As a Transformational Coach and Facilitator I am always struck by how many people want overnight change without the daily work. Over a lifetime we settle into habits and patterns, often reactionary behaviors to the world that “domesticates” and trains us to be this or that according to the doctrines of our family, government, society, etc…

Thirty years ago when I decided that I did not like the body of the woman in the mirror, I made a powerful decision to change it. I knew that losing forty-five pounds or more was not going to happen overnight. I was keenly aware that I would have to make conscious choices everyday to support my goal to be healthy, vibrant, active and physically fit. I started a food journal, clipping images that inspired me to keep going as I wrote down what I ingested everyday. I ordered my weights and books to learn how to shape the figure I wanted for myself. (Below image taken a couple months ago)

Six days of every week I stood before the mirror determined to create change. I started out with tiny 2 pound weights and jogging in intervals to build up my stamina. I got rid of all the junk food in my home, filling my cupboards and refrigerator with healthy options. As the weeks went by I witnessed the transformation. I did all of this in the home of my great grandma who I was taking care of during the last months of her life. She would watch me, shaking her head at my craziness, for women were not “supposed” to do that, especially in work out clothes that exposed so much skin. I did not care what anyone thought, I knew what I wanted and everyday I was at choice to make it happen.

I share this story because “change” happens day by day, moment by moment – it arises and becomes through the small and large choices we make daily. I have gotten up in the wee hours of the morning to journal for over twenty-five years. When my children were young I would find myself with cup of tea and pen in hand at three or four in the morning. People think I am nuts, yet it is this choice and so many other daily practices that keep me aligned with my life vision, healthy body, mind and spirit.

Do the BIG decisions impact life, absolutely! However, I find most people underestimate the immense power of the daily little choices that change us on a cellular level. If you want to transform your life, it often begins with small action steps – working out 3-5 days of the week, making healthy food choices, meditating, journaling, reading, learning and taking action every day.

A healthy muscular body does not become overnight, so why do people believe that negative patterns will quickly change without daily work and attention? Think about someone you admire and respect, what are their daily practices? All of the mentors, teachers and role models I look up to “practice what they preach”, they daily take action towards embodying what they believe is possible to live a dynamic happy fulfilled life. I know from my own life experience that little daily choices create a foundation from which all things become.

Don’t take my word for it, begin tomorrow with one small change that you do everyday for thirty days. At the end of the thirty days reflect, how do you feel, what changes happened, did it positively effect your life??? I know for me the “little things” I choose to do daily create the ripple effect in my life, expanding it evermore into my glorious tomorrows…