The way I see it, there are a few ways to motivate yourself to exercise, including:

1) competition
2) social pressure (for example, you told everyone you were running a marathon in September and you can't stand the shame of not following through)
3) you paid someone, such as a personal trainer, to be accountable to (and, as an added bonus, that person might even make sure you're doing it right)
4) vanity (the classic example being trying to fit into a wedding dress) 
5) fear (of illness, often of one you've let get a little too close for comfort)
6) camaraderie
OR 
7) for the joy of it!

I used to live in Seattle.  I have a good friend (see photo of us above) who was my climbing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and running buddy while I lived there.  Sometimes, he would just show up at my house and suggest we go for a run.  I used to jokingly refer to him as 'my personal trainer.'   We had some amazing adventures, and I was in the best shape of my life.  He pretty much kicked my ass at everything we did.  Sometimes he would, literally, run circles around me.  He taught me a very important lesson.  One day, he suggested I try running simply for the joy of it; instead of thinking about the distance I'd covered, how fast I was going, or the muscle cramp I was developing.   I tried to focus on being grateful that I could run, and I was amazed by how much better my performance and experience was...instantly!   Focusing on a positive emotion created a thoroughly positive experience.  

My patients often wait until they have to do things....eat well, exercise, take time to be calm, etc.   It's so much more fun to learn and grow through joy instead of pain.  I encourage you to find your joy.  Everyone has the capacity to make good choices, it can often be as simple as 'checking in' as you're about to sit down in front of the TV or reaching for a bag of chips, and asking 'is this really what is going to make me happy?'  [And sometimes, yes, that TV show IS what it going to make you happy!]  The process of making sustainable choices can be exhilarating and tremendously empowering!   Choose the carrot instead of the stick!  

Happy New Year!

My thanks to each and every one of you for your support in my first year practicing here in North Bay. It's been a fantastic year! The highlight of 2012, for me, is how often I've been blown away by the dramatic improvements in my patients. I believe in what I recommend, but it still takes me by surprise sometimes how beautifully it all works! 

I've had a number of patients ask me how they can fire their current medical doctor so that they can find a new one. In an under-serviced area like North Bay a new medical doctor or nurse practitioner will most likely refuse to take you on as a patient if you already have a medical doctor. To be clear, I'm not advocating for firing medical doctors! It's usually best to let someone know what you're dissatisfied with, and give them a chance to explain and/or improve. However, I'd also like for everyone to feel like they have some control over their own medical care. 

If you would like to fire your doctor, the best way to do so is to call the Service Ontario Info Line at 1-866-532-3161 and tell them the name of your medical doctor or nurse practitioner and that you would like to remove your name from their roster. Service Ontario tells me they will remove you from the roster within 48 hours, and mail you a letter confirming that they have done so. If need be, you can show that letter to the new medical doctor or nurse practitioner you would like to see. 

Last but not least, you can call 'Health Care Connect' at 1-800-445-1822, and they can help you find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area that is accepting patients.(www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect)