Staying Motivated

It's been about 5 weeks that I've been on Weight Watchers and on this journey to a healthier, more athletic me.  Its good.  The other day, I was feeling a bit discouraged and reached out to an inspiration.  (Those are the friends who I find most motivating and encouraging.  I keep them close at hand.) I told her, I feel so discouraged.  I have been doing great.  I've lost nearly 10 pounds, I ran a 5 mile race (5 miles, not just 5k!), I am in control and on track, but knowing that I have another 50-60 pounds to go is overwhelming and daunting.  I know this isn't a diet, I know I'll need to (and truth be told I want to) be doing this for the rest of my life, but 50 pounds, that's a huge hill!  She reminded it me that it's not about 50 pounds; it's about the next 5 or 10 pounds.  Whatever it is, my mini goal, the next step in the road.  She also sent me a website of a very inspirational woman who took this journey, needing to lose nearly triple the weight I need to and has been at her goal and maintaining.  Something in her blog stuck with me.  She said:
            "I think what was most helpful was living one day at a time. With 100+ pounds to go before I reached the finish line of weight loss, it was very easy to become discouraged when I looked at the big picture. I just tried to get through the day feeling my best and knowing that I just kicked Monday in the pants. Sometimes I thought, 'Oh my God, I can’t eat another egg white omelet for breakfast and not have a Reese’s McFlurry ever again.' But then I asked myself, 'Can you do it today, Andrea? Just today?' And I could. That question made each day manageable."

Sometimes, no matter what our hurdle or goal, we get into a rhythm and we forget that this (life) is only achieved one day at a time.  If anyone figures out a way to speed that up, you let me know 'cause I'll buy stock in whatever you're selling.

If you are interested in reading 'Andrea's' journey, her site is very inspirational and you can visit at http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/

Resolutions.

Every year, I join the millions who make some sort of New Year's resolution to somehow make my life better in the coming year.  Sometimes I'm successful, and sometimes I stray.  This year I've made three resolutions.  The first is to run 12 races in 2012.  The second resolution is to "try" to buy only 2nd hand clothing (don't worry, undergarments are excluded in this resolution,) and the third is to learn to use chopsticks.
As January comes to an end, I am proud to say that I've completed race #1.  I ran a 5 mile course as part of the Frosty's Frozen 5 and 10 on January 18th, 2012.  I know it's cliche, but I can't tell you how empowering it was to cross that finish line.  All my life I've said what many say, "I am not a runner, I'm just not good at it and my body wasn't designed to run."  I've found if you say you can't, you are right, and if you say you can, you are right.  I've chosen to say not only "I can" but "I will"  My next race is another 5 miler on February 18th, the Snowman Stampede.  I am truly excited!

Resolution #2 I've already failed, but am going to redeem myself.  I bought a dress shirt the night before a photo shoot we had for my company website.  I ended up not wearing the shirt and am going to return it.  This is a good reminder to do that today.  This resolution is going to prove challenging.  I am not a shopper by nature, in fact, I despise shopping.  I have, however been losing weight and am going to Vegas on a girls weekend in March, so finding smaller clothes and smaller Vegas clothes will be on my list in the next month or so.  Stay tuned.
Resolution #3.  I LOVE sushi like most people LOVE bacon. I eat it at least once a week, and usually with a fork.  Real classy.  Notice I said "usually."  Last week, I used chopsticks successfully for an entire sushi roll.  Next week, I might tackle the salad as well.

Hi there!  I am initially starting this blog as part of my journey toward a longer, happier, healthier life.  I am a quiet girl with a lot going on inside my head.  I decided I need a place to journal where I can share my thoughts with only those whom I care to share them with and to those who are interested.  Welcome to my journey and thanks for joining me on the ride!