Ask Melissa and Erica

Make Time for Your Journal

Q: I enjoy getting my thoughts and feelings down on paper — I even kept a diary as a kid. But with all the exercises and yoga, not to mention preparing my food — all the while holding down a full-time job — I just have no time to keep a journal. How can I fit keeping a journal into my packed schedule?

A: These days it seems as if people are constantly on the go — to work, to appointments, to soccer games, to parent-teacher conferences. It really can be challenging to find the time to accomplish everything you need to do. But don't let your journal fall by the wayside! Writing in your journal is crucial for keeping yourself focused on your goals and releasing some of your emotions. So try to slip it into those extra minutes you have throughout the day:

* On the bus, train, or subway to and from work
* Waiting in line
* Waiting for an appointment
* Waiting for a late friend
* During a morning or afternoon break
* Just before bed
* Anytime, anyplace at all!

Daily Inspiration

Finding the Right Words
Even if you've made time to sit down with your open journal and a pen, sometimes your inspiration is as dry as a desert wind. It's easy to jump-start your pen with some simple exercises that will have the ink and your ideas flowing.

Make a list of all the things you're grateful for — that your daughter took out the trash, that your last doctor's visit went well, or that you found a cute pair of black pumps on sale! Keep it simple, but be sure to keep it positive.

Also, when there's nothing new to say, keep track of all your accomplishments, both personal and professional, especially those that bring you closer to your bikini body. Remembering how far you've come will help affirm your lifestyle changes and motivate you to stick with the plan and to stick with writing down your thoughts. www.bikinibootcamp.com