Relaxing Day

Have you ever felt like you were on a mission, you have so many plans and many things to do, so much so that you feel like you're running on empty?

That's how I've felt for a couple of days. So today, I decided that I was taking a day off, just for me. I woke up this morning, crawled out of bed and spent the entire day reading a wonderful book.

It's the fourth one of a series and I think it goes up to seven books, maybe more. It's an uplifting series about a women who is a lot like me. She goes to a women's prayer conference and meets 12 ladies. They experience a tragic incident together that binds these strangers together and transforms them into strong friends. Each book is chocked full of stories of the things that happen to real people, like you and me. It shows how, with God's help, the ladies and their families get through all the things that happen in real life ~ the good and the bad.

These books are interesting, eye opening and inspiring! They remind me of just how awesome God is and how He can restore any situation for His good. I have never laughed and cried like I've done with these books. They are thought provoking, attention grabbing and just plain fun! I just can't put them down!!

Check them out, the books are called The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson. Make sure to get book one and read them in order. There is a lot that goes on with the ladies and you don't want to miss a thing.

I feel filled up with joy and ready to tackle a new week with energy, excitement and success!!

Enjoy!!

Hugs!

So Close...

I am .4 lbs away from a new low....

Yesterday, I had a great day. Went over my calorie intake by only 75 calories (That's great for me!), got all my water in, worked out and journaled my food.

So I got my reward ~ the scale moved!!!

I am almost at my lowest point in years and just .4 lbs away from a 40 pound weight loss.

So grateful I did not stop and pushed through this hard month where the scale did not move. I kept telling myself, the scale does not tell all. I am getting it!!

My next goal is 231...what are your goals?

Hugs!

Wow - Wanna get un-stuck - check out A Deliberate Life's Blog

I just posted that I felt like I was stuck in my journey of weight loss and fitness. Just as I completed my post, I was looking at my blog roll and noticed Chris from A Deliberate Life had a new post. Her post hit me right where I needed to be smacked! I needed to hear what it took to get her started and keep her motivated. It is life changing information!!

I really liked her quote ~ "The beginning is exciting, the end glorious...the middle is messy." I guess I'm at the "Messy" part of my journey.

Are you stuck - Check out Chris' blog - She's inspirational!! http://chrislivessimple.blogspot.com

Hugs!

Want to break through, but I'm stuck...

Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you feel like a champion race horse, standing at the gate, ready to race and the gate won't open?

That's how I'm feeling right now. I have all the tools I need, I know what I'm supposed to do and I'm doing most things to get this weight off, but I just don't have the time to really push myself to the next level. I want a break through, but I'm stuck!!

Prior to January 2010, my life consisted of TV, TV, TV, oh and laundry, paying the bills, working, doing some cooking and that's about it. I had so much time on my hands it was pathetic.

Now that I have energy ~ I want to do everything!! My days are so full, fun and exciting. I'm living the life I've always wanted. I have interesting things to do, I'm meeting new friends, exploring the little things I've always wanted to explore....

THIS SUMMER, I AM ON THE LOOK OUT FOR A LEMONADE STAND. I WANT TO BUY MYSELF A $10.00LEMONADE. How fun would that be to Bless the socks off some little kids. I've always wanted to do that!!

OK I'm back now...What I'm trying to say is I'm having fun. I want to have fun, but what I really need to do is focus!!

I want to be able to go to the gym and spend as much time as I need, instead of rushing through my routine. I need some time to explore new recipes. I need to spend some time on my house ~ I still have Easter decorations up and it's June!

I guess I have to say "no" to some things....for just a time, so I can get this weight off and get to my fitness goals. I need to find a balance for my family, church, health, weight and fitness goals, work, friends and fun...Is it possible?

This "ole" horse wants to get to the finish line....Fast....but I'm stuck at the gate.

Do you have any ideas?

Hugs!

The Scale - Love it...Hate it...

Today I hate it!! Once again, I jumped on the scale, hopeful, that stupid little digital square would tell me what I want to know. And once again, it has not moved.

I have not had any weight loss for over a month. My food is in order, I'm exercising enough (my body hurts every day ~ so I know I'm giving it my all), I'm getting my water in, journaling, blah, blah, blah....

And the scale just blinks at me ~ "You're still 237"...Augh!

By God's grace, I have not given up. Prior to this year, I would have. I have allowed that scale to tell me who I am. Every day it says, "Yup, your fat, your still fat, you're a fatty!!"

But today, I'm not going to listen to that stupid scale. I don't believe what it says. I'm leaner, I'm stronger and I'm looking a lot better!!!

I have to remember there are other things that show me that I'm on the right track.

1.) People are noticing.
2.) My clothes are falling off.
3.) I like what I see in the mirror.
4.) I have less saggy fat hanging around.
5.) I have energy, more than I've had in years.
6.) I am stronger, healthier, happier, saner and excited!!

So sorry scale, NOT TODAY, I'm not going to listen to you. I'm going with what I know.

Does the scale tell you who you are? If so, don't listen to it!!

Hugs!

Mirrors

Mirrors...Ack!! I used to hate them...could not look at myself...hated what I saw!

However, recently I've noticed that I've been catching glimpses of myself in mirrors and I am beginning to like what I see!!!

Starting to notice new definition in my face, well actually, a new face is emerging. I kind of don't look like myself anymore. There is a youthful, attractive face peeking out at me! So amazing! Kind of like looking at that new face!

Last night at the gym, my trainer had me laying on my side, looking at the mirror. We were doing some crazy exercises that involved stretchy jump ropes. Anyway, for the first time, I could look, at myself in a mirror, without being sick to my stomach. I actually looked curvy in the right places, no extra tummy flab hanging down and my arms & legs looked pretty amazing!!!

So guess what, I went to the store today and I purchased a full length mirror. This is a big step for me, as I have not had the courage to buy one or to look into one for years....I have to tell you that not having a full length mirror can be a problem. There have been days when I've run out of the house, not really knowing if I had all of the pertinent body parts covered. I'd be flying out the door with my bags in one hand and then I'd be feeling myself out with the other hand making sure I had clothes on. Geez so embarrassing!!! Now with my new mirror, I will be able to check myself out before something embarrassing happens!

New thing happen every day...what's happening to you?

Hugs!

Living me some life.....

Never in my life have I had so much fun and have had so much to do! The minute I got some energy, my days began to fill up with wonderful things! Instead of wasting time and filling my mind with stupid things, I'm OUT living life to its fullest and having a BLAST!!!

Some of the things....
Biking, rowing, crafts, time with family, 7 week Bible study ~ met 3 new friends, church, work full time ~ business trip, gym/trainer, exercise, journaling/blogging, reading, cooking/baking, gardening, cleaning my house - HA!, camping, shopping, swimming with my daughter and grand baby, visiting my sick neighbor, spending a lot of time with my sweet husband, and spending time with God!!

All this accomplished and much more ~ just in the last 2 months.

It feels so good to have energy and to be alive!!

All because I am living a healthier and active lifestyle.

I can tell you candy, sweets, and junk food do not bring me this much joy!!

What do you do with all your energy!?!

Hugs!