So you think you can't?

I have no words of my own....but I can share what I saw from a movie I just saw. It's called....Soul Surfer. If you want to be inspired to do the impossible....Watch it!

It's an inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame ALL ODDS to become a champion again, through her SHEER DETERMINATION and UNWAVERING Faith. 


In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany's feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her LOSS into a GIFT for OTHERS!!!


A quote from the move.... "I don't need easy...I just need possible!"

You can change you life!!

Are you ready for your possible?

Lets do it!!!!

Keep focused!

A Christmas Gift

My Hubby and I rarely go to Starbucks for coffee. First of all it's too high in calories for me and too expensive, so we only go on special occasions or if I have a gift card. Lucky for us it was both. So this morning we donned on our workout wear and hit the streets walking to the coffee shop. Our round trip is a little over 2 miles and it's just a great time to be together and enjoy our beautiful Oregon weather. Today it was cold and crisp, the sky was blue and the sun was shinning. We were in great spirits anticipating all of our Christmas festivities that we were about to enjoy!

My Hubby and I ordered our drinks and found a cozy spot for us to enjoy our special treat. Of course we ordered thinking about our waistlines. I ordered a tall, "skinny" Chi Tea and Hubby ordered a tall "skinny" Peppermint Mocha - Yummy!!!

As I was waiting for my Hubby to bring back our coffees, I was just sitting in my comfy chair thinking about the many Blessings I have in my life. I could really feel the love of the Lord this morning and I was filled with joy!!

Soon my Hubby had our drinks and he was standing in front of me trying to figure out who's drink was who's and as he was handing me my drink an older gentleman came into the store and came right up to us. Without any word from him, he threw his hat on my Hubby's chair and started to get in line.

I simply said, "Sir, that is my Husband's chair."

Then the man snapped angrily at me and said, "Well I don't see him sitting there!!" I tried to explain, that he just got back with our coffee and he was getting ready to sit.

Without another word, the man grabbed up his hat and stormed toward the order line.

I was floored!! First of all, the man came in and did not assess the situation around him. He just bullied his way toward the chair. Secondly, he could have said sorry and found another seat. But no, he had to be mean and spoil my day.

Well after he did what he did, I called out to him....."Well Merry Christmas to you!"

That was when something came over me that I cannot explain......Without a word to my Hubby, I got up from my chair and went to the man. I said, "Sir, I am sorry, you can have my chair."

When our eyes met, I saw so much sorrow and pain. We made a connection that I cannot explain. It's like he transferred his pain to me....we exchanged something! Because he gave me a tiny smile and he said, "I'm sorry!.

I then said, "Merry Christmas", to his reply he said with a joyful smile, "Merry Christmas!"

Before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed my Hubby and we started back home.

The minute I left the building I started to cry....I had to really think about what the tears were about. Because I was so overcome I could not talk. It was one of those cries that hurt in your throat...You know when you get so choked up you can't talk. That's what it was like.

At first I thought I was crying because of the injustice done to me. Here I was enjoying a Christmas morning with my Hubby and this man spoiled it for me.

But after some time, I realized that I was crying for this man and his pain ~ I could feel it to my core. The other reason why I was crying was because we exchanged a gift. I was able to give him something that morning. I gave him joy, love...and compassion.

As we were walking, holding my Hubby's hand, I wept and wept.

Since I could not talk to my Hubby, I decided to talk to the Lord. He told me that this man's name is Charlie and that I should pray for him. That's all he told me....And that's exactly what we did!

So this Christmas day, would you please give a gift to my new friend Charlie? Please pray for his pain and sorrow to be released and for him to be filled with joy!!

I love you my Friends. Be kind and compassionate to those who harm you. You have no idea where they are coming from. Always expend a gift of love and compassion wherever you go.

Love love love you!

Restoration

Take a good look at this picture.  Have you ever felt like this before? Do you feel like this now. Here you are looking firm, sturdy and in good shape....Even kind of shiny! Feeling good! Oh yeah, you've weathered the storms, fought the good fight and you've made it to your destination. You are ready for your purpose......

But have you ever thought of the journey to get there? To reach those goals? Maybe you are in the midst of your journey ~ you are in process...You are on your way....

Just like this fine desk. Before it was a desk it was once a tree. Can you even imagine what the effort it took to get to the finished product? Well first, we need some dirt, then a seed, then water and sunshine and time....plenty of time and patience. Do you suppose there might be some perseverance and some grit to weather the storms? How about being frozen, scorched, parched, lived in, rubbed up against and maybe even pooped on. Have you ever felt like that?

Well then after a lot of time, the tree is ready for harvest. The once majestic, is drastically cut down, hauled off in a truck to the mill, where it is debarked, cut up and whatever else they do to make a tree into lumber.

Then our once tree, now lumber, is off to the carpenter who crafts the raw material into a fine school desk.

Now look at the picture again. It is a really fine desk. Pretty cool!!

But not only did this desk have to go through the PROCESS of going from a tree, to lumber before becoming a desk. Once it was done....it had to survive the batterings of life. I mean this ole desk was battered!!! Not only by the numerous amounts of kids who used it....but this desk was found, in November, by my Friend, who found it under a mound of rubble, in a destroyed school. This school is located in Haiti and this desk has been under the rubble since the earthquake.

My Friend said he was helping remove rubble from a building, where he found this now fine piece of furniture in pieces. At first he did not know what it was, but he kept finding more and more of the desk, and after a lot of searching and time and patience, he was able to recognize what it was and he decided to REBUILD the desk and RESTORE it to it's original state.

Can you imagine? That something that was almost beyond recognition has been restored!?!?!

You might be wondering what does an old desk that was reconstructed in Haiti have to do with weight loss and fitness?  

I not really sure either, but something is niggling at me....That old desk is like many of us. We were born and we grew into something beautiful, just like the desk. And just like the desk, we've weathered the storms of life, we've been battered, shook up,  and some of us, even destroyed!!! Look at some of our bodies. They are broken and misshaped just like the desk. Some of us are beyond repair, because of the choices that are made, the excuses that are used and the lies that are listened to. Others of us are in the PROCESS of being recreated, reconstructed....RESTORED!!

Just like that ole desk, it's taken time, love, care and patience for its journey from wholeness, to brokenness, to restoration....just like it's going to take time, love, care and patience for our weight loss and fitness journey. But if we are diligent.....we will make it....if we keep our focus on the goal and keep pushing forward no matter what.....we will reach our goals!!! We too will be strong, solid, beautiful, purposeful....RESTORED!!

We get to make the choice!

Keep focused

Craziness is Almost Over!

One more tree to decorate...

A bunch of cookies to make...

Fifteen more Christmas cards to fill out and mail...

Some stocking stuffers to pick up...

A couple of more presents to wrap...

Christmas Eve meal to make...

Three bathrooms to clean...

One and a half days of work...

AND THEN I'M DONE!!!


WHEW!!

Still eating well, drinking my water and exercising. 

Down one more pound......

70 pounds lost!!!!!!!!!!!


Woo Hoo!!

Even with all of the busyness ~ you can still make a difference in your health and weight loss!! Don't give up and wait for the New Year. We still have time!!

Keep focused!!

Loving the Season!

I am absolutely loving the Season! I feel so much joy in my heart, loving my family and friends. Just grateful for all the Blessings the Lord has given me this year! I am hanging on to every minute this season brings. So grateful!!!

Being at 205 pounds is such a Blessing. Yeah I know it's not 150 pounds, but I will soon be there! Last Christmas I was heavier and not as in good a shape as I am this year. Can't wait to see what next year brings!

Even with the busy schedule I am still working my plan. This morning, I was up bright and early and my Hubby and I went for a 4 mile walk in the crisp and foggy Oregon weather. It was wonderful being together and exercising!

Still striving to get more weight off before Christmas!! I can do it!

How about you? Are you still focused on your weight loss and fitness plan!

JUST DO IT!!

Keep focused!!!!

Are you waiting?

Are you waiting for the New Year to get started on your weight loss and fitness plan? Or maybe are you coasting on your plan until the New Year or are you even thinking about quitting your plan until then?

Now is not the time to quit!! Now is the time to focus!

Even though my schedule is packed, my list is long, and my to do's are many I not waiting for the New Year to keep going on my weight loss and fitness plan.

The worst thing for me would be to wake up on January 1st and have to face pounds added back on. I would hate that! I'm striving to have a loss! I lost weight during Thanksgiving...I can do it again during Christmas!

I am working my plan in spite of everything else I need to do. I'm not stopping! I'm still exercising, keeping my calories at 1600 (using my small dishes - they work!!!), drinking my water and keeping a positive and joyful attitude.

You can do it too!!! I encourage you to make this December the best one ever! How cool would it be to wake up on Christmas morning smaller than you were last year? THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!

There's still time to get this done!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Keep up the good fight and stay focused my Friends. Lets end the year with results!!

Keep focused!

The Easy Fix???

I have found a wonderful weight loss tool that has really helped me. The sad thing is, that every time I share it, I get the deer in the head lights look. I can almost here the thoughts....Yeah, that works for you, but I'm not trying that. Nope not me!!! I have not had one person even say they were interested.

I bet though, if I would share a fun and easy fix to this weight loss problem, they'd be all over it.

I have been doing this new thing since the first of November and I've lost 10 pounds and maintained my weight through my Birthday, my Grand Babies birthdays, 2 Thanksgiving meals, several restaurant experiences, I've been exposed to sweet and goodies galore and I've even made some mistakes. And I'm still on track.

This is so working for me and I would love for someone else to at least try it. I would love to see if it will really work for others.

Anyone out there willing to give it a go? Any brave souls out there. Anyone want results?

This is what I did.....

• I got two sets of beautiful small plates and bowls. See prior post..
• On  my plate, I fill half of it with veggies and fruit, a quarter of the plate with protein and a quarter of the plate with grains. I allow myself a small portion of dairy.

That's it! 

I'm telling you, there is something about eating things from small dishes! I've even had terrible food choices served to me, but if I follow the order of the plate...veggies/fruit, protein and grains, I have not gone wrong!

I've tried this before. I used to eat my regular serving of oatmeal in our regular soup bowls. You know the size, it could fit 3 cups of cereal and milk before it overflows. Of course my oatmeal serving is not that big, it's the 1 serving size. Anyway, I put that one serving size into the regular soup bowl and there were times that I would get done eating that serving and I wanted more. I probably could have had at least one or one and a half servings more to be satisfied. 

Now I take that same one serving of oatmeal and I put it in my one-cup bowl and I'm telling you, that I have trouble eating the whole thing. Every day I struggle and sometimes, I just can't do it.

IT'S THE SAME SERVING SIZE!!!! NOTHING CHANGED EXCEPT FOR THE DISHES!!!
Every day after that meal I go away quite satisfied and you know what, I'm not even hungry for my 10:00am snack. I blast right past it to lunch. I'm just not hungry!!

Before I'd be eating my snack by 9:00am and by lunch, I would have eaten my whole lunch, plus my 3:00pm snack and I still would be hungry!!

Now I eat my lunch on my little plate. It looks full and delicious and I'm always satisfied. 

That's how I ate my Thanksgiving dinners. On my small plates. I actually lost a pound the day after Thanksgiving!!! I could not believe it!

Even at my company Christmas party, I asked the server for a small plate. I actually pointed to a saucer and she brought me a salad plate. I told her what I wanted to do and even she could not fathom what I wanted to do. Anyway, my meal came and I slide half of it onto the small plate and the other half into a to-go container. I had my meal and I was satisfied. I EVEN HAD DESERT!! Half of it hit my plate and the other half went home with me. I bet I still had 1000 calories for that meal. It was so heavy with cream and sugar. But the good thing is....I did not have 2000 calories!!!

I challenge you to at least try this. I really want to see if this helps others. I know it has changed my life!

Let me know if you are willing to give it a go. 

Keep focused!

Guest Post from Liz Davies

Fitness Encouragement for Cancer Patients

Those undergoing cancer treatments may feel like the therapy are more demanding than the actual disease. Treatments can drain their energy levels and make them feel lethargic all of the time. Other symptoms include feeling sick and nauseous. This is not the lifestyle that anyone wants to live so it is beneficial to know that there are ways to help lessen the effects. Exercise is a great way for cancer patients to reclaim strength and overall wellbeing.

Firstly, physical activity can help people by increasing their muscle and enabling them to become stronger. Often during chemotherapy and radiation muscle is turned into fat so it is important to combat this with strength training if possible. The added strength from doing exercises will allow patients to have more independence and show them that life can still be extremely fulfilling during this time in their life. Any type of physical activity gets the heart moving and blood flowing. The increased heart rate allows patients to feel less lethargic.

Not only is exercise beneficial for physical reasons but it also increases emotional well-being. An improved mood, decreased level of stress, increased self-confidence all help battle the common occurrence of depression that many cancer patients become susceptible to.

What are the best exercises for cancer patients? There is not a specific answer for that. It depends on the type and severity of the cancer and the level of fitness the patient is in. One type of exercise that is usually good for everyone is stretching. There are different ways of accomplishing this but Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga are common forms that can be changed for different levels of physical fitness. Increased flexibility is important to amplify blood flow and keep muscles and joints active. Another type of exercise that has in the past been avoided is strength training. Muscle is lost so strength training is very important. Types of this exercise include working with resistance bands or lifting weights. Even putting the household groceries is a way to keep the muscles moving in the body. As patients gain more energy cardio exercises like walking, swimming and running are found enjoyable and help manage weight gain.

Motivation is something that may be hard to come across during cancer treatments. Staying positive and setting goals are important ways to stay motivated. Small goals like walking around the block, taking the stairs instead of the elevator are even helpful and prove to themselves that the goals are attainable. It is important to choose exercises that will be found enjoyable so they will be easily fit into a daily routine.

These ideas and tips are ideal for people going through any type of cancer treatment, whether that is mesothelioma or pancreatic cancer. But as always when starting an exercise routine it is important to consult with a doctor or in this case a trainer that specialized and is certified in working with cancer patients.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April. 

Howdy!

I have had my share of computer problems for sure. Finally I got it back! I've had limited access to a computer, which has been frustrating!! So hopefully, this......Huge Piece of junk will continue to work. :-) and I will be on my way.

It's amazing how I've learned to become dependent on this thing for my weight loss and fitness journey. I track my calories & activity level, blog, and research things. I really need this resource!!

Health Update!

Doing great!! Finally broke through my plateau! I had gained 7 pounds back over September/October. It's amazing how fast that can happen! Looking back, I was struggling with the latest back injury during that time. Anyway on November 1st, I adopted my small dish routine and you know what? It's working!

For the first time ever I actually lost weight during the month of November. At the first of November, I weighed in at almost 215 pounds. On Thanksgiving day I weighed in at 205 pounds. Can you believe it?

I wish I could tell you the total calories I had for each day, but without my computer and Bodybugg, it was just too difficult....OK it was time consuming to calculate manually, so I don't know exactly how many calories I took it, but obviously a lot less!!

At Thanksgiving, my plate was 1/4 smaller than every one else! I did not walk away from the table hungry or unsatisfied. My clothes still felt great! I even had pie....It was just about 2 tablespoons worth, but in my little cup, it looked like a lot more!

Oh and the best part.....I had two Thanksgiving meals in two days and still lost weight!

AMAZING!

Right now, I'm holding at 205. I had this brilliant idea......You know Pistachios are everywhere right now and I thought it would be great to get some.....And you know....Costco has this jumbo bag for just $16.99....so I got a bag! Well come to find out.....they are not just nuts.....but they are coated in salt and pepper! AND THEY ARE AMAZING! A couple of days ago I had some. The next day, my mouth felt awful and my body felt like I had gained 40 pounds. Of course....that did not stop me from having some more the next day. Not quite so many, but just enough and days later, I'm still struggling with the bloated feeling. So I'm drinking lots and lots of water. Hopefully things will get back to normal and I will start losing again!

Well I have so much more to say, but no more time!

I hope you are doing well and I hope you are reaching for your weight loss and fitness goals!!

Keep focused!