Power Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Stephanie DelTorchio

Always Look Again

Look Again Quote | befat.net

The first time we attempt to do something new takes courage. Being out of our comfort zone triggers all the internal the bells and whistles to go off. We face self-doubt. Reservations. Second thoughts.

“I’d turn back if I were you,” was the message writtenn in BOLD letters on the front door entrance to the Land of Oz. But Dorothy (and her fellow seekers) were not deterred; they knocked again. They persisted.

Knock again. Persist. Try again.

Look again. Always look again.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original Graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio

Quote: Maryanne Rochmacher

Grow Or Die Trying

Grow Old or Die Trying | befat.net

Staying in motion, going forward, even teeny tiny steps will yield big results.

It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a book, raising kids, remodeling the kitchen, starting a small business…your project or goal needs constant attention and action to yield measurable results.

Fair warning: Attempting any goal might kill you, but press on.

Last fall I bought an(other) exercise book. I read it cover to cover. There sure were some pretty pictures of young women in toned bodies, more than half my age, all smiling (at me?).

I got familiar with the exercises, doing them in my head while sitting on the couch. The ones that promised tighter abs got highlighted with a bright yellow marker. Kind of a joke to consider this a possibility since the last time I saw mine Jimmy Carter was still in office.

Part B of the exercise program emphasizes nutrition.

I could practically taste the monotony of the rotating 120 day meal plan. The meals had been aesthetically plated for photographing, but even in full-color one could taste the beige and tan of boiled chicken and brown rice. For variety, the author suggests substituting “green meals”. Basically, KALE, thrown in an expensive blender along with powders and oils and seeds, whirled into a sludge. Think St. Patty’s Day Slurpee with chunks and you get the idea.

I put the book on the coffee table in plain view, but a safe distance from my bowl of Cherry Garcia.

Oh, the guilt.

My motto has always been: Eat Well. Exercise. Die Anyway. But this time, once and for all, I wanted to find out if my arms were indeed long enough to touch my toes. Enjoy a plumbing system with the regularity of spring rain. And zip up my jeans without having to fold fat like an accordion.

Six months after starting the exercise and meal program — SIX months — I felt a strange bump on the back of my upper arm. At first I thought it was a tumor. Turns out it was a muscle. Hello, old friend.

Exercise and eating regiments are nothing new for me. They cycle around every few years like Pyramid schemes, promising big pay-outs for a short upfront investment.

For the most part I’ve stuck with it. There have been days when I sat on the exercise bike and read the newsfeed on my phone. Not pedaling, just reading. Other times I’ve twisted in some weird Yoga position only to Zen out to a Tahitian beach.

But let the record show, I showed up — in my Spandex and sneakers every day. And surprisingly, I’ve grown to appreciate the health benefits of green shakes.

A few months into it and honestly I feel yucky when I skip a day. Again, for the record, I haven’t lost a single pound and my clothes are either loose or tight in different places. The good news: I’ve proved that my arms are long enough to touch my toes. And with a dedicated 45 minutes a day on the bike I’m learning conversational Italian. Molto bene!

Who knows, I might pedal enough miles to make it all the way to Tahiti. I’ve heard it’s very green. Perfect for making healthy Slurpees.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio

Stairs vs Elevator

stairs vs elevator

Given a choice, do you take the stairs or the elevator?

The stairs are a physical and mental challenge.
The elevator is a passive alternative.

Taking the Stairs

Requires physical energy to climb each step (or multiple steps) on purpose.

You get to choose at what pace you get to the top.

And you’re solely responsible for getting to the top.

Taking the stairs is considered, or preferable, when the wait to get on the elevator is longer than the line for the stairs. (Newsflash: The line for the stairs is ALWAYS shorter)

It’s the rule to take the stairs if the building is on fire.

Or (should be) when the repair truck is in view.

Taking the Elevator

Requires tolerance, of man and machine.

The time it takes to rise to the top is in relation to the number of people who ride with you, and who are not getting off on your floor.

Taking the elevator is preferable when the baggage you’re carrying is more than you’re able, or willing, to carry comfortably.

Take the elevator when the math works in favor of straight vertical, up or down.

Or when you have 2 minutes or less to give an elevator pitch.

Or when saving your breath outweighs losing it.

The Choice

The lazy, overburdened, habitually late or impeccably dressed usually chose to take the elevator. It’s a smooth, predictable and submissive climb or decent.

The physically and mentally prepared usually chose to take the stairs. There are moments of pause, catching one’s breath and awareness of thigh pain, but they press on.

Given the choice consider taking the stairs. Unless your sensible shoes are not tied tight to your own feet. Then take the elevator with everyone else.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio. Images:iClipArt

Plan Tomorrow Today

Positive Quote | graphic |befat.net

The 3 important things you MUST get done tomorrow.

Written on a sticky note.

Attached to the first object you see in the morning. (Not a human or animal please)

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic and quote: Stephanie DelTorchio

What’s Your Fear?

Fear graphic befat.net

Fear holds us back again and again.

We miss opportunities out of fear.

We don’t start at all because of fear.

We’re afraid because of fear!

But fear is really insurance that keeps us safe, or stuck. Depends how you look at it.

Fear is what keeps us alive; our instincts and gut feelings doing their job to protect. But fear also paralyzes us. And we get angry at ourselves, don’t we? for being afraid to step out.

Just for today, pretend you don’t don’t have any fears. What would you do?

Fill in the blanks:

If I had no fear, I would _________________________.

If I was ______________ (select from suggestions below) I would __________________.

Some common fears, uhm, excuses:

Taller
Shorter
Thinner
Younger
Smarter
Had a degree (or more degrees)
Knew somebody/Had connections
Was more talented
Could sing
Could write
Could draw a straight line
Sew
Hammer a nail
Didn’t fear heights
Wasn’t afraid to fly
Could drive
Had more money
Had a car
Had a spouse/partner
Didn’t have a spouse/partner
Had children/didn’t have children
Was prettier
A blonde
A brunette
Not bald
Healthier
Stronger

…of course the list goes on.

Forget any of these “answers”. They’re just more excuses for not doing what you are meant to do. And you already know that.

Step away from fear

Today, take a step ahead away from fear. Tell someone you trust one thing you want to do. Make yourself accountable to try to do one thing to move ahead. Agree to report back in a day or week. Do the same for that person — everyone is in the same boat.

Fear is all in our head. Okay, not if you are standing on a rooftop 600 feet above the street about to walk a thin tightrope between two buildings, without a net. That rising sick feeling in your belly IS FEAR for most of us. That too can be overcome.

Most of the fears we face are minor in scope but monumental in terms of us getting from where we are to where we want to be.

I repeat this idea often because it’s a big issue for me and many of my closest allies. The accountability thing really works. I’m embarrassed (more than fearful) to report back that I’ve not done what I’d promised. That’s good enough motivation for me.

Writing a query letter to pitch an idea to an editor or producer made my palms sweat. Silly, right? But for a long time it was the FEAR OF REJECTION that kept my letters and manuscripts in the drawer. I finally reasoned 1.I wasn’t getting any younger, and 2. What was really at stake here? Answer: Nothing.

I’m not afraid anymore. I send out an idea then move on to write the next one. If I get rejected, big deal. Nobody died. And I can do it every day now, without a net.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Graphic design and quote: Stephanie DelTorchio/Image: iClipArt

Ride the Wave

Positive graphic |befat.net

Am I the only one with recurring dreams?

I have had the same dream for several months. I’m walking the beach I love and stop at the shoreline to admire the view. A large wave begins to swell and build far off shore. I know this is no ordinary wave and its impact will crush and kill me. When I try to run my feet won’t move. They’re buried deep in the sand. I can’t even wiggle my toes.

In super slow motion the wave grows several stories high (it’s a dream, ok?). I look up to a Biblical wall of water; the top is beyond my sight. My breathing becomes rapid and heavy until no air goes in or comes out. Any last attempt to flee is moot. The wave leans forward, curling over the open sky, inches from my face. I wake up in a panic. Trembling. Clammy. Panting. But alive and safe in my bed.

Why does this keep happening? I’ll spare my long self-analyzing reasoning but there’s been major changes in my life that require a shift in unfamiliar directions. It’s no wonder I feel crashed on and consumed.

I saw a version of this quote (source unknown to me – please, tell me if you know). The meaning of the message has allowed me to breathe a bit easier during the day.

Now when I go to sleep I’m prepared for the dream.

I walk the beach that I love and stop at the water’s edge to admire the view. I’m wearing a wet suit and carrying a longboard. The same wave begins to swell offshore. As it rolls to shore I can’t say that I’m not nervous — I am. But I know the wave can’t take me out because I’ve learned to surf.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Are You In The Right Story?

Once Upon A Time you started a book and feel kinda committed to finishing it…

Maybe you took a chance on a new genre, got a recommendation from a friend, found it on the sale rack. After the first few chapters you know it’s not for you.

It lacks character development.

It’s BORING!

It’s stuck in a time or place you’d like to forget.

It’s too racy or

too “groovy”

or TOO. DAMN. CHALLENGING.

There’s no romance.

Or worse…PSYCHOTIC romance — the clinging, needy, I can’t live with you/without you kind.

There’s no adventure.

It’s too dramatic.

It’s a mystery!

If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, close the book. There are too many options out there to settle on a story that is bound to end unhappily ever after.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic and quote: Stephanie DelTorchio

The Good Fight

Self-love quote graphic/befat.net

So you’ve fought the good fight.

For you the road from there to here wasn’t always easy. Or straight. Or marked with clear understandable signs. Maybe the road you’ve traveled to get to where you stand now, sucked. Big time.

Or the beginning was just okay. Average. No major tragedies, but not the supportive or loving surroundings you craved. You were a kid. No matter what happened then, you weren’t necessarily in charge of that leg of the journey. Bigger smarter adults drove the bus and you were cool going along for the ride because you were a kid — not much leverage, right?

Then you grew up. Joined the big leagues. Made your own choices.

You lived and (figuratively) died by the times you said “YES” when maybe the best answer was “No, thank you.”

“Yes, I’ll have another drink.”

“Yes, I’ll date you/marry you.”

“Yes, I’ll take this job.”

“Yes, I’ll lend you money.”

“Yes, of course I trust you.”

Conversely, what about all the times you said “NOPE” (too quickly) when saying “yes” may have made things…easier? Nicer? Better? Less freaking complicated! Ah, hindsight.

After all the shit we put ourselves through, it’s a wonder that we’re still standing.

Let’s sum up: You made some good choices and…not-so-good ones.

Okay, so you fucked up plenty of times. But utilizing basic survival tactics — pigheadedness, drive, curiosity, focus, determination, willpower, sacrifice, fear, etc. — you are still here. Pretty cool when you look back, right?

It’s a long slog to get from being a dependent child to a functioning mature adult. And it ain’t always pretty. Take a breath, relax and reflect on how far you’ve come.

Love yourself for fighting the good fight. You’re here now. Carry on. No looking back.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio

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Think Well of Yourself

befat.net Positive Quote Image

Forget about what other people say about us. Often we’re our own worse enemy.

Pay attention to every time you utter a negative comment about yourself. It’s a passing thing usually in quick response to some every day act or behavior — dropping a cup, taking a wrong turn, tripping over the rug, fumbling a conversation. We say things like: “You’re so stupid”, “Idiot”, “Why did you do that?, “And THIS is why you’re still alone!”

For today, be aware of this negative self-talk. Try to catch yourself beforehand but if you can’t, immediately replace the negative with a positive. Say something nice and loving about yourself.

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!
Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio