Some times you have to give yourself permission

This is a short post because I have a slight fever and a faucet drip for a nose (between you and me, the sneezing and the watery eyes and nose are more annoying than the fever).

We tend to want to take care of everything and everybody, and some times, we don't give ourselves permission to be sick. We think "Not now, I have so much to do".

I believe that when we get sick, it is our bodies own way of telling us to slow down. And so, I am going to turn the computer off, take a shower, but my pj's on and watch some TV. Then I am going to bed. I give myself permission to do nothing until I feel better. I give myself permission to take care of me first.

Have a good day today and everyday.

Why I am not watching the Biggest Looser anymore

I would like to start by saying that this post is a personal opinion and therefore, I am entitled by the Constitution to express mine.

I am a huge fan of Biggest Looser. Every season I was inspired by all these people who had lost their healthy ways (some had never developed them to begin with) and Jillian is my favorite. Last season, I became a little disillusioned because one of the contestants (some blond girl who made it to the finals, I believe she was a nurse, but I can't remember her name) was all about playing the game. I felt that her children were not going to benefit from the experience at all, nor would her husband. But being a true Jillian fan, I wanted to see if one of her trainees would win. I was really happy when the beautiful girl won. She and her mom worked really hard at healing themselves and their relationship. I hope they keep it going.

This year, as usual, I started watching for the inspirational stories. A few weeks in, I was a little upset by the drama created by the silver team (or gray). I thought that the show was going in a direction that is not appealing to me, more drama less exercise. The second strike came when Filipe decided to yell at Jillian and Bob did nothing. I am sorry, but if we are both trainers, I can understand Bob taking him back, but I would have gone with Filipe and cleared the air with Jillian first. Besides, Filipe always has an excuse.

The last straw came last night. All that back talking and just playing the game is not what I care about. I want to see the exercise routines, the examples of how to eat healthy. Hell, I even understand the temptations, the idea that you have to decide whether the treat is worth the damage to your new lifestyle. I just got fed up.

In the beginning of the year, one of my new year's resolutions was to watch less TV. I am down to an average of one hour a day. What I usually do is I don't watch TV on Mondays or Wednesdays so that I can watch the two hour episodes on Tuesdays. Well, I guess now I have two hours to use on other days. Because to be honest, I'd rather watch the Travel Channel all day, than to see the drama. At least in the Travel Channel I get Anthony Bourdain, Sam and Dhani's viewpoints on traveling the world.

Don't take me wrong. I do have some guilty pleasures that I watch from time to time. The NYC Housewives come to mind. But the thing is, I tune in FOR the DRAMA. When I tune in to the Biggest Looser, I want to see working out, not working the show. It is discouraging. If that gets more ratings then I am happy for NBC. But they lost one loyal viewer of the show. I might see the finale, but as far as I am concerned, the Biggest Looser lost me.

Decisions, decisions

Today starts the Holy Week, for those of Catholic persuasion. I was born into the Catholic church, and even though I do not participate in Sunday services anymore, I follow a pretty simple philosophy in life, do unto others. I don't hurt people on purpose because I hate been mistreated. I do not offer my opinion unless asked, because I find people's unrequested opinions annoying. I try to be happy every day and every time I get upset at someone, I still say "God, please fill them with your blessings".

The reason why I mention the week is because most people go to the beach and forget about their spirit. This is the perfect week to get centered and reflect on your life, your plans, replenish your spirit.

I have million of things to do, so do you. What are you doing to become more spiritual? I am sure that you like to improve your skills, you exercise, you eat as well as your budget, time and interests allow. What are you doing to improve your soul? Can you improve your soul? What are your plans for this week? Share them with me. I will be meditating and listing all the tasks I have to complete: from selling my belongings to renting an apartment, before I get there.

Don't forget, if you have any suggestions, write them here. Have a great week.