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.

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.

Living The Dream Daily

Day 1 of the 6^th segment of 10 days. Day 51 of 100 Days of Encouragement

This morning was a time to weigh in and see results. I have lost another pound in the past 10 days. That makes a total weight loss of 9 pounds. Although I have stayed on track it seems I have reached a bit of a plateau for a little while. What I do know is that I am staying with the plan and slowly the weight will come off. The 100 Days of Encouragement will likely be repeated a few times in order for others on the team and me to get to our goals.

 Life happens one day at a time, and we work toward our hopes and dreams one day at a time. If we watch closely we will notice the little steps of progress that come together each day. Combine many small miracles and you get one big miracle. The good news is that we get to live the dream a little bit each day.

 Today I received a very inspiring email and want to share this with everyone. A special welcome to Hope for joining the team and sharing her joy. I will let her words speak for them self, as this is what she wrote:

 “I am joining the 100 days of encouragement today, on day 50! I like the idea in this posting that little by little our hopes and dreams do happen, and we look back and realize that we have in fact accomplished so many of them.

 That is why I love the idea of this 100 days of encouragement and in increments of 10 days at a time. It somehow gives the recognition and a mindfulness of our little efforts daily that become our most desired goals! Thanks so much for this inspiration. “

 Thank you for your eloquent words of encouragement Hope. Your name fits very well with the message of this website. We look forward to walking together on this journey. Let’s all work a little each day at overcoming obstacles and reaching our goals.  We will celebrate the victories together. Go Team.