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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - January 1, 2020 Edition!
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"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible."
~Tony Robbins
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Many changes took place in Westcreek in 2019!
We welcomed our new Community Manager, Jacob Fey, and our new Standards Manager, Beverly Hover. Both have been fantastic additions to our staff.
Our
Community Activities Department
and
Office Staff
worked hard to bring homeowners new programs and activities this past year. Specifically, we added:
- Monthly BINGO and Poker Club games.
- Quarterly Market Days.
- A robust "StrEATS of Westcreek" food truck schedule.
- A wide variety of health and fitness classes such as Karate, Yoga, Senior Fit and dance programs.
- Sporting activities for children and adults, and much more.
- We expanded neighborhood favorites such as the Fall Festival and Santa In the Park!
- In the spirit of giving, our residents have fully supported our "Angel Tree Program" and "Food Drive," making each initiative a success.
- To promote community safety, our Association hosted a "Stop the Bleed Program" this past year and plan on providing additional training opportunities to our residents in 2020.
- Thanks to the volunteers who serve on the Communications Committee, Westcreek Living celebrated its 1st year in publication.
Our Sports Park
underwent many improvements this past year. The Board has used homeowner feedback to update the facilities.
- The multi-phase lighting project brought new lighting to the track, fields, parking lot, and pavilion areas. This project allows for extended homeowner use during evening hours and more safety for our residents.
- We completed the long-awaited bathroom renovation project. We went from one functional stall to separate three-stall ADA compliant men's and women's restrooms.
- ADA compliant picnic tables were also added at the pavilion and near the walking track.
- A new larger grill and prep table were added to the pavilion to accommodate large parties.
- We replaced all drinking fountains in the Sports Park.
- We added Security cameras to the pavilion, fields, and parking lot for added homeowner security.
- Natural rock barriers were added to the rear section of the park to put a stop to malicious ATV damage to our fields and track. This look was also brought forward to the parking lot.
- The Sports Park Expansion Project has begun with the clearing of a section of the land near the office. Look for updates on this project in future issues of the newsletter.
As we look forward to 2020,
Monument beautification
is the next large scale project the Board is tackling. This project was on hold due to a change in maintenance crews, but we anticipate seeing significant improvements this year. An electrician has been called in to fix all the monument lighting and is currently making considerable progress. The next phase is to run electricity to the monuments that are operating on solar power.
Our volunteers with the
Suggestions and Recommendations Committee
and our Landscaper are collaborating on new plants and landscape designs for the clock tower island and village monuments. This committee is always looking for more dedicated volunteers!
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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DANGEROUS DOGS AT SPORTS PARK
Over the past several months there have been reports of vicious dogs at the Sports Park. These dogs are entering the park at the far rear east corner of the Sports Park from a non-Westcreek property off of Potranco. There are usually 3 together, two of which are Dobermans. They have barked, growled, charged, and chased individuals at the park in a very aggressive manner.
The HOA has made many attempts to neutralize the problem. Bexar County Animal Control, Bexar County Sheriff's Office, and the
Constable's Office have been called numerous times by the HOA and affected homeowners. Warnings & tickets have been issued to the owner by law enforcement, but no further information has been provided to the HOA. The HOA also went as far as stationing an off duty officer at the rear of the park for homeowner protection during the most common times the animals appear.
The HOA is doing everything possible to keep our residents, children, and pets safe and will continue looking at the options available to stop the threat to our residents. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office or email the Board. If you are at the park and these dogs appear, please call Animal Control at
210-335-9000 and Bexar County Sheriff's Office at
210-335-6000, option 1.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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The following Committee meetings will be held during the month of January. These are "Open Meetings!"
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Communications Committee
Monday, January 6, 2020, at 4:30 PM
Community Center Conference Room
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Suggestions and Recommendations Committee
Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 6:00 PM
Community Center Conference Room
Meeting Agenda
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Nominations Committee
Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 5:00 PM
Community Center Conference Room
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On behalf of the Communications Committee, Board of Directors and Staff, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Jacqueline Khalaf and Angie Clancy for their monthly contributions to Westcreek Living.
The only people that are making a difference are those who volunteer.
We will miss their articles, but wish them well in all their endeavors.
You are simply the best!
"The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others." ~ DeAnn Hollis
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC MEMBERS
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC shall consist of 3 Regular Members and 2 Alternate Members. You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE
to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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Please note the following office closures for the upcoming holidays!
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January 1, 2020 - Office Closed
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January 20, 2020 - Office Closed
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COMMUNITY MEMBERS RESPOND
A community-wide THANK YOU goes to all those who responded by supporting our annual Angel Tree Project and Holiday Food Drive.
Your commitment of sharing joy with these children and the community is deeply appreciated!
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." - Coretta Scott King
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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ANGEL TREE PROJECT A MAJOR SUCCESS
The Angel Tree had a fantastic turnout this year as well. The Villages of Westcreek
Staff was able to deliver gifts to 60 children at the San Antonio Children's Shelter. The staff could not have done this without help from those who participated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for making such a positive impact in a child's life this holiday season! We are striving to do the same for a new shelter in 2020.
W
e are looking forward to yet another successful year filled with fun. The HOA staff is working very hard to bring new ideas and events to the Community this year. As always, we will release dates and times once all functions have been finalized, so please stay tuned!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office at 210-679-8761.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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SANTA PAWS MAKES A VISIT AT THE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
We would personally like to thank the community for coming out and making
last
month's events so beautiful! We had such a great time at the Christmas Bazaar, getting to see all the
vendors
come out and, of course, getting to meet your fur babies!
We hope to continue hosting successful Vendor Events.
Our next Market Day will be January 11, 2020, from
9 AM-1 PM.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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COMMUNITY LIGHTING CONTE
ST
The Community Light Contest was one worth seeing.
Congratulations to 11806 Barkston (Best Overall), 1907 Creek Knoll (Best Lights), and 815 Creek Gate (Most Creative).
We thank you so much for participating in this
contest and look forward to seeing your homes, along with new ones,
next December
.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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DON'T LET FREEZING TEMPERATURES BURST YOUR PIPES
With low temperatures expected over the next few weeks, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) reminds homeowners and businesses in our area to be aware of the dangers of water pipes freezing or bursting in cold temperatures.
One of the most common hazards in San Antonio is freezing run-off from irrigation systems, so turn them off now before they become a liability. When water from spray irrigation systems runs off onto sidewalks and roadways, the resulting black ice can cause major problems for drivers and pedestrians.
Plumbing is another issue SAWS would like you to keep in mind.
While it rarely gets cold enough to cause harm to pipes in our area, it's important to know the steps you can take to help protect your pipes from freezing or bursting. Investing a little time or money now can prevent costly plumbing repairs.
In very cold weather, ice begins to form in plumbing exposed to cold air. This can cause a blockage and excessive water pressure, ultimately causing the pipe to burst.
Temperatures rarely drop low enough to cause plumbing to freeze or burst in this area, so many people are not aware of what they can do to help.
- Seal openings where cold air can reach unprotected water pipes, like outside faucets. Cold winds can speed up the freezing process.
- Cover exposed pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves, the thicker the better.
- In cases when there's no internal heat, or if there are extended freezing temperatures, leave cabinet doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around pipes.
- While NOT preferred, you can let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through the pipes. Ice might still form, but an open faucet allows water to escape.**
For more info on protecting your landscape visit: http://bit.ly/protectlandscapefromfreeze
**(Note: If you choose this option, SAWS will not be able to credit your account for the excess water use.)
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Your 1st Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on January 1, 2020.
On January 29, 2020, all accounts with outstanding balances begin incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.
CLICK HERE
for more information about how to pay your assessments and our
Billing/Collection Policy
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NOTE
: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
- Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash!
- You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
- Cash is accepted in the office.
- Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
- Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).
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If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan. Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
If you know of a Food Truck that you think would be interested in joining the
"StrEATS of Westcreek,"
have them contact the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 during our normal business hours. There is a small $25 fee for each truck that participates in the program. We only allow one truck per evening.
CLICK HERE
to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on January 11, 2020.
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the
VWOA website,
the day prior to the event. If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on the Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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WESTCREEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR 2020!
- February 21st - Casino Night
- March 14th - Movie In the Park
- April 4th - Easter Egg Hunt at the Park
- July 18th - Movie at the Pool
- August 14th - Casino Night
- September 19th - Food Truck and Movie Night
- October 31st - Fall Fest
- December 18th - Santa in the Park
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If your kids like puzzles, coloring, or similar activities, click one of the links below to print the free pages, courtesy of
Raisingourkids.com.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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The Westcreek Poker Club is taking a break for a few months. To be notified of the Club's return, send an email to
WestcreekPoker@gmail.com.
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Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!
Date: 1st Tuesday of the month
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: VWOA Community Center Hall, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
To play you will need to make either a $2.00 or Prize donation!
For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!
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The Villages of Westcreek
offers a wide variety of Sports Programs
throughout the year. Visit our "Westcreek Sports Program" website for more detailed information about our specific programs and registration information for 2020!
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AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR MY TREE LEAVES FALLING INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND VICE VERSA?
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Leaf Legalities
While property owners can be held responsible for damage to a neighbor's property that results from failing to attend to a tree that poses a threat to nearby residents or their property, falling leaves don't fall into that category. Under the law, falling leaves are considered a natural product of trees and not something for which the owner of the tree can be held liable. Homeowners, whether they own the tree or simply live next to it, are responsible for the cleanup of natural debris that enters their yard, no matter the source.
Residential Rights
Realize that even though you're not held responsible for leaves that invade the property next door, the resident who lives there does have some rights. When the limbs of your tree overhang the neighbor's yard, he has the right to trim them. His right extends only to the property line and that's as far as he can cut them back. If your tree produces fruit, the neighbor has no right to pick the fruit, but he can collect and keep any that fall into his yard.
References:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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JANUARY GARDENING TIPS
Vegetables
- January is the last month to plant onions for bulb onions, but you can continue to plant them for several months for green onions.
- If there are any garden enthusiasts who like growing plants from seeds, January is the month to start your tomatoes (and some early spring annual flowers like marigolds). Count backwards from your planting date for starting seed. So if you want to plant tomatoes around the first week in March, count backwards about 6 weeks to see that you should plant seed around the 15th through the 24th of January.
Fruit/Nuts
- Fall through January is the best time to plant fruit and nut trees. Remember to only dig the hole as deep as the root ball of the tree.
Lawns
- In San Antonio, we can usually continue to plant ryegrass as our temperatures rarely go into the teens.
- Keep ryegrass mown to a height of about 2" (remember to wait to mow newly seeded ryegrass until you see the green blades sprouting, or else you'll suck up the seeds.
Ornamental Grasses
- No fertilizer is needed this month.
- Let birds enjoy the dried seed heads and you can enjoy the winter texture of oriental grass. Hold off on cutting it.
Perennials
- No fertilizer needed this month.
- You can cut back fall-blooming perennials if desired. Sometimes even frost-damaged foliage left on perennials helps to protect them from future freezes.
- Water newly planted or transplanted perennials at planting, and afterwards as needed, if rain isn't sufficient.
Roses
- From January to late February, roses can be dug out and transplanted. (Maybe you need a sunnier spot.)
- Water newly transplanted roses and planted roses at planting, and afterwards as needed, if rain isn't sufficient.
- Hold off on pruning until February. Remind yourself to do it on Valentine's Day.
Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Johnny jump-ups are the most diminutive members of the violet family. The colors may be solid, bi-colored, or multicolored, but what they are truly known for is the incredible profusion of flowers they can produce. They provide great texture as well as color to the garden. Fill beds and plant containers with these beauties, and you will be guaranteed to have brighter winter days all season long.
- Light Requirement: Full to Part Sun
- Water Demand: Medium to moist
- Flower Color: Solid, bi-colored or multicolored
- Height: 4 to 6 inches
- Season: Cool Weather
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According to Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT, 2019), one in five crashes involves a distracted driver. Distracted driving means not paying attention, driver distraction or cell phone use. TXDoT states, "As of September 1, 2017, a new statewide law makes it illegal for all drivers to read, write or send a text and drive in Texas."
In the City of San Antonio (2015), the Hands-Free Ordinance states:
- (b) a person commits an offense if the person uses a hand-held mobile communication device to 1) engage in a call, 2) send, read, or write a text message, 3) view pictures or written text whether transmitted by internet or other electronic means, 4) engage in gaming, or 5) engage in any other use of the device while operating a moving motor vehicle. (see SEC. 19-255 for extent of the ordinance)
One of the strengths of this community is the family-friendly and neighborly orientation. Considering the multitude of school zones and participants in outdoor activities of all ages, let's be extra diligent and remain focused while behind the wheel. Here are some tips to limit distraction while out on the road:
- Put your phone away while driving
- Enable Driving Mode on cell phones that will prompt auto-replies to calls or texts
- If you must acknowledge your phone, get out of traffic and stop in a parking lot before reading or responding
Let's do our part to keep each other safe!
References:
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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT AND WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?
An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District or Hospital District. Depending on the ESD's creation documents, an ESD can provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both. A board of five commissioners governs ESDs and operate independently from the county government. In most counties in Texas, the County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms. Commissioners are elected for ESDs in Harris, Orange, and Smith counties, as well as for ESDs that exist in more than one county.
The voters approved Bexar County ESD No. 2 in May of 2003. We provide the following services:
Emergency Response
Bexar County 2 Fire Department provides Emergency Medical Care as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) First Responders. When responding to medical emergencies, responders use the same equipment and abide by the same standards as the transporting ambulance provider. All of our members are certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Approximately 50% of our 80 member staff are certified at a higher level certification such as EMT-Advanced and EMT-Paramedic. The District is currently in the planning stages of becoming a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) capable ambulance provider. We are extremely excited about the increased level of service this will bring to the residents of Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 2.
Emergency Medical Care
Bexar County 2 Fire Department provides Emergency Medical Care as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) First Responders. When responding to medical emergencies, responders use the same equipment and abide by the same standards as the transporting ambulance provider. All of our members are certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Approximately 50% of our 80 member staff are certified at a higher level certification such as EMT-Advanced and EMT-Paramedic. The District is currently in the planning stages of becoming a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) capable ambulance provider. We are extremely excited about the increased level of service this will bring to the residents of Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 2.
Special Operations
The Special Operations Division is a part of the Emergency Response at Bexar County 2 Fire Department. All personnel under Special Operations are certified firefighters and receive specialized training in HazMat, Swift Water, Wildland or Search and Rescue. These sections provide specialized responses to hazardous materials spills; all water emergencies,including standing or swift; major disaster responses, manmade or natural; and weapons of mass destruction responses, providing decontamination and initial medical treatment.
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SpotCrime is an independent, commercial site that provides crime mapping and incident information.
Official
Police Reports can be obtained from the BCSO Central Records Office. Contact information, fees, and hours of operation can be found on the
Central Records page
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CLICK HERE to view SpotCrime mapping for the Villages of Westcreek.
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Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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SETTING GOALS
Every new year we let go of the old and make a list of new beginnings. Most people add "getting healthier" to that list. That may look different for everyone and, most often, joining a gym or some type of workout is involved. The gyms are packed in January but sadly end up being sparser by February. There are many reasons we are so quick to give up on our dreams but let's really make our 2020 resolutions happen and stick to them.
Whether your goals are for your health, school, family, career, business... make resolutions and stick with them. Set both short term and long-term goals for yourselves. Here are some tips to help you with goal setting and reaching your goals.
Write them down:
Statistics show that people who write down their goals have over an 80% higher success rate of achieving them. Start a Goals journal. Make sure they are SMART goals- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented and Time-limited. Write down your compelling reason, or your "why," for wanting the goal. Write it with passion, with feeling, with energy. Often refer to your "why" and change it as things in your life change.
Visualize:
Create a dream board with pictures to remind yourself every day what it is that you want to accomplish. Visualize what it is like having achieved your goal. Visualize you are living it- taste it, feel it, smell it, see it, revel in it.
Action Plan:
Create a plan made of small doable steps of "how" you are going to get you where you want to be, with timelines. Review your plan monthly and don't give up altogether if you don't reach your monthly goal. Learn what you can change for the next month. Never decrease your goal but instead, increase your action. Then journal daily- your thoughts, emotions, barriers, possible solutions/alternatives, daily successes, your gratitude.
Positive affirmations & thoughts:
Replace negative self-talk/beliefs with life-enhancing ones. Know that you are the creator of your thoughts and beliefs and choose ones that are life-enhancing rather than limiting. Every day tell yourself out loud 3-5 positive statements, or affirmations using the present tense. Say them even if you don't believe them. If you keep doing this, you will start to believe them and believe in yourself more. Contend for yourself because you are worth it.
Accountability:
Enlist support to keep you accountable! Find a buddy, join a group, hire a coach. Make sure your buddy is in tune with your goal and will support you in a positive way. Find someone who has already achieved what you are wanting to achieve.
Celebrate your successes:
Set up small milestones in your journey, and when you reach them, celebrate! And at the end, celebrate some more! Just make sure not to fall back on old habits of celebrating. Create new and different ways to celebrate. Someone on a weight loss journey wouldn't benefit from celebrating with unhealthy food just like a recovering alcoholic wouldn't benefit from celebrating with an alcoholic drink.
Habits:
In order to get new results that you have never had, you will need to do something you have never done. When it all comes down to it, you really must work on your mind. Change old habits and create new ones. Studies show that it takes 21 days to break an old habit. Two to three months is often going to be enough time for something that you repeat daily to become a new habit. Stop making excuses of why you can't. Instead, list why and how you can.
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SLOW COOKER ENCHILADA SOUP
Here is a very tasty recipe that I hope your family will enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 41 ounces (2.56 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
- 1 -10 oz. can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1.75 cups Rotel
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup green spring onion, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 6 ounces low fat cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Add all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You can also throw this is a stock pot for 20 minutes but would need to grill or bake the chicken first.
- Garnish with 1 ounce of cheese per serving.
- Serving size approximately 1.5 cups
- Makes 6 servings
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SOMETHING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!
The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of
"Health and Fitness Classes" for our residents!
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