4/19 Something to think about...

[Billie]

One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz" and he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class yelled, "Yes." The time management expert replied, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?" "No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?" One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!" "No," the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all." What are the 'big rocks' in your life, time with your loved ones, your faith, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these big rocks in first or you'll never get them in at all. So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first.


You might have heard this story before, but have you ever thought about applying it to your protein power program. What would the big rocks be? Eating right--protein and carbs, exercise? What are the smaller rocks? In an ideal world we should be able to forget about carb counting and scales and numbers and let those big rocks take care, do we get mixed up sometimes worrying alot about the small rocks and not about the big ones that can really change our life?

Rocks and problems come on all sizes, just like us, today something to think about might be how we are prioritizing those rocks and how we can get that mason jar filled up with good "stuff" for good health.

Have a great day!

[gitfiddle]

Excellent! I have heard that, but it was years ago.

One of my big rocks is my mantra "meat, vegetables, fruit" that I have repeated so often to myself that I actually get red flags when program food is not available. Truthfully :o I treat exercise like a small rock. It doesn't take much to knock me off track, even when I'm healthy enough to do it. (Please don't tell Shadow!:eek: )

Playing music with friends has evolved to a big rock to the point where DH and I have come to an agreement that two musical engagements a week is not unreasonable. Three is negotiable if it's a church service or a paid gig.:D

[cmcole]

Sometimes we try to do things in the wrong order, and all the rocks spill everywhere.

Health is a big issue for me, lately, as I was hurt (nearly a year ago, now), and still am on the road to recovery. If I don't take the time to exercise faithfully, that particular rock just causes everything else to disintegrate (menu, family time, etc.).

Thankfully, I've reached the point where the menu items are not as big an issue - I just need to stay aware, as I'm the only one in the household eating like this (although my hubby should, having recently been told he needs to control his blood sugar).

[Shadow]

Great thoughts and analogy, Billie!!!

Uh Carol - don't know how to tell ya, sweetie - but I was already aware of that fact ;) :p. However, you know the benefits and advantage of exercise, and only you can decide that your health is worth the effort. How's that for some tough love :)?

[gitfiddle]

Uh Carol - don't know how to tell ya, sweetie - but I was already aware of that fact ;) :p. However, you know the benefits and advantage of exercise, and only you can decide that your health is worth the effort. How's that for some tough love :)?
:D I knew that'd get you out of the woodwork, Lita. I was teasing you. ;) The good news is the knee x-ray shows only arthritis and I'm on an anti-inflammatory as of yesterday, which is already making it feel better. I realize that I can't stay on the meds forever, but I also know now that I have to keep it moving gently, so I started to walk again today. Gingerly, I might add.

After reading Dr. Mike's blog on Slow Burn, I want to find out what that's all about. Do I need a gym or can I do it at home? Do you know? I know somebody's using that program.

[Billie]

Carol I have his book, albeit loaned out to someone. At any rate there's a few pages or a chapter on doing it at home. It is resistance exercise that can be done anywhere. You might send a PM to Fredrick Hahn who posted I believe in the exercise forum (use it or lose it) who co-authored with Dr. Mike, you might get it right from the horses mouth.

[Mitra]

Carol, the Slow Burn book has two workouts - on to be done at home and one for the gym. I've used the at home one, with just a few ankle weights that I hold in my hands or strap to my ankles as appropriate.

[Shadow]

:D I knew that'd get you out of the woodwork, Lita. I was teasing you. ;)
Well, it worked, didn't it :o :p! I do feel better, though, knowing you were just teasing - I hated to think you'd totally forgotten the benefits of exercise after all of my whupping!

The good news is the knee x-ray shows only arthritis and I'm on an anti-inflammatory as of yesterday, which is already making it feel better. I realize that I can't stay on the meds forever, but I also know now that I have to keep it moving gently, so I started to walk again today. Gingerly, I might add.
Now that's more like the Carol I know and love :D!!!!

[Bellgirl]

OK, everyone, I put up a Walking Challenge in Movers and Shakers. It starts April 24 and goes until June 5. I'd love to have some company on the road! :)

[Shadow]

Yahoo, Stevie :D!!!! Hopefully this is just the inspiration that everyone's been waiting for to get up and going! Our M&S gang has been kinda sparse - it will be great to see more activity going on :)!

[Gaelen]

Oh Billie, I love the rocks story. I've had it printed out and taped to my desk bin through four offices now. ;)

Thanks for reminding me, since I'm on disability and don't see my 'reminder' every day right now.

[gitfiddle]

- I hated to think you'd totally forgotten the benefits of exercise after all of my whupping!
No, my dear whipper-snapper. You've raised me better than that. It's true that a mere breeze can blow me off track, though. I like to walk fast and furious, and when I have to stroll gently I sometimes wonder if it does any good.

Did I mention that I managed to bring my cholesterol number down without much exercise for the last three months? That's doing it the hard way. Now I'm going to stroll over to the M&S board and sign up for Stevie's challenge. Sorry for pulling this thread off topic, Billie!

BTW, I'm going to look for the Slow Burn locally. It sounded so ominous that I never even considered it until Dr. Mike made that remark about Boomers who can't accept the fact that they have to slow down because their bodies are falling apart. I'm not one for calisthenics because they're boring, but I'll try it out. Thanks, everyone, for the replies.

[Shadow]

No, my dear whipper-snapper.
Gosh, it's been years since I've been called a whipper-snapper :p!

You've raised me better than that.
Now I know the sigh of relief my mother used to feel when I told her the same thing :D!

It's true that a mere breeze can blow me off track, though. I like to walk fast and furious, and when I have to stroll gently I sometimes wonder if it does any good.
Yes, it does :). Sure, it doesn't challenge you near like a fast paced walk, but it reminds the body of what movement feels like - which will help you get back into the "fast and furious" when you're healed enough.

Did I mention that I managed to bring my cholesterol number down without much exercise for the last three months? That's doing it the hard way. Now I'm going to stroll over to the M&S board and sign up for Stevie's challenge.
Way to go on that cholesterol! But you're right - exercise would've been the easier of the two routes to take ;). I was just gonna post a reminder to you on Stevie's thread to get your attention - good thing you're finding the way all by yourself, lol!

BTW, I'm going to look for the Slow Burn locally. It sounded so ominous that I never even considered it until Dr. Mike made that remark about Boomers who can't accept the fact that they have to slow down because their bodies are falling apart. I'm not one for calisthenics because they're boring, but I'll try it out.
Consider it the "kinder, gentler" version of weights, dear one! It's sorta like walking compared to running. Walking (done at a decent clip) is effective and enough of a routine for health with less stress on the joints. But then there is the more intense way (running) that is for those who truly get into it and can tolerate the joint stress. Make sense?

Sorry for pulling this thread off topic, Billie!
Me too, Bille! We'll quit now and let you get back to your program ;)!