Shawn Wallin

Resist the Temptation

 

21-Day Challenge: Day 4

So far I have kept up with my 21-Day Challenge but it has yet to become easy or natural as I am still craving sugar, soda pop and candy. Willpower is everything and I have been very positive throughout this experience. As you can see from today's photo I have had to make little reminders to myself to not give in to temptation. Including our pantry that is filled with all sorts of junk food like potato chips, cookies and soda pop. 

The world is full of temptation and even just attending my daughter's summer program presentation today presented challenges. After the presentation all of the guest were treated to a treat made by the kids, Pudding Mud Cups, complete with pudding, Oreo cookie crumbs and a gummy worm. Sugar Sugar Sugar... not good for my plan. I did try a few spoonfuls but felt so guilty about breaking my plan that I doubled up on my excercise, meditation and reading to redeem my poor judgement.

May tomorrow bring no temptation!

Off to a Great Start

21-Day Challenge: Day 2

Today was a bit of a challenge for keeping on track but thankfully my mind pulled through. Our daughter had a birthday party to go to which also featured a swimming time which required a parent to attend. The parents of the birthday girl were perfect hosts and offered us drinks and pizza but I really didn't want to fold only two days into this challenge.

I technically cheated because we were offered Pizza, Beer, Bloody Marys or Water. I started with water but eventually caved in to the drink offerings and had a Bloody Mary which didn't have a whole lot of Vodka in it so I didn't feel too guilty.

I made up for it by doubling my exercising, practicing meditation, yoga and my reading time. It is almost impossible to eat healthy at most restaurants and our regular Friday night family dinner with my wifes family proved tough. I did end up just getting some Walleye with Steamed Vegetables with a plain iced tea. Skipping the drinks and appetizers was tough but in one day I lost 3lbs from just avoiding my regular snacks and soda pop.

Day 2: Done... BAM!!

21 Day Challenge

21-Day Challenge: Day 1

For the month of August I have decided to put my mind to a test by participating in a 21-Day Challenge. Why I decided to do this is mostly for a mindfullness challenge but also for a health benefit.

Here are my goals for the next 21-Days...

• No Alcohol
• No Sugar
• No Processed Foods (Only non "Product/Package" foods)
• No Fast Food
• No Soda Pop
• Practice Meditation Daily
• Excerise

For bonus points I also added in:

• Read a book for at least 20 minutes daily
• Take a photo everyday

Postive attitude will be everything to me because I do not want to take this challenge as a "Damn, 20 more days to go" and instead frame it as "Kick Ass... 1 day down. As a sugar junkie and sometimes busy family man it will be hard to keep focus but I am happy to say that Day 1 was a piece of cake (no pun intended).

The only reward I will allow myself is my daily coffee with some French Vanilla cream which is my most favorite part of my morning routine. My biggest challenge will be staying away from candy and soda as I typically drink at least 2 cans of soda pop a day.

What would you challenge yourself to do with a 21-Day challenge?

Project 365: Day 1/365

Project 365 - Day 1

For the past several years I have always wanted to start my very own Project 365 with the hopes that it would inspire me and get the creative juices flowing as daily photos document the days of my life. Well today is the day! Why an average Monday in January? Simply because I have put this project off long enough and what better moment to seize than RIGHT NOW?

So last night as I sat at my laptop and updated my goals for the week I decided to make "Start Project 365" a top priority. Starting tomorrow. My name is Shawn and I am a procrastinator! Well tomorrow has arrived and is about to expire. After sitting in the closet for months I finally pulled out the Canon 40D and instantly fell in love again with the feeling of having my camera in my hands. After charging up the battery and getting everything ready I did bring it with me to work with the hope of capturing a few interesting shots. As I drove into St. Paul I loved how the wet snow had clung onto all of the trees that lined the streets. The thought of "I should stop and take a few pictures" did cross my mind but motivation to follow through ended there.

Project 365 - 1/365 will go down as a simple "You have to start somewhere" iPhone 5 photo using the Apple iPad 3rd Gen with the Paper app. Forgive me but it is now 10:02 PM now and way past my bedtime! Yeah!!!! I started at least!

Project 365 - 1/365

Today officially marks the kick off to my Project 365 photo project which involves taking a picture each and every day for a whole year. Part motivation to use my camera and part art project. It will be tough to stay motivated but wish me luck!