Captain's Blog

Carpe Diem is the name of my brother and sister-in-laws sailboat but the saying has been on my mind lately.

The meaning "seize the day; enjoy the present, as opposed to placing all hope in the future. "

So I've been working on this. "Being in the moment" or as a good friend shared "Be in the Zone".

This is tough but something to work towards or improve on in our lives. Recognizing we need to improve is a first step. Taking any size step towards improving is worth a pat on the back! As I said in a previous blog entitled "Throw yourself a party". Celebrate small victories.

I get all too wrapped up in the bigger picture that I forget that even small steps are progress. Right now I believe where there is progress there is growth and there is real life.

There are so many examples I could choose from. Exercise, eating habits, getting enough rest.

A quick example before I head to bed. Exercise. I love to work out, to work on getting in shape, to be active and get into that positive cycle. Because I haven't had or made the time to get to the gym I give up on everything to do with exercise. This is not making the most of my moments!

Do something active. I don't need to be at the gym to do something active. I just need to do it. Don't get me wrong when I get to the gym it will be great.

When you become a little more disciplined see it as a positive. When I put off having that treat, even if I had it later, I took a positive step. When I was patient with my kids, even if I lost it later I took a positive step. For me I was disciplined even if it was only for that moment. When I recognize that I have taking a positive step I will feel good about it and next time work harder to take more positive steps. Hence a positive cycle.

My kids teach me a lot about not giving up. Sometimes they need encouragment sometimes they need a break. Who am I that I don't think I need encouragment or a break as I work towards improving?

So be encouraged, encourage others and take a break when you need to.

Alanne.