It was a great ride. I met so many wonderful people on this blog, I changed, I shrunk and grew (positively) both, and it was worth it.
Blogging is defunct now, for the most part. I realize there are a few stragglers out there, go you!!!
It's time. I guess this blog really stopped a few years ago, and I tried to rekindle it but it's not in me and there's just not an active weight-loss community within the limited blogging realm like there used to be.
Times change.
I will find my way, because I always do, I have great determination, work ethic, and desire.
In 127 days I will have a master's degree, and will be entering the workforce. I eagerly anticipate this, as I have so much to give. I also am looking forward to more free time that is not spent studying, commuting, interning, and sitting in class--that time will be spent regaining my fitness.
I am going back to what works for me: calorie counting through Calorie King, using my Fitbit, and my several hundred fitness DVDs including Cathe Friedrich, kettlebells, etc. (Not fluff, but tough stuff.)
That is me, that is who I am.
I wish everyone who has ever read this blog health, wealth and prosperity. I want everyone to succeed. I am eternally grateful for all the love, support, and kindness along the way. I hope I was able to make a difference in the lives of others through my support as well.
Goodbye, blogging world. It was a wonderful ride. Time for new adventures.
With gratitude,
Jo
3.15.2018
3.08.2018
Today's Thoughts
Exercise.
Get some.
What?
I have an entire gym in my basement, and I own a couple hundred fitness DVDs, most of which I love. We bought a gym-quality treadmill off Craigslist several years back that still works beautifully. I have a Schwinn indoor bike, but I don't like it at all. I have a weight bench, dumbells, several barbells, a water-filled punching bag, gloves, a TRX knock off, bands--you name it, I have it. Oh, I forgot my most beloved: several kettlebells.
I never go in that basement except to do laundry.
Why.
Why would I turn my back on something I love so very much. I love getting sweaty, working out, and that huge release that comes with it! I can eliminate anxiety by working out, and it is proven exercise is an excellent "pill" for depression.
What gives?
Obstacles
1. Time
Horrible schedule, it just is. I like routine, and my routine is chaotic.
2. Energy
3. Desire--because homework is always there, exhaustion is always there, and household chores are always there all waiting and vying for my attention
4. Attitude
5. PAIN
low back, hip, knee, and the feet that will never heal
6. Clothes
I have tons of cute workout clothes in several sizes but the size I need :p~~~
*I don't need cute, I just need comfortable
7. Confidence
cough, cough, cough
Yes, this is shattered. No longer can I do pushups on my toes, or swing heavier kettlebells, or even walk for long periods on the treadmill. My fitness level has dwindled.
8. Pride.
I bruised my pride by letting my fitness slide.
9. Pain.
Yeah, I already mentioned this. I have a lot of physical pain, and I have a bad attitude about it.
So, fix it.
How!
I'm in that contemplation stage.
I will dig deep, and figure things out. It's a must, because I don't want more pain than I already have AND I know that I can reduce a lot of the pain I do have by losing some weight.
It seems so easy, but for some reason it's not.
Get some.
What?
I have an entire gym in my basement, and I own a couple hundred fitness DVDs, most of which I love. We bought a gym-quality treadmill off Craigslist several years back that still works beautifully. I have a Schwinn indoor bike, but I don't like it at all. I have a weight bench, dumbells, several barbells, a water-filled punching bag, gloves, a TRX knock off, bands--you name it, I have it. Oh, I forgot my most beloved: several kettlebells.
I never go in that basement except to do laundry.
Why.
Why would I turn my back on something I love so very much. I love getting sweaty, working out, and that huge release that comes with it! I can eliminate anxiety by working out, and it is proven exercise is an excellent "pill" for depression.
What gives?
Obstacles
1. Time
Horrible schedule, it just is. I like routine, and my routine is chaotic.
2. Energy
3. Desire--because homework is always there, exhaustion is always there, and household chores are always there all waiting and vying for my attention
4. Attitude
5. PAIN
low back, hip, knee, and the feet that will never heal
6. Clothes
I have tons of cute workout clothes in several sizes but the size I need :p~~~
*I don't need cute, I just need comfortable
7. Confidence
cough, cough, cough
Yes, this is shattered. No longer can I do pushups on my toes, or swing heavier kettlebells, or even walk for long periods on the treadmill. My fitness level has dwindled.
8. Pride.
I bruised my pride by letting my fitness slide.
9. Pain.
Yeah, I already mentioned this. I have a lot of physical pain, and I have a bad attitude about it.
So, fix it.
How!
I'm in that contemplation stage.
I will dig deep, and figure things out. It's a must, because I don't want more pain than I already have AND I know that I can reduce a lot of the pain I do have by losing some weight.
It seems so easy, but for some reason it's not.
Please Comment!
If you are an active blogger, either weight loss or fitness, please share your blog in the comment section so I can follow.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Blogging is Dead
So it took me one evening of searching for active weight-loss blogs to discover this beautiful, wonderful media is dead.
That's sad.
I closed my Facebook account almost a year ago, then had to open a new one due to school--that's where my cohort meets. I am not feeling Facebook anymore. To me, it's dead.
I don't want to do Tumbler, or Twitter, or Snapchat, or anything else that's out there. I don't care what is new, what is great, what is popular. I'm an old crudgmegon, I guess.
Call me behind the times, but I shall remain here. I like to write, and so I shall.
It's all okay, because I'm not out to be popular, get tons of hits, or be a sensation. I don't want a fancy website, I don't want to do giveaways, nor vlogs, fancy photos, or any of that.
I just want to express my journey in written form.
It's all good.
Dare to be different. I don't care what people think of me, but I will do my best to help others. And myself.
Blogging may be dead, but I am not. I shall remain.
That's sad.
I closed my Facebook account almost a year ago, then had to open a new one due to school--that's where my cohort meets. I am not feeling Facebook anymore. To me, it's dead.
I don't want to do Tumbler, or Twitter, or Snapchat, or anything else that's out there. I don't care what is new, what is great, what is popular. I'm an old crudgmegon, I guess.
Call me behind the times, but I shall remain here. I like to write, and so I shall.
It's all okay, because I'm not out to be popular, get tons of hits, or be a sensation. I don't want a fancy website, I don't want to do giveaways, nor vlogs, fancy photos, or any of that.
I just want to express my journey in written form.
It's all good.
Dare to be different. I don't care what people think of me, but I will do my best to help others. And myself.
Blogging may be dead, but I am not. I shall remain.
3.07.2018
New Name!
GOJOMOJO
formerly 282.5 Get Tough.
It needed a new name, I needed a new name--something far more positive, a positive driving energy/force to propel me forward.
That and I just like it better.
Personal Ethos
Ethos
noun
1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:
In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.
2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.
3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
(dictionary.com)
Thesaurus.com has a great list for synonyms of the word mindset.
I firmly believe that overweight and obesity are products of our personal ethos, our mindset, or our way of thinking. Alcoholics Anonymous uses the phrase, "stinking thinking" (leads to drinking) to encapsulate the concept of negative thinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an intervention that centers on managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Thoughts lead to emotions which lead to behaviors. So our personal ethos is truly important and the impetus that drives us.
So what negative thoughts do we have to discover that we have that lead us to overweight and obesity? How do we rank ourselves when it comes to:
It's a tough pill to swallow to embrace that maybe these three "selves" aren't as high as they could be, and maybe our lack of the "selves" leads us to eating poorly, lack of exercise, and overweight and obesity.
As an undergrad student, I took a nutrition class as my science elective. In that class, I learned you can be healthy when you're overweight. Does that body mass index (BMI) ratio classification of height to weight really mean anything? I personally use it as a marker. I don't like labels as a rule, but in this case the label of the BMI chart hits me hard. I'm in Class II obesity right now. I'm morbidly obese. Labels are ugly, and they can stigmatize, but if we choose to use them positively, they can be strong motivators.
Classifications can be motivators, but so can mirrors. When we look into the mirror do we see disgust, shame, due to fat or imperfections? Or can we look in that mirror and smile and like who we see, but acknowledge that maybe we need to drop a few pounds. Or 100. Can we still see the value and worth we each have, even if we have excess adipose? I certainly hope so.
It all comes back to our personal ethos. What makes us tick? After careful consideration, I have decided to work on my personal ethos, because I believe it is the heart of my obesity.
I have printed out a card and put it in my planner to read each day. It's just a list, but I want this list committed to memory so that I know it, breathe it, and live it.
1. I have value right now in the moment just as I am.
2. I am worthy.
3. I am good enough.
4. I respect myself enough to make healthful choices.
5. I am confident in who I am; am willing to be open minded and change parts I don't like, and celebrate the parts I do like.
6. I love myself.
Oh, how awkward it is to say, "I love myself." If it's hard, find a photo of yourself when you were a small child, step out of your shoes and look at that child as a separate person. Would we dare demean and criticize a small, defenseless child? No! We would build the child up, show the child kindness, smile, appreciate, and love. That's what self-love is, building ourselves up, showing ourselves kindness, smiling, appreciating, and loving.
Personal ethos. It starts on how we treat ourselves. And we want to treat ourselves as well as we would a stranger on the street or someone we were trying to impress. The more we love ourselves, the more equipped we are to love others.
noun
1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:
In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.
2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.
3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
(dictionary.com)
Thesaurus.com has a great list for synonyms of the word mindset.
- noun psychology
- attitude
- ethos
- mentality
- psyche
- behaviorism
- medicine
- mind
- therapy mental
- make-up
- mental processes
- personality study psych
- science of the mind
- way of thinking
- what makes someone tick
- where head is at
I firmly believe that overweight and obesity are products of our personal ethos, our mindset, or our way of thinking. Alcoholics Anonymous uses the phrase, "stinking thinking" (leads to drinking) to encapsulate the concept of negative thinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an intervention that centers on managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Thoughts lead to emotions which lead to behaviors. So our personal ethos is truly important and the impetus that drives us.
So what negative thoughts do we have to discover that we have that lead us to overweight and obesity? How do we rank ourselves when it comes to:
self-respect
self-esteem
self-worth
It's a tough pill to swallow to embrace that maybe these three "selves" aren't as high as they could be, and maybe our lack of the "selves" leads us to eating poorly, lack of exercise, and overweight and obesity.
As an undergrad student, I took a nutrition class as my science elective. In that class, I learned you can be healthy when you're overweight. Does that body mass index (BMI) ratio classification of height to weight really mean anything? I personally use it as a marker. I don't like labels as a rule, but in this case the label of the BMI chart hits me hard. I'm in Class II obesity right now. I'm morbidly obese. Labels are ugly, and they can stigmatize, but if we choose to use them positively, they can be strong motivators.
Classifications can be motivators, but so can mirrors. When we look into the mirror do we see disgust, shame, due to fat or imperfections? Or can we look in that mirror and smile and like who we see, but acknowledge that maybe we need to drop a few pounds. Or 100. Can we still see the value and worth we each have, even if we have excess adipose? I certainly hope so.
It all comes back to our personal ethos. What makes us tick? After careful consideration, I have decided to work on my personal ethos, because I believe it is the heart of my obesity.
I have printed out a card and put it in my planner to read each day. It's just a list, but I want this list committed to memory so that I know it, breathe it, and live it.
1. I have value right now in the moment just as I am.
2. I am worthy.
3. I am good enough.
4. I respect myself enough to make healthful choices.
5. I am confident in who I am; am willing to be open minded and change parts I don't like, and celebrate the parts I do like.
6. I love myself.
Oh, how awkward it is to say, "I love myself." If it's hard, find a photo of yourself when you were a small child, step out of your shoes and look at that child as a separate person. Would we dare demean and criticize a small, defenseless child? No! We would build the child up, show the child kindness, smile, appreciate, and love. That's what self-love is, building ourselves up, showing ourselves kindness, smiling, appreciating, and loving.
Personal ethos. It starts on how we treat ourselves. And we want to treat ourselves as well as we would a stranger on the street or someone we were trying to impress. The more we love ourselves, the more equipped we are to love others.
Self-Care v. Selfish
Self-care is vitally important to maintain healthy mental and physical functioning. We see the term all the time, it's highly visible in pop culture. That's a good thing until it isn't.
Do not use self-care as a license to be self-ish. Self-care never causes harm to others. Never. Being selfish can.
Off my soap box now.
Take away: It's important to be mindful of how we practice self-care.
Do not use self-care as a license to be self-ish. Self-care never causes harm to others. Never. Being selfish can.
Off my soap box now.
Take away: It's important to be mindful of how we practice self-care.
Stages of Change (The Transtheoretical Model)
In the field of human behavior, there is a therapeutic model called The Transtheoretical Model, or the stages of change behavioral model. It focuses on addiction (and applies to other behaviors as well), and lists the stages we the people go through. Search Prochaska & DiClemente for some good reading on the subject.
Stages:
Precontemplation (Not Ready)
Contemplation (Getting Ready)
Preparation (Ready)
Action
Maintenance
Termination
Okay, so contemplation is that someone has made the decision to do something; preparation is that they're going to start within 30 days. I'm on the cusp of those two. I'm trying to get my thinking in order and working on my personal ethos.
This model also accounts for relapse.
Speaking of relapse...
So here it is: I lost, kept it off, then had an injury to both feet, and I've lived with chronic pain since. I then developed an attitude problem, lost my fitness loves--you do what you love, you know, and bad feet prevent you from running (well, wogging) those 5Ks, and hitting 40,000 steps a day. So it took me a few years, plus commuting to school (I just got my bachelor's degree in 2016 and I'm now in grad school), and wham, bam, I looked in the closet and the clothes wouldn't fit, and I looked in the mirror and thought I had gone back in time. Because I had. I went back to what I had been several years ago.
That was a hard pill to swallow.
And that "statistic" is irrelevant, I'm no better or worse than any other human being out there. I screwed up and I'm here to repent. No, I'm here to reclaim my health. Pop that arrogant bubble of, "I beat the fat" because it worked until I didn't.
Bruised pride.
Bruised health.
So I'm in the process of formulating my plan. And for me, the simpler that plan is, the better.
My motto:
Eat less, move more.
Just need to put it into action.
I will get there.
Stages:
Precontemplation (Not Ready)
Contemplation (Getting Ready)
Preparation (Ready)
Action
Maintenance
Termination
Okay, so contemplation is that someone has made the decision to do something; preparation is that they're going to start within 30 days. I'm on the cusp of those two. I'm trying to get my thinking in order and working on my personal ethos.
This model also accounts for relapse.
Speaking of relapse...
So here it is: I lost, kept it off, then had an injury to both feet, and I've lived with chronic pain since. I then developed an attitude problem, lost my fitness loves--you do what you love, you know, and bad feet prevent you from running (well, wogging) those 5Ks, and hitting 40,000 steps a day. So it took me a few years, plus commuting to school (I just got my bachelor's degree in 2016 and I'm now in grad school), and wham, bam, I looked in the closet and the clothes wouldn't fit, and I looked in the mirror and thought I had gone back in time. Because I had. I went back to what I had been several years ago.
That was a hard pill to swallow.
- I became a statistic.
- I gained it back.
- However, to stoke my pride, I will say I did not gain it ALL back, and it took several years to get to where I am today.
- So I'm not the typical statistic, but I'm still a statistic.
And that "statistic" is irrelevant, I'm no better or worse than any other human being out there. I screwed up and I'm here to repent. No, I'm here to reclaim my health. Pop that arrogant bubble of, "I beat the fat" because it worked until I didn't.
Bruised pride.
Bruised health.
So I'm in the process of formulating my plan. And for me, the simpler that plan is, the better.
My motto:
Eat less, move more.
Just need to put it into action.
I will get there.
Obesity
I think that obesity is not about fat, it's about the manifestation of inner conflict on the outward body.
12.17.2016
Dreams DO Come True!
Last weekend, I realized a lifelong dream: I earned my bachelor's degree and graduated magna cum laude. I waited over 30 years for this, and I am so proud of what I have achieved.
The sad thing, though, is that through the stress and strain of school, commuting, internship, etc., I gained back more weight.
I am not myself right now. I feel swollen and puffy, because I am.
I could sit and complain about it, or I could do something.
I choose action.
I will be in limbo for two and a half months. So instead of fretting about that, I shall use that time wisely.
Time to CRUSH IT again!
5.17.2016
Today
Today:
1/2 hour cardio (walking)
stretching of the feet after
1684 calories.
I went to bed, couldn't sleep, was hungry so got up and had a snack. That's okay, because I was mindful of what I ate. Plus, sometimes food makes me sleepy. If I eat mindfully, it will work. I ignored the bagels and cream cheese that my son has in the fridge--that was due to mindfulness.
It was a good day, I got a lot done that needed done. I started out with the half hour walk, which really raised my mood. Exercise is the best thing to elevate mood! The problem is you don't feel well so you don't want to exercise. If one can just break that barrier, problem solved. Today, I did.
According to my Fitbit, I did not get a high enough calorie burn. That's okay. My plan of action is to go slowly and build up, so that I do not injure my feet. I know my sweet spot, and I should be there in about two weeks' time. Once I add kettlebells in (later this week), the burn will be higher.
Good things take time.
1/2 hour cardio (walking)
stretching of the feet after
1684 calories.
I went to bed, couldn't sleep, was hungry so got up and had a snack. That's okay, because I was mindful of what I ate. Plus, sometimes food makes me sleepy. If I eat mindfully, it will work. I ignored the bagels and cream cheese that my son has in the fridge--that was due to mindfulness.
It was a good day, I got a lot done that needed done. I started out with the half hour walk, which really raised my mood. Exercise is the best thing to elevate mood! The problem is you don't feel well so you don't want to exercise. If one can just break that barrier, problem solved. Today, I did.
According to my Fitbit, I did not get a high enough calorie burn. That's okay. My plan of action is to go slowly and build up, so that I do not injure my feet. I know my sweet spot, and I should be there in about two weeks' time. Once I add kettlebells in (later this week), the burn will be higher.
Good things take time.
I am very willing to invest the time in myself. I'm worth it.
5.15.2016
Ready, Set, Go!
We think we have to have all our ducks in a row in order to start a weight-loss program. That's simply not true. I am guilty of this as well; reality is quite different.
Mindfulness. Being mindful of what you eat, of how you move your body, and of your health is imperative. Mindfulness requires no preparation, no plan, no group support, no books, no apps on the phone--just our own mind.
Mindfulness is how you start.
There is no perfect plan. There are a million and one diets out there, and none are perfect. Each person must find what works for them. Here's a key factor, though: It must be sustainable.
I have never been a proponent of giving up whole groups of foods for me. Your mileage may vary. This video by Dr. Layne Norton explains why sustainability is key for long-term weight loss.
Mindfulness. Being mindful of what you eat, of how you move your body, and of your health is imperative. Mindfulness requires no preparation, no plan, no group support, no books, no apps on the phone--just our own mind.
Mindfulness is how you start.
There is no perfect plan. There are a million and one diets out there, and none are perfect. Each person must find what works for them. Here's a key factor, though: It must be sustainable.
I have never been a proponent of giving up whole groups of foods for me. Your mileage may vary. This video by Dr. Layne Norton explains why sustainability is key for long-term weight loss.
I am one of many who have lost weight and re-gained. I know why I slipped and went back to unhealthy eating:
1. Injury to my feet.
This prevented me from doing the fitness I loved. I live in chronic pain now, and must adapt my mindset.
2. Surrounding myself with people who were not health-minded.
They were food pushers, balked at my fitness routine, and kept telling me, "You deserve a treat." Yeah, I was fragile and fell for it. What I truly deserve is a healthy body, with less fat and more mobility. Gotta earn that.
3. Busy-ness.
I have been a full-time student for three years, and will graduate with my bachelor's degree this December. I'm undecided about graduate school as of yet, but to have my dream job it's a necessity. My desire to be in the working world is huge right now, and I'm weighing the pros and cons of that.
With that busy-ness also came commuting and homework. I earned a 3.97 GPA at my school, and it took a lot of time and effort on my part. I entered my school with a cumulative GPA of 3.48 and raised it to a 3.71. I will graduate with honors, magna cum laude. I'm very pleased with myself over that. I did not learn to balance, though. I expanded my mind as well as my body during this period. A holistic approach to life would have been a better choice. It's water under the bridge now, so instead of fretting about it, I will focus on the positives.
4. I did not focus on my positives. I did not assess my strengths during my tenure as a student. I focused solely on school. This taught me two things:
1) My ability to focus and accomplish tasks is amazing.
2) I am not good at multi-tasking. (No one is, there are studies on that.)
3) I let myself get down, and I adapted an, "I'm overweight anyway, this Snickers bar won't hurt me any worse" attitude.
5. I did not stay mindful. If I had remained mindful of what I was eating and how I was moving my body, I would have had better self-direction. Mindfulness is key. Mindfulness IS the key to starting right now, right this moment.
Now.
Right now, right this very moment is the time to start. Nothing has to be perfect, you just have to be mindful. This is the impetus to get you going.
5.14.2016
Who Inspires You?
I saw this on social media today. This is very true. Who we befriend, hang with, and surround ourselves with affects us greatly.
I did my best when I surrounded myself with like-minded people who were into improving themselves, fitness and weight loss. I flailed when I started hanging around people who had zero interest in their health, eating healthfully, and moving their bodies.
Time for a change.
This is not an arrogant statement, and it does not mean to throw the baby out with the bath water. You don't throw away your friends. Rather, you focus more of your attention on those who you want to emulate; those people that inspire you to go above and beyond what you thought you could. Don't settle for anything less, your life is worth giving your all.
Food for thought.
Oops
Well, that's a fine how do you do.
I don't often visit my blog, but decided to today. My camo background was defunct, so I tried to fix it. Lost a lot of items and I cannot seem to add anything.
Oh, Blogger, make it difficult for me--I'm out of practice.
I will try to fix this within the next week or two.
I will try to start blogging again.
Let's do this.
I gained more than the Freshman 15, and it's time to get back to where I was.
Let's go.
I don't often visit my blog, but decided to today. My camo background was defunct, so I tried to fix it. Lost a lot of items and I cannot seem to add anything.
Oh, Blogger, make it difficult for me--I'm out of practice.
I will try to fix this within the next week or two.
I will try to start blogging again.
Let's do this.
I gained more than the Freshman 15, and it's time to get back to where I was.
Let's go.
8.23.2015
Less is More
Less is more, except when more is more.
The past few weeks, I have been building up my feet, ankles and calves. I then went away for a few days and hit 20,000+ steps three days in a row. It was fabulous. The calorie burn was high, usually over 3000--that's weight loss numbers for me!
Yesterday, my first full day home, I had hit 12,000+ steps with a 2600 calorie burn. That's much more doable.
I had planned in my brain to hit 20,000 from now on. The reality is that I can't. That hurts. I can't for several reasons, but mostly time. As a student, I commute, I sit in class, I commute, I study. That's all sitting. I take my studies seriously and give it my all, which takes time. It takes me hours to hit 20,000 steps since I'm not a runner. It just won't work. My ankles, calves and feet thank me for that.
So, it's OKAY to not get what we want. It's okay to go for less, because less is more. More is more when we realize this. I'm thinking of the Rolling Stones singing we can't always get what we want, but we get what we need.
Goals are awesome, and I'm okay that I had a big goal and had to reduce it. It will still work.
Adapt and overcome.
So, my goal is 10,000 steps a day. Anything over that is calorie-free gravy.
The past few weeks, I have been building up my feet, ankles and calves. I then went away for a few days and hit 20,000+ steps three days in a row. It was fabulous. The calorie burn was high, usually over 3000--that's weight loss numbers for me!
Yesterday, my first full day home, I had hit 12,000+ steps with a 2600 calorie burn. That's much more doable.
I had planned in my brain to hit 20,000 from now on. The reality is that I can't. That hurts. I can't for several reasons, but mostly time. As a student, I commute, I sit in class, I commute, I study. That's all sitting. I take my studies seriously and give it my all, which takes time. It takes me hours to hit 20,000 steps since I'm not a runner. It just won't work. My ankles, calves and feet thank me for that.
So, it's OKAY to not get what we want. It's okay to go for less, because less is more. More is more when we realize this. I'm thinking of the Rolling Stones singing we can't always get what we want, but we get what we need.
Goals are awesome, and I'm okay that I had a big goal and had to reduce it. It will still work.
Adapt and overcome.
So, my goal is 10,000 steps a day. Anything over that is calorie-free gravy.
8.22.2015
Late Night Ramblings
Oh, my beloved blog--how I neglect thee. I don't have time to read blogs anymore, either. :(
My summer stunk. I was in a funk. I did read some good books on mindfulness and have started practicing meditation which is awesome.
But that was then. The only time that matters is now.
I have exercised for several days in a row--almost two weeks now.
I have started doing Classical Stretch, and my feet are much better. I'm able to have high step counts again. It is imperative that I stretch, though.
You can check out Classical Stretch's streaming service here. It is $14.95 a month. You can buy the DVDs, but they're expensive.
My neck is better, my back is better and my feet are much better. I'm very impressed with what Classical Stretch has done for me.
I've been eating better.
I've lost 4.5 pounds in the last two weeks.
Moving forward.
I got myself in the groove by going easy. Richard Simmons--great music, easy workouts, and FUN. Then I did Leslie, but her workouts aggravate my feet. That constant pounding. Instead, I go to her You Tube channel and do five-minute walks. I can get about 500 steps doing that--which is a nice break and much less pounding.
I've started swinging my kettlebell again.
Gentle, easy, but effective.
I'm about to get VERY busy, but I have a plan of action.
I'm a full-time, commuting student and time is of the essence to me. I have to study longer and harder than I did years ago. I take school very seriously, and it has been my priority.
Well, now I need two priorities: HEALTH and school. Cannot miss a workout. My body needs it. I feel better. It helps with depression, stress and monotony.
So I'm on a roll. I shall continue. This is going to be a brutal semester for me, and I need to take care of my mind, body and soul.
My summer stunk. I was in a funk. I did read some good books on mindfulness and have started practicing meditation which is awesome.
But that was then. The only time that matters is now.
I have exercised for several days in a row--almost two weeks now.
I have started doing Classical Stretch, and my feet are much better. I'm able to have high step counts again. It is imperative that I stretch, though.
You can check out Classical Stretch's streaming service here. It is $14.95 a month. You can buy the DVDs, but they're expensive.
My neck is better, my back is better and my feet are much better. I'm very impressed with what Classical Stretch has done for me.
I've been eating better.
I've lost 4.5 pounds in the last two weeks.
Moving forward.
I got myself in the groove by going easy. Richard Simmons--great music, easy workouts, and FUN. Then I did Leslie, but her workouts aggravate my feet. That constant pounding. Instead, I go to her You Tube channel and do five-minute walks. I can get about 500 steps doing that--which is a nice break and much less pounding.
I've started swinging my kettlebell again.
Gentle, easy, but effective.
I'm about to get VERY busy, but I have a plan of action.
I'm a full-time, commuting student and time is of the essence to me. I have to study longer and harder than I did years ago. I take school very seriously, and it has been my priority.
Well, now I need two priorities: HEALTH and school. Cannot miss a workout. My body needs it. I feel better. It helps with depression, stress and monotony.
So I'm on a roll. I shall continue. This is going to be a brutal semester for me, and I need to take care of my mind, body and soul.
6.21.2015
Here and Now
Tonight I feel content.
My feet are killing me, I have had pain in my legs all weekend long, and I still do. So what, nothing new.
I open my eyes, look beyond that. I have hope, desire, and dedication.
I know I have not been as productive as I need to be in order to be completely content on a daily basis. Content is knowing I'm doing what I have to do with food, fitness, and life.
It's time to step up to the plate.
I own it all: the good, the bad and the ugly. I own it, who I am, and what I've done.
I do not like to ask for help, because in the past when I have, I've been turned down. Learned behavior: asking equals rejection.
boom
I cannot get help from others, though--it has to come from within. I know that.
There are lifestyles I admire and those I have no interest in. Fitness is a lifestyle I admire. Hardcore, pouring sweat, giving it your all, consistency, kick ass fitness. That. That's who I want to be. Feet be damned, I can work around bad feet.
Step one: Stop shaming myself.
Step two: Meditate.
Step three: Do the work.
I can and I will. My way.
It's funny when you admire others and ask for help, they won't--but others sure like to dole out unsolicited advice. And they sure as hell don't know what they're talking about. I listen to those who practice what they preach, but only if their practice is something I truly admire. I'm blessed to know three such people who live the lifestyle I want. I've seen it, and I need to tweak it to fit me.
These three do not overeat, snack or obsess about food. They work out consistently, faithfully and don't miss. They do not log their workouts, wear tracking devices, chart things, have phone apps--they just do. THAT is living. That is what I want. I want it so ingrained, so habitual that I don't have to think, just do. I don't need to collect massive amounts of data, plot and record, analyze...just do.
That's where I'm headed.
My feet are good some days and not so good others. I can work around that. I must live in the here and now and go with the flow. Adapt and overcome.
Live.
Less Facebook, less computer, and more living. Get out in that world and go--that's living.
boom
on it, boss
My feet are killing me, I have had pain in my legs all weekend long, and I still do. So what, nothing new.
I open my eyes, look beyond that. I have hope, desire, and dedication.
I know I have not been as productive as I need to be in order to be completely content on a daily basis. Content is knowing I'm doing what I have to do with food, fitness, and life.
It's time to step up to the plate.
I own it all: the good, the bad and the ugly. I own it, who I am, and what I've done.
I do not like to ask for help, because in the past when I have, I've been turned down. Learned behavior: asking equals rejection.
boom
I cannot get help from others, though--it has to come from within. I know that.
There are lifestyles I admire and those I have no interest in. Fitness is a lifestyle I admire. Hardcore, pouring sweat, giving it your all, consistency, kick ass fitness. That. That's who I want to be. Feet be damned, I can work around bad feet.
Step one: Stop shaming myself.
Step two: Meditate.
Step three: Do the work.
I can and I will. My way.
It's funny when you admire others and ask for help, they won't--but others sure like to dole out unsolicited advice. And they sure as hell don't know what they're talking about. I listen to those who practice what they preach, but only if their practice is something I truly admire. I'm blessed to know three such people who live the lifestyle I want. I've seen it, and I need to tweak it to fit me.
These three do not overeat, snack or obsess about food. They work out consistently, faithfully and don't miss. They do not log their workouts, wear tracking devices, chart things, have phone apps--they just do. THAT is living. That is what I want. I want it so ingrained, so habitual that I don't have to think, just do. I don't need to collect massive amounts of data, plot and record, analyze...just do.
That's where I'm headed.
My feet are good some days and not so good others. I can work around that. I must live in the here and now and go with the flow. Adapt and overcome.
Live.
Less Facebook, less computer, and more living. Get out in that world and go--that's living.
boom
on it, boss
6.07.2015
~~~~vulnerability ~~~~
vulnerability
What a word. Thanks to dictionary.com, here's a definition of vulnerable.
Okay, so who on earth wants to open themselves up to being wounded, hurt, morally attacked, criticized, tempted, assaulted, etc. Don't ask me about the bridge thing, I don't know what a rubber is in the game of bridge...
So what does vulnerability have to do with a weight-loss/fitness blogger?
Everything.
What does it have to do with you?
Everything.
According to Brene Brown, people who are happy and living wholeheartedly, have the courage to be imperfect. They have the compassion to be kind to themselves first, because we can't practice compassion to others if we can't treat ourselves kindly.
Brene Brown has a P.h.D. in social work and has written many great books--search her on Amazon. She also gave one of the top ten most-viewed Ted Talks. It is powerful and will make you think.
What a word. Thanks to dictionary.com, here's a definition of vulnerable.
Okay, so who on earth wants to open themselves up to being wounded, hurt, morally attacked, criticized, tempted, assaulted, etc. Don't ask me about the bridge thing, I don't know what a rubber is in the game of bridge...
So what does vulnerability have to do with a weight-loss/fitness blogger?
Everything.
What does it have to do with you?
Everything.
According to Brene Brown, people who are happy and living wholeheartedly, have the courage to be imperfect. They have the compassion to be kind to themselves first, because we can't practice compassion to others if we can't treat ourselves kindly.
Brene Brown has a P.h.D. in social work and has written many great books--search her on Amazon. She also gave one of the top ten most-viewed Ted Talks. It is powerful and will make you think.
So I am thinking back to when I was very happy. It started in 2011, I was content, lost over 40 pounds in four months, and maintained it until I had a foot injury and couldn't work out/walk like I needed to.
So what was different between then and now?
Now, I'm upset, frustrated, negative, and full of SHAME. Why am I ashamed? Because I gained back a lot of weight. About half of what I lost. That's just not easy to admit because I have to swallow my pride.
I have looked at it from this perspective:
Hey, I'm such a loser, I lost all this weight, maintained, was happy, and BOOM, started gaining. I'm too embarrassed to blog, to admit, to put myself out there because I'm so ashamed.
The first gain (16 pounds) was a medication side effect, and the rest is all on me.
Okay, so is that treating myself with compassion by looking at myself through a negative lens?
Noooooooooooooo!!!
So I'm being vulnerable.
I lost 108 pounds. I gained back 66 pounds. Okay, technically that's a scooch over half, but who's counting.
I never wanted to be "that person"who lost and re-gained. Well, life happens, and so here I am admitting it openly, and being VULNERABLE.
Okay, so I joined TOPS which I love. I am also doing an online support group. The bottom line is I have to make this work for me, which means my way. It also means staying OPEN MINDED to other ways and incorporating what will work for me and ignoring what won't.
I wholeheartedly believe that we should not strive to be happy; instead, we should focus on being content. There are happy times in our lives, but being content is certainly my goal. What made me content?
Being vulnerable. Blogging. Sharing photos, my fitness and weight-loss journey, connecting with others and supporting others.
So here I am, working away behind the scenes, obtaining my happy (content) place. I do it my way, but with an open mind. And I'm vulnerable, I'm human, but I'm also courageous.
5.22.2015
Weigh-In
Last night at TOPS I was down 2.5 for a total of 6.5.
Yay.
Tonight I had pizza and beer. However, I had a small amount of thin crust, a great big plan salad with dressing on the side (and I just dipped my fork in a couple times), and a Dos Equis. Even with that, I still have a few calories left.
Gotta live, and while that's not a common occurrence, it's been a stressful week and it was a nice way to end the week.
Have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend, everyone.
Remember the reason for Memorial Day, to honor those gave their lives for us--members of the Armed Forces. Those men and women who perished for us are our truest heroes.
Yay.
Tonight I had pizza and beer. However, I had a small amount of thin crust, a great big plan salad with dressing on the side (and I just dipped my fork in a couple times), and a Dos Equis. Even with that, I still have a few calories left.
Gotta live, and while that's not a common occurrence, it's been a stressful week and it was a nice way to end the week.
Have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend, everyone.
Remember the reason for Memorial Day, to honor those gave their lives for us--members of the Armed Forces. Those men and women who perished for us are our truest heroes.
5.21.2015
Consistently Consistent
I wish I could say that happiness was mine. At the moment, it's not. I'm taking summer school, and the class is statistics. Five weeks, an entire book, and I have not had this type class (math) since 1986. It's kicking my sorry a$$ from here to eternity. I had a 4.0. This will pull me down. The one thing I can say is I'm giving it my all--I cannot work any harder. So the work ethic is there, this just is not my forte. It will be over soon enough.
The FABULOUS thing about this semester is that my class is every single day. That means commuting daily--ick! BUT...I have hit the school gym every day after class. They have a bike there, actually four of them, called Life Fitness, and this is my all-time favorite bike ever, ever, ever. It's the bike found in nice hotels' gyms, and my campus. It is awesome.
And.....working on my goal of consistency, I've pedaled every day for 45 minutes, yesterday I hit 55. GO ME.
And......I have hit my calorie target every day this week. The stress load is tremendous, two nights ago I was having extreme anxiety because I didn't understand my work. But I stuck to it, got through it and didn't eat my way into oblivion.
So my goal is to pass this class (I'm hoping for a B), lose some fat, and get consistent.
Next week I will add my beloved kettlebells 4x a week by following the Skogg System's rotation. You can't just do cardio, but I needed it this week just to get into a consistent routine.
I think for me, I must add things as I go. So start of "small" (I don't consider riding that bike small, I work hard), but then add to it. So by the end of next week I'll have calories under control, consistent cardio and consistent kettlebells.
BOOM
And some MAJOR attitude adjustment has been going in--through the thick of stress.
Anything is possible!
The FABULOUS thing about this semester is that my class is every single day. That means commuting daily--ick! BUT...I have hit the school gym every day after class. They have a bike there, actually four of them, called Life Fitness, and this is my all-time favorite bike ever, ever, ever. It's the bike found in nice hotels' gyms, and my campus. It is awesome.
And.....working on my goal of consistency, I've pedaled every day for 45 minutes, yesterday I hit 55. GO ME.
And......I have hit my calorie target every day this week. The stress load is tremendous, two nights ago I was having extreme anxiety because I didn't understand my work. But I stuck to it, got through it and didn't eat my way into oblivion.
So my goal is to pass this class (I'm hoping for a B), lose some fat, and get consistent.
Next week I will add my beloved kettlebells 4x a week by following the Skogg System's rotation. You can't just do cardio, but I needed it this week just to get into a consistent routine.
I think for me, I must add things as I go. So start of "small" (I don't consider riding that bike small, I work hard), but then add to it. So by the end of next week I'll have calories under control, consistent cardio and consistent kettlebells.
BOOM
And some MAJOR attitude adjustment has been going in--through the thick of stress.
Anything is possible!
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