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I Can, I Am

Posted by SusySedano | January 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

I have never liked the idea of New Year’s resolutions; if I made resolutions then I didn’t like the thought of potentially letting myself down, which would lead to disappointment and guilt. Why would I want to do that? Well, the truth is that the personal growth and positive changes I made in 2011 have given me the strength and courage to write down goals for 2012. Goals vs. resolutions…it just sounds better to me.

You can see my list of goals below.

The list is not flawless. Historically I have been all about perfection. Something as simple as folding towels, to the cleanliness of my home or a work project – whatever I was doing it had to be the very best. I was under the impression that what is on the outside matters most. If it looks great, then everything is great. That is so far from the truth and it is an exhausting way to exist. One of my goals is to be more forgiving with myself and focus on me.

In the past I would have thrown my list away with the first mistake in writing – not anymore! This list is just fine the way it is – not everything has to be perfect. (Am I actually writing and believing that?) Yes I am!

It may have taken me a little time to figure out where I want to be professionally and personally, however, I am on my path. I am determined and focused, passionate and excited about my future. Why? Because I can and am creating the life that I want. I am listening to my voice and my intuition, which historically I had pushed aside. I wanted to please other people – be perfect – take on tasks that I thought would impress other people, all the while not impressing myself with these choices. I had a difficult time being truly honest in the moment. I didn’t want to ruffle feathers, and I wanted to make everyone happy. The end result: I was miserable.

I made changes in 2011 that were difficult and life changing. I am actually happy AND THAT’S BECAUSE I am being true to me. My friendships have grown, doors are opening for me career-wise, and my family life is better than ever. Choosing to be kinder to myself and go with my gut are the foundation of where and who I am today. I’m looking forward to conquering the list below – 2012 is going to be a great year!

Choose to be Positive

Posted by SusySedano | December 19, 2011 | 0 Comments

Thoughts are powerful. Thoughts create. Thoughts can determine who we are in any given moment.

So what am I thinking about? Am I comparing myself to the woman next to me at the gym? To an A-list celebrity? To the way I looked or felt last week or month? Am I accepting or judging? Am I motivating or discouraging? Am I positive or negative? All of these ongoing, persistent thoughts shape me in this moment. My point is that we decide how we want to experience life.

If my thoughts aren’t building me up, how do I reboot and change my perception? This is my trick. When I catch myself being unloving and judging towards myself, I physically extend my hand out and say out loud, “Stop!” The mere act of using my body with my words puts a halt to my repetitive, judgmental voice. From there I substitute that negative thought with something positive. I have a discouraging thought about my body… Stop! Swap Thoughts: Be grateful that I am able to move and exercise; many people do not have the ability.

And here is a curious thought, why is it so easy for us to have compassion and love for other people, yet be so critical to ourselves?

I challenge you to practice what you preach. I learned from a good friend and yoga instructor Mandy Ingber, seven years ago that being compassionate toward yourself, loving who you are and the body you are in today is key. Make a concerted effort to reframe your judgmental thoughts. Think kind words about yourself.

Remember, you decide your experience in this lifetime. Why not choose to create a loving, accepting and compassionate existence? That’s what I’ve decided to do.

I would love to hear how this works for you! Keep me posted on your success.

-Susy

Registration/Login Issues

Posted by SusySedano | September 13, 2009 | 8 Comments

Hello LIVESTRONG Community,

As some of you may know we are experiencing site difficulties relating to logging in, registering and using our mobile apps.

For instance, if you registered within the past day, your username is not recognized.

I realize this is extremely frustrating for you – it is equally as frustrating for our LIVESTRONG Team.

We are working on the issue right now and expect it to be fixed by tomorrow.

Thank you for your patience.