But after spending January watching the tv show, "How to Look Good Naked," I've been obsessed by the question of "what it would take to love myself right here, right now, as I am?"
As it turns out it takes a lot. It takes looking at myself long enough to see the good things (instead of scrutinizing to see the bad) as well as drowning out all the voices in the world that want me to think less of myself for any number of reasons. It takes restraint from putting myself down, and patience in learning how to build myself up.
Pledge some miles (I've added a column on the particpant sheets for those who don't want to do miles, but do use a pedometer--to add in a step count), pledge days of strength training and stretching (but no need to quantify it, do what's right for you. As always, Rachael's circuits are a great starting place or good for some extra challenge), and the water tally (as I have found that to be most helpful). Change your own sheet around to track what you want.
But this is my challenge to you: each day write down something that you love about yourself (there's a column for that on the spreadsheet). It can be anything you want, but it has to be sincere. At the end of the month I want you to write a love letter to yourself. Tell the world exactly what is wonderful and deserving about you as you are right now.
For those of you who are spreadsheet savvy, feel free to leave comments to other people (right click in a cell and choose "insert comment." Don't forget to leave your twitter handle!
1. Click on the SUMMARY PAGE (bookmarking it would be a good idea as you will be using it often)
2. Fill out a line on the "Summary" spreadsheet (do not use Columns F or G -- it automatically calculates)
Use separate lines if you want to do different modalities (i.e. one for running, one for biking).
3. Find your correlating individual tab (it should be "@[line number where you entered your info]") -- make sure your information from the "Summary" tab has been pulled onto this sheet (and not someone else's information -- if so, contact me).
4. Rename the tab "@[twitter name]" or if you don't have Twitter "[nickname]"
5. Fill out the sheet as you wish.
6. Update your own individual page as needed. The total mileage will automatically be updated on the Summary tab as you report on your individual page.
7. Follow #FebGTD on Twitter for support if you need it or to support others when they do, to announce achievements, and find new/old friends!
8. PLEASE DO NOT DELETE LINES OR TABS! Please do NOT move your page around! You CAN bookmark your individual page using your browser to find it easily.
25 comments
Yay for a new month and finding the love for ourselves!! I know I forget to see past the chunk rolls and flab and focus on the beautiful strong woman that I am!
ReplyBrigitte: "fuel cells"
ReplyI am going to give this a shot. I must be honest though, I am not very good at the whole love letter to myself thing.
ReplyI do love these Monthly GTD's though! You Rock Robby!
Vinny -- consider the spreadsheet your outline. Each day you put down something that you love about yourself should be something you mention in our love letter to yourself.
ReplyI'm glad you're on board with GTD -- you're one of my top supporters!
Hey Robby-- just introducing myself and telling you how excited I am to try my first GTD in Feb! Thanks! @xani79
ReplyXani -- welcome to GTD!!
ReplyGood luck!
"Fuel cells", I love it!!
ReplyBrigitte: well that's the way I see it... the extra fat on my body means I can endure more... So...life can BRING IT. I'm ready.
ReplyI'm in it for the long haul! The spreadsheet is on my fridge and ready for February!!
ReplyI'm resisting this hardcore. Which means I should DO IT. So, I'm in.
ReplyI am signed up for February.
ReplyPlease be kind to yourself, you deserve to be happy & that includes being kind to yourself;we all deserve that.
Oh, the logo for FebGTD rocks!
Rinny baby, resistance is futile. Prepare to be FebGTDsimilated!
ReplyPatrick -- we all deserve it, but we rarely give ourselves what we deserve. Feb is going to be all permission to love ourselves. Glad you love the logo :)
I'm all signed up for February! I should be able to reach my goal this month since I'm all healed up from my surgery and the doctor released me. :-)
ReplyThank you for taking the time to set this up every month. It's AWESOME!
Tina -- so glad to hear that you're doing better!! Just don't overdo it, okay?
ReplyI'm delurking to sign up for this. Thanks for setting this up and I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyLynne! So glad to have you!!!
ReplyI love that you added something to love about yourself everyday. I think i'm going to add this to my blog post everyday as well since I've been having a hard time in the self esteem department lately. Thanks for doing this, and being such an awesome inspiration and cheerleader!
ReplyWell... I think it's early roots is with Rupaul -- "How can you love anyone else if you can't love yourself?"
ReplyI think loving ourselves is something society frowns upon (seen as self-centered) but that ulimately brings more joy to the world (and benefits society).
Ah, the Love column... yeah I can have fun with this column.
ReplyOh my... what have I started?
ReplyI'm joining in febGTD. I need to get back on track with my own workouts. I'm a fitness instructor/personal trainer by career but my own personal workouts have been lacking lately. I need to tack more time out to train myself!
ReplySigned up for a 5k in April so I need to get back into running, weights 2x a week, and yoga 1x a week
Di -- I think everyone (regardless of profession) often forgets to take care of themself. Welcome to the challenge. I hope you find it rewarding!
ReplyI just joined the challenge and I am a little nervous! I sure hope I can meet my goals this month! I"m brand new to exercise for good - only a week in here! :-) So here it goes!
ReplyIs there anyway we can calculate miles for aerobics classes or water aerobics classes?
ReplyCarrie-- welcome to the challenge!
ReplyI'm sure you can estimate calories burned, but not distance, as each class/person is different.
I'd also suggest two lines -- one for bike and one for treadmill/walking. A mile on a bike isn't the same as a mile walking/running.
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