simply successful secrets

i've been tagged by anne and asked to participate in the simply successful secret research project... the list should include 5-10 things that i do every day (or at least 4-5 times a week) to stay successful at weight loss or anything health-related... i had to laugh though when i first read about it because lately, i feel that i've been less successful than in the past but i can think of a few things to list...

1. i use my lunch hour to workout
   i'm very lucky to have a gym in my building and use this hour to do either cardio or weights... it makes it very convenient for me and i really have no excuse NOT to go, so think its been a wise investment...
2. i blog
   this includes blogging on my own site, as well as reading and commenting on others... in a matter of 2+ years, i have learned a great deal about myself and others who are struggling with the same issues... i have met some really great people who still, to this day, motivate, inspire, and make me laugh...
   
3. i subscribe to health magazines
   i've always been a big magazine person and chose ones that contain not only weight loss articles, but also ones about self-improvement in general - my current list includes: health, fitness, rachael ray, and oprah... i usually find at least 1-2 articles that are interesting and try to apply them to my life in some way, whether its a new workout, a new recipe, or stories about other women that have overcome difficult obstacles...
   
4. i take baths
   this is something i've done since the first night i moved into my apartment - i use this time to not only unwind but to relax, catch up on my reading, page thru catalogs, and as time to myself... and who can no to a tub full of bubbles?
   
5. i accept myself
   this has been a hard one to achieve but in doing so, i have managed to let a lot of 'little things' go... i am human, therefore, i am not perfect - i will have bad days, splurge too much on a certain food, feel too lazy to exercise, and cringe when my pants are tight... but i have also learned that i'm capable of doing anything and need to give myself more credit - thus, one of the reasons why i'm doing the 5K in june... challenging yourself is the only way you're going to grow as a person, this can be applied to everything in your life...
   
6. i laugh
   i find humor in anything and everything - i learned a long time ago that if you can't laugh at yourself, you're missing out on something... i also surround myself with funny people - eric makes me laugh so hard sometimes (he doesn't even try) and for that i am so very thankful... i've also managed to have a lot of friends that have a great sense of humor - it just makes life so much less serious sometimes...
   
7. i am thankful
   i am very thankful to have so many things in my life - a roof over my head; a job that provides stability; a wonderful, understanding, and supportive boyfriend; a great set of friends; a family that i've grown closer too; and most importantly, the strength to pick myself after falling so many times... i am also thankful for this blog and for so many others that fill my day with amazing things...
   

i will keep this going and now tag amanda and sarah...

happy saturday...