Monday, August 20, 2012

Fruit...

No, not the eating kind (although I love my fruit) but the kind of fruit that you see after laboring long and hard.  I have been on this journey many times in the last few years (okay, strike that- last MANY years). but this time, something is different.  I don't know if it was seriousness of the doctor, the kidney issues I deal with and being tired of that, the fact I had to go on blood pressure meds, or something else completely different; but this time- something clicked and I knew it was time.  Seeing myself in my picture from early June may have helped this thought process along for sure, bottom line, it was time.  I began this journey in spin class on June 11 but that first week was "iffy" so in all honesty, I started this journey on June 18.  Since that time, a span of two months and a few days, I have lost 14 lbs. and I don't even know how many inches (I wish I had measured before I started).  In the process of losing I have also gained- I have gained new friends.  I have made so many new friends in my spin class and I truly look forward to seeing them in class- their encouragement to me motivates me to keep on going.  I have gained confidence- I am approaching my life with a different perspective and wondering what God has for me as a result of this journey.  I have gained physically- I have pushed myself in ways I never thought possible and try to use each class to push me beyond what I did the first time. 



Am I disappointed I haven't lost more- NO!  I am learning from the fable The Tortoise and the Hare.  I may not run like the hare and that's quite alright!  Because slow and steady will win this race! 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Encouraging words

We have all experienced them (hopefully), we have all given them (hopefully).  I have worked hard this summer and while I have seen results in myself- about a month after starting- I have had several people at work and church encourage me with their sweet comments about the difference.  Anytime I get discouraged or frustrated because I can't do what I WANT to do, someone always speaks up at just the right time to encourage me in this journey.  So, the next time you notice a change in someone- speak up- it might be exactly what they needed to hear at that point in time. 



Now, the sign below is what I stared at while running on the treadmill yesterday.  For so long I wished for what I wasn't willing to work for- and then one day it clicked- if I don't work- I don't get results.  Wishing does absolutely nothing except get me frustrated.  The work is what gets me there.  I have decided this year is the year- I will gain a better grasp on my time management, I will deal with my stress in a much better (more appropriate) way, I will work for what I want.  To do that means giving up things- junk food, time spent doing other things, re-evaluating my load of work and non-work activities, etc.  If I work- I will see results!



Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Clean Slate

Yep, it's back to school time.  I am a teacher and started back today with some inservice time.  The students start next week.  While I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer I always look forward to the beginning of the new school year.  It's a clean slate and I look at all I did the year before and work to make it even better.  It's kind of like that with the healthy living- the eating and the exercising.  Each day has to be taken in the moment.  You need to plan but at the same time be flexible to adjust for life.  My big thing (besides the accountability- which I addressed earlier) will be the eating so I'm asking for you to share your favorite easy and healthy recipes.  They can be quick, slow cooker, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.  Whatever your favorite recipe is I want to hear it! 

Also- if there are any favorite exercise/workout apps that you enjoy?