There’s No Excuse

Day 12 of 100 Days of Encouragement

 I’ve noticed that I have allowed myself to have many excuses for falling off my eating plans. It seems that the unconscious just finds ways to get that food. Well, today I said, “there are no more excuses.”

 Each time I felt that tug to reach for food, I told myself, “no more excuses. I will take responsibility for my life and make choices that will ultimately make me happier.”  When issues and uncertainty surface, I have learned to turn to thanking God for taking care of everything in the past, present and future. I only need to focus on what is in front of me and around me, and take care of that.

 Today I stayed on track for the first time in a long time, and still put in a full day. When I was tired, I eventually found a little time to rest.

 So… there are no more excuses team. We can and will get victory and reach our goals. Let’s keep on keeping on, because we will get there together.

Crossing The Finish Line

I feel much better and more in control when I deal with the things that need to be dealt with.

So… welcome everyone to Day 1 of 100 Days of Encouragement; a brand new journey.  It would be much easier to throw the towel in and give up, but that would not make me happy. Ultimately, this is about me feeling happy about me, and you feeling happy about you. So, team, let’s get started. I know that some of you are gone on holidays, so have a lot of fun.

 As for me and the rest of the team, we will keep on keeping on and with good planning, determination, and tenacity, we will get there. Go team!

Day 100 – The Big Day AND,  the start of a whole new journey of 100 days.

 Well… the final tally is in, and it is not as much as I would like it to be, but I am proud of myself for having lost 11 pounds. I had hoped for at least 20 pounds, but the reality is that I am working on changing a lifetime of habits. If it takes me 200 or 300 days to get to my goal, then that is what I will do.

 One of the struggles I have had is working long hours on a new adventure. This has taken up much of my energy, and I hope things settle down a bit by mid August. Today I took Mercedes for two walks and pushed forward on the treadmill for 40 minutes.

Almost There

Days 97, 98 and 99 of the 100 Days of Encouragement.

 This is day 99!!!! Wow!  I can hardly believe it. My life has changed so much in the last 99 days. I have to say that I am pretty stuck right now. I am still going to start another 100 days, but may be posting every second day for the next 5 or 6 weeks, until I am done this course, that is very consuming of all of my time.

 I am in the later stages of negotiations, and look forward to being able to share my new business idea with you in the next month or so. As tomorrow is day 100, it would be great if any of you would like to send in any comments about what it has been like for you to be on this journey.

 Regardless of how tough the struggle gets, I am not giving up or quitting.  I want all of you to know that I have made the commitment to change my lifestyle for the rest of my life, and with determination, will get there.  So…    Wednesday starts the new 100 Days of Encouragement.  Lets keep on keeping on, and get to the goal no matter how long it takes.

The Power of Dreams and Believing

Day of the 8^th segment of 10 days. Day 81 of 100 Days of Encouragement.

I can hardly believe that 80 days have come and gone so fast. These last 10 days have gone by like a blur, and  it was a pretty tough 10 days. Part way through the 10 days I told you that I had gained a few pounds from all of the stress and fatigue, but I have since lost that weight gain. So that is the good news. The frustrating news for me is that I am at the same weight as I was at the last 10 day segment.

 BUT, I know that I am such a determined person that I will not give up until I get to the goal. It is quite the journey, loaded with challenges, yet, those challenges are actually opportunities to overcome obstacles and make amazing memories.

 I know about the power of dreams and believing, as I have many, many experiences with perseverance and dreams come true. In fact, I will have to write a book about them, as there are so many. It is from all of the collective experiences that I know that I will get to this goal and many others.

 I have to share some current experiences, because months ago, when I finally made the commitment to change my lifestyle and life habits, I could never have guessed that my life would change so much, so fast, in 80 days. This includes the joy of dropping 11 pounds, (and working on another 30 to 35 lbs), meeting new people, issues being dealt with, and ….

 Here is the big one; a change in career. For many, many years I have dreamed of starting my own business, and it seems that all of the stars have aligned and things are coming together. A number of years ago I created and copyrighted some very special dolls with incredible concepts built in. I held onto the dream and believed that one day this would happen. In April I met some people at a business mixer and was blessed with a complimentary pass to the Alberta Women Entreprenuers (AWE) convention, which is worth $600. The convention was amazing, as well as the business contacts that I made, knowledge and information that I gathered, and inspiration that moved me up to the next level. Everything that I needed so far has come together, and…  by the grace and mercy of God… I feel like I am “Living The Dream”.

 I am still putting some of the pieces of the new and exciting business together, and will fill you in on the details as they happen. As is the case with many things, there are risks involved, but my faith tells me that each day will bring exactly what I need to keep going forward. One day at a time I will meet my challenges and do my best. Without a doubt, I know that we will all “Live The Dream” of overcoming the obstacles that challenge us to build the character strength we need to live the most fulfilled lives we could ever dream of and hope for.

 So keep on keeping on, because we are going to celebrate victory. We will never surrender. We know that we can and will experience the exhilaration of “Triumph of the Human Spirit”.

Renewed Inspiration

Day 3 or the 6^th segment of 100 days. Day 53 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Getting a new burst of inspiration is what everyone needs. If you just cannot find it within yourself (even though it is there), then look for positive sources of inspiration to re-energize your spirit.

 What most people don’t realize is that we all have the spirit of inspiration, encouragement, and forward moving energy within us. It seems for many of us, (that includes me) we struggle to believe that we have it there within us, so we look to others for extra strength.  Of course this is also important, as we connect with others and share the strength and energy to make the world go around. Sharing and helping each other creates the environment we need to overcome obstacles within us.

 Triumph of the human spirit is developing the spiritual muscle to overcome adversity and build the confidence in truly believing that we are stable and secure in each moment. With a renewed spirit of believing, we can and will overcome the obstacles that are within us first, and then the obstacles in our external world will also turn into positives.

 The more I allow myself to dig deep down and follow that leading from within, the stronger I feel and the more I can accomplish in a day. I have learned to ask myself why I want to jump up and eat something when I am not physically hungry. If I monitor my thoughts and feelings, I typically will see that I believe that someone else has power over my ability to feel happy and free. Forgiveness or letting go of the struggle will free us and help us to be energized to go forward.

 These are the real obstacles that get in the way of feeling completely in control of our own world. I have also learned that I need to focus on what I can do each day and set aside the worries of tomorrow that I cannot change today; however, the choices I make today can set the wheels in motion of renewed life for tomorrow, next week and even into the years to come.

 What is on our hearts today? What can we do today to take care of what is in front of us? Sometimes we have to stop thinking, rethinking, and rethinking, and just do it, as long as it is something that will better our own souls and those around us.  I know that we are all moving forward together and will win the battle. Keep your chin up and smile, because God is smiling with you today. Now, what needs to be done today? Go do it!

Dreams and Victories

Day 2 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 52 of 100 Days of Encouragement

If you look back at my first video of me on the treadmill, you will have heard me say that I only walk and not run because I have a bad knee. Well, for the last few days you have heard me talking about living the dream.

 I can tell you that it really is living the dream to be able to go on the treadmill or climb the stairs without my knee giving out. I started to notice my knee getting better when I lost 8 pounds. Nine pound is even better. There are so many benefits to losing weight. Today I was able to pick up the speed a little and walk a little longer. Wow! I can hardly wait to see what my health will be like when I drop another 9 or 10 pounds.

 Besides feeling and looking better, my health is improving, I am getting back into clothes I haven’t worn in years, and the benefits just keep growing. It also has been a time for making many life changes that unhealthy eating habits hindered in the past. I look forward to sharing some of the changes with you at a future time. As for today, I was back at the struggles and temptations, but I did manage to stay on track. The little 100 calorie chocolate bar was worked off on the treadmill. I have come to appreciate what it takes to work off 100 calories, and am very mindful of what snacks I am willing to pick up and eat. When I think about how hard I have to work to shake those extra calories, it is quite the deterrent. I can also see my lifestyle and long time patterns of eating are undergoing a complete overhaul.

 I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “there isn’t anything in this life that I won’t be able to overcome.” Overcoming obstacles and unhealthy habits is beyond difficult, but very rewarding. We must keep on keeping on and never give up the struggle. It is in the struggle that we build the strength in our wings to fly, and we will fly free like the eagles.

Food Planner and Daily Diary

This is a sample of the food portions that a typical day will include. Cooked vegetable servings are usually half to portion of raw vegetables. Large cut slices of whole grain bread can sometimes be considered 2 servings. Common sense servings of lean foods will fit into each category.

Follow along or join in. Do remember to be encouraging and / or ask for encouragement and support.  Anyone wishing to join in is advised to approach a medical professional for advice, or consult with a professional dietician.

Realistically, if everyone followed the Canada food guide, weight issues would be resolved. 

Menu   Planner

Fruit  ………. OOO                         Water     OOOOOOOO  

Vegetables… OOOO

Starches ….. OOOO                      Options  – 3 servings per day

Dairy……….. OO                             Ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, sugar

Proteins…… OOO                          Usually around 1 tbsp is a serving

Fat………….. OO                               coffee sweetener

Today’s Exercise or Activity _______________________________________

Each circle is equivalent to one average serving.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

It is helpful to keep a journal entry of your daily experiences to look back on. This helps you to see where you struggled, what triggered and above all, to look back on victories.

Date ______________________________

Breakfast _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mid AM ______________________________________________________

Lunch ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mid PM ______________________________________________________

Dinner ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 

Evening ______________________________________________________

Journal Entry: Managing Indecision and Frustration

What to do when you don’t know what direction in which to turn?

Indecision triggers fear and can be paralyzing. It also tends to be very draining emotionally. The solution is to tell God that you need Him to open only the right path, and block the wrong path.

Make a decision, even if you are uncertain it is the right one. Look at what is in front of you and determine a plan. Boldly take a step forward and watch how your pathway twists and turns to get you to where you are meant to be.  Keep going forward, even if the way seems unclear, slow moving, and overwhelmingly frustrating. There are invisible powers that exist to protect you and will manifest in the journey. The unique treasure of experience will unfold into a personal revelation of God in your life.   

No one ever said it was going to be easy. Never the less, there is always a solution. Keep on believing and going forward. 

Journal Entry: September

If you gaze at the Northern Lights in Alaska, you will be fascinated at the streaks of colourful light that dance across the sky in unique patterns. This is all a reminder to put our faith in an all powerful and loving God who is far greater than humanity. Who on earth could create with such magnificence and power?

Continue to encourage one another and keep going forward…

Journal Entry: After the Concert

This could not have been possible without all of the generous sponsors and great volunteers that rolled up their sleeves, lent a hand, and worked hard. A big thank you to everyone that was part of a fever of activity that made the “Compassion” benefit and sponsorship for under-privileged children a successful event. Without the generous sponsorship of Allstar Show Industries, who donated several thousand dollars worth of sound equipment and a technician to operate the soundboard, the concert could not have happened. In addition, the local Christian radio stations AM 930 The Light and Shine FM aired advertising for the One Voice concert. A lot of people pounded the pavement to gain all of the sponsors that opened the way for the concert to happen.

When we needed plywood to build a drum riser for the bands, Winsor Plywood cheerfully donated what we needed. Marshall fabrics came to our aid with 40 meters of fabric.

 Many of the guests said it was the best concert of the year. The music was great and so were the activities.

 Upon entering the gate of the amphitheatre, people were excited to enter their names for many free draws. These included a free skydive package from Eden North Parachute School, several free dinner gift cards from Montana’s and The Olive Garden, and free singing lessons from Milton Liska. There was even a tall vase filled with jellybeans and everyone had fun trying to guess how many jellybeans were in the vase. There were almost 4000 jellybeans. A young girl went home with enough sugar to last her a year. Hopefully she shares them.  As well, Axe Music donated a beautiful electric guitar that was raffled. The young man that won the guitar was thrilled.

Being an outdoor concert at the Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre, some families enjoyed sitting on the grass behind the nice seats instead of being restricted to specific seats. This offered parents with strollers and older children an opportunity to let their children run around and have fun while parents relaxed and enjoyed the music, although many enjoyed the comfort of the amphitheatre seating.

Val Martin from Joyful face painting donated her time by painting spectacular images on the faces of the children. There was coloring for the children, and an opportunity for 30 young children to receive a small music instrument and go up on the stage with the band ‘On the Altar.’ The band performed ‘This Little Light of Mine’ (Rock and Roll Style), while the children enthusiastically danced, sang, and played along.

By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted, but happy.

 Someone dared to dream, step out in faith, and let God’s hand bring the reality and joy of the event together. It took approximately 100 days of pushing through all of the work and obstacles to make the event a reality.

Wow!!! And “Thank you Lord” is all I can say. It truly was amazing.

A large charity group has come on board with the One Voice concert and has stepped in to ensure that a big name Christian music artist will be there. Dare to dream and step out in faith.