Moving Forward – February Calendar Page

The picture for February’s calendar page shows a donkey pulled by a rope, and another overlooking the Grand Canyon. How did the donkey in the second picture come to gaze on this beautiful view? One step at a time.

My theme for February is “Moving Forward.” I’ve come kicking and screaming into this new year as I’ve made a commitment to take small steps toward establishing a healthy lifestyle in 2021. (See Jan. Blog for more info.) My motivating music this month is “On the Trail” from the Grand Canyon Suite. I’ll listen to it as I establish small habits of riding my exercise bike, spending time reading encouraging words, and making a “lean and green” meal every day.

I’ve posted my calendar pages above my desk as daily reminders. January’s page (forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…) reminded me that my goal wouldn’t be won without a struggle, but that the reward would be worth it. This month, the donkey images remind me to move forward, one small step at a time, and not resist the pain I’ll experience in the process. Let me explain.

I love to discover the root meaning of words. I recently learned that the word “lead” comes from the Greek word, ago. This word was often used to depict an animal tied to a rope so the owner could lead it where he needed it to go. The word agon, uses this Greek root word. In Greek, the word agon describes an intense conflict, such as a struggle in a wrestling match, or a struggle of the human will. That’s where we get our word “agony.”

It’s agony to be led where we don’t want to go. I’d rather eat until I feel full. It’s been agony to only eat the portions prescribed in my lean and green recipes this past month. However, the more I do it, the more it becomes a habit, and the closer I come to reaching my goal. Between the “trees,” (donkey on the trail image here!) I’ve already seen glimpses of the beautiful view up ahead. I know it’ll be worth the struggle.

I’ve set a goal of creating motivational calendar pages every two months. If you’d like to receive copies of these pages and join me in the struggle to reach higher heights with beautiful views, please let me know. I’d love to have companions on the trail! I’ll send you an email every other month with the next two pages. You can adapt the pages to meet your own personal goals, or just print and post them as is. The struggle of the climb is always easier with a friend!

Click here and I’ll send you a Word copy of January and February’s pages, and then send you the other months as they approach. The digital copies include hot links to the suggested music, as well as other items referenced on the calendar. Here’s a QR code that will provide all these links in one place for January and February.