In the emotion

Have you ever wondered why you can make a commitment one day and fall apart the next?

I have wondered the same thing many times. Recently I was listening to an audio book, Predictably Irrational. The book explained that when you are emotionally detached from a topic you can make smart, rational decisions.

But as soon as you layer on emotion, our ability to make rational decisions falls apart.

For example, have you ever made a commitment to go on a diet and really truly meant it? Then just hours or days later, when out with friends, you see everyone having dessert and decide, "Oh, well, I'll start my diet tomorrow." As soon as the emotion of being with friends and enjoying yourself came into play, you caved.

That is just what happened to me today. All week I was saying to myself that I can run/walk a 5k in under 35 minutes. I could see myself doing it. I knew I only had to shave 40 seconds off my time to make it. I felt sure success would be mine when I got on the treadmill.

Then...I got on the treadmill. I started running and boy was it not working for me. After two minutes I was telling myself, "Well, it's been two weeks since you ran last." Followed by, "Boy it's hot in here." I didn't think I could make another minute.

In fact I stopped. After all it was hot and I needed to take my tee-shirt off (never mind, I was catching my breath at the same time.) So I started again in my running shirt, now cooler and caught up on my breath.

Another six minutes and the talk started again. "You really can't expect to make it under 35 minutes. After all, it has been two weeks since you ran last."

Then I realized what I was doing. I was rationalizing my lack of commitment now that I was experiencing the emotion of how tough it was going to be. I reminded myself how angry and guilty I would feel if I gave up.

But boy was I tired. I started walking for about 15 seconds. Then the thoughts really kicked in. If you give up this easily, you are a total wimp. Start running!

I pushed myself and played mental games continuously. In the end I decided to take it minute by minute. Run a minute + just ten more seconds. Then walk. Guilt. Run another minute + just ten more seconds. Then walk. And on it went.

In the end, I finished the 5k in 34 minutes and 40 seconds. I did it!

Let the victory dance begin. Now the talk became, "I knew I could do it. I just needed to get past those first few minutes." Yeah - who am I kidding, I struggled the whole way through.

But I did it. So the tidbit I am passing on to you is - yes it is tough to stick to a commitment. Yes, it may down right "suck" the entire time. But in the end, if you did it, you get to do the victory dance (and in my case, eat a nice dish of soy ice cream) afterward.

The alternative, is more guilt and more negative self talk. No thank you.

Try it. Even though it hurts, it only hurts for a short time. The time on the treadmill, the time it takes to say "no thanks" at the restaurant. These are mere minutes. Just be strong for those few minutes and you get to feel good for a whole lot longer. Try it!

A Call to Change

The past few days have been full of dramatic change in my world. Two different paths, each started two years ago, have been suddenly called to the next level.

What brought about abrupt change - reading!

Two different pieces of literature stumbled into my life - one a book and one a magazine article.

I am stunned how just a few minutes spent reading the text of each called to me and inspired me to make two major changes in my life.

Never underestimate the power of the written word.

Take the time to read but not to lose yourself in the story rather to find yourself in the message.

I wonder if at a different time or in a different mood if the texts would have affected me so profoundly.

In any case, I feel I have been called to change the direction of the two paths I am on.

I hope someday I write something that is able to affect a change in the reader too!

May Special

Hello all. I don't know about you but I am totally confused as to what to wear. Should I put the winter clothes away or bundle up? One day it is 89 degrees and the next I am shivering in my sweatshirt.

As the season plays havoc with our body temperature, so do bugs and viruses with our system. In this case I am referring to computer bugs and information systems and not the swine flu. Someone with nothing better do to hacked into my web host's server and infected my home page. For those of you who haven't been able to reach my website for most of April, I do apologize.

The problem should be fixed now. If you are still getting redirected to a "looney tunes" page then try this. Go to your internet Tools tab, click on Options and then under privacy or security (depending on your browser) delete your Browsing History. This should delete any saved addresses in your browser search bar. (This has no effect on favorites or bookmarks.)

After that you should be able to get to my site without a problem. If you still experience a problem, please email me at jprice7733@gmail.com. (My normal email address has also been affected by the bug.)

So having said all that, we are re-runing the Gavin's Gift and the May Celebration specials. Please go to beautywithacause.com to read Gavin's story. We are donating 10% of April and May's sales to Gavin's Gift and we are matching the funds raised.

The Celebration Gift Sets that we created just for this cause smell wonderful. They are grapefruit and pink grapefruit scented bath and body products. The lotion is one of my favorite products. I call it my "happy" lotion as the scent always brightens my mood. I hope you will support Gavin and give yourself a pick me up at the same time. Happy May!

Ten tips to spring clean in less than six hours

Growing up, do you remember your mother or grandmother doing her Spring cleaning? Do you remember how thorough it was? Cabinets were emptied and cleaned. Throw rugs went out to be aired. All the windows were cleaned. A good week of solid cleaning ocurred. Who has time for that these days? Most of us don't.

In our rushed daily lives, cleaning takes a back seat to more pressing needs. Unfortunately our homes today need more of grandma's touch than older homes ever did. New construction has made our homes very air tight. Therefore germs can build and breed in our recirculated air and on our floor and furniture surfaces.

To get the benefit of "grandma's clean" without the time commitment here are ten effective cleaning tasks that will do the most to get germs out of your house in less than six hours.

1. Open the windows - As simple as it seems, the best way to get germs out is to circulate fresh air throughout your home. Time commitment - 5 minutes

2. Steam clean your carpets - Carpets are a breeding ground for germs and allergens. As an added bonus having your carpets steam cleaned is environmentally responsible as chemicals are not involved. Hire a professional that only uses steam and skip the rental cleaners. Time commitement - 5 mintues (the time it takes to make a phone call)

3. Clean major traffic doors - Finger prints, mud and dirt build up all winter long. You can't help but see them every day as you go about your life. Cleaning these highly visible areas will go a long way to freshening up your visual space. Clean with a simple solution of baking soda and water. This solution is gentle on surfaces yet effective. Best of all there is no lingering odor or chemical exposure. Time commitment - 60 minutes (assuming 10 minutes per door and 6 major doors)

4. Eliminate odors - Open a box of baking soda and leave it in windowless rooms and closets. Baking soda will absorb orders and leave the air fresher than a chemical freshener. Time commitment - 5 minutes

5. Toss it - Throw away the lonely mitten without a mate, the scarf that your kids will never wear, the snow pants that don't fit. Don't pack away stuff that won't get used next year. While it is still in sight, deal with it. Toss it or give it away. Time commitment - 10 minutes

6. Attack the kitchen - Clean all surfaces with a baking soda and water or a vinegar and water solution. Wipe away fingerprints from cabinets, stubborn spills from appliances and scuff marks from base boards. You spend a great deal of time in the kitchen even if you don't like to cook. In many houses the kitchen is the heart of the house. Focusing time here will pay off more than in lesser used rooms. Time commitment - 60 minutes (upbeat music is mandatory for this one)

7. Change the curtains - Remove heavy winter drapes for lighter sheers or go "naked." More daylight will brighten your spirits and liven up your entire home. Time commitment - 60 minutes (if you have a lot of windows like I do)

8. Clear out the vanity or bathroom drawers - At least twice a year you should review your toiletries and toss expired cosmetics and personal care items that have just been there too long. This is an area where clutter can build up quickly since you are typically rushed in the morning. Time commitment - 30 minutes (if you have to think how long its been there - toss it)

9. Get a few house plants - Green house plants can brighten up spaces or make them feel more serene. As an added benefit, plants clean the air. If you already have house plants, give them fresh soil and fertilizer. Trim off dead leaves and branches. You will just feel better with healthy foliage around you. Time commitment - 60 minutes (to go to the store or repot existing plants)

10. Refresh your personal area - Everyone has a favorite spot in the house. Chances are this is the place where clutter reigns - magazines that need to be tossed, piles of paper that need to be dealt with, etc. Since this is your personal refuge, cleaning this area will greatly impact your mood and leave you feeling refreshed. Time commitment - 60 minutes (I am assuming you are a bit of a pack rat or indecisive here; motivational music is needed)

Six hours and you are done. You can accomplish this easily over the course of the weekend. Come Monday you are fresh and ready for a terrific spring and summer season ahead!!