These last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling like a trash truck backing up. As it reverses it makes a sound to warn you that it is moving in the “wrong” direction. I had 2 weeks of gains. I gained 3 pounds in those 2 weeks. I was not sure why, but I knew something had to be wrong. So I took some time and got honest with myself and looked at my intake and output. I was exercising as usual, but I had definitely picked up some eating habits and food choices I needed to put back in line. So I spent this last week being very diligent and deliberant when choosing my meals, snacks, etc. I was careful about when I ate, how often I ate and what I ate. I reassessed my output to see if it was possible to go to another level of movement. My exercise “program” is very well mapped, so I knew I had to do something to shift into a higher gear. So I upped the intensity of my water exercising. I talked with Hope and readjusted by upping the weight with my strength training. I have now added my playground routine to my weekly program on Saturday.
My playground routine encompasses working on the upper arms, thighs and abdomens. I walked to the school playground a block and a half away. I went to the slide for my thigh work. It is a step up routine. It worked well except for the school has mulch as the floor base. That is wonderful for the kids as they fall off the slide, but not so good for me who is balance challenged. I then went to the monkey bars. I know it will be hard for many of you to imagine, but I was wicked on the monkey bars as a 5th grader. Well, 25 years ago when I developed Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder I no longer had the strength in my hands to hold my weight. I discovered this at a water park on top of a T-A-L-L tower with a bar attacked to a line that ran slanting down. You are suppose to step off the tower, slide down the line and ½ way down let go and drop in the water. Well, I stepped off the tower and within a few inches couldn’t hold on and dropped. It was a long way down and a long swim to the side. Much to my disappointment, my hands do not hold my lighter weight any better today. So the monkey bar routine was eliminated. Then I moved to the love of my childhood—swings. This is the one that will work the abs. I had some difficulty with my hands while pumping, but managed to work it well enough to feel the burn in the abs. This is good because the abs is my main focus at this point. So I pumped for about 15 minutes. I then walked around the school. As I got to the front of the school I zeroed in on some steps. I walked up to them and discovered the height was good and the ground was solid. Therefore I found the replacement for the side and its mulch foundation. I don’t have to look like a drunken sailor while I work on my thighs. I will have to think of something else for the upper arms. Maybe I can use the ankle/wrist weights Laura gave me for Christmas. I walked around the school twice (about a mile). It sure felt good.
As much as exercising feels good I still have times I don’t feel like exercising. I remind myself of all the health and emotional benefits I will experience. However, let’s face it, that doesn’t always work or we would always exercise. So what is the solution you ask? I get naked and jump up and down in front of my full-length mirror. That little trick always seems to get me moving. Not really! I do think through where I have been and where I want to go. It seems to be motivation enough to get me out the door, in the car and to the YMCA for another session of endorphin stimulation. A little muscle burn and heavy breathing go a long way to feeling healthy.
This week I started the Walk across Kansas challenge. There are 6 of us in dispatch as a team. It links good eating with movement. It challenges each member to move more. It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes a week to make it across Kansas in 8 weeks. It challenges you to eat 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day. Well, eating has never been a challenge for me, but eating fruits and vegetables instead of “convenient junk” has been. I have found some vegetables I used to never eat are actually fairly good. I have had no problem getting 5 cups of fruit and vegetables in. A couple of days I got more than the 5 cups. Now, bear in mind my special situation with also needing 60-70 grams of protein a day because of my surgery. Top it with a much smaller stomach than normal and you will see it can be a challenge. I certainly have found I enjoy some of these fruits and vegetable more than I used to enjoy candy. Sweet bell peppers are the biggest example. I eat one a day and thoroughly enjoy it! Anyway, I have been doing very well with this challenge and I am glad I got involved. Now there are a few members of my team and a few members of a competing team I know who have a vivid creativity level of what can be considered fruit and vegetables. Last I knew spinach and avocado dip, salsa with cheese for nachos, cheeseburger potato soup and pumpkin bars do not constitute vegetables or fruit. As you can see, being healthy can be fun. Create a support network and go for it. If I hadn’t had gastric bypass surgery I doubt I would have ever gotten involved in this challenge or the Route 66 challenge I’ve talked about in prior posts. I am in Oklahoma with that challenge.
I once again want to take this space to thank those of you that have been such a great support to me. Your encouragement, comments, challenges and prayers are much appreciated. You will never know what that comment, notice, prayer or smile mean to me and my progress. I don’t always see the progress. I was asked today in my Bible study group, who by the way is very important to me in many avenues of my life. The friendships I have developed and the closeness we are gaining have been such a comfort to me daily. Anyway, I was asked what I see when I look in the mirror. I said I rarely look in the mirror. It has never been a big draw to me and still isn’t. I guess the things that influence my acknowledgement of the changes are when I look at my hands, my arms, my knees and when I look down and can actually see my feet. When I fold my arms and it isn’t strained. When I reach to scratch my back and can reach an area I forgot existed. All of those things are the things I use to measure. So it feels good when someone lets me know there is a noticeable difference. So thank you all for your support and encouragement, even when you don’t realize you have given, you give abundantly.
By the way, I lost 3 ½ pounds this week and I am just a few pounds from that “day at the spa”. Massage, manicure, pedicure and possible facial-----here I come!!!
Beep, beep beep, watch out world I’m shifting gears!
Breaking a habit starts with courage,
ends with discipline,
and is fueled by desire.
~Mac Anderson~
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
How do you eat an elephant?
A new lifestyle includes so many facets of our being. I started this journey centered on losing weight in order to improve my health. I saw the only option was gastric bypass surgery. I had tried so many different diets, supplements, fads, programs, techniques, etc. You name it and I probably tried it. I continued to see not just the weight pile on and the scale rising higher, but I saw the co-morbidity numbers increase. At one time I counted 17 different things I could contribute to my weight. So I set out to have surgery. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew it was my last option. My first thoughts when researching the procedure were “How can I possibly think I can eat just a cup of food?” “No one can live on a cup of food.” “A cup of food isn’t even enough for a bird.” “How can I give up that?” “I love that and there is no way I could never eat it again.” “How am I going to have Thanksgiving?” “A stomach the size of a walnut? No way!” “I’ll starve!”
It's not all about weight. It is also about emotions and thoughts. I have been an emotional eater for as long as I can recall. Just because I had weight loss surgery doesn’t make that go away. I am finding that out more and more the farther out from my surgery date I get. As I settle into this new lifestyle and being able to read the signals of my body, I find I also get more lax about what I eat and how often. The part of the equation I haven’t had any problem with is the amount I eat. I am very tuned into my body’s signal that I am full and I am able to stop. Now to get myself tuned into the emotional side and eat just when I am actually hungry. In the last few weeks I have seen the old habits of eating “just because” (boredom, loneliness, sad, happy, etc.) sneak back up on me. I have seen some foods that are “comfort foods” for me sneak back into my diet, just in a slightly different form. Instead of Ding Dongs, Suzy Q ' s, ice cream, Frosty’s, French fries, Big Mac’s, Snickers, $100,000 bars, Dark Milky Way’s etc. I am eating sugar free cookies, sugar free candy, crackers, etc. Yes, a better choice, but still with calories. They are okay when used as an occasional treat. I have been trying to be more conscious and keep tabs of how often I eat them---too often! I am glad spring is on the horizon and fresh fruits and vegetables will soon be here. I hate spending .89 cents for a cucumber. I hope to be able to grow some of my own this year (actually dad is the gardener). I would like to be able to take vegetables to “munch” on. I have found I do much better if I plan a snack in the late afternoon. I know I can do this! I need to get focused again.
Sacrifice, Discipline and Patience is what it will take. A lot of prayer too. I have done well in the exercise arena. I am exercising more than I ever have and actually enjoying it. I am now part of a team of 6 people from work. We are all dispatchers and we are calling ourselves the “Street Walkers”. We have joined the K-State Extension Office and the City of Salina and we are going to “Walk Across Kansas”. It is 243 miles. They say if you do 2 ½ hours of exercise a week you will walk across Kansas in 8 weeks. They give you 1 mile for every 15 minutes of activity. This program also tracks the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. It encourages you to eat whole grains. It is a means to help you get into a healthy lifestyle. It has been neat to listen to a couple of the gals on our team talk about the foods they eat. It has been fun to watch them change their snack foods to work this program. They are finding foods they never realized they liked. We officially started the program today (March 8th). I hope it will inspire them to continue the “trend”. I also hope it will inspire me to get back on track!
So, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Remember, you don’t change behaviors overnight, so keep trying.
A key factor in happiness? Reaching out to people.
It's not all about weight. It is also about emotions and thoughts. I have been an emotional eater for as long as I can recall. Just because I had weight loss surgery doesn’t make that go away. I am finding that out more and more the farther out from my surgery date I get. As I settle into this new lifestyle and being able to read the signals of my body, I find I also get more lax about what I eat and how often. The part of the equation I haven’t had any problem with is the amount I eat. I am very tuned into my body’s signal that I am full and I am able to stop. Now to get myself tuned into the emotional side and eat just when I am actually hungry. In the last few weeks I have seen the old habits of eating “just because” (boredom, loneliness, sad, happy, etc.) sneak back up on me. I have seen some foods that are “comfort foods” for me sneak back into my diet, just in a slightly different form. Instead of Ding Dongs, Suzy Q ' s, ice cream, Frosty’s, French fries, Big Mac’s, Snickers, $100,000 bars, Dark Milky Way’s etc. I am eating sugar free cookies, sugar free candy, crackers, etc. Yes, a better choice, but still with calories. They are okay when used as an occasional treat. I have been trying to be more conscious and keep tabs of how often I eat them---too often! I am glad spring is on the horizon and fresh fruits and vegetables will soon be here. I hate spending .89 cents for a cucumber. I hope to be able to grow some of my own this year (actually dad is the gardener). I would like to be able to take vegetables to “munch” on. I have found I do much better if I plan a snack in the late afternoon. I know I can do this! I need to get focused again.
Sacrifice, Discipline and Patience is what it will take. A lot of prayer too. I have done well in the exercise arena. I am exercising more than I ever have and actually enjoying it. I am now part of a team of 6 people from work. We are all dispatchers and we are calling ourselves the “Street Walkers”. We have joined the K-State Extension Office and the City of Salina and we are going to “Walk Across Kansas”. It is 243 miles. They say if you do 2 ½ hours of exercise a week you will walk across Kansas in 8 weeks. They give you 1 mile for every 15 minutes of activity. This program also tracks the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. It encourages you to eat whole grains. It is a means to help you get into a healthy lifestyle. It has been neat to listen to a couple of the gals on our team talk about the foods they eat. It has been fun to watch them change their snack foods to work this program. They are finding foods they never realized they liked. We officially started the program today (March 8th). I hope it will inspire them to continue the “trend”. I also hope it will inspire me to get back on track!
So, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Remember, you don’t change behaviors overnight, so keep trying.
A key factor in happiness? Reaching out to people.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Plod = Work slowly but steadily
Last week I talked about being sick and not exercising at all. Well, this week I got back in the swing of it. I have lately wished to have the same desire in exercise as I used to have for craving sweets and salty things. Well, I think after last week and no exercise I finally am there. I craved the water and the exercising so very much. I was up and ready to go on Monday at 7am.
This week I have been reading a book written by a gastric bypass patient. As I read I chuckled at some of the things being written. I remember them all too well. I remember the desire I had in the beginning of recovery. I wasn't hungry but wanted a different texture in my mouth. Something beside protein drinks/shakes. I wanted a different taste. I wanted something besides, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Something besides sweet; like eggs, tuna, hamburger. This week I have also been craving the same thing. I wanted something full of flavor and not blah. I wanted something easy to make and easy to take and easy to eat. I guess it is the 1st time I’ve really had any desire or “opinion” on food intake. I will have to keep tabs on this to make sure I do not overeat and eat the wrong things. I’ve been wise with my decisions so far. Maybe life is getting a little more back to “normal”. Now to readjust my prior normal to my new lifestyle normal.
As I was walking around Wal-Mart this week and at the YMCA I realized something. I looked down and realized, “I have feet!” I forgot I had them because I didn’t used to be able to see them under my belly. I had a friend over to the house and I was wearing shorts. He said, “DeAnn, I don’t think I have ever seen your knees.” I laughed and said, “Yeah, it’s been many years since my knees had an outline.” I had noticed that a couple weeks ago when I was talking to someone else. One of my other friends made mention of my hands and how they look smaller. It is things we don’t think about and just take for granted most of the time.
I guess this week has been a week of revelations. In a sense it has been a week to look at blessings. Some are very small, but they are blessings all the same. I must be grateful for even the small stuff. As the saying goes, someday I may wake up and realize the small stuff, wasn’t.
I went to the mall to look for an item. One store was on the south end of the mall and of course the other store I wanted to go to was on the north end. Well, in the past I would have gone to the south end store, gone out to my car and driven to the north end. Well, this time I walked out of the south end store, looked down to the north end and said to myself, “Just do it.” I walked to the north end store and then back. It sure felt good to know I had the ability and the desire to walk it. Once again it is the small steps towards the big goal we have to look at and appreciate.
I also started a new “movement” program. It is called Route 66. I am “driving” the famous Route 66. Every minute of movement (exercise) counts as a mile on the famous Route 66. I started in Chicago on Monday and have made it to Missouri. The ending destination is Santa Monica, CA. I have recruited a few people to “drive” the route with me. Monday (9th) I will start another program. We have gathered a team of 6 from dispatch and we are going to “Walk Across Kansas”. It is offered through the K-State extension office via my work place (City of Salina). The 6 of us are going to walk the 423 miles across Kansas. We have named ourselves “The Street Walkers”. It should be fun to encourage each other to exercise! If I remember right it encourages you to do 2 ½ hours of activity a week and you will make it across Kansas in 8 weeks. Well, that is a cinch for me. I usually exercise about 7 ½ hours a week if not more. I am adding some time on Saturdays. I found a playground routine that works the abs, upper arms and thighs. So I will walk the block to the school playground and do my routine and walk back home. I am anxious to get it started.
It seems so strange to be so excited about all this exercise stuff. It helps to make it fun like with the things I am doing now. I also am enjoying encouraging others. It takes time to get into it. Once you do and you start to feel better it encourages you to do more which in turn makes you feel better which…….well, you get the picture! I like the visual benefits too. I have noticed I look better. The down side for a person who hates to shop is needing new clothes. Just this week I realized I desperately need a new swim suit. The other day I wore a pair of pants to work and I was already at work and realized I couldn’t keep them up. I wished I had my belt. The girls at work teased me about buying me suspenders. They also made the statement I needed to get rid of the pants. I guess they must look too baggy (even if I did wear a belt). It is certainly a reality check when you are walking up the hall and realize your pants are walking in the opposite direction (down). They tell me I am just in fashion when the pockets are at your knee joints. No thank you!!!
It feels good to feel good. I don’t ever want to go back to a year ago. This week I gained 2 pounds, but I think that was because I lost so much last week due to being ill. I am back to eating normal. I will have to keep on track.
I have dedicated myself to plod along. Work slowly but steadily. Hope you will do the same!
I had my measurement done with Hope at the “Y”. This is the stats for June 2008-current.
Difference
Upper Arm 3 ½
Chest 9 ¾
Waist 12 ½
Hips 11 ½
Thigh 3 ¾
Weight 90
Blessed are those who have one hand held by God
and the other hand held by a friend.
This week I have been reading a book written by a gastric bypass patient. As I read I chuckled at some of the things being written. I remember them all too well. I remember the desire I had in the beginning of recovery. I wasn't hungry but wanted a different texture in my mouth. Something beside protein drinks/shakes. I wanted a different taste. I wanted something besides, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Something besides sweet; like eggs, tuna, hamburger. This week I have also been craving the same thing. I wanted something full of flavor and not blah. I wanted something easy to make and easy to take and easy to eat. I guess it is the 1st time I’ve really had any desire or “opinion” on food intake. I will have to keep tabs on this to make sure I do not overeat and eat the wrong things. I’ve been wise with my decisions so far. Maybe life is getting a little more back to “normal”. Now to readjust my prior normal to my new lifestyle normal.
As I was walking around Wal-Mart this week and at the YMCA I realized something. I looked down and realized, “I have feet!” I forgot I had them because I didn’t used to be able to see them under my belly. I had a friend over to the house and I was wearing shorts. He said, “DeAnn, I don’t think I have ever seen your knees.” I laughed and said, “Yeah, it’s been many years since my knees had an outline.” I had noticed that a couple weeks ago when I was talking to someone else. One of my other friends made mention of my hands and how they look smaller. It is things we don’t think about and just take for granted most of the time.
I guess this week has been a week of revelations. In a sense it has been a week to look at blessings. Some are very small, but they are blessings all the same. I must be grateful for even the small stuff. As the saying goes, someday I may wake up and realize the small stuff, wasn’t.
I went to the mall to look for an item. One store was on the south end of the mall and of course the other store I wanted to go to was on the north end. Well, in the past I would have gone to the south end store, gone out to my car and driven to the north end. Well, this time I walked out of the south end store, looked down to the north end and said to myself, “Just do it.” I walked to the north end store and then back. It sure felt good to know I had the ability and the desire to walk it. Once again it is the small steps towards the big goal we have to look at and appreciate.
I also started a new “movement” program. It is called Route 66. I am “driving” the famous Route 66. Every minute of movement (exercise) counts as a mile on the famous Route 66. I started in Chicago on Monday and have made it to Missouri. The ending destination is Santa Monica, CA. I have recruited a few people to “drive” the route with me. Monday (9th) I will start another program. We have gathered a team of 6 from dispatch and we are going to “Walk Across Kansas”. It is offered through the K-State extension office via my work place (City of Salina). The 6 of us are going to walk the 423 miles across Kansas. We have named ourselves “The Street Walkers”. It should be fun to encourage each other to exercise! If I remember right it encourages you to do 2 ½ hours of activity a week and you will make it across Kansas in 8 weeks. Well, that is a cinch for me. I usually exercise about 7 ½ hours a week if not more. I am adding some time on Saturdays. I found a playground routine that works the abs, upper arms and thighs. So I will walk the block to the school playground and do my routine and walk back home. I am anxious to get it started.
It seems so strange to be so excited about all this exercise stuff. It helps to make it fun like with the things I am doing now. I also am enjoying encouraging others. It takes time to get into it. Once you do and you start to feel better it encourages you to do more which in turn makes you feel better which…….well, you get the picture! I like the visual benefits too. I have noticed I look better. The down side for a person who hates to shop is needing new clothes. Just this week I realized I desperately need a new swim suit. The other day I wore a pair of pants to work and I was already at work and realized I couldn’t keep them up. I wished I had my belt. The girls at work teased me about buying me suspenders. They also made the statement I needed to get rid of the pants. I guess they must look too baggy (even if I did wear a belt). It is certainly a reality check when you are walking up the hall and realize your pants are walking in the opposite direction (down). They tell me I am just in fashion when the pockets are at your knee joints. No thank you!!!
It feels good to feel good. I don’t ever want to go back to a year ago. This week I gained 2 pounds, but I think that was because I lost so much last week due to being ill. I am back to eating normal. I will have to keep on track.
I have dedicated myself to plod along. Work slowly but steadily. Hope you will do the same!
I had my measurement done with Hope at the “Y”. This is the stats for June 2008-current.
Difference
Upper Arm 3 ½
Chest 9 ¾
Waist 12 ½
Hips 11 ½
Thigh 3 ¾
Weight 90
Blessed are those who have one hand held by God
and the other hand held by a friend.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Avalanches
Behind every avalanche is a snow flake. ~Max Lucado~ "Cast of Characters"
Sometimes it seems like my progress in this new life journey appears to be an avalanche. An avalanche is defined as “to overwhelm somebody or something by arriving in large numbers or quantities”. I think of all the changes my life has taken on. I have obviously lost a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. I have lost 90 pounds in 8 months. I have lost inches in every part of my body including my feet. I have decreased one to several sizes in every article of clothing from underclothes to outer clothing. All this may feel like an avalanche. But if you pull it apart in pieces it is like one snowflake at a time. 90 pounds in 8 months equals out to about 3 pounds a week. My inches have felt like it has been decreased at a slow pace at times. I am just now able to admit I see the real difference some people have commented on for some time. The clothing size has been a steady pace of finding new clothes over the 8 months. Some clothes I thought I would never get into I am wearing comfortably now. So as the snowflakes pile one on top of the other the avalanche takes place.
I had lunch with a dear friend today. We talked about the big picture (end goal) and the steps it takes to get there. We discussed how sometimes the present may be uncomfortable, but if we can keep our eyes on the big picture and take the daily steps toward the ultimate goal, anything is bearable. Sometimes we may have to take some breaks for ourselves, but if we do that in a timely manner we will steadily make it to that ultimate goal and the reward will be worth it.
I talked with another dear friend and we talked about how sometimes you have to step back and take time to be by yourself. Yet, you still have to reach out to others. People and situations can be so frustrating at times. When you give up something that used to bring you comfort, relief and at times enjoyment, it is hard to interact like you used to. Therefore you have to find some other outlet. That is not always easy to do. It is especially hard when you are tired, frustrated and feel like the outlets are gone and slim. It will take time to work through the options, to discover other options and put good habits in cement. Once again the snowflakes have to pile one on another to create the avalanche.
Now you may be saying, DeAnn, isn’t an avalanche a bad thing? Well, we all seem to view it that way. Our point of reference has to do with a sad scene of someone at the bottom getting covered by a large amount of snow weighing a huge amount of weight. But, let’s tweak our perspective. Doesn’t the avalanche in process look beautiful? Watching the snow fall over and over itself until it reaches the bottom and creates a new pile of form. Well, in this perspective the avalanche is a beautiful creation of nature. But in order to have that beautiful form one must let the avalanche fall. In order to do that the snow flakes must fall one at a time. I guess I see it like a refinement period. Over time the skills, habits, options and differences refine to a new picture.
Now I realize this may be deep, but it really is simple. How you view something will make the outcome come out in a different way. Each time something different can be viewed from the same data. I think of my favorite book. I have read it a dozen times and each time I grasp a new enlightening from it. The book is called “Love is Like An Acorn”. It speaks of love for self, others and God. My perspective on all 3 levels has changed so much over the last 8 months. God has become so much more personal to me. I see how He has always provided for me. Many of those things, I gave myself or someone else credit. I have found new perspectives when looking at other people. People I know, people I have not necessarily liked and people I don’t know anything about. We all have opinions on everything that touches our lives. Those opinions are based on our perspective. I have found by looking at things through a Christ like eye, they look a lot different. I am not perfect by any means, although I am a perfectionist. That has gotten me into trouble in many different ways and many different times. I am working on that. This brings me to loving myself. As I change physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually I find my perspective of myself changes too. I hope I am becoming a better person. I also realize how much I need a solid support of friends. God is my foundation. My family and my friends are built on that.
So as my snow flakes fall one on another and my avalanche forms and tumbles, I pray my perspective will be to look at the beauty of the scene and enjoy the new formation. I pray my life will become what God wants it to be. He has given me the tools and I must use them to form the new me. My goals are in the forefront and the steps are clear most of the time. Yes, I get frustrated and irritated with others and myself. That is the times when I have to rely on God and my support system. So I take this moment to say thank you to each of you that have been there for me. I pray I am there for you too! Keep your eye on the goal and your movement within the steps to reach that goal. Accept the avalanche (back steps) and view the new perspective as a beautiful work of art.
Shoot for the stars so if you fall you’ll land on a cloud.
Sometimes it seems like my progress in this new life journey appears to be an avalanche. An avalanche is defined as “to overwhelm somebody or something by arriving in large numbers or quantities”. I think of all the changes my life has taken on. I have obviously lost a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. I have lost 90 pounds in 8 months. I have lost inches in every part of my body including my feet. I have decreased one to several sizes in every article of clothing from underclothes to outer clothing. All this may feel like an avalanche. But if you pull it apart in pieces it is like one snowflake at a time. 90 pounds in 8 months equals out to about 3 pounds a week. My inches have felt like it has been decreased at a slow pace at times. I am just now able to admit I see the real difference some people have commented on for some time. The clothing size has been a steady pace of finding new clothes over the 8 months. Some clothes I thought I would never get into I am wearing comfortably now. So as the snowflakes pile one on top of the other the avalanche takes place.
I had lunch with a dear friend today. We talked about the big picture (end goal) and the steps it takes to get there. We discussed how sometimes the present may be uncomfortable, but if we can keep our eyes on the big picture and take the daily steps toward the ultimate goal, anything is bearable. Sometimes we may have to take some breaks for ourselves, but if we do that in a timely manner we will steadily make it to that ultimate goal and the reward will be worth it.
I talked with another dear friend and we talked about how sometimes you have to step back and take time to be by yourself. Yet, you still have to reach out to others. People and situations can be so frustrating at times. When you give up something that used to bring you comfort, relief and at times enjoyment, it is hard to interact like you used to. Therefore you have to find some other outlet. That is not always easy to do. It is especially hard when you are tired, frustrated and feel like the outlets are gone and slim. It will take time to work through the options, to discover other options and put good habits in cement. Once again the snowflakes have to pile one on another to create the avalanche.
Now you may be saying, DeAnn, isn’t an avalanche a bad thing? Well, we all seem to view it that way. Our point of reference has to do with a sad scene of someone at the bottom getting covered by a large amount of snow weighing a huge amount of weight. But, let’s tweak our perspective. Doesn’t the avalanche in process look beautiful? Watching the snow fall over and over itself until it reaches the bottom and creates a new pile of form. Well, in this perspective the avalanche is a beautiful creation of nature. But in order to have that beautiful form one must let the avalanche fall. In order to do that the snow flakes must fall one at a time. I guess I see it like a refinement period. Over time the skills, habits, options and differences refine to a new picture.
Now I realize this may be deep, but it really is simple. How you view something will make the outcome come out in a different way. Each time something different can be viewed from the same data. I think of my favorite book. I have read it a dozen times and each time I grasp a new enlightening from it. The book is called “Love is Like An Acorn”. It speaks of love for self, others and God. My perspective on all 3 levels has changed so much over the last 8 months. God has become so much more personal to me. I see how He has always provided for me. Many of those things, I gave myself or someone else credit. I have found new perspectives when looking at other people. People I know, people I have not necessarily liked and people I don’t know anything about. We all have opinions on everything that touches our lives. Those opinions are based on our perspective. I have found by looking at things through a Christ like eye, they look a lot different. I am not perfect by any means, although I am a perfectionist. That has gotten me into trouble in many different ways and many different times. I am working on that. This brings me to loving myself. As I change physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually I find my perspective of myself changes too. I hope I am becoming a better person. I also realize how much I need a solid support of friends. God is my foundation. My family and my friends are built on that.
So as my snow flakes fall one on another and my avalanche forms and tumbles, I pray my perspective will be to look at the beauty of the scene and enjoy the new formation. I pray my life will become what God wants it to be. He has given me the tools and I must use them to form the new me. My goals are in the forefront and the steps are clear most of the time. Yes, I get frustrated and irritated with others and myself. That is the times when I have to rely on God and my support system. So I take this moment to say thank you to each of you that have been there for me. I pray I am there for you too! Keep your eye on the goal and your movement within the steps to reach that goal. Accept the avalanche (back steps) and view the new perspective as a beautiful work of art.
Shoot for the stars so if you fall you’ll land on a cloud.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Blueprints of life
All things are created twice. There’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things. You have to make sure that the blueprint, the first creation, is really what you want, that you’ve thought everything through. Then you put it into bricks and mortar. Each day you go to the construction shed and pull out the blueprint to get marching orders for the day. You begin with the end in mind.
~7 Habits of Highly Effective People~
This is a devotion I had for today. It is so true of weight loss. You must look upon your goals daily. Just because you did well yesterday doesn’t mean today will go as well. And just because yesterday was a struggle doesn’t mean today will be so challenging. This devotion works for any area of life. Is there something you want to do, something you want to accomplish, a new way of living, or a new way of thinking? Anything must be assessed often to make sure you are still on track, on the right track or following the right set of “rules”. If you aren’t, you might be headed towards a derailment. Sure there will be speed bumps. There might even be detours and unexpected outcomes if your blueprint isn’t consulted or is read incorrectly. The great thing about that is you can always go back to that blueprint and retrace your steps and get back on track. So if there is anything you have wanted to do and just haven’t taken the time to pursue it, sit down and draw up a “blueprint”. Map out your plan and work towards that goal, anticipation, wish, want, dream. Once you walk daily to pursue that dream, wish, or goal you will find incentive and inspiration to pursue it more passionately daily. Even the back steps will seem less frustrating when you have a plan to follow.
This week I ended up with the dreaded winter cold. It hit me hard Friday morning. By Saturday night I was having the chills, aches and was totally drained of all energy. By the time I got home at 3am from work I was bushed. Sunday was a day of total sleep. I spent about 5 hours out of bed and most of that time was spent sleeping in the chair. I ate ½ a cup of pudding and a can of chicken noodle soup. (Mom was always right that chicken noodle soup makes you feel better). I got on the scale this morning and lost 6 pounds yesterday. I do not recommend this method of weight control. I don’t look for today to be much different in the eating department. I am still feeling fairly rough. I feel like I probably have a fever so Tylenol has been a regular for yesterday and will be today. I plan to stay out of bed due to the fact every pore of my torso hurts. Some of that is from coughing and blowing my nose, but also from laying in bed for a day. I hope everyone stays healthy and on tract with whatever goals they have.
The mind may be blessed with perfect memory, but it is cursed with lousy recall.
~goals guy~
~7 Habits of Highly Effective People~
This is a devotion I had for today. It is so true of weight loss. You must look upon your goals daily. Just because you did well yesterday doesn’t mean today will go as well. And just because yesterday was a struggle doesn’t mean today will be so challenging. This devotion works for any area of life. Is there something you want to do, something you want to accomplish, a new way of living, or a new way of thinking? Anything must be assessed often to make sure you are still on track, on the right track or following the right set of “rules”. If you aren’t, you might be headed towards a derailment. Sure there will be speed bumps. There might even be detours and unexpected outcomes if your blueprint isn’t consulted or is read incorrectly. The great thing about that is you can always go back to that blueprint and retrace your steps and get back on track. So if there is anything you have wanted to do and just haven’t taken the time to pursue it, sit down and draw up a “blueprint”. Map out your plan and work towards that goal, anticipation, wish, want, dream. Once you walk daily to pursue that dream, wish, or goal you will find incentive and inspiration to pursue it more passionately daily. Even the back steps will seem less frustrating when you have a plan to follow.
This week I ended up with the dreaded winter cold. It hit me hard Friday morning. By Saturday night I was having the chills, aches and was totally drained of all energy. By the time I got home at 3am from work I was bushed. Sunday was a day of total sleep. I spent about 5 hours out of bed and most of that time was spent sleeping in the chair. I ate ½ a cup of pudding and a can of chicken noodle soup. (Mom was always right that chicken noodle soup makes you feel better). I got on the scale this morning and lost 6 pounds yesterday. I do not recommend this method of weight control. I don’t look for today to be much different in the eating department. I am still feeling fairly rough. I feel like I probably have a fever so Tylenol has been a regular for yesterday and will be today. I plan to stay out of bed due to the fact every pore of my torso hurts. Some of that is from coughing and blowing my nose, but also from laying in bed for a day. I hope everyone stays healthy and on tract with whatever goals they have.
The mind may be blessed with perfect memory, but it is cursed with lousy recall.
~goals guy~
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Change
Change is a word that encompasses many things. You can change your clothes in order to have a different appearance. You can change your appearance in order to make a different impression. You can change your impression of someone, something or some situation. You can change your outlook to change your acceptance level, to change your reactions, to change your impression on others and so much more. I think your outlook affects the way you change.
I have heard it said, “He/she doesn’t like change.” “We like to stay in the same rut we are comfortable with.” I think most of the time this is true; more so for some than for others. I know there was a time I bucked change. It was many years ago. Fourteen to fifteen years ago I knew I needed to change jobs or lose my sanity. I was very reluctant to do such. I kept rationalizing things would change, get better, etc. They didn’t and I finally got tired of being miserable, stressed and very unhappy. So 13 years ago I changed jobs and have never been happier for the change. About 3-4 years ago I was told I needed to have weight loss surgery. I once again balked at the change and put it off. I made excuses and remained in denial until Feb of 2008. I had the surgery July 2008 and now couldn’t be happier for the decision. I feel so much better physically. I can do things I haven’t been able to do in many years. I look totally different. As my mom says, “She looks like the kid from many years ago.” She is right. Some days I don’t recognize myself.
Well, I am facing so many changes at this time. Changes in my appearance, my clothing size, my mobility, my impressions, my outlook (positive versus negative), my abilities physically, my processing mentally and emotionally, etc. Through all these changes I am reassessing my life, how I live my life and what it is going to take to challenge myself. One of these changes is in my work schedule. There was a time I would have never had thought of working anything except 2:30p-10:30p. Well, about 2 years ago work circumstances were very stressful and so I decided to change to working 10:30p-6:30a. Before I was actually able to go to that time frame I was asked to work a power shift of 6:30p-2:30a. I figured, why not if I was going to change. Well, now I am getting ready to change again. I had to rethink and reassess my life. There as so many changes right now and most are positive and have given me a renewed sense of self-confidence and pride. So I will be changing my work hours to a power shift of 10:30a-6:30p. I am really looking forward to it.
We all need to look at change in a light that will allow us to be honest with ourselves. We need to make decisions based on needs and not on fears. I know change can equal the feeling of fear or at least the anticipation of uncertainty. I hope you will take the time to assess your situation, set your focus, plan your goals including the steps to those goals and take the chance. Remember you never have to accomplish the goal in one leap. If you are struggling to do something because of limitations, take a little at a time until you build up the ability to do the activity. An example is right after surgery I was unable to walk very far much less to the end of the block. So several times a day I would walk up and down the hall, around the living room, dining room, kitchen and back down the hall. Soon I was able to walk to the end of the block. Then it increased to around the block. It didn’t take me just a week, but some time. I gained distance with time and effort. I had to push myself. Now I am pushing myself to take on new work hours. It will be a different challenge with different co-workers, with different sets of circumstances. I am excited about it. Since even before surgery I had been challenging myself to change my outlook about exercise. Since surgery I have not only changed my outlook, but my attitude. I now enjoy exercising. I have found a routine in the water and in the fitness center that challenges me and excites me. The reward of feeling better is incentive enough to continue.
Sometimes change isn’t so bad. You just have to step out and give it a try. Step up to the plate and take a swing.
You are the one person you never get away from.
~Joyce Meyer~
I have heard it said, “He/she doesn’t like change.” “We like to stay in the same rut we are comfortable with.” I think most of the time this is true; more so for some than for others. I know there was a time I bucked change. It was many years ago. Fourteen to fifteen years ago I knew I needed to change jobs or lose my sanity. I was very reluctant to do such. I kept rationalizing things would change, get better, etc. They didn’t and I finally got tired of being miserable, stressed and very unhappy. So 13 years ago I changed jobs and have never been happier for the change. About 3-4 years ago I was told I needed to have weight loss surgery. I once again balked at the change and put it off. I made excuses and remained in denial until Feb of 2008. I had the surgery July 2008 and now couldn’t be happier for the decision. I feel so much better physically. I can do things I haven’t been able to do in many years. I look totally different. As my mom says, “She looks like the kid from many years ago.” She is right. Some days I don’t recognize myself.
Well, I am facing so many changes at this time. Changes in my appearance, my clothing size, my mobility, my impressions, my outlook (positive versus negative), my abilities physically, my processing mentally and emotionally, etc. Through all these changes I am reassessing my life, how I live my life and what it is going to take to challenge myself. One of these changes is in my work schedule. There was a time I would have never had thought of working anything except 2:30p-10:30p. Well, about 2 years ago work circumstances were very stressful and so I decided to change to working 10:30p-6:30a. Before I was actually able to go to that time frame I was asked to work a power shift of 6:30p-2:30a. I figured, why not if I was going to change. Well, now I am getting ready to change again. I had to rethink and reassess my life. There as so many changes right now and most are positive and have given me a renewed sense of self-confidence and pride. So I will be changing my work hours to a power shift of 10:30a-6:30p. I am really looking forward to it.
We all need to look at change in a light that will allow us to be honest with ourselves. We need to make decisions based on needs and not on fears. I know change can equal the feeling of fear or at least the anticipation of uncertainty. I hope you will take the time to assess your situation, set your focus, plan your goals including the steps to those goals and take the chance. Remember you never have to accomplish the goal in one leap. If you are struggling to do something because of limitations, take a little at a time until you build up the ability to do the activity. An example is right after surgery I was unable to walk very far much less to the end of the block. So several times a day I would walk up and down the hall, around the living room, dining room, kitchen and back down the hall. Soon I was able to walk to the end of the block. Then it increased to around the block. It didn’t take me just a week, but some time. I gained distance with time and effort. I had to push myself. Now I am pushing myself to take on new work hours. It will be a different challenge with different co-workers, with different sets of circumstances. I am excited about it. Since even before surgery I had been challenging myself to change my outlook about exercise. Since surgery I have not only changed my outlook, but my attitude. I now enjoy exercising. I have found a routine in the water and in the fitness center that challenges me and excites me. The reward of feeling better is incentive enough to continue.
Sometimes change isn’t so bad. You just have to step out and give it a try. Step up to the plate and take a swing.
You are the one person you never get away from.
~Joyce Meyer~
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Steadfast
The word I have been contemplating this week is steadfast. The definition for steadfast is firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve. I have been at a steady standstill with weight the last week. I have looked at my eating and my activity. This last week I stepped up my exercising. I made it to the "Y" 5 days this week. I am hoping the "stall" is muscle instead of pound gain. My stomach is flattening out, so I think the muscles must be firming. I have been firm in my purpose to be healthier. My loyalty to exercising has become much more conscious and my resolve is to reach my goal. Resolve encompasses determination, steadfastness, tenacity, doggedness, firmness. I have developed a new routine for the water. I have focused exercises on the abs, upper arms and thighs. I have extended my workout to an hour and 15 minutes on my non-class water aerobics days (Wednesday & Friday). On Monday I have water aerobics class for an hour and then try to do some exercising on my own for 15-20 minutes. I think I have a better workout in the water than I do in the "gym". On Tuesday and Thursday I am in the "gym" working the strength training machines and the floor exercises. They also focus on the abs, upper arms and thighs. I sure feel better after the workouts. I hope I will remain firm and unwavering in my purpose and I will stay loyal to my needs and goals and my resolve will stay strong to work my program on a daily basis. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed and get the mindset of "I deserve" to take a break and that leads to getting out of the good habits I have formed. Therefore I must remain steadfast!
I am not too concerned with the weight stand still. I have anticipated it and have been surprised it didn't happen earlier. I know I have picked up some foods I would be better off not eating and I will need to eliminate them. I need to get back to salads instead of potatoes. When I eat potatoes it is a small amount (1/4 - 1/2 a cup, 1/2 a small baked, etc) but any amount is added carbs. I need to watch my snacks. I have been assessing if I am eating because the food is there versus my body telling me it needs sustenance. I fear my eating is not associated with need. I need to reassess what I take to work to eat. I wish I found a protein bar I am excited over, but I haven't. I have a couple I can tolerate. I need to keep it as a stand by in case I get hungry at work. I also need to eat when I get hungry instead of trying to hold out until a pre-decided time. That way I will be less likely to snack (AKA hold me over).
Some other challenges I am facing that fall back into the old habits are eating too fast, taking too big of bites and "unconscious eating". There are times when I am done eating and I don't remember eating it. That is what I call unconscious eating. I had an "uncomfortable episode" last week because I ate too fast and didn't chew well enough. I began to feel hot and started to sweat. I felt nauseated and overall uncomfortable. It passed in 15 minutes after sitting under a fan and sitting still. Of course this was at work. My co-workers were very sympathetic and took over any duties I needed to perform.
As you can see post-op isn't all smooth sailing. It is a challenge just like pre-op. Pre-op I tried every diet, every fad, every supplement plan, etc. Post-op I am living a healthy life plan. No more diets. It is a lifestyle that not only encompasses food, but behavior, attitude, outlook, emotions, positive choices, etc. It involves my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual realms. The whole person. A diet usually involves only the eating aspect. Post-op involves a support system if it is going to work. It is too easy to slip back into the old habits, eating the old foods, doing the old things, etc. God has certainly been the backbone of my support by placing strong encouraging people in my life. I thank those people; family, friends, co-workers, IWLS staff, church, etc.
This surgery is not a cure-all. It is a tool to work a healthy lifestyle. I must continue to assess and reassess my actions, motives, attitudes, food intake, activity, etc. Just like pre-op, I must watch what I eat, move more, stay positive, keep plugging forward, learn from the backward steps and lean toward the forward momentum. It's just easier now that I can see the rewards I have attained and the ones I have to look forward to. Count your blessings, tally your achieved goals and review your targets. Isn’t that the road to success in any area of life?
Any positive goal is worth remaining steadfast!
"Live so that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip."
~Will Rogers~
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