The Power to Change

You, yes, you have the power to change. I know this to be true not because I've read about it in self-help books but because I've changed. Not on accident, but on purpose.

Most people who meet me these days don't believe this about me, but I used to be a bitter, unhappy, carping person with a very negative outlook. I think part of my ugly disposition stemmed from carrying so much excess weight. I mean weighing 388 pounds is hard. Being overweight makes the simplest things much harder: walking, tying shoes, being social, on and on.  It takes a toll on your body and consequently it weighs down the spirit.

After a series of unfortunate events in 2009 I began to realize that the physical weight was causing most of my unhappiness but there was a lot of other things about myself that I really didn't like. It's been a long time coming and I'm still a work in progress, but I've changed. I changed because I realized that I had the power to change.  Yes, it's just that simple -- make the conscious decision to do something and then put forth the effort. I'll be honest, it's been hard, very hard. But, today I'm happier, friendlier, healthier, and 170 (give or take a few) pounds lighter.

Might I suggest, if you have areas in your life that you'd like to improve (weight, health, attitude). Take the time and take the necessary steps. You, yes, you have the power to change. Take it from someone who knows, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Related post:

The better part of my life
Kicking and Screaming

41 Years in the Making

Lydene Robertson Photography

Blessed to have seen another year and it has been a wonderful one.

I vowed to be "Fit By Forty" and haven't quite hit that goal physically. Not from lack of trying or wanting to but it's hard. Very hard. Oh well, let's save all the heavy stuff for another post. It's my 41st birthday and I feel great.

I really like the way 40 feels. I'm closer to God and working on becoming more at peace.   I'm happy. Healthy. I know my self-worth. I'm confident. 

I don't dwell on things or try to hold on to them. I know when to let go and move on. 

I laugh often. I love with all of my heart.

I'm a work in progress but I like where I'm headed.  The best is yet to come.

Rest & Routine

To bed when the sun goes down. Rise when the sun comes up. A very basic concept. A concept our ancestors adhered to likely because they didn't have the luxury of electricity. Nonetheless, our biological clocks are wired that way. In this 24-hour, technology driven society, however, rest is dismissed and the importance of sleep often overlooked. We are constantly on-the-go.

Until recently I was guilty of being always on the go, go, go. "I'll sleep when I die," was my motto. Every night I went to bed with my iPhone clutched in hand, feeling the need to answer every text or email right away. Some nights I'd even sleep with the radio on for background noise. I was known to work on projects into the wee hours of the night and I'd proudly update my Facebook status "Burning the midnight oil."

I'm an information junkie. It's the whole journalist thing -- always seeking information. I read lots of magazines, newspapers, browse lots of websites, and I even read pamphlets and brochures that most others wouldn't. Anyway, I've been reading lately about how important sleep is for a number of reasons, but particularly for those trying to lose weight. Hold up. So all these crazy nights of me staying up late "Burning the midnight oil" could be hindering my weight loss efforts? That changes the game. I had to re-evaluate.

As of late, I make it a point to start shutting it down when the sun sets.  I'll admit getting to bed by 9:30 pm no later than 10 o'clock is a little challenging since it's summer and it stays light outside longer. Here's my new way of thinking: If I am unable to complete a task on any given day, it can wait until the next day. That's why there is a next day. Most of my deadlines I've learned are self-imposed. I'm giving myself permission to move the item or items around on my calendar. I've made it a priority, however, to get at least eight hours of sleep a night and a nap during the day when I can.

Since I started my new routine I'm more alert and focused and I've also noticed I get crabby when something interferes with my bedtime. No more of that ridiculous "I'll sleep when I die," mentality. I take sleep seriously. It's the one chance I get to shut my mind and body completely down. Forget about everything. Refresh. Renew. Just as my body needs exercise and proper nutrition it also needs the proper rest and routine.

I'm on a mission to be healthy. My approach to health and wellness is holistic. 

What's Happening in August

I've always been a fan of the public library system -- promoting books, reading, literacy, and community activities.  It's a great honor to be invited to speak at not one but two local libraries this month. What a way to end the summer!

Up first...I'll be back at the Cascade Park Community Library hangin' out with the Teens showing them how simple it is to whip up simple, healthy snacks. 

8.6.13
Tuesday, August 6:
Teens Arts & Crafts (Ages 12-19)
Mouthwatering Munchies: Cookbook author Chrisetta Mosley will teach you how to make tasty, healthy munchies. You'll get to sample home-made guacamole and salsa, hummus with veggies, and super-fruity granola-berry parfaits. Yum!
Time: 5 - 6 p.m.
Venue: Cascade Park Community Library
Address: 600 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
360.256.7782

For the first time...I'll be sharing my story and signing books at the Camas Public Library. 

8.14.13
Wednesday, August 14:

"Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box"In her book Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box, local author Chrisetta Mosley tells how she lost 170 pounds by stepping outside of the prepared food box. In addition to sharing her inspiring story, Chrisetta will provide handy shopping tips and share simple, delicious, healthy recipes. Come learn how to reconnect with your food and take control of your health using whole, natural foods. Books will be available for purchase.
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Camas Public Library
Address: 625 NE 4th Ave.
Camas, WA 98607
360.834.4692


Other events:
8.11.13
Sunday, August 11:shop.prep.cook Session -- PRIVATE

8.25.13
Sunday, August 25:shop.prep.cook Session -- PRIVATE

8.28.13
Wednesday, August 28:
5 or 50" Women's Sustainable Weight Loss & Healthy Lifestyle Group
No matter if you have "5 or 50" pounds to lose. It's time to start seeing yourself as beautiful, strong, capable and look beyond physical attributes. I'll facilitate the meeting and share my tips for staying motivated. This will be a safe, inspiring environment to share and grow.
Free
Open to everyone
No RSVP required
Time: 6- 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Cascade Park Community Library
Address: 600 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
360.256.7782

That's it and that's all. I hope to see you in the mix.

Happy 3rd blog day!

Three years ago I had this crazy notion to write this blog as a way to share my journey of weight loss and self-discovery and to chronicle my ongoing battle with obesity.  Little did I know this blog what be the beginning of something magical, something Outside of the Box.

After losing my Marketing Assistant position in 2009, my lifelong friend, Carmen (Rest In Peace) told me that maybe I wasn't supposed to work a 9-5 and that maybe there was something else for me. She went on to tell me to write down everything I liked to do and wanted to do no matter how unrealistic it seemed. At the time, I was in such a bad space I couldn't have ever imagined that all the things I wanted to do and liked to do could become what I would do. But, here I am three years later doing ALL the things I love!

Thank you all for reading, attending my events, buying my cookbooks, and for the ongoing support, encouragement, and love. Since no birthday is complete without gifts, through the end of July, I'm offering 10% off my cookbook, Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box. Click here to order through PayPal (the 10% discount already applied).

Highlights from my past "Outside of the Box" year:

- 142 blog posts 
- Authored Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box
- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box becomes a required textbook for Clark College Health 100: Food and Your Health students
- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box hits the shelves of Clark College Bookstore
- Book signings at Clark College Bookstore, Vancouver and Cascade Park Library, Tully's Coffee, and DiTazza Coffee
- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box gets a Dewey Decimal number (641.563 MOSLEY)
- Shop, Cook, Eat: Outside of the Box on the shelves at Fort Vancouver Regional Library,
Multnomah County Library, and Clark College Library- Invited as a guest lecturer for Clark College's Health 100, 104, 258 classes
- Keynote speaker for for Clark College's Biggest Loser competition
- Appeared on KBOO 90.7 FM Wednesday Morning Talk Radio - September and March
- Appeared on KBOO 90.7 FM Black Book Talk
- Article on front page of LiveWell in The Columbian and numerous blog features- Article in The Independent
- Founded “5 or 50” Women’s Sustainable Weight Loss & Healthy Lifestyle Group meets
  monthly
- Offering shop.prep.cook Services and prep.cook.eat Parties
- Food & Wellness consultant for Nautropath

Healthy Food Presentations
- Clark College Health 100: “Food and Your Health” – February, March, and May 2013
- Clark College Health 104: “Weight and Your Health” – February 2013
- Cascade Park Community Library - October, February, and April 2013
- Fruit Valley Foundation – February and March 2013                                                   
- Northwest Personal Training – November 2012

Cooking Classes
-Chuck’s Produce & Street Market – September 2011 – April 2013
-Clark College Health 100: “Food and Your Health” at Chuck's Produce & Street Market – November 2012

Public Speaking
- "Eat to Live" Panel - February 2013
- Camas & Washougal on a Diet – March 2013
- Lacamas Swim & Sport Silver Sneakers – March 2013
- Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) – December 2012
- Professional Connections – November 2012
- Vancouver Community Library - October 2012
- Multnomah County Library – September 2012
- Women in Networking (WIN) – August 2012

I’m not sharing my highlights to boast, but rather to remind you that you can do anything if you tap into yourself and are willing to step OUTSIDE of the Box. As Carmen said, write it down even if it seems unrealistic!

Better for it

It's a love/hate relationship. Despite not really like working out. I like working out. Yeah, I know that's a contradictory statement. Allow me to try and explain.

The physical act of working out I don't necessarily like so much. I mean huffing, puffing, sweating. Eeew. And for me cardio is the worse. Sure, there may be break through moments when I feel invigorated as I ride up a steep hill. Or when I'm on the treadmill and I get the runner's high. But mostly working out for me is no fun. I can think of many other things I'd rather do, for starters -- sleep in. I faithfully wake up at 4:15 a.m. at least three times a week to go to the gym. Why? Oh, why?

See the thing is I lived most of my life overweight and sedentary. It wasn't until 2009 I started a bid to lose weight and take control of my health. Over the course of the last four years I strung together about three and a half solid years of working out consistently. After stumbling and falling off the workout wagon, read a previous post here I now realize how important working out is to me. I never want to return to that sedentary lifestyle ever, ever again.

Despite the huffing, puffing, sweating, and overall discomfort -- working out makes me feel better. My outlook, my perspective is more positive when I exercise. I'm more upbeat, energetic. I move better. I sleep better. I'm more focused. I think better.  I am better. So, today I realize that I don't particularly like working out and it probably won't get easier, read a previous post here, but I workout it because overall I'm better for it -- mentally, physically, emotionally.

Repost: From Within

Once a miserable 388 pounds, I decided I loved myself enough to try. Try to be better. Be happier, be healthier, and lose the weight. All the weight: emotional, spiritual, physical.

When you're in a dark, cold space trapped under 388 pounds light seems non-existent. I traveled many dark, foggy tunnels before I saw a glimpse of light. I had a negative spirit, negative attitude, and a negative outlook. In the depths of darkness, however, there was a nagging voice within, telling me: I deserved more. I was worthy. I could be better. After sitting still with myself and some serious soul searching I was able to hear that voice loud and clear. The voice within instructed me to stop wallowing in my pity, put my thoughts to action, and create the life I envisioned for myself.  The voice within gave me hope, courage, and belief. The voice is the very reason I was able to see my way out of the dark, foggy tunnel. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life. Today, I stand in the light. 

Originally posted on December 30, 2011

Less Is More

I've said this many times before, my weight loss journey is not only about what I've lost, but what I've gained. This is a journey of self-discovery, learning, and striving to be a better person -- inside and out.

I laugh at myself when I look back at the workout path I've traveled. In the very beginning I knew nothing about working out. I just knew I was overweight, out of shape, and needed to burn calories. My plan of action was to try every machine at the gym. Every class at the gym. It was very typically for me to workout five to six days a week. Sometimes even taking back-to-back weight training and cardio classes. Sometimes being in the gym upward of three to four hours. Insane! Anyone who knows me well knows how I am. I go hard. Once I'm into or onto something fugetaboutit!

My workout craze was just that a craze.  Oh my goodness, I recall the first boot camp class I took. I was about 290 pounds and had only been working out for about a month. Can you say, deconditioned? And to boot, I pumped up a couple of friends and my teenaged daughter to join me. Wow. What  a train wreck! We all made it out, alive -- barely.

When I think about it now, I see how ineffective my workouts really were. I was working out for long periods of time with no focus. No road map. During this time, I got sick with cold/flu like symptoms all the time. Wonder why? My diet was questionable, I rarely got enough sleep, and I overworked the same muscle groups. On and on. So, as workouts were concerned, those workouts were ineffective. But, in retrospect, they were effective in other ways: I was meeting people and making friends at the gym, learning about my body, and my fortitude.

While I am a little disappointed at myself for taking the past six months off from the gym. Honestly, the time away was just what I needed. I needed a break. A reboot. Now I'm more focused. My workouts are my purposeful. Thanks to my hiatus, I realize that it's less about how many days or hours I spend in the gym and more about how I spend the time there. It's also about how I take care of myself in between workouts: eating well, proper rest, etc. Quite frankly, it’s a relief knowing that I don’t have to be at the gym everyday for several hours at a time. Gone are those days. Less is more.

Helpful articles:

Overtraining
Less Is More: Is Too Much Exercise Bad for You?
Why Four Workouts a Week May Be Better Than Six

Start

When I started my weight loss and get fit journey. I guess this comes as no surprise, but my diet and exercise regimen were totally different than they are today.

Back then, my idea of healthy eats were frozen Lean Cuisine meals, Broccoli & Beef from the Panda Express menu, and if and when I ate raw vegetables, they had to be dipped in Ranch dressing. I've come along way.

Today, I'm repulsed at the idea of any store-bought frozen meal, anything from Panda Express, and I gladly eat my veggies dip-less. On a personal note: I have taken control of my health in my very own kitchen, by preparing 99 percent of my meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients. Not only do I eat healthfully, I've taken it a step further: I've authored two cookbooks and I've held numerous cooking classes around the community. Where I am today, wouldn't have been possible without me, starting.

My exercise routine used to consist of a 15 minute normal paced walk outdoors. You heard the saying, "You have to crawl before you walk." Everyone has to start somewhere.
Walking for me was a safe effective way to get me jump started. Once I became comfortable walking, I made my way to the gym. Today, my workout routine looks quite a bit different than it did in 2009.

So, the point of this all... Don't worry so much about where you want to be. Don't over-think it. Keep it simple. Start where you are. Where you are today will inevitably look different in a few weeks, a few months, a year.

No one starts out preparing 99 percent of their meals at home from scratch. No one runs a marathon without first running a mile. Keep in mind, there'll be twists and turns a long your journey to health and fitness, but keep going, you're worth it.

Start.

Habits

Despite not wanting to. I did. 

Sleepy. Low energy. Unenthused. I went.

See, the thing is I'm just now getting back into a workout routine.  So, I don't want to miss a workout -- especially because of a lame excuse like I'm sleepy.

I'm trying to form a habit. Forming a habit takes consistency. You know, doing the same thing again and again. Over and over. Day in. Day out. And when it comes to working out -- doing it even when you don't want to.
 
To establish a routine and form a habit -- here's my approach:

- I've started with a small goal. I don't want to overwhelm myself.  Three times a week for now. Once the routine is engrained. I'll add another class or two (Yoga, Weight Training, etc.).

- I'll attend the same class (5:30 a.m. Cycling M,W,F) for a month. This establishes a pattern. Once the habit is formed I'll be more flexible on days and  times.
 
- First day, I introduced myself to the instructor.  This gives me someone to be accountable to. Even if I let myself down. I won't let him down.

- The night before, I set out my workout clothes, underclothes, socks, tennis shoes, towel, and fill water bottle. Preparation equals success. Besides, it gives me a few extra minutes to sleep in.

- Stay away from the negative thoughts. Instead, replace these thoughts with positive,
upbeat messages. The mind is powerful.

So, this morning despite not wanting to. I did. And I'm glad. I feel energized, accomplished, good.

Legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said: 

“Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” 

I'm not going there!

Instead, I'm with Aristotle:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Seeds

Having spent my entire life overweight, I've had a number of people encourage me to lose weight: family, friends, doctors, and even strangers -- in their own strange way. My aunt Lenora went so far as to offer me money as an incentive to shed the pounds.

There were times when I was downright irritated by the suggestions, times when I truly considered the suggestions, and times when I actually attempted to lose weight and was unsuccessful.

In retrospect, the number of people who offered me advice throughout the years were planting seeds. Seeds of encouragement. Seeds of hope. Seeds of change. It wouldn't be until I finally hit MY rock bottom that I was willing to make the necessary changes to lose weight, but these people impacted my change -- indirectly or directly.  Some crops sprout and grow in a few weeks, others take months, and some take years.  But with patience and care the crops will grow.

Thank you to all the people who planted seeds in me.

"Plant a seed and watch it grow." 

Life happens

It was nice to see that I'm still on the Wall of Success @ 24 Hour

A hiatus. A bump in the road.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months. Now, I'm looking at my calendar, realizing -- I haven't worked out at a gym since November. I know. That's insane! Since I started my bid to weight loss and fitness three and a half years ago, working out had become like breathing air for me. But somehow everything else in my life became a priority and time slipped away.

Here's what I know:

- Life happens. When it does we make adjustments. We grow. We move on. It was a bump in the road, but nothing that I can't overcome. Heck, I'm the gal who lost 15 pounds while rehabbing a broken leg. This ain't NOTHING.

- This isn't a fad. I want to be healthy forever. I don't measure my success in the span of days, weeks, or months -- see previous blog post. This is my life. My entire life. I'll keep working at being healthy and fit.

- We all need folks in our lives to keep us on track, keep us accountable, and help us be the best we can be. I'm fortunate to have an awesome support system.

Fitness and optimal health require a commitment. I'm committed. I was off track a little bit, but now I'm ready to get back on course. I've re-enrolled at 24-Hour Fitness and am ready to get back in action! Plenty of workout updates forthcoming...

I'll miss my friends at Northwest Personal Training, but this is the best choice for me, right now.

It starts with You

As a mother, I realize that I'm Jasmyn's greatest role model. I am her most influential example. I'm supposed to care for her, love her, guide her. The decisions I make for my life, ultimately influence her life.

At my heaviest weight of 388 pounds, I'll admit, I was not a good role model for her. I was not setting very good examples about health, food, and exercise. At 388 pounds, I could barely walk, barely breathe, and I knew that if I didn't do something about it. Jasmyn might lose me to a preventable disease. I started losing weight to simply save my life. But in the process I not only saved my life, I also became a better example for Jasmyn.

As the case with all children, Jasmyn was a product of her environment. She ate boxed processed food because that's what I brought into our home for her to eat. She drank soda pop because I made it available. She didn't exercise because I didn't expose her to exercise.

In March 2010, at the age of 17, Jasmyn was tipping the scale at 197 pounds. She was headed on a similar path as me. Once I started my bid to a healthier lifestyle. Jasmyn's lifestyle also changed. Today, by following my lead Jasmyn weighs 150 pounds.

I know, first hand about growing up overweight and the long-term effects of obesity. I am proud that I was able to break the cycle with Jasmyn. Jasmyn deserves credit too for embracing the changes. She learned to say no to soda pop, no to second helpings, and became more active. Now like her mother, Jasmyn munches on raw vegetables for snacks, rarely eats out, and exercises regularly.

I realize there are lots of external forces: Conflicting labeling and messaging, on boxed and packaged food, the aggressive food marketing and advertising geared towards children and young adults. I get it,  I do, but as parents, our role is to protect our children from these messages and to make better options available.

Your child's health starts at home with you. Mountain Dew doesn't magically appear in the fridge, cookies don't bake themselves, and children will play outside and exercise if we provide the means.

You can’t expect your kids to eat one way while you eat another. You can’t expect them to exercise and you don’t. You have to show and tell. You have to lead by example.

I talk the talk. I walk the walk. Jasmyn 's 47 pound weight loss is proof.

Read previous related blog post:

Lead By Example

Genuine Love

The Great Outdoors
 

---

Today, 20% of children 6-11 are obese. It's time we come together collectively to help combat this problem. I'm proud to be the presenter for Camas and Washougal on a Diet's free screening of HBO's The Weight of the Nation: Children in Crisis documentary. Please join in on this important conversation.

Tonight, Wednesday, April 3rd and April 10

7 p.m.

Lacamas Swim & Sport

2050 NW 38th Ave
Camas
360.834.8506

Click here to watch video of my call to action
Click here to get all the details from LiveWell / The Columbian

I'll see YOU there!

Slowly but surely

A couple years ago, heck, even two months ago, I would have been beating myself up pretty bad about my current state. You see, the past few months I've been very busy in the community: Motivational talks, lectures, cooking classes, on and on. So, busy that truthfully I haven't been as dedicated to my fitness and weight loss goals. I can't recall the last time I worked out at the gym and I haven't recorded a decrease on the scale in umpteen months.

I'm 40 years old and have been overweight my entire life. I've never been what you called a "normal" size. I'm not sure what the statistics on beating childhood obesity are, but I'm sure they're slim (no pun intended). Despite what the statistics may be, to date with a conscious change to my diet, mindful eating, and exercise I've lost 170 pounds. I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished.  But I also can be pretty hard on myself for what I haven't accomplished.

The more mature, intuitive Chrisetta, recognizes that it's pretty unrealistic of me to think that I can make obesity go away overnight or even in a span of a few years. The Chrisetta of the past would have beat herself up for being in this current state of flux. Called herself names. But no longer. I'm a place in my life, a place in this journey where I'm not going to let those negative thoughts consume me. That's a part of the battle -- learning to not think and speak negative thoughts, learning to be kinder, more flexible and forgiving of myself. Does that mean that I am giving up on my goals? Quite the opposite. It just means that instead of pushing myself so hard, focusing so much on the destination.  I'm going to ease up -- live a healthy, fulfilled life, and enjoy the journey.
 
Today, I'm healthier, happier, more peaceful and content. Oh, and 170 pounds lighter. Slowly but surely, I'm saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity.

Be the change

When I began this amazing journey of self-discovery and weight loss in 2009. I simply was trying to find myself. I did not like who I had become and so I set off on a quest to become a better person inside and out. I spent a lot of time reflecting, walking, sitting still with myself, and sharing my daily trials and triumphs with you. At the time, I was sharing because it was helpful for me. Little did I know, my words and actions would inspire, encourage, and help others.

Fast forward: Friday, March 8, 2013. Not only have I found myself, I've recreated myself. Today, it's so clear to me that this journey hasn't only been about me, but instead how I could help others -- blogging, motivational talks, cooking classes, and authoring cookbooks. Today, though I'm still working on myself, I've also become a health ambassador to you all. I inspire, encourage, and help you to eat better, live better, be better.

As I reflect, I think of this famous Gandhi quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” All of us have special talents and gifts. When you tap into them, when you share your gifts, no matter how big or small...I tell you, it is the greatest reward and feeling. I'm reminded of that every single day through emails, FB posts, or when I meet you at a class, presentation, or for coffee.

Yesterday, I met with a fella, Joe for coffee. It was a business meeting, I had never met him before. Him and I chatted about my needs, my ideas. If you've ever heard me talk, I'm pretty passionate about my ideas. Anyway, we talked for over two hours and as the meeting came to a close, Joe said to me:  "I like talking to you, you make me feel good." Ahh... Life is so much more fulfilling when you share with others, give to others.

Throughout this self-discovery and weight loss journey, I've discovered what I'm passionate about, what makes me "feel good" actually helps others. So, today, I share, share, share in any and every way I can.  I want all of us to be healthier, happier, and live better. This is not just my journey, it's yours.

Joe - feeling good -- Outside of the Box!

My attitude, my choice

It's always about me. Wait, allow me please to elaborate.

I'm a work in progress. Aren't we all? The more I grow as a person, I realize that regardless of the situation, my attitude is my choice. I'm responsible for the way I respond to what others say or do. My behavior is always my behavior. It makes no difference how the other person in any situation behaves or acts. It's always about my actions, my response.The onus of the outcome of the situation always is on me.

A recent example, I'd been working with a woman who was very unpleasant to me. I only had to work with her a couple times or so a month, but she was making those times challenging. There were instances when I had to bite my tongue because of her rude remarks and flip attitude. Times when she was testing my limits to the point I contemplated calling the entire deal off. I continued, however, to bite my tongue, smile, and do good work because I loved the work I was doing and the work was important to me and others.

One day, there was an opportunity for me to offer her a little treat. She excitedly accepted the treat and her and I had a nice exchange that day. Low and behold,  a few weeks later she was promoted and was now going to be my direct contact. Over time her and I have become very friendly, she is very helpful to me and will go to bat for me to get me what I need.

For a long time, I let others push my buttons thus they were dictating the outcome of the situation. So, I say it again, I can't control others and the way they think, feel, or how they behave. I can only control how I handle the situation. Allowing others to control my attitude means they have power over me which limits my opportunities.

I've said this many times before this journey is not only about losing the physical weight, but is about finding myself -- it's not only what I've lost, but what I've gained. I've come to learn that my attitude is my choice -- always.

Repost: I believe

My journey of self-transformation and weight loss has been an amazing experience. I've shed close to 200 pounds and in turn I have dealt with layers of emotional stuff. The old Chrisetta had a pessimistic attitude and did not truly believe in her abilities.

Over the years, fortunately I've had a cast of supportive folks in my life who have encouraged, supported, and believed in me. Believed in me at my worst. Believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I tell you.  That's a cold, dark place to be in when you don't think much of yourself, you seek outside approval and even with the approval of others you still don't see your value or believe in yourself. It has taken a great deal of time for me to be at peace with myself, believe in myself. Having folks encourage me and tell me they believed in me was very, very  helpful. I am forever grateful to them.

It's been a long, bumpy road, but present day, Chrisetta, does not seek outside approval or validation. Sure, it's nice to have supportive folks rooting me on, but it's more rewarding to know within myself that I can. Chrisetta of today, believes in herself, her abilities and will never give up on herself. I believe.

Fortune favors the bold

I was watching the Australian Open a couple of weeks ago. Y'all know how I am about my tennis! While calling an intense match one commentator used the phrase "Fortune favors the bold." I thought, hmm...

It's so true. On and off the court. Those willing to take risks. Those who are unafraid of stepping outside of their comfort zone's. Those who are bold generally are rewarded. I for one have always been pretty bold in my approach in most everything. I'm not afraid to be told no. There's one thing for certain the answer will always be no if I don't ask. Coincidentally, I received a letter of recommendation yesterday that reads:

"...In the 14 years I have been the branch librarian for Cascade Park Community Library, I have encountered a number of people with ideas for programs or displays for the library. About 18 months ago, I was told that a woman named Chrisetta Mosley wanted to tell her story about her struggle to lose weight. I remember thinking that I couldn't visualize a library program based on her story. However I went out to meet her and discovered a charming charismatic woman who not only wanted to tell her story but also share her ideas for how other people could discover a healthier lifestyle...Since then she has done several programs for the Cascade Park Community Library...In all these presentations, Chrisetta works hard to promote, and to come up with new ideas...She is definitely developing a following in the community. I am certainly pleased that Chrisetta took the bold move to present her ideas to me." ~Teresa Torres -- Cascade Park Community Librarian

So I urge YOU to take a few risks, step outside of YOUR comfort zone. Remember, "Fortune favors the bold."

Zumba Memories

Rehabbing a fractured leg couldn't keep me away

For months. Day in. Day out. An eager group of women -- myself included -- filed in, scurrying to claim our spots and packing the room like sardines. The crowded, sweaty room never bothered us -- not too much anyway. We were too caught up in the rapture. Too caught up in the Latin rhythms, Hip Hop beats, and African drums. Oh, what fun we had shaking our hips, stomping our feet, laughing in Zumba.

The days I spent shaking my hips and laughing with the ladies were the early days of my self-discovery and weight loss journey. For me, it was a time where I met new friends, discovered things about myself, unleashed inhibitions, melted inches off of my waist -- while having a blast! In retrospect, the months that I spent in those countless Zumba classes were really when Chrisetta became alive.

Recently, a Zumba favorite came on in rotation while I was listening to my iPod. It brought back memories, Zumba memories. I soon found myself listening to Zumba tune, after Zumba tune. The music started getting really good and before I knew it I was up on my feet shaking it a little! Funny, I still remember some of the choreography. 

I was so moved by the music, I paused just for a moment to post a Facebook message to my Zumba friends, calling for a Zumba reunion. I surmised from my friends responses that they too felt the same. Those Zumba months were a very special time in all of our lives. For different reasons. Though it wasn't said, it was implied. We all needed each other, for one reason or another.  But, the season has passed. That's not a bad thing. It's a good thing. We've grown. We've moved on. Yes, we're still friends. Sure, we still love Zumba. But, the season has ended. Our time together in that capacity has expired. See previous blog post about reasons and seasons here.

We bonded in Zumba. We changed in Zumba. We had the time of our lives in Zumba. Through music. Through Salsa and Merengue. Through laughter.

Thanks Zumba for the friends, the smaller waists, and the memories.

Gettin' SMART

 

In July, I formed a women's group -- 5 or 50" Women’s Sustainable Weight Loss & Healthy Lifestyle Group. A time for us gals to come together -- bond, share, encourage. To dispel negative thoughts of ourselves, of each other, and approach weight loss sustainably. Over the months, we've done just that.

At the year end meeting, I challenged the ladies to start looking forward to the new year. "Claim 2013 as your best year yet." Though I don't believe in new year's resolutions, I do agree that the new year is a great time to hit the refresh button. So we spent our final meeting of 2012 by discussing SMART goals. Their homework over the holidays was to fill out a SMART goal and Action plan packet.

To kick off 2013 we created our SMART goals with the help of Clark College Health Professor, Erin Staples! Erin was my Wellness Coach professor last fall and taught me what I know about SMART goals and coaching. Once I got the ladies started I thought It would be nice to have the guru step in.

Thanks again, Erin -- we appreciate you for helping us get SMART.

More about SMART GOALS---

A SMART goal is:

• S is for SPECIFIC. Decide what you are going to do and how to do it.
• M is for MEASURABLE. Keep track of how you are doing.
• A is for ACHIEVABLE. Pick something you think you can do. Start with small changes. Is running a 4-minute mile possible for you?
• R is for REALISTIC or (REWARD). Be realistic about the goals you set. Getting down to your high school weight after having 3 children may not be realistic. Set a goal that you can not only attain, but is in reason for you. You know yourself best.
• T is for TIME-SPECIFIC. Give your goal a deadline.

SMART goals are to be written down in a certain way, it gives them even greater power. 

“Goals not written down are just wishes.”