Lessons Learned: The Real Purpose of Time-out

This past week was a milestone week for my family. Hala started pre-school!! So of course we had to do the proud parent thing and take pictures, visit the classroom, ask about her day and what her new friends’ names were… you know, all that first day of school stuff.

What also comes with this exciting new transition??? Change. Our routine changes – now Daddy takes Hala to school and picks her up, while I take the other two to daycare. On Mondays, nap items and fruit to share need to be taken to school, and on Fridays nap items come home to get cleaned. Fundraisers begin, fall breaks to plan, and on and on and on.

In the midst of all this, last night I had to put Hala in time-out for refusing to share with her sister. I thought to myself, man, I wish I could be in time-out. Sometimes it seems as though it’s a luxury to have the time to take a breath between the day’s hustle and bustle. I’m not sure where exactly that transition in thinking changes, but at some point we begin to recognize “time-out” is not as punishment, but a gift of time. It signifies a break in momentum in one direction and an opportunity to redirect our energy toward something better.

Give yourself a “time-out” today and recognize it as a chance to change your momentum. Given this opportunity, what path will you take??

Share it with us! Post a comment on the change you are looking to make today!

What H3 Means to Me

After having our staff Christmas party this past week, it got me thinking a little bit about my time here with Hilton Head Health.  Having been a part of this place for 7 years now, it’s more than just a job.  We will start from the obvious… (although, if you’ve been here they are probably all obvious):

1. It’s a source of income.  When asked if they like their job, many people say, “It’s a source of income.”  While this is of course necessary, it has little to do with why I’m still here today.


2. It’s a source of inspiration.  When I started as an intern, I was not only inspired by the staff and reputable program, but more so by the Guests of H3.  The motivation and determination demonstrated by our Guests, so many who may have not exercised in years, and the dedication  I witness as they come in each day and work their bodies so hard… it’s unbelievable.  Not only our Guests, but also staff members who take on challenges like running their first race or quitting smoking, are also inspiring to me to reach my personal goals.


3. It’s a source of knowledge.  As my life changes with growing family, new obstacles, and changes in routine, I have at my fingertips passionate and kind-hearted team members to give advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through every curve ball thrown at me.


4. It’s a source of opportunity.  Each role I’ve held while at H3 has provided growth and insight to what makes H3 work.  Every department is an essential nut or bolt to allow H3 to help people make lifestyle change—and it’s a privilege to learn and experience that chemistry, and play a part in keeping it going.


5. It’s where my friends are.  We often hear that work and play just don’t mesh, but it’s a different story at H3.  When you are surrounded by people who have the same belief system that you do, and a passion for sharing it and being the best you can be, it’s hard not to combine work and play0—especially, when work is so much fun!


6. H3’s my family.  Having moved here fromIndiana, H3 has become my family.  They are the ones who surround me when times get tough and who celebrate with me when exciting things happen—Guests and staff alike.  We’re all human beings and ups and downs are a natural part of life.  What a blessed opportunity to be in an environment where those things are not suppressed or tossed out the window as unimportant, but instead, shared, supported and matured from.

Thank you, H3, for 7 amazing years.  I always joke that you never know what will happen next around here, but I can promise you one thing, I will be sure not to miss it! 

What does H3 mean to you?  Please take a moment to share with us!

 

Top 11 of 11’

In the spirit of season, we are taking time to give thanks for all our blessings. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on some profound moments here at H3 during 2011. Below is a list of our top 11 of 11’. Were you here with us during any of these moments? If so, repost your experience! If you were not here with us, please feel free to post in the comments section your most memorable/reflective moment at H3 during 2011!

1. Bob Wright’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Week and Roast
2. Opening of The Culinary Arts Center
3. H3 Vegetable and Herb Garden (Planted, tended and feeding lots of Guests!)
4. H3 @ Home Coaching (Jeff, Amy, and Linda)
5. New Faces- (Lizette Volz, Amy Kelderhouse and several others!)
6. “Heavy” aired on A&E
7. The start of H3 EI (Extended Intensive Program as program option)
8. New Treadmills (Woodway)
9. New Classes (Yoga Power Flow, Running Technique, The FIRM, Butts and Guts, Gliding, Low Impact Kickboxing, Yoga in the Pool, Bender Ball, H20 Boot camp, Cardio Sculpt and more!)
10. Personal Responsibility Workshop (1st year offering this and what a success!!!)
11. The completion of Calibogie lecture hall (“smart board” and all!)

[caption id="attachment_6938" align="alignleft" width="420" caption="Bob Wright 30th Anniversay RoastCAC Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

[caption id="attachment_6939" align="alignleft" width="420" caption="CAC Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration"][/caption]

Being Mindful of the Journey

Everyone recognizes the importance of goal setting when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes. In fact, a clear vision of our desired end result is a significant motivator. However, our final goal can often seem so far off and practically unattainable; focusing solely on the goal, while paying little attention to the process, can be paralyzing for many individuals.

Part of what we teach at H3 is the importance of mindfulness -- being present, in the moment. Living a mindful lifestyle is paying attention to the process of achieving our goals. That means we acknowledge with each new day what we weren't able to do the day before. We also acknowledge the gratitude that goes with each new achievement, no matter how small. Appreciation for accomplishing our final goal remains shallow unless we reflect on the journey. That reflection needs to be done on a daily basis in order to get the full benefit.

Paying attention to the journey, as it's happening, is embracing the full measure of the needed change. The change itself becomes your lifestyle when you're mindful. Without the reflection, it is likely that you can see the weight loss while learning little about how you really achieved it. Being mindful of the process allows you to experience the little victories, which then become bigger victories that result in your ultimate victory. Mindfulness produces the momentum you need to cross the finish line.

So what does being mindful of the journey really look like? It’s noticing the sweat on your body and the intensity of your breath during exercise. It's setting your sight far beyond the numbers on the scale. It's taking pride that after just two weeks at H3 you went from a zero incline and 2 miles per hour in Treading Class to an incline of 14. It's getting through an entire Cardio-Boxing class without having to sit down, feeling like you want to throw up but inwardly smiling from the seemingly impossible accomplishment. It's trying something completely new like yoga, whole grains, or Bootcamp and realizing you enjoy it. It's noticing the subtle changes in your attitude, outlook and mood as you move forward. It's paying attention to the feelings that surface as you shed old, dysfunctional coping strategies. It’s starting to live in your body instead of in your head.

If you think about it, all we really have is this moment anyway. We are not guaranteed of the next moment or tomorrow even. So why sell yourself short of the daily gratitude that comes from living in the journey instead of an uncertain future? In short, paying attention to the journey, moment by moment, is giving yourself permission to experience the rewards of success everyday instead of months down the line