PathwaysOnline_Spring21

MIND • BODY • SPIRIT

Creating A Healthy Habit In Four Steps

pass on to you what I learned the hard way, in hopes that you will have an easier path. But, before you read further, ask yourself: “What new habit or routine would I want to add to my life? Why do I want to begin this new habit? What do I have to give up in order to do this?” The general answer is usually because you want to feel healthier, have more balance in your life, or you want to develop an interesting skill. Sometimes the thing we need to let go of has an addictive quality, such as drinking too much alcohol, eating starchy and sugary foods, or watching too much television. Those habits can be so satisfying—despite the negative side effects—that they are especially hard to give up. Here are the four steps I used to grow my new habit. Whether you are trying to learn a new skill, develop healthier eating habits or exercise routine, or begin any new creative endeavor, if you follow these, I am convinced you can be successful. 1. Begin slowly, with small goals. A new runner doesn’t begin by running a mile. But perhaps they can run one block and then walk the next one while they build up endurance. A new guitar player doesn’t begin by

practicing for hours each day. They set forth small lessons and goals and gradually build their skills. To begin something new, first set up a plan, a schedule, or a routine. Make sure to begin with small steps, and over time gradually increase your goals. If you become stuck with this step—and most of us do—a support system can give you courage and help you focus. 2. Find support. It’s important to remember you are not alone. Growing a new habit is hard for all of us. It doesn’t matter what new habit or skill you want to develop—whether it’s learning how to play an instrument, establishing a better food plan, writing in a journal every day, meditating regularly or routinely exercising—the process is the same. You will be more motivated if you are with others who have common interests and skills. For my support I first turned to classes on memoir writing and eventually joined a writer’s support group. The support you choose can be professional or otherwise. You could find a friend who has the same interest and do the activity together. There are also mentors, support groups, classes, or organizations that can give you

BY CAROL K. WALSH

Free Online Meditations Every Monday & Thursday Evenings Starts at 7:30 Visit my website for more information on classes, events and healings.

How often have you wanted to feel emotionally or physically better and knew that if you developed a newhabit or skill you would? Instead, do you feel held back by some unknowable force and you just can’t start? Or, did you begin something new, but became discouraged and stopped in your tracks? I struggledwith this issuewhen I wanted to write my new memoir, but just couldn’t make writing a routine. I only wanted to do my artwork. While trying to develop a writing routine I quickly discovered two things: (1) wanting to do something and finally doing it are very different things; and (2) developing something new requires letting go of something else. For example, if we want to eat healthier, we have to first let go of mindless eating and junk food. To begin writing I had to temporarily set aside working on my art, something I routinely do for the first four hours of every day, so I could focus on writing. At first my intentions were great, but there was no follow-through, that is, until I finally discovered a process that worked. Once I did, my writing routine worked so well I was able to complete my memoir. Now I want to

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Our May intensive will be May 7, 8 and 9th.The title is “Feel the Magik; It Just Gets Better From Here”. For info check out our website or email or call Molly. We invite you join us in the beautiful Lander Valley ofWyoming. Our theme for Personal Growth for 2021 is “KnowThyself”. Check our upgraded website for more info on all activities.

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68—PATHWAYS—Spring 21

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