Hi everyone...
It has been an odd day of posting and for me at work. A lot going on in my head, but when isn't that the case...
First of all to Liz - I am sending a big bear hug to help make the week a little better.... You are an amazing person the fact that you can find some perspective in everything that is going on is amazing.... Love you....
Stacey - I am praying to the computer gods that those lost files come back... Thinking really hard.....
Dawn - Let's see... where to start.... I don't think that setting a fifty pound goal over a three month period is realistic. Losing 4 -5 pounds a week is just not something that you can sustain unless you devote 24/7 to weight loss and nothing else (how else do you think the folks on the Biggest Loser do that). Given your lifestyle (keeping up with the kids, work, Dan, etc) that is just not something you can realistically expect of yourself. I would agree with Liz in that you should set smaller, more personal goals and echo the idea that it shouldn't just depend on a number. Your body is a fickle thing and no matter what you do, there will be times when you can't always control the outcome and the numbers will jump around no matter what you do. focusing only on the numbers will have you frustrated in no time at all.
You have gone two weeks with no fast food. With your schedule that is a huge accomplishment and you should be very proud of that. If you focus on goals that are more action based like that, the weight will naturally come down. So I would think about setting goals like, I won't eat out more than twice a week or I will exercise for 20 minutes a day for three days a week. Master those small goals and then add more. By building slowly, you are building life long and healthy habits that will serve you for the long term. Plus, you are less likely to get frustrated and then give up. Even if you only lose 25 pounds by December, that is 25 less than you had before and that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment.
A friend of mine (more like a second mom) reminds me from time to time how much work it takes to lose weight. She is right. Just because you lost 20 pounds and want to lose 80 more doesn't make the 20 pounds any less important.... Every pound matters and this is one race where the slow and steady turtle will win out over the rabbit....
Hope everyone is having a good day... Things are going all right here... I am walking tonight and can't wait... I really do like how my body feels when I am exercising regularly... I can't explain it, but it just seems to work better....
Take care,
Paula
I am really glad I came back... The past day has had so much helpful insight that I feel I may never leave again
Liz and all...
Love the advice..and am so gratefull for all of it...I also know that 50# is a huge number...but I also know that if I shoot for the moon and fall among the stars...I am still better than I have been in a long while...
In my biz - we make stretch goals a few times a year...ones that really make you push yourself when there is a time you could/would otherwise sit back and accept the average...and this is one of those times for me...
I may only get to 30 pounds lost...but I am writing the #50 all over the house...I am going to make a 50# paper chain tonight with the kids...as well as a $500 chain which is our spending /souveigneir money we want for the trip in Dec (That one will be in $20 increments) and we all can cheer each other on...I want the kids to have goals tonight they set for themselves as well...and their's an mine will not be time related (although I would like it to be Dec..might not be achievable) but inner related...something they want...to make themselves happier...
I need to take back control of my life...rather than my life controlling me all the darn time...I need to set small goals that will help me get the big one - Liz you are dead on with that...
So here they are:
#1 Get to bed by 11 p.m. nightly so I can get 7 hours of sleep...
#2 Walk for 1 hour a day for 2 weeks...then start the couch to 5 k
#3 Take a full body/side/back pic of myself for realization of improvement and self awareness of where I started so in those "whoa is me times"...I can choose to not sabbatoge myself.
#4 Write down 5 things I like about myself each morning...and 5 things I liked about my day each evening...
#5 Meal plan for the day the night before
#6 Have good choice foods available ready to eat
That is my start...that is my start...I keep realizing that this start may be 9 months later than my head was wanting it...but that is okay...and that is where I am...and I cannot change the past...but I can own my future...not someone elses viewpoint of what they believe mine will be. It is mine...and I will dictate it...not be a bi-product of it...
E - Thanks...you are a blessing in my life.
Everyone - really - I do so much appreciate every moment of your life you have chosen to share with me...I could have never in my wildest dreams believed that this journey would be going strong 9 months later with so many wonderfull people - and in so many different stages of their health filled journies...and be so connected in the faith and resounding belief that we are all better as a result of each others life experiences and support.
You never know whose life you impact by giving of yourself...and the courage it takes to do that is beyond what I can thank you for in words.
Your goals are great and I am going to start a few of them as well... Talking with everyone and seeing that maybe I'm not alone in my struggles (always seems like everyone is light years ahead of me in their goals) makes it a little easier to take. I am NOT alone in this and TOGETHER we will all succeed