In an attempt to lose some weight and save some money...

Just like clockwork, the end of August always brings with it a big fat sense of reality!  School's back in session, swimming pools begin to close, the warmer weather turns slightly brisk and due to the enormous amounts of food and alcohol consumed over the summer months,  you now carry with you a few extra pounds of flubber. 

In an attempt to lose some weight, and create a savings account to blow again next summer, I decided it would be a good idea to give up drinking during the month of September.  While I do not consider myself a lush, I certainly enjoy good beer and a glass of wine every now and then.  To make this task seem a little less daunting, I deemed my intention "Sober September."  

Just as I do with every good idea, I called my mom to see what she had to think about it.  Three days, 50+ phone calls and many laughs later, we decided that "Sober September" was just the beginning of what could be a great adventure.  

And so begins THE POWER OF 1.   Focus on 1 thing for 1 month over the course of 1 year to become a better YOU! 

Anyone can do this and you can start at anytime.  That's what makes it so great!

So here is is, month by month:

September: Sober OR Soda Free September 

• No alcohol/soda

October: 8 oz. October

• Must drink 8, 8 oz. glasses of water per day

November: Nutritional November

• Eat 1 serving of fruits and vegetables each day

December: Donate December

• Once a week make a donation to a good cause  (i.e. monetary, clothing, food, time, etc.)

January: Jump Start January 

• Learn something new/begin a new hobby (i.e. do a puzzle, learn to knit, read bible passages, etc.) 

February: Fry-Free February 

• You read it right!  No fried food during the month of February.  

March: Move It March

• Engage in physical activity/exercise at least 3 days a week (i.e. go for a walk, go to the gym, do a work out video, etc.) 

April: Appreciation April 

• Say "thank you" to someone every day!  And be genuine about it.  

May: Minimize May

• Spring Cleaning!  Once a week, clean out a drawer, a room, a closet, the garage and organize your life.  

June: Just Say No June

• Say no to everything white and substitute wheat (i.e. bread, pasta, etc.)

July: Jump for Joy July

• You've almost made it a whole year!  This month is about indulging.  Once a week, treat yourself to something you want (i.e. a new pair of shoes, a brownie sundae, a lazy day on the sofa, etc.) 

August: Ass Kickin' August  

• Look at what you've accomplish over the last year and figure out how you can step it up a notch.  Maybe you've mastered the 3 day a week workouts, try 4.   Perhaps you really enjoyed donating to a good cause, why not join that organization to have more responsibilities.  The sky is the limit! 

I hope that both me and my mom's commitment to THE POWER OF 1 motivates you to join us in strengthening your mind, body and soul.   This blog will serve as a message board to share tips, stories of success, words of encouragement and creative new ideas. 

Motivate yourself by motivating others!