Decluttering!!! October 29, 2009

Current Goal: 1) I will reorganize my house one room at a time (a. master bedroom, b. office, 2) Change up diet and exercise, 3) I will have a family meeting 1 time per week-Thursday nights, 4) Give myself a break! 

Current Struggle:  Strength Training.

Current Weight: 164.8 (up 2 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Rejuvinated. ****************************************************************

Letting go of ‘baggage’ is very hard to do.  I know because I have been lugging mine around for a long time.  There are lots of reasons why I have done this.  It is familiar, which is a big plus for staying in my comfort zone.  It is a known feeling–nothing scary about that.  It is easier than letting go and moving forward.

However, it is also a major impediment to living in the ‘here and now’ and setting goals for a bright future.  This month I had an epiphany:  This revelation happened when I realized I have been holding onto a lot of emotional ’clutter’.  I have allowed hurts and disapointments in my past to control me and my present actions.  In these past eight months, I have been trying so hard to be my best, healthy, happy me; however, trying to do that while holding onto my baggage is like trying to jump for joy with weights attached to your ankles.  Your not going to get very high.  Don’t get me wrong, I am amazed at my progress in the challenge thus far.

What is even more amazing to me is the effort I put into going around the clutter…when life is so much easier when you sort through it, keep what is truly important (the lessons learned) and throw out the unimportant things.  Do not try to change things that you are not in control of…that is like banging your head against a brick wall–you are the only one with the headache and the wall is oblivous.  I’m not saying this is easy or pain-free…a resounding “NO” to both; however, it is so worth all the discomfort to come out on the otherside a renewed person with a different outlook on life and for life.  The freedom and relief this has brought me is vast.  The possibilities this gives me are immeasurable.

A special shout out to Ouida, Monica, and Gwen!  Your presence at the climb up Stone Mountain Saturday (10/24) was very much appreciated by me.  I enjoyed your conversation, camaraderie, and spirit while we climbed.  The climb and your presence was very apropos to reaffirming my epiphany this past month.  Thank you for being there!  Also, thank you Julie–my very helpful dietitian/theraphist for our meeting (10/21) for confirming my direction : ) 

LIVE WELL!

Treading Water… October 15, 2009

Current Goal: 1) I will continue to work out with the FIRM Monday through Saturday, 2) Sign up for the GRE, 3) Re-discuss ‘me’ time with my Dad, 4) Work harder to not get bogged down.  See discussion below!

Current Struggle: I have been getting bogged down…life happens while you are making plans.

Current Weight: 162.8 (up 1.4 pounds from previous Julie weigh-in.)

Current Mood: Determined to reinvent my state of mind.

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Hello to all,

This is my favorite Helen Keller quote: ”Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”  I understand this quote, but sometimes I just feel like my character is developed enough.  You know?  Maybe, it is just the blues from all the rain…I was born in July and I really need Sunshine.  It does brighten my mood and this has been a month that needs brightening.  It will get better and I know this because I posted this quote all over my house:  “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them-everyday begin the task anew.”  It is by Saint Francis de Sales.  I believe it describes all of us (my fellow challengers as well as the people who are following along with us online.)

As for myself, it describes exactly how this past month has been.  I have been very impatient…with my plateau, my exercise routine, my house, my family, but mostly with myself.  I see everything I want to accomplish and I want it done now.  Yes, I know Rome wasn’t built in a day and I am not super woman…wouldn’t that be nice?  But this month knowing these things and patiently accepting these things are two different things.  In my impatience, I have turned to some of my favorite comfort food…and you’re right…it just added to my bogged down mood.  My daughter played me a Miley Cyrus song:  Nobody’s Perfect…from the actions of babes, we can learn a lot : )

So, I’m not perfect…I’m blue, impatient, feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water…so, Tina, what are YOU going to do about it?  Yes, I realize I am the only one who can do anything about my present state of mind (although, all advice would be very welcome).  I believe my impatience stems from trying to do to many things at the sametime.  I’m spread so thin…I can’t accomplish anything…except eating Oreo’s…had no problem eating 6 of them : (  So, my new goals for the next month are to divide and conquer. 

1). I will reorganize the house–one room at a time–starting with the Library/Game room.  Have you ever felt like you couldn’t breathe due to all the “clutter”…I’m sure someone could actually put to good use the things I am holding onto…for some forgotten reason.

2). I will change up my diet and exercise.   I believe my plateau is due to my body acclimenting to my routines.  I need to shake it up.  I have a meeting with Julie (Emory) on the 21st; so, I will discuss this with her.

3). I will have a family meeting with my children once a week.  I will pick Thursday night to discuss the past weeks events, as well as the up coming weeks events (mine and theirs)…we need to all be on the same page : )

4). I will cut myself some slack.  I’m totally stressing myself out over all these things that in the long run will not matter; except for the healthy eating and exercise.  Usually, when it comes to my children, I ask myself 3 questions before I freak out: Will it matter tomorrow?  Will it matter next week?  Will it matter next year?  If the answer to these questions is No…then it isn’t worth freaking out over.  I need to be as considerate of myself before stressing out!

Well, I feel much better…like maybe I can make it to shore and lay in the sun for a while…metaphorically speaking…’cause I burn quickly : )

Thanks bunches for reading and also for any comments!