Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Wild Horses

I would love to blog more than I have been, but I have a priority list. The very first thing on my priority list is making and preparing my foods. Without a doubt this comes first. I have to eat everyday, multiple times a day, and nothing is more important to me that choosing for myself what foods I eat. I do not like being victim to the choices I have outside my own kitchen. Besides, it doesn't take that long to prep food. Many times in the past few weeks I have been doing just this, instead of blogging.

If I don't get it done first thing in the mornings a few times a week, then I do it after I eat lunch. I rarely cook at dinnertime, because I'm hungry at dinnertime. Not waiting until I'm hungry to make foods is key to not overeating. Even though it doesn't take alot of time to make something to eat, it still takes time. And if I'm hungry I can get impatient and anxious. Not that I don't find myself overeating at sometimes, but it's practically predictible if my foods aren't ready in advance.


Second priority is my training. Wild horses couldn't keep me from my kettlebell training, so you would think it would my first priority! Have I missed workouts because I was sick? Sure a couple of times, but I tried to train anyway! Once I give in to being sick in bed, my only thoughts are recovery so I can hit it hard asap. Training kettlebells takes even less time than prepping my foods, I can always squeeze it in. It takes no room and no time, at the very least 30 minutes 3 times a week. If I didn't have a kettlebell I'd make one up from a paint can with a handle or something crazy ass like that!

Since I lead a few classes a week I'm lucky that other people rely on me to show up, and because of that, even if I didn't fell like it, I don't have a choice. When I know no one will be in a scheduled class I still train as if there were....maybe not as intensely, sometimes more intensely. I've allotted the time for training so that's what I do. Leading others through workouts had been life changing for me because it keeps my creative juices flowing. When I train by myself I do the boring stuff which is as rewarding in a different way.


Speaking of different.....I'll get back to this in a sec.


My next priority is my new job. For those who don't know this, I'm currently writing a book, and it's a big deal. I've signed with Harper Collins Publishing and have deadlines coming fast and furious. My writing energy is focused on that project. I feel great about the writing I've been doing and I'm excited to share the finished product. This book has solidified my commitment to who I've become and how I was able to make the permanent changes that I know will keep me healthy, fit and happy....lucky for me all of those things go hand in hand.

I know that most people have full time jobs, whether formal jobs or stay at home wife/mommy kind of jobs, and are thinking that I have the luxury of time on my side. When I started my transformation I had a full time job, some days working 12 hours, and you know what? I often tell Mark that it felt easier back then! I had to keep my mind focused on my job not much time to obsess about food and exercise. I also had to be way more organized to get these other priorities done. I had far less time to waste when I had other responsibilities to consider.

Full time job, part time job, or no job, wild horses couldn't keep me from my priorities. It's because of these priorities I am who I am....maybe a bit different than most, but I wouldn't have it any other way.....


I've got 15 minutes to get ready for class...but I made time this morning for this blogpost....today this made priority over a shower! Have a great day!


10 comments:

Kellie said...

Thank you Tracy for reminding me that priorities are important. I never prioritize myself, meaning my training. I work 12 hour swing shifts with as lot of overtime. I am single and have a house that seems to always need something done. This is how I got in this shape to start with was putting something else in front of my health. Nothing else can happen if this doesn't change. Thank you again for reminding me of priorities.

guy said...

What book and how much will it cost?! Put me down for two copies!! Can I pre-order?? Will there be any receipes?

Tracy Reifkind said...

Kellie,

You're single? Here is your order of priority, #1 you, #2 you, and #3 you!

Start saying "NO" to less important things than taking care of you.

Let the house go, just do what I do and never invite anyone over!

Clear a space to swing a bell and make your own lunch everyday!

Tracy Reifkind said...

guy,

My book will be out in the stores the week after Xmas later this year. We are still working on the title.

The first part of the book is how my transformation came about. And why I think my approach to thinking, training, and eating can be transformative for you, the reader.


I'm working on the food/eating/diet section right now....exciting stuff! I will include recipes, as many as I can come up with and I hope, daily and/or weekly menu ideas as well. Yikes...I better do it now, huh?

Alison said...

Tracy,
I can't wait to read your book and review it for my readers!

Writing is just like working out or cooking for yourself. If you don't make it a priority, then it never happens. Deadlines help though....:)

I'm sure you have editors up the ying yang, but if you ever need a proof read from an outside source let me know.

spuetz3 said...

thanks Tracy... I check your blog almost daily & get excited whenever there's a new post. Can't wait till the book comes out, and by the way, you look smokin' hot in the party pictures!

Diana said...

With my career being a health care giver, my priority was always my patient. I had myself on the back burner from my mid 30's to my mid 40's. Thank God that I finally realized that all those patients I care for, and even my family for that fact, won't benefit from me if I'm not healthy enough to do what I need to do for them. And that is to be here on this world for as long as I'm intended to be!
Looking forward to your book....I wish I had a $ for every time some one told me I should "write" about my journey....

guy said...

For real though Bosslady, I am buying two copies of your book once it is released. One to put in plastic and the other to read. I know my wife will read it as well.

Mark Reifkind said...

guy,

we will announce all the details once things get closer but thanks!

Nadine said...

Priorities are important. with all the other nonsense that happens in life (esp. life with a teenager) its easy to lose track of that. thanks for the reminder!