How Far Ahead Can you See?

Day 21 of 100 Days of Encouragement

 Hello everyone. I’m sure that you have noticed that I have been away for a while. I realize that I made a commitment to post daily, but I took a little holiday away from everything. Well, I am having to work at keeping the original weight loss from coming back on and started taking the right steps. I think I hit a burn out from all that I have been doing, but I have to say that I am happy to be back. I said that I will not give up. Maybe take a break or fall back a little, but NEVER GIVE UP. I know that there isn’t anything that I won’t be able to overcome as long as I keep believing that and working at it. The day will come.

 What pushes us to unconscious eating and/or overeating?  Stress!!  We are all waiting for a time when there isn’t any stress. Well, guess what? That only happens when you are dead, so start practicing conscious eating. That’s what I’ve been working at for some years, and I have at least gotten to this point where I am starting to chip away at the weight.  Fear ignites worry and stress, and much of the time it is because we can’t see far enough into the future to feel safe.

 It is like the analogy of travelling at night from one location to another. You start out knowing that it may be a 3 hour drive and you get into your vehicle and drive from point A until you arrive at Point B. If it is night time and we can only see 160 – 300 feet, depending whether they are on high or low beam. What is really important to note is that when you travel the 300 feet that you can see with your headlights, another 300 hundred feet of light becomes available again and again until you get to your destination.

 What we know is that whatever we need for the moment we have or can access. When we are ready and need something more, that next step will be there for us. It’s about when you are ready. I know that I need to keep going forward with life and I will get there. It doesn’t mean that there won’t be obstacles and challenges. It just means that when you believe and keep going forward in faith, it will be there.

 So… let’s keep on keeping on and we will get there.

Getting Back Up

Day 7 of 100 Days of Encouragement

I want to apologize for being away from the blog for almost a week. As all of you have read, I have been overwhelmed with all of the new challenges of building a new business. During this time I let go of keeping good records of what I eat, have been eating a lot of  fast food, and have not had the energy to exercise. This has resulted in my gaining a few pounds back.

Today I decided that I have to get back on track. Even though it has been raining for a few days, I finally took my little dog out for a walk, in the rain. As the picture explains, I need to get back at it until I am successful at my quest. My goal is to change my habits and lifestyles for the rest of my life. For those of you that have been faithfully staying on track, I commend you.

Although this challenge has not been easy, I will not give up, as I know that many of you will not give up either. So… let’s keep on keeping on, because we can and will experience victory.

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”.

The Challenges of the Challenge

Day 8 of the 7^th segment of 10 days. Day 68 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Well, today I started out very good, with exercise. I pushed pretty hard on the treadmill for 75 minutes. Then I walked my dog, and then… I was hungry and ate up the calories that I had worked off. I guess that’s OK, but I realize that I had allowed myself to believe that the exercise would allow me to have more food. Have to work on those thoughts, but I really did enjoy the toast with peanut butter and honey. I have a few more days to go before I weight in so I guess tomorrow will have to be a better day.

 By the end of the day I was tired and didn’t think I would find the energy to write a post, but I have made the commitment, so I am working at keeping it.

 Hang in there everyone, we are all going to make it. We will never give up!!!

Success; Getting Through The Challenges

Day 7 of the 5^th segment of 10 days. Day 47 of 100 Days of Encouragement

For years I have wanted to lose weight, but have lost and gained and lost and regained the weight. My goal was always to lose weight for an event or holiday. After the event or holiday was done, the weight came right back on.  The real goal needs to be a lifestyle change, and we all know that takes time.

One time I was telling someone that I had read a book about losing weight. She then proceeded to put things into perspective. She said, “I was talking with a friend the other day and she told me that she had learned how to swim, so I asked her, how did you do that?” The friend said, “I read a book”.  

 This journey is more than just talking about losing weight. It means getting into the water and actually learning to swim.  I have made the commitment of staying with a healthy eating plan for a minimum of 100 days; although I am aware that it will likely take 200 or 300 days to get to my goal. My goal is to retrain my eating patterns for the rest of my life, so it is guaranteed to take longer than 100 days. The by-product of this goal will be permanent weight loss.

 Some people may not be ready for such a committed effort, and I can tell you that it has not been easy; but, I am determined and will persevere. If you are ready, let me know, as we are here to offer help and support. Just make that decision and go forward. You can do anything you seriously put your mind to.

Pushing Through

Telegraph.co.uk    The huge Green Sea Turtles roll and crash underneath breaking water as the powerful breakers hit Laniakea Beach in Hawaii   Photo:  SWNS

They have been caught on camera in a series of underwater images by Clark Little, the world’s leading surf photographer. The turtles make the journey every day navigating through the surf to reach the shore to eat seaweed and sleep. 

Pictures can also be seen in his book: ‘The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little’

Day 10 of the 4^th segment of 10 days. Day 40 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Today is the last 10 days in this segment of the 100-day challenge. It does feel like my progress has been at turtle speed, but I have really kept my head to the grindstone in this 10-day segment. The alarm bells went off at the end of the last 10 as I had gained a pound and had to rethink my beliefs and strategies. This 10-day segment was a time of acceptance of what I have to do to reach my goal, and I stayed with it quite well.  It is also Friday today, and the end of a long week that has been filled with challenges in many different aspects of my life.

My reward for getting through the week was to go out to a concert my son’s band put on. The youth are so filled with energy and joy; it just simply spreads around and lifts you up. Everyone had a really good time, and I came home fulfilled. So… a little bit of living in the moment and accepting the conditions of the challenges I faced, paid off. The road I have travelled for the last 10 days have not been easy, but the reward is amazing. If I can do it, So Can You!!!! Stay with it, and we will get there together

The Road Less Travelled

“Road Less Taken” ©2009 Niki Gulley       website:  NickieGulley.com  

In his book, ‘The Road Less Travelled’ Scott Peck says that life is hard, but when you accept that life is hard, then it isn’t so hard anymore.

Well, this journey is not easy, but I am accepting that I have to work at this until I achieve my goals and hearts desires. Most people that tackle weight loss tend to give up on their commitment after a month. This is actually the time to become determined and dig in further.

The road of facing all of the issues as they surface, and staying on track is certainly a road less taken. Situations arise that call for your attention and it means getting quiet within yourself for a time in order to find the path forward. The past 9 days have been filled with enormous challenges, and the temptations have been there, but I am learning to accept each moment for what it is and learn from it.

 Although I won’t weigh in until Saturday morning, I know that my hard work is paying off, as I have gotten back into a pair of jeans that were snug before I started the 100 Days of Encouragement, but now have a little room to spare. If I can do it, anyone can.  Stay with it everyone because I know you can do this!!!

Discipline – Saying No to Extra Portions

Day 7 of the 4^th segment of 10 days. Day 37 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Hello Everyone. Today was another long and busy day. New strategies in various areas of my life can add challenges to the challenge. Today I reached a point where I had consumed all of my portions, but wanted some lasagne. I did eat some lasagna, but then came up with a new idea. Because I make a substantial efforts to write everything that I eat, I wrote on my menu planner: “Stop Eating!” Amazing results. I actually did stop eating.

 You may think when the emotional hunger monster kicks in you cannot resist, but this is not necessarily true. It may mean that you have allowed your thoughts to give way to your emotions. This is when you need to step back and tell yourself to think about what is being called to your attention. Allow the moment to pass, because it will and you will grow in strength.

 Of course this sounds easy on paper. The real challenge is to develop this strength of character to sustain a consistent response each time. Be patient with yourself, as this will happen and you will succeed. We will succeed. Keep your goal at the front of your mind and Never Give Up!

The Path to Success

Day 6 of the 4^th segment of 10 days. Day 36 of 100 Days of Encouragement

As we push through the struggles and consistently go forward, the pressure can seem insurmountable, but the success that follows is worth it. The eating habits or any other substitute for dealing with reality and maintaining integrity hold people is spaces that may feel comfortable at the time, but hinders personal growth and ultimate success. The changes that ultimately lead us to truly feel good about ourselves come from facing the difficult process of overcoming adversity and undisciplined habits. The changes that you make to your life may seem to bring about a crisis, but that crisis will lead you onto the path that takes you to your true calling and purpose in life.

 I have faced a string of challenges that exhausted my patience and strained my perseverance, but every little step I take does open new pathways. As one of our faithful team members always says, “I will keep on keeping on” and we will get to our goal. Stay with it. We can and will succeed.

Angels Are Coming To You

Today is day 9 of the first 10 days. It sounds like most of us are starting to feel the strain of the challenge. I managed to stay on track today, but am very tired. Have had a few exhausting and trying days. The Easter celebration was great, but will need to work hard for a few days to overcome it.

That’s OK, because I have made the decision to stay with the 100-day challenge. I have started to get back into planning meals, exercise, and how to handle the temptations that come along. I am willing to face each day and its challenges by accepting and dealing with reality in the best way I can. That means taking the long road of developing discipline.

For some the challenge has added difficulties. One member of our team is struggling with reactions to wheat products. Please anyone, if you have any knowledge of products or recipes for her, contact me and let me know so that I can post them. I will take some time to look on line tomorrow evening to see I can find anything.

Another member of the team has reached out for help for a little dog she rescued. There has been a good response. Thank you to all.

We are a TEAM! It is important to reach out and ask for help when needed. Too often we try to comfort the struggle along and reach for food. We must hold each other up. Giving encouragement and support is what we do. Clearly the team has been also been reaching upward for help.

I have asked for many angles to surround everyone on the team and their families to lift us up and give us the strength to get through each day. This 100 day journey requires more than just will power. Please watch for all of the wonderful experiences and protection that is there for you. I promise you that many angels have been sent to help you. We will make it together. I know that everyone will get through day 10 tomorrow and will be ready for the next 10 days. The good Lord is willing and we are determined. God Bless.