An A-Ha! Moment

I posted this earlier tonight in an online forum on the Medifast site. 

For about 5 seconds I felt I was about to be in a situation that moved me backwards - but I've got to learn - just like on this journey - that I can't always have what I want NOW. I have to work through the process, learn some lessons, put in the hard work.

Holy crap...there was an epiphany! I just wrote my way right through this.   

Can't even delete it because I will need to come back to this.

That's right I need to come back to this.  It is true for every avenue of life.  I want things and I want them NOW.  Anyone else feel the same about things?

And, as much as I may try to get everything I want at the exact time I want it, sometimes it just is not possible.  Maybe it is impossible.  Maybe it's not a good idea.  Maybe it is one of those things that you just should not rush.

Some things take time.  Many things require hard work.  Many things include lessons to be learned.  Life is a process.

Well, I'll be!

I've spent the past year working on getting myself healthy - inside and out.  Mentally, physically and emotionally.  It's been hard work.  I've fallen a few times.  And I've picked myself up, dusted myself off and continued on my journey one more time than I've fallen.  And, if I fall again, I'll pick myself up again.  So it has been going on this journey to a healthier life.

And, so it goes for many other things.

Sure, when I decided that I was going to finish my Reading Teacher license, I wished it could have already been done.  But, I'm going through the process and now, it's almost done.  Just my practicum left and it's over.  

This is so true for many things in our lives.  Maybe it's school, learning something new, picking up a new activity, losing weight, changing careers, moving, a relationship...  Whatever it is, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.  And if it's worth doing well, there are going to be things that need to be done along the way to keep the train rolling towards the finish line.

So, I'm in.  Taking the journey.  Enjoying the ride.  Putting in the work.  Learning the lessons.

Go get 'em, tigers!

 

Gratitude, Day 9

I can go on for a good long while about how I’m looking forward to this school year.  I get to work in a school with a focused and enthusiastic staff – I just can’t wait!  I am going to spend the year working with a first grade student every day after school on reading – that is going to be fabulous!  My journey to health and wellness is ongoing and on track!

Today, I’ll be spending the afternoon with my grad school colleagues as we spend the week training for our reading practicum.  I’m so excited for this!  The practicum is our final course(s) requirement in our program and we are on our way to doing better by our students.  How lucky we are.

30 Days of Gratitude, Day 9: 1. Education  2. Books  3. Music

Go get’em, tigers!

Smelling the Roses

Yesterday I won my second Biggest Loser title in 15 days.  

The first was in a month long contest run by my health coach in our facebook group.  I was shocked to be the winner in that one, not because I wasn't dedicated to the program, getting in my exercise, drinking plenty - and then some - of water.  I was thrilled to win and to have won in the face of many others who are committed to their journey to optimal health.

Yesterday I was awarded the title in the contest at work.  The school nurse presented me with a notice of the contest results and then the secretary handed over some much-loved cash.  In this contest, I was pretty much certain from day 1 that I would walk away with my colleague's money.  It wasn't just that I am doing this fabulous program and am dedicated to reaching my goals.  I spent the past 8 weeks being tempted (and, I openly admit – succumbing to the temptations MANY times) by the tasty foods and snacks that were passing down the school hallway or being cooked up by my colleagues.  Even with this temptations and often-weakened resolve (tell me you could pass up on the offer of a corned beef sandwich), I kept on track with most of 95% of my plan and continued to guzzle my water and get my walk, bike, run game on.  These choices made the difference. 

Each victory is something that I am proud of - another feather in my cap on my journey towards my goal and optimal health.

Last night I was out with friends from high school at an event to recruit our peers for the reunion in August.  A year ago, I would have told you that I have no intent on going to a reunion.  Since November, I have been working with my friends to plan the upcoming reunion and have enjoyed many evenings out with this group and others that have been pulled into the fold.  Again, there were compliments on how "great" I am looking.  And the friend who said I look like I’m 28 (bless his exaggerating heart!) wins compliment of the night.  

As I was driving home last night, I was thinking about how I didn't feel like the fat girl and I didn't spend my night worrying about what people thought when I ordered a drink or food and I wasn't tugging on my clothes trying to cover up  rolls of fat.  On so many levels, I was experiencing my new normal - and it felt AMAZING!   To think that there’s more of this ahead of me as I move closer to my goal…make my head spin!

Even better, when I got in early this morning, my fitbit sent me a badge for flights climbed and I'd topped my daily step goal...without going for a run or a walk yesterday.

Friends, go out there and claim your life, move yourselves towards optimal health, and ENJOY your life!  There are great things out there for us!

Go get 'em, tigers!

Tuesday's Habits of Health Discussion

Habits of Health Discussion Day

Really give this some thought, don't just give answers. 

We all had unhealthy habits prior to our lifestyle change and while you are going through this journey now is a great time to reflect on those old habits. There are habits that are triggers.  There are instances like holidays that are triggers. When you find yourself in a situation that you know is a trigger for you- how will you handle it? What will your action be?

Triggers for me include my parents’ house.  Oh, there is usually an awful lot of good stuff hanging out there just waiting to be devoured.  Sometimes it’s fresh bakery on the counter.  Other days, it’s mom’s brownies.  Sometimes, it’s hiding in the refrigerator.  There is always SOMETHING there that is not on my plan and calls my name as soon as I turn the corner.

Since I am at their house at least once a week, I needed a battle plan.  First, I’ve communicated that this is a problem area for me.  Also, I come prepared.  I bring my water bottle, whatever food I’ll need for my time there and reinforcements – just in case I’m there longer or am ready to cave.  These two actions have made a world of difference in my ability to survive time at mom & dad’s while maintaining positive choices.

I admit, there are times I make a choice that isn’t in keeping 100% on plan.   When this happens, I grab the water bottle, log the decision and keep on moving forward.

This can happen when I am at a friend’s or even at work.  Temptations are all around.  I always have a few meals on hand and my water bottle – it’s my equivalent of the baby’s blanket.  It gets me through.

I’ve come a long way in avoiding temptations in the past nine months.  I can go past the neighborhood custard stand without needing to stop for a sundae.  I can go out to dinner and not have an appetizer, dinner, bread and a dessert.  I can go out with friends and skip the glass of wine or bloody mary at brunch.  These are all victories in my journey to a healthier me – and each one results in a happier me.

Go get ‘em, tigers!

Today's Sneak Peak Into the Habits of Health

I have mentioned a few times that I am involved in a few facebook groups for support with my weight loss journey.  My health coach with Take Shape for Life has a great group that is quickly growing to include other coaches and their clients.  Everyone is at a different point in their journey and has different goals, yet everyone is open, honest and supportive of the others in the group.  It's a safe place to ask questions and share successes.

Yesterday began the May challenge in the group.  Each day has a theme.  Monday's roll call included a check-in on how you're doing, a weigh-in, and posting a picture of your feet on the scale.  Oh yes...we posted pictures of our weight on facebook.  You bet!  It is a closed, super-secret group and a safe place - but it still takes a deep breath and a prayer to post that sort of thing on facebook.

Today is Habits of Health discussion day.  Each Tuesday my coach will be posting information on the Habits of Health: The Path to Permanent Weight Control and Optimal Health from Dr. Wayne Andersen's book/website for us to discuss and use as a launch pad for our own reflection, goal-setting and focus on our program.

I will admit that I have had Dr. A.'s book since September and have spent a little bit of time with it.  However, I quickly dropped the ball.  I've been meaning to get back to it - and Habits of Health Tuesday's are just what I need to get back to the book.  I will be pulling it out when I get home from school this afternoon and I will work my way through the book and the accompanying workbook Living a Longer, Healthier Life.  I said it here.  I must do it now.

Today's discussion topic from Habits of Health focuses on four things.  1. Identifying the choices that support optimal health and implementing a plan to incorporate them into daily choices, also listing 10 choices that support your health right now 2. Becoming aware of daily choices that do not support health 3. Thinking long term and not instant gratification 4. Creating a microenvironment of health.

Choices that support my health:

• drinking at least 1/2 may weight in pure water each day
• eliminating/minimizing consumption of caffeine
• eating at regular intervals
• walking daily
• running or cycling 4-6 times a week - Yes! Me and the bike have reunited, at last!
• choosing non-processed foods over packaged foods with additives
• adding strength training to my days 3-4 times a week
• asking for support of the people around me
• choosing to eat at home instead of putting myself into situations where I feel I'd make decisions that are not in my best interest
• actively participating in groups that support my journey and encourage me to meet my goals
• logging my daily activity, food choices and water consumption in my journal and online
• using my fitbit to evaluate my progress and set goals for more activity

These things are just a glimpse into what I'm doing each day to improve my health.  I'm sure if I were to revisit this list in a month or two, I would have more to add.

One of the things that helps me most is having an environment that supports my health.  Living alone, it is easy to keep only the foods I should have in the house.  From Medifast packets to plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats/meat alternatives to water bottles and a variety of green teas, my kitchen is stocked and prepared to support me on this journey towards improved health.  Of course, I am accountable to maintain this environment and not let momentary struggles and/or lapses in judgement allow me to bring home a pint of frozen custard or a dozen donuts.  But then, I would still have to answer to myself for these choices.

Now I really am looking forward to spending some quality time with Dr. A.'s book and thinking more about my journey and what lies ahead.