Inspiration

Did Thomas Edison Give Up?

Thomas Edison

Day 11 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Edison

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would truly astound ourselves.” Not my words, but those of inventor Thomas Edison, 1847-1931 who gave us the light bulb.

Edison was not one to give up on something he knew he could succeed at if he just kept working at it.  He made over 10,00 attempts to achieve success in his endeavour.  After struggling to develop a viable electric light-bulb for months and months, Thomas Edison was interviewed by a young reporter who boldly asked Mr. Edison if he felt like a failure and if he thought he should just give up by now. Perplexed, Edison replied, “Young man, why would I feel like a failure? And why would I ever give up? I now know definitively over 9,000 ways that an electric light bulb will not work. Success is almost in my grasp.” And shortly after that, and over 10,000 attempts, Edison invented the light bulb.”

After successfully completing the first 100 Days of Encouragement, I slipped through the cracks and started falling back into old habits, although I made a point of writing down most of what I eat. Yesterday and today I got back into routine or writing down everything I eat. I can come up with a lot of excuses for falling away from portion control and proper eating habits, but realistically, it comes down to my making a decision and staying with it, regardless of how tough it gets.

Today I allowed myself to get a little bit of rest and enjoy the day. I even took my little dog Mercedes for two walks. I have to make this commitment to myself and to my team that I will take responsibility for my eating, exercise, and balanced approach to life. After all, this is about changing my thinking and habits for the rest of my life. Lifestyle changes certainly are challenging, but never-the-less, I will get there. Can you imagine how different our history and lives would be if Edison had given up after his 9,999^th try at inventing the light bulb?

We are a team, and will keep working at it until we get there. If Edison didn’t give up, neither will we.  So… let’s keep on keeping on.

Positive Motivation

Day 16 of the 9^th segment of 100 days. Day 96 of 100 Days of Encouragement

  There are only 4 days left in this 100 day journey. It really has been a blessing to have all of you join in. It has also been a learning experience for me, and I am slowly adopting better thinking habits and perspectives of myself. Negative thoughts like, I hate the way I look and feel may be good motivational kicks to get you started on changing your lifestyle; BUT, it will not sustain you in the long run. I have learned that I am not on a diet. This is a lifestyle change, which includes positive thinking patterns and beliefs.

 If you hired someone and constantly used negative motivation, they may not perform very well for very long, nor would they stay. The same factor holds true for self talk and motivation. Things like “I feel good about having lost the amount of weight that I have” “I know that I can and will succeed” “I will keep on keeping on no matter what” are far more motivating.

 This last week has been a getting back on track week for me after having worked at a burn out pace for a while. Although I will continue to be busy for some time yet, I am learning to pace myself and adjust. This includes getting my eating back into portion control mode. There are only 4 days left. Can you believe that 100 days can go by so fast? This coming Tuesday is 100 days. Wednesday morning I weigh in and I have decided to reward myself for all that I have accomplished and for the amount of weight that I have lost. As my jeans are all fitting pretty baggy these days, I have decided to go out and get some new ones to inspire me for the next 100 day journey. So on Wednesday, day 1 of the next 100 days,  I will start out with a positive reward and mindset to get myself started on another new and exciting journey. I hope that all of you will join in. Be sure to send in some comments so everyone can be encourged.

 As Tuesday is a week day, I will have to refrain from partying, but I will celebrate by taking some time to watch a couple of movies. The first one is “The Secret” and the second one is “The Opus.” These are 2 movies that provide positive motivation, along with the tools to succeed.  If ever there are 2 movies that you absolutely need to watch, it is these. I may keep these playing in the background on a daily basis for a while as they have such a positive influence on my overall thinking. If any of you have not seen these movies, do watch them soon, and please send in your comments to offer encouragement to others.

 While we complete the last 4 days of this 100 days, we also prepare for an exciting and positive new journey of another 100 days. So… we will keep on keeping on and change our lifestyle for the rest of our lives. Imagine the joy and feeling of reaching your goal weight AND maintaining it for the rest of our lives!!!  Go Team!!!!!!!!

Today Is a New Day

Day 3 of the 8^th segment of 10 days. Day 73 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Today I looked at some pictures of me from April, just 6 weeks ago. I thought, “OMG, was that really me?” I can hardly believe what a difference 11 pounds makes. This really set my thoughts into gear and decided that I seriously want to lose another 10 pounds, and then another 10 pounds……  It is amazing how one picture can make that much of a difference in motivation levels.

 I challenge all of you to work hard and drop 10 pounds. Take before and after pictures. You will be so motivated to really work at it. I am imagining how I will look and feel when I lose another 20 pounds. It builds such a positive energy that flows through my thoughts and feelings, and a spirit of power and confidence. As one of my previous posts says, “Success in not measured by accomplishments but by the number of obstacles you have overcome to reach the achievements.” I know that if I stumble or fall I will get back up and try again and again, until I get to where my goal is. I just have to pick myself up instead of beat myself up.

 Today starts a new day for the rest of my life. How about you? Is there a renewed spirit of determination in there? If there isn’t, think about it for a little while and you will begin to feel the power and confidence that you can and will overcome all obstacles.

Up a Ways and Then Down a Bit

Day 1 or the 8^th segment of 10 days. Day 71 of 100 Days of Encourgement.

This morning was weigh-in. I had lost 2 pounds as of day 68, but this weekend was challenging and I took the liberty of eating extra portions and junk food.

 But, the good news is that I still lost 1 pound in the last 10 days. That’s a grand total of 11 pounds. I will keep on keeping on and will get to the goal. Today I got back on track and feel much better. I have to plan and work at not seeing exercise as an excuse to eat chocolate and whatever else I want.

 This journey feels like the picture. Climb up a ways and they fall back a little into a dip or little valley, then back up a long ways, and down a little…

 I have to tell you that it has not been an easy journey for me, but I have never been more determined, just as many of you are. We can count on crossing the finish line with the biggest smiles on our faces and joy beyond measure in our hearts.

Two Steps Forward and One Step Back

Day 5 of the 7^th segment of 10 days. Day 65 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Well I’ve been quite a machine lately, walking on the treadmill, walking the dog, keeping to the right portions, and putting in some long hours. I’ve been sharing that we are busy putting the “One Voice Concert” (sponsorship and fund raiser for Compassion Canada). More sponsors stepped up to the plate, and others increased their sponsorship.

 Even though a lot of good things came together today, I was very tired. The busy schedule and long hours caught up with me. And, I really slipped up on the portion control and found myself eating a lot of snacks.  It really reminded me that I had to take some time this evening to get some rest. After taking Mercedes for an extra long walk I was ready to dish into more snacking, but decided that I had better listen to my body and get some rest.

 What I do know is that tomorrow is another day, and I can just pick myself up and get back on track. Two steps forward and one step back, but I will still get there. I am determined to work at this until I reach the goal; well actually, the goal is to change my eating habits for the rest of my life, so, I guess I will take like one day at a time. But still very determined to persevere, endure, and get past the obstacles of my own thought patterns, beliefs, and self-imposed limitation.

 I know that all of you can do this also, so stay with it. You can and will win the race and celebrate victory.

Persevere and Reach Your Goal

Day 4 of the 7^th segment of 10 days. Day 64 of 100 Days of Encouragement

Welcome to the Encouragement website. I have taken the challenge of facing a lifetime of deeply trained eating patterns that left me feeling tired, frustrated and unhappy with not being able to move forward in a direction that fulfills my hopes and dreams.

 Going on a diet to reach a goal for an event or other reason can end up being temporary. As soon as the event is done, the weight starts to come back on. This time I have decided to change my eating habits for the rest of my life. This means that the 100 day Challenge is going to be at least 300 hundred days for me.

 I am starting to notice how my thinking has changed in 64 days. My eating habits are so much more disciplined than any other time. This evening I walked my little dog and then went onto the treadmill for almost an hour. When I was done, the craving to eat something was there and I was very tempted. I suddenly became consciously aware of the desire to eat and told myself “NO”. I had a little talk with myself about having to “accept” that I wasn’t going to eat. I was so amazed that the results were immediate and realized that slowly but surely I am getting old habits retrained.

 To overcome a lifetime of struggle with unhealthy eating habits and thinking patterns is a major accomplishment for me. Of course, I still have a long way to go, but I am completely determined, and will not give up. I know that there isn’t anything in this life that I won’t be able to overcome and have believed this for many years. So join in with me and keep on keeping on, because I know that everyone out there can do this.

When faced with a Mountain,

 I will not quit,

 I will keep on striving until I climb over,

 Find a pass through,

 Tunnel underneath

 Or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine,

 With God’s help.

Robert H Schuller

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.