Monthly Reports

One of the things that helped me the most when I first started this journey was the weekly meetings of HealthQuest.

The weekly weigh-ins, I should say.

In typical, Deanne-the-perfectionist-fashion, I didn't want to somehow "disappoint" the lady recording my weekly weight in my log so I was always certain to make sure it went down a little each week. Some weeks were, obviously, better than others but it was the knowledge that someone other than me would know how I did that helped keep me focused.

Have no fear, I am not ABOUT to tell you how much I weigh. No way, no how. But I am going to give you my exercise "journal" each month. It will post at midnight on the first of the following month.

Which means I have to keep it current or you'll know I've failed at even the most basic of tasks. I don't expect comments or that you'll even read them but it is ME knowing I'm putting something out there PUBLICALLY that I HOPE will keep my focus on the exercise.

Because for me it is all about the exercise.

I can eat a lot or little but if I don't do something physical it just sits on me the same way.

So, you all are my public watchers. You will know if I tried or made excuses; if I stayed on task or wandered off the path; if I cared enough to try.

Be kind.

The Small Victories

I want to share this picture with you.

Not because I want to name drop (Duece McAllister), and not because a friend saw it and thought I'd dropped 10 pounds (but who wouldn't when standing next to that brick wall of a man!) but because of the jacket. Yes, I think it is lovely and all Mardi Gras-ish and festive, but more importantly because I purchased it in the early 1990s.

For those that, like me, don't realize it, it is 2012 and the early 1990s were almost 20 years ago.

I share it because I needed the reminder of how far I've come. There were many, many years that I couldn't wear that jacket. I know because I tried. A few times I managed to get my arms into the sleeves but it was nowhere close to closing in the front.

It fastened when I wore it on Thursday night. Easily, and with room to spare.

So, to myself, good job on not losing faith in yourself and continuing to focus! Despite the crazy schedules and traveling and stresses. It would be so easy at this point to just give in to all the comfort foods and bad habits and all that accompanies those. But I won't.

I am too important to me.

I am valued, and valuable, and my health is the most important thing. Without it, nothing else will matter. I wouldn't be able to enjoy whatever Life was handing me.

So, if you find yourself in a rut or feeling discouraged or just down about it all, find your small victory. That mile that comes easily now that you couldn't walk a year ago. Or that dress you'd thought you'd never wear again but hadn't donated to charity yet because you loved it. Or playing with your children or grandchildren or puppies or whatever that maybe you couldn't enjoy a few years, or even a few months, ago.

It is the small victories that truly count the most. They are what keep us motivated and moving in the right direction. The small victories are what add up to the bigger ones, which ultimately culminate in our overall goals.

So celebrate them!

Do Over

Perhaps I should have read my post from last May after I wrote it. Like, several times so it would have taken root.

Doctor's office called today. I didn't want to take that call. You know when everything turns out well you get a letter. Phone calls mean something.

Now, with all the testing that was done, I did get the best of the not so good news. My cholesterol clocked in at 240.

240.

I'm supposed to be under 180.

I'm nowhere close.

So, it's back to another doctor, another plan, a real goal this time. A true mission.

Wish me luck!

Thought for this Tuesday

Saw this in my Denise Austin newsletter this morning: make peace with your past - so it won't spoil the present!

What a great thought! The past is just that, past. Over. Gone. Done with. Every day is chance for a new beginning. A fresh start.

If you're not where you want to be, get there. Get started. There's no time like now.