What Is Formerlyme?

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FormerlyMe is an online movement to motivate and inspire people to become the best version of themselves by showing them my journey and experience in trying a new workout and lifestyle regime every 90 days. Every post, update, and video is ‘formerly me’ as I endeavor to become the best version of myself and become FormerlyMe. Each month CP Magazine will showcase a part of my journey to becoming the best version of myself. I hope that in turn this inspires and motivates you to start your own journey as well. For this month’s story we will focus on the “New year’s Mantras” days of my journey.

FormerlyMe.com presents “New Year’s Mantras”

Jim West

Happy New Years! Every January 1st billions of people around the world start a fresh year with new ideas, plans, and of course resolutions.

According to Merriam-Webster, Resolution is defined as “A formed decision to do or not do something. Intention, resolve, decision, aim, or aspiration.” Most common resolutions are for weight loss, quit smoking/ drinking, eat healthier, be less stressed, and to travel more. It is no small wonder why gyms across the globe see high levels of sign-ups and membership enrollments in January. Often these resolutions fizzle out when life, excuses, old behaviors get in the way of what once was a good idea.

It is said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Yet according to studies, only 6% of people who make resolutions actually stick to them. That is not so motivating when you hear that. Obviously taking the time to think about what and where you want to be in your future is a good start. Even making the effort is also good. The intent is there, but what often happens is we set expectations and goals and when those are not met we abandon the resolution and give up.

This year I suggest you try something I have been doing for a few years now and it has helped me make permanent changes. Choose a mantra over a resolution. Mantra is a word or phrase that expresses a basic belief. The word or phrase becomes a constructive and positive reinforcement method for you to speak out loud, write it down, or just think about throughout your day. Structure your mantra on the “why” not the “what” you want to accomplish. Instead of a resolution to lose 20 pounds, ask yourself why do you want to lose 20 pounds? To be healthier? The try speaking and believing in a mantra of “I am healthy”.

A mantra of “I am healthy”, is something you repeat and affirm to yourself as you go to lunch and reminds you to make healthier food choices. It reminds you to drop down and do some push-ups or squats if you don’t have the time to hit the gym. “I am healthy” can help motivate you to visit your doctor for routine checkups to check your heart, blood, and other medical check-ups for your health. The mantra now takes it from losing 20 pounds to expanding out your goal to all aspects of your health. Least of which are mental and spiritual health. What good is a healthy body if the mind and spirit are weak? Be sure to cover all of this with your mantra. My mantra in 2020 and 2021 was “Take No Prisoners”. In my life I tolerated too many toxic and negative people in my life. I was allowing them to become prisoners I didn’t want to leave behind. Whether a family member struggling with money problems, or a friend struggling with health issues. I used to go out of my way to help them over and over again letting my time and energy be drained in efforts to help people who wouldn’t first help themselves. This impacted my physical health by not having the time or energy for workouts. The negativity and toxicity affected my mental and spiritual health. I had to adopt the mantra of letting prisoners remain prisoners of their own choices. “Take No Prisoners” to me meant to let the negativity and toxicity go in every aspect of my life. This greatly helped me to move forward and focus on improving myself. It has given me significant calm and peace in my life.

Here are a couple mantras you can use for 2023. “I Do Not Waste Time” can be what you repeat when you grab a TV remote or keep yourself from scrolling through hours of TikTok videos to remind yourself to write that idea for a book you have. Learn a new skill. Connect with your family or the elderly as you may regret not taking the time to spend with them before they ae gone. “I Do Not Need Much” can be your mantra to use less and waste less. That is a good one for those environmentally conscious. In closing I wish you the best year in 2023, full of accomplishments and success in your journey to become the best version of yourself.

If you visit in December you get to experience the city’s Christmas Markets and various food stalls in the historic city center. Perfect time to grab a mug of warm mulled wine, eat some apple strudel, and enjoy the festive spirit of the holidays. With the holiday season upon us I wanted to say to all of the CP Magazine readers, Happy Holidays! I look forward to bringing you more adventures in the New Year!

Follow my journey online at FormerlyMe.com and on the YouTube channel. Next month I will cover my more unique experiences I had in the past few years. Until next time that has been FormerlyMe! facebook.com/FormerlyMe twitter.com/MeFormerly instagram.com/formerlymeofficial