Reaching a Goal – Day 63

The Long Haul

Day 2 of the 7^th segment of 10 days. Day 62 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Well, we only have 38 days left of the 100 days and I am not quite where I had hoped to be. I planned on losing around 2 or more pounds every 10 days. It certainly has been a learning experience for me; however, I am very satisfied that I have lost 10 pounds in the first 60 days.

 So many news articles state that a fast weight loss is typically regained after the plan is no longer implemented. Now I understand what it takes to change the very deep seeded thought and behaviour patterns that trigger unhealthy eating habits. Excess weight is not the problem. It is a symptom of the problem. It merely indicates that a spiritual, mental and emotional growing is necessary.

 Of course, it also means applying the technical aspect of a weight loss program. It is always a balance of both internal and external behaviours that bring about the grounded experience that results in mature disciplined habits.  The process is slow because it takes time to retrain all of the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours that cause the problem. It is like renovating a house. First you tear down, then clean up the mess, and then rebuild. What a process, but the end result is so rewarding and fulfilling. As I said yesterday, “slow but steady wins the race.”

 I also said that I would post a picture today of the pants that were hanging in the closet for almost a year, and that I can finally wear. Sorry, I forgot about it earlier today, and then got busy. I will make a point of getting that up tomorrow.

 Today the cold and snow (yes it is May 29/10), kept me from taking my little dog for a walk. Then I ate some birthday cake and picked at some snack food, but finally motivated myself to get on the treadmill for an hour. I have come too far to throw away my progress. When I finished on the treadmill I was tempted to grab a snack, but chided myself and decided to be strong. It left me feeling more in control than if I had eaten something; so, I am sipping water and feel good about it.

 This has been a retraining experience, and I know that I am in this for the long haul. (Maybe 200 or 300 days, or more if necessary) I know that several of you are also in this for the long haul, and I want to encourage you to stay with it because I believe in you. You also need to believe in yourself, as you are all doing very well. Keep up the good work everyone!!!!   

Slow But Steady Wins The Race

Day 1 of the 7^th segment of 10 days. Day 61 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Hello everyone. Well, this morning was weigh-in and I lost another pound in the last 10 days. I know that it would be nice to tell you that I have lost 5 or 6 pounds, but this journey is not just about weight loss. It is about taking the time to retrain a lifetime of beliefs and established eating habits. This is also about eating healthier and living a better life.

 As of this morning I have lost 10 pounds while on this journey. That doesn’t sound like much, but this morning I brought out a pair of pants that I purchased last summer and was able to get into them. Yeahhhhhh!!!!!   I had bought an outfit, but decided that I was going to lose weight, so I went back to the store and purchased a smaller pair of pants. It is too late this evening to take a picture, but will get one up tomorrow sometime.

 The slow but steady mentality is tough, but I am slowly (no pun intended) accepting what it really takes to change a lifetime of thinking and behaviours. The long-term outlook is starting to feel realistic and doable. I am having a difficult time imagining myself 6 or 7 months from now, but I think it is going to be amazing and exciting.  As well I know that it will restore a lot of self-esteem that gets lost in the shuffle when one can’t feel in control of their eating. In fact, my self-esteem is already building.

 We may be together for another 200 days or more, but hey, what a wonderful reward of getting to know you and building those relationships. Slow but steady wins the race. I know that everyone one of you can do this too!!!

Are You Ready to Change Your Eating Lifestyle?

Day 10 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 60 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Hello everyone. Got through another 10 days. I know I have made some progress because my black jeans that I took out to wear are now fitting baggy on me.  I don’t know if a lot will show up on the scale, but I know that I am making progress, slow but steady.

 Today I read a story about a fellow that could not resist food. He tried every diet that was out there and even tried medications. He would lose up to 80 pounds, only to gain it back later. He eventually joined Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, which is a 12-step program like alcoholics anonymous. This seemed to be the avenue that worked for him. He has stayed with them for the past nine years, and feels as though it is what keeps him in line.

 Ask yourself what step in the process you are ready for. Last summer I decided that I was ready to face my undisciplined eating habits and joined a weight loss program. I was in the early stages of being ready, and after a few expensive months, I dropped out of the program, but all was not lost. I retained the information I learned and have applied it to this 100 Days of Encouragement.  I truly am ready and have begun to lose the weight that I have always wanted to. It is never too late, regardless of your age or anything that may be holding you back.

 Chances are that you have joined the Encouragement 100 team because you are ready to change your long-standing habits or you are in the preparation stages where you are almost ready. Stay with this, because we can all do this. I know that if I can you can. Soooo, let’s keep on keeping on and cross the finish line together.

 I want to say a special thank you to Hessgirl for the saying. She has communicated “keep on keeping on” to me a few times, and it just seems to stay with me. Thanks.  Tomorrow is weigh-in to see what progress the scale says I’ve made in the last 10 days.

Step By Step You Get There

Day 9 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 59 of 100 Days of Encouragement.

It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. For anyone that has only found this blog today or recently, please be certain that this encouragement journey is well worth the effort.

 Some of us have been taking the steps each and every day for the past 59 days, and the results are good. Slow but steady wins the race, and I am staying with this challenge. It is certain that it may take me at least 200 or 300 days to get to my goal, and I am OK with that. It means that I will have taken the necessary time to retrain my eating habits.

 Today I read in the news about a recent study done in Florida. The rats in the study are now famous. Here is an excerpt from the article:

 “They were ordinary in every way except these rats had developed a deep love for sausages, fries, cheesecake, candy bars – just about any junk food you could send their way. In fact, the rats were so hooked, they led the research team studying them to conclude that junk food could become as addictive as heroin.

 The rats had spent weeks eating only unhealthy food and had grown to love them so much, they were even willing to withstand electrical shocks to get at them. Even more surprising was that when the junk food was suddenly taken away from them and replaced with healthy food, the rodents refused to eat altogether.

 ‘The change in their diet preference was so great that they basically starved themselves for 2 weeks after they were cut off from junk food’ recounted the lead researcher, neuropsychopharmacologist Paul J. Kenny of the Scripps Research Institute.

 Kenny’s team had other evidence that junk food could become addictive. They noted that when they studied the rats’ brains, they showed distinct addiction-like changes, with altered D2 dopamine receptors, like those seen in heroin addicts who had developed a tolerance for the drug.

 Like addicts, the more junk food the rats ate, the more they overloaded their brains’ reward centre, and so the more food the rats wanted. The researchers concluded that junk food could become as addictive as drugs.”

 The study goes on the say that people use food in disorganized ways, and it leads them to eat fast foods. As well, fats, salt and sugars satisfy the reward centres of the brain, thus food patterns truly train the brain. They are hungry in the evening and can consume a day’s worth of calories in the evening. In the morning, they are not hungry so they skip breakfast. Later in the day they feel starved and grab fast food to satisfy the hunger, and the cycle repeats.

 The good news for anyone seriously wanting to deal with their weight is, this can be done. You just have to make that decision to take the first step and stay with it until the patterns and habits have been retrained. The end result is reaching your goal weight AND more important,  retraining our thinking patterns, even if it means taking the 6 – 12 months necessary to do it.  This will ensure that the new eating patterns stay with you for the rest of your life. That is a pretty amazing goal to reach.  You can still have some chocolate or your favourite fast food, but in limited portions.

 Join us in taking those steps. If I can do it, anyone else can too.

Dashboard Analysis

Day 8 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 58 of 100 Days of Encouragement

A number of years ago a psychologist, John Bradshaw, wrote a book called “The Family.” In his book he uses a metaphor of “lights on the dashboard” in comparison to our emotions and thoughts.   He says that ignoring emotions is like not paying attention to the oil light on the dashboard. It lights up and is sending a message to the driver. Eventually the driver gets tired of the light flashing and takes a hammer and smashes the light on the dashboard. Well, the light no longer flashes; but, does that make the problem go away?

 So too emotions and thoughts surface to tell us something and eventually we suppress them with unhealthy food or too much food, or any other form of unhealthy habits. Mostly, what we need to do is get quiet and figure out what the message is and pray for guidance on making decisions that handle the issue the correct way. Of course, we eventually have to make a decision and go forward. We live and learn. The key here is to figure out what issue is being triggered and what decisions to make on handling the situation. It is a lifelong growing process.

 Let us go forward and face each struggle as best we can. At this point, we are on day 58 and there is no giving up or turning back. Many of us are in this for the long haul, and we know that, no matter what, we will get to the goal.

Perseverance

Day 7 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 57 of 100 Days of Encouragement

A decision to stay with the lifestyle change may also change situations in your current life. I’ve heard of people whose life situations suddenly changed when they dealt unhealthy habits. It is also known that facing any form of unhealthy habit, whether it is illegal substances, smoking, or eating, can bring about a life crisis.  Any form of habit is typically connected with stress and emotional challenges, and dealing with it can lead to some form of life crisis. Staying with the commitment and continuing on a path to better health is also known for amazing outcomes. Many have come into their true purpose and found a life path that was more fulfilling than they could have ever imagined.

 If anyone starts to fall into distress, it is a signal that they need to reassure themselves that there will be a rainbow after the storm. Stay with it and persevere. If you fall, it is OK to rest for a little while, and then talk yourself into getting back on your feet again. Success is just around the corner. Believe and let hope in the door. Add courage, effort, determination, perseverance and sacrifice. This is the recipe for Victory and life fulfilment. Regardless of how challenging the journey is, stay with it all the way through and experience triumph of the human spirit.

 I have made the decision to dig my heels in and persevere with the 100 Day Challenge, which will turn into 200 or 300 days. I’m not giving up. I keep focused on the goal, regadless of what distractions come my way. Recognizing the distractions  when they come along, is also important in staying focus and on track. The weight is slowly but consistently coming off. This is a truly great feeling, especially after a lifelong struggle. My goal is to change my eating habits and lifestyle for the rest of my life. Occasionally I think it would be more fun to eat whatever I want, whenever I want, but that always turns out to be a fleeting thought. The feeling of victory is much greater and better than giving up on the goal.

Striving For The Goal

Day 5 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 56 of 100 Days of Encouragement

This is the Victoria Day long weekend, and typically garden season or camping. The weather is usually pretty nice, but this year it’s been raining, with a little snow. I did purchase the flowers and plants for my yard, but they are now sitting in the garage until Monday when it warms up.

 That turned out to be a good thing. With all of the treadmill and walking, staying on track with my eating plan, and being busy long hours, it was a day or rest; a much needed rest. Although I did splurge a little with my eating, I wrote everything down, and realized that I mostly stayed on track. I am in this for the long haul, with my eating plan and lifestyle change that is for the rest of my life. Most often, my goal is to lose weight for a special event or travel experience, and then after the goal is reached, I gain it right back. Having a goal that will last for the rest of my life is one way to ensure that the weight loss and healthier lifestyle is permanent.

 Good health is the foundation of happiness, which magnifies itself in many ways. Let us strive for the goal, and live our dreams. We all can, so stay with the plan, because you can do this.

Rise Above

Day 4 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 54 of 100 Days Of Encouragement

When any type of stressor comes along it starts to shake up your inner experience. In a quest to feel calm and stable, people reach for substances or vices that will counter the inner experience and soften the external experience if it is not a favourable one. Is food a substance of nourishment or is it a combination of nourishment and comfort? Or, do you for-go nutrition and ingest large amounts of unhealthy foods and / or use substances.

 We all have strengths and weaknesses. That makes us human. What we really strive to achieve in this life and in this world is to “Rise Above” and strengthen our spirit to experience the inner peace that some may call heaven on earth. We all seek to live in the positive realm within and outside of ourselves, but that experience has to come from the inside first. It is a life long journey that begins with the first step.

 A number of years ago someone said to me, “what is calling for your attention in this moment? Be in the present and stay grounded. Stay with that and go forward. If people allow distractions to capture their thoughts and heart, they will be pulled away from doing what needs to be done.” Let us strive together for triumph of the human spirit.

 Although it has been a bit of a struggle this week, I have stayed on track and have lost a little more weight. I will keep on keeping on, because I know that we can all achieve victory in this journey.

 This 100 day journey begins any day that you choose to build the strength to overcome the obstacles in your life. Even though today is day 54 of the 100 Days of Encouragement, you will benefit greatly by joining in the journey. We welcome you and will collectively continue with this until we live the dream. Let us win this battle together, whether it takes 200 days, 300 days, or even 400 days, we will triumph.

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!