Less is More

Had a busy holiday weekend, as I'm sure everyone did. Besides the shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, work, church, and time with family and friends, I got rid of more "stuff!" I spent the 26th and 27th cleaning out the linen closet and the master bedroom and our clothes closet. I have filled my trash bin from the city 3 times since I started this project. I now have 7 boxes of clothing and household goods to donate to charity. It feels FABULOUS!! I now just need to clear out the guest room & closet, the attic, and the office/"man room," which is the catch-all room. The attic and the man room will be the hardest jobs because they have the most stuff, but my success so far is very motivating! My spirit (and the house!) get lighter with every room completed. Now on to lighten the body!

Losing and Gaining

In addition to my weight issues and my husband's health and unemployment concerns, I have been dealing with some other problems. I have had a problem with holding on to too much "stuff." Over the last several years I suffered a series of losses and crises, and began to see possessions as associated with people and love and emotions. Of course, some things are precious and are intimately tied to memories, but some things need to be passed on to someone who needs it or can enjoy it. I have begun the process of clearing these items and my house out.

I have cleared out my kitchen, laundry area, dining room, living room, and bathroom so far. I have shredded about a ton of old papers, and have filled 3 boxes to give to charity. It feels so good! The sense of accomplishment feels great, and I even feel lighter, like I have lost weight! (I am sure the house feels that way!☺)

Making progress on this goal gives me motivation to get serious about my other goals. I want to get closer to God and be more open to people. I need to eat less and more healthily. I need to go for a walk every day. I want to eliminate my debt. I want to organize my house (after I've gotten rid of all this extra stuff.) 12 months from now, if I am still here by God's will, that is where I want to be.

Twisted Ankle

I work in an enviroment where I need to look presentable, so I often wear skirts or pants and heels. But I did not twist my ankle at work. Also, I have been working at walking 2-3 miles daily, 4 or more times a week. But I did not twist my ankle walking at a park or on the river. I twisted my ankle at home, barefoot, while doing laundry!! It was frustrating and a bit discouraging. I have heard from so many people about how they got sick or injured after starting a fitness program. I guess that is just life! There are always challenges to any goal, whether it is fitness and weight loss, getting an education, or remodeling your house. I'm not sure why these challenges come, but it sure can test one's committment! I am hoping it only spurs me on, because I was really enjoying the benefits of vigorous exercise. Sweat is good!

End of July!

It's hard to believe another month has come and gone. I have not lost any more weight because I have not been logging my food or counting my calories. But! I have been walking a lot more, a lot farther and a lot faster. In the last 3 weeks I have logged 29 miles, and about 58,000 steps. It has been hard, sweaty work, but it has felt great! Sometimes it's hard to get motivated, and keep walking, but it feels so good when I'm done. I feel so relaxed and more cheerful. It's a great sense of accomplishment, too! I asked my M.D. Alan Sherwood how often I should walk. He said I only have to walk on the days I eat! (Ha!) I am going for at least 20 miles a week. (3 every day except 2 on Sunday.) I have also been doing stretching. I need to add ab work and strength training. I think some yoga for balance and flexibility would be good, too.

I also asked Dr. Sherwood about nutrition and diet advice. His advice was this: if God made it, it's okay to eat. If He didn't, it's not. Sounds simple, but there is so much truth in it. I have got to follow that plan! Here's to good health!

Everyone's Looking for a Magic Pill

I am the world's worst when it comes to knowing what to do for my health and weight and actually doing it. I know I need to eat more fruits and veg, limit my sodium, get a healthy amount of whole grains and lean protein, and drink plenty of water. But! too much of the time I have followed my taste buds and not my head, and that is why I am where I am! Food is my drug of choice...if I'm down, I eat. If I'm stressed, I eat. If I'm angry or upset, I eat. For fun I eat. And that has got to change. I need a 12 step program for food. No kidding.

I also know I need regular exercise--aerobic and calorie burning, strength training and flexibility maintenance. And as we age it's important to work on our balance and coordination. Basically, if you don't use it, you lose it! So, I have begun walking again. (Followed by stretches.) I don't know why I fight it so much, except maybe I'm just lazy. I always feel so good afterwards! Everyone always wants a magic pill to get skinny, but these pills always come with some dangerous side effects. Diet and exercise is way too much like work, while eating is fun and comforting! Discipline, discipline, discipline. (Why does that sound so negative?)

I had a pleasant walk today with my hubby along the Tennessee river. It was warm and muggy (Summer in the South!) but there was a lovely breeze to cool us and keep us going. It was a good way to end the weekend and prepare for the busy week ahead. What other kind of magic pill do you need?

Back on Track

Today I exercised for the first time in months. (Unless you count me trotting through Hartsfield in Atlanta when my departure gate was changed last minute...which I do! Especially schlepping all my luggage that cost too much to check!) I did two miles, plus warm up and cool down with Leslie Sansone. I even got my husband to do a mile with me! We had a lot of fun walking together and teasing each other. I pushed myself pretty hard, and felt I might be able to go another mile, but decided against it. It felt great! I really worked up a sweat, and felt much more upbeat and calm afterward. I felt motivated...I made dinner, cleaned the kitchen, did the dishes, and a few more chores. My hubby loved that. It's a great miracle medicine! If it only could be bottled! Guess God wanted us to earn this one.

A Fresh Start

Last December I made a great beginning with SparkPeople, and quickly lost 20 pounds. But when the recent stress of my life increased again, I went back to my old habits of using food for comfort. Over the last several years I had been through a number of losses and crises, and food had become my drug of choice. Like any addict, I abused my drug, allowed my drug to affect my health and well-being, and had made poor financial choices to support my habit. My husband has developed serious health issues, and I need to be healthy to care for him.