Do you remember when you were a kid and felt like anything was possible? To dream big was ok and our parents encouraged us to reach for the stars. A lot of us did, some higher than others, but all with a determination and passion that literally filled our souls. Our minds did not hold us back; in fact it spurred us on.

For some around middle adulthood something happens to us. Our minds become cluttered with our to do list. Basically we become stuck just trying to get through the day. Our dreams become just that and getting through the day is about all we can handle. Our mind is basically locked down in a since and holding us back from what we desire and truly want to be.

Our mind is very powerful and we cannot separate it from our physical selves. Numerous scientific studies have proved that what we think has a direct impact on our physical selves. Stress which originates in the mind has major implications on us physically. It can cause the body to be in a constant state of inflammation which can lead to many health issues. If we allow our minds to constantly focus on the negative then that becomes our reality. For instance, if we always tell ourselves that we are fat and disgusting then we see ourselves that way. We become that overweight person we see. It almost blinds us from seeing what is right. What we think is what we are.

Now some will argue that this simply is not the case. I would argue back that the depression rate in this country is staggering. Negative self-talk is sabotaging to anything we try to accomplish. It's like a ball and chain that just makes everything harder. Now I'm not proposing that being overweight is healthy. However, I am proposing that weight is one factor of who we are and how we address it is important. From a health perspective maintaining a healthy weight is important. However, the body will not change unless the mind does. The mind and body have to be in sync to make lasting changes. Otherwise, you might get a temporary change with no lasting results. Body image is tied into what we think of ourselves. Individuals that struggle with body image can be overweight or extremely underweight. Their thought patterns keep them locked up inside of a vicious cycle. The more they criticize themselves, their weight issues become worse.

Negative energy creates more negative energy, while positive energy creates more positive energy. Simple but true. Maybe you have amazing green eyes and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. Or maybe you are a nurse who literally saves lives every day. Maybe you're a teacher that enriches the lives of the children in your class by bringing history to life. The list goes on so fill in the blank of who you are. What do you see when you look in the mirror? Try to see what is right, not your flaws, we all have them. If positivity begins to fill you mind, then you will begin to see yourself differently. The bonus is changes might happen that you thought were impossible. The mind is so powerful, tap into its potential. You won't be disappointed. It's a new year so today, make your thoughts work for you. Be positive and create a can do attitude. I promise it will change your life. A new year that is full of positive possibilities!

For more information about wellness and fitness please contact: Kay Colgan at Middleburg Pilates and Personal Training, 14 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, Virginia, 540-687-6995.