10:20 PM · #

  64. My iTC goals are: – Wheat free, Dairy Free,Sugar free until Feb 28th…(I say that as my boyfriend eats the rest of the chocolate chips…) – Sweat/Move/be active for 30 minutes daily – Journal every day
    I am happy to say I did GREAT on my first day! I went running for 32 minutes, ate totally Wheat Free/Dairy free and had a tiny bit of sugar just so I did not offend a friend and her dessert! I did forget to journal.

    Today I did fantastic as well! I ran for 40 minutes, ate wheat free dairy free and sugar free (uh, ok 2 sips of diet pepsi!), and I got lost in my journalling and I may do a bit more before bed time!

    Tomorrow I hope to go work out at the gym, and journal a bit longer!

    <3 Jacqueline Saxby · Feb 2, 10:38 PM · #

  65. Well today wasnt so good for me. I slept in and havent done everything I intended to do but I am still continuing!!

    On of my goals is to post more of my writing on my blog so I’m about to do so now.

    The rest of my goals and such are here lonelygurl21.wordpress.com/200…

    Feel free to comment on my blog. I love comments.

    Good luck to everyone else!! It sounds like we’re all doing well :) we can only get better from here.

    <3 Queenbitch · Feb 2, 10:41 PM · #

  66. I’ve started the challenge!

    My goal is become healthy and continue working out!

    I can’t wait!

    <3 Sy · Feb 2, 11:27 PM · #

  67. Part of my challenge is to be more happy and efficient at work…my first shift since I started is tonight, and I’m a bit worried! It’s encouraging to see how well everyone else is doing though, everyone is so inspiring!

    <3 Erin · Feb 3, 12:48 AM · #

  68. I think I’m doing pretty ok in my goals.

    I did a 30min (maybe longer)
    workout last night before bed

    I’ve been putting together a
    grocery list so I have more
    variety in my food.

    I’ve been keeping up with my vitamins.

    I looked up some new excercises today.

    So I feel pretty good.
    I know I’m probably psyching myself out
    But I feel like I see results already =)

    <3 harleyQ · Feb 3, 01:07 AM · #

  69. Wow, Gala and so many of you are starting off your iTcs with periods…. Are we all synced up from sharing such close cyberspace??? :)

    Glad to hear I’m not the only one battling SNOW. My biggest accomplishment today was carving my car out of six inches of snow & ice, using a tiny icescraper borrowed from a neighbor! So I was finally able to make it to the market, WOOHOO. Now I’m stocked. No excuse to overspend/overeat.

    Last night, after checking in here, I went on a cleaning frenzy — my living room is now organized, bathroom immaculate, and dishes done. Yay!

    Keep up the good work everybody!!!

    <3 Molly B · Feb 3, 03:05 AM · #

  70. managed to get up early and go for a jog both days!! very happy about that. ate healthy alllll day today but yesterday had a small banana muffin (they were fresh form the oven and smelt sooo goood i couldnt resist!) but no biggy :) keep up the good work everyone!!

    <3 romy · Feb 3, 03:22 AM · #

  71. Mmmm, yes, struggle. I’ve been having some nagging doubts about everything and today they envolved into full-blown negative self-talk. But I think it’s over for now, I took some action – not exactly the action that I thought I was going to take – and now I’m feeling much more on the optimistic side! I think tomorrow is going to be quite a test, though – but I really think that quote will make some difference. I’m bound to struggle, but oh well! In a way I can see it as good news, now!

    I’m loving everyone’s comments.

    <3 ella · Feb 3, 04:39 AM · #

  72. Things are going well I think. I’ve noticed that bringing your own food with you to work helps staying on track for those of you with food related goals, anyone else finding this? Gala, your article about travelling while raw was great in terms of helping plan eating out so you don’t get stuck in eating terrible convenient food!

    <3 b. · Feb 3, 05:47 AM · #

  73. Thanks Gala :)
    I wrote that quote in big letters in my diary!

    <3 Lou · Feb 3, 07:42 AM · #

  74. Bringing your food from home is a nice little reminder of the snuggness and security of snuggling up on the settee!

    <3 Andy Badge Badger · Feb 3, 08:06 AM · #

  75. ALL raw today, not a single toffee ingested! I have an awful stomachache from some meat indulged in yesterday…never again.

    <3 [a} · Feb 3, 01:32 PM · #

  76. I just got laid off from an insurance company. Pretty -fancy parties and corporate rule… but I was so unhappy. I was turning into such a bitch and I hated life. I had to keep the job because of the benefits and because I have rent and bills like any other.
    With two weeks to myself I have learned what happy means again. I feel free and uninhibited. All because I got laid off? lol
    I find some humor in it. Also, I’ve found that I have no idea what I want at 21. And thats ok with me! :D

    <3 Heather · Feb 3, 08:52 PM · #