Get Fit Neighborhood Walk

I'm so proud to be the lead of the Get Fit ministry at my church, Emmanuel Temple.  Our first Get Fit Neighborhood Walk last Saturday was a success. We talked, laughed, and WALKED our way through the neighborhood. Before we knew it we had walked 2.2 miles. Way to go, ladies! Let's plan to do it again late Spring '15!

 

 

Get Fit Physical Night

A couple months ago, I became the lead of my church’s Health Ministry – Get Fit. The idea behind the ministry is to Get Fit: Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually, and Physically.

Tuesday night, we had a Get Fit Physical Night led by Sean Overton a Certified Personal Trainer. Sean was great! He led a fun, but challenging workout. I’m so proud of my church family for their enthusiasm and for making our first Get Fit Physical Night a success! Who would’ve ever thought we could have so much fun exercising?! The proof is here in the photos…

   

  It’s time to Get Fit: Emotionally, Mentally, Spiritually, and Physically! It’s a way of life!

Saturday Soul Stroll

I had a blast this morning at the Soul Stroll. I signed up with my church family, but it ended up my employer was co-sponsoring the event so I saw some of my co-workers too. I ran into lots and lots of folks I haven't seen in forever. We talked, laughed, danced to good music, and walked! What a great community event bringing us together to walk our neighborhood. So glad I was a part of it -- I'll definitely be back next year.

The Gym: I don't like it

I've done it again. Fallen off the workout wagon... It's been three weeks since I've taken my scheduled cycling class and two weeks since I've had pool time with Christie. What on earth is wrong with me? Why do I do this to myself? The short answer, I just don't really like working out. So if anything, any little thing distracts me I get off track. 

Sure working out makes me feel better, increases my energy, helps me sleep sounder, but the physical act of working out -- I just don't like.  And to be truthful since I haven't shed any pounds in forever, I'm even less enthused about working out. I know better than this, all of this, but somehow I'm here again.

I talked to my dear friend who is active and healthy she says she goes through similar phases too. Maybe this is just to be expected, eh? I dunno. I just know that I want to better than this, or do I? Heavy sigh. I'll stop rambling. I'm sure I sound like a broken record. How many times have I been in this place? Geez, when will I come up with a plan I can stick to and enjoy? Back to the drawing board again. I'm reminded of this saying... if you don't like starting over, don't stop.

Other related blog post: 
It's hard
Better for it
Enough

Splish Splash: My pool adventures III

This morning I had my third pool session with Christie. We typically start off doing pool exercises for a half hour or so. Then spend another half hour with some basic, very basic swimming techniques.  I had my biggest breakthrough today. I actually felt like I was swimming. I'm feeling less scared and having more fun! Still a long way to go...

Check out this short video: As I make my way down the pool with double noodle action. Gotta have the double noodle.  Splish splash. 

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. 

Splish Splash: My pool adventures

Truth be told, I've become a little bored with Cycling class. Besides, it's good to mix up the workout routine. I haven't been in a pool in a couple of years. Very early on in my weight loss, get fit journey I used to take water aerobic classes. Actually, it was the first gym group class I took once I enrolled at 24-Hour Fitness in the spring of 2010.

I'm not sure what's going on with me, but three weeks shy from turning 41 years old and I've decided it's time to learn how to swim.  Remember, a couple of months ago I resolved it was time to ride a bike? Maybe it's because I'm coming into myself, maybe it's because I'm working with a trainer, or a little of both. It's kinda nice to have someone guide me and help me in areas where I need it. With Christie by my side I'm more wiling to try new things and I also push myself harder.

This morning, I followed my regular strength training routine and then met up with Christie in the pool.  She introduced me to the paddle board, but that didn't go to swell. No worries. There's always an alternative. I just grabbed the side of the pool and kicked, kicked, kicked. Then onto some pool exercises similar to water aerobics (jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc.). I love how I feel in the water. I feel so light. It's incredible how I can jump and kick so high. If I were on land there's no way I could move so freely and effortlessly.

After pool exercises Christie started showing me how to float on my back. Wow! What an adventure that was! She totally had to help hold me up. I wish I would have had my camera to capture that moment! Needless to say, I didn't learn to swim today but I sure had a splash of a time. Stay tuned...I'll keep you updated on my pool adventures as they happen.

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.

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

Criss-Cross Applesauce

Being overweight makes some physical things difficult. A basic everyday task like picking something up off the floor can cause a scene for an overweight person. At my heaviest weight of 388 pounds somethings would have to just stay on the floor until someone else offered to pick it up for me. Sad, I know.  Now that I've lost weight it's gotten much easier, but I still am unable to kneel.

Kneeling for most "normal" sized folks seems like an easy task. But, think about it kneeling is virtually a very deep squat. If you have excess weight on your body it becomes more difficult. If I have to grab something out of the bottom drawer or off the bottom shelf instead of  kneeling, I bend. Bending is much easier on my knees, but it's incorrect form. The more active I've become I notice stuff like that. I'm always envious when I see someone kneel down with ease. I think to myself one day, I'll be able to do that too.

Another simple function that I have on my to-do-list is to sit comfortably in criss-cross applesauce position. Again, I can do it, but it's a little problematic. It's the getting up and down off the floor that causes me havoc.

As most of you know, I never learned how to ride a bike because my weight hindered me (read previous blog post here). Today, with my new active lifestyle and renewed spirit, I'm ready to conquer riding a bike. I've decided that no matter what I want to do in life - big or small - I'm just going to go for it. So no more waiting around until I'm smaller, fitter; the time is now.  I'm going make it a point to kneel instead of bend. My wobbly knees will have to eventually get use to it. And, I'm going to practice sitting in criss-cross applesauce more often too.

Enough

Some days are just better than others. Especially when it comes to working out. There are days when I'm in cycling class and I can't seem to get my legs to go any faster, when I can't seem to push myself to go to the next level. If I'm low energy a day here, a day there, no biggie. We all sometimes are off of our game. But too many off days and I have to wonder. I have to really ask myself if being at the gym is enough.

I've struggled with answering that question for a long time. I mean, sure, I walked through the doors of the gym. I seated myself on the bike and I rode for the entirety of the class.  Sometimes throughout the class I matched the instructors intensity becoming uncomfortable and breathless. Sometimes blanking out and thinking of all sorts of other things. But I finished. I was there. Some would say I should give myself some credit for being there.  I can appreciate that. I also can't help but feel that If I want to become stronger, fitter, and lose more weight being there is simply not enough.
 
Everyone has to determine for themselves if being there is enough. I tuned into to watch The French Open on and off over the last couple of weeks. Playing in a grand slam is as big as it gets for those tennis players. The Women's Finals was a competitive match with both women playing hard and going for it. Serena Williams was the winner. Best believe she wasn't just there. She went for it. In the Men's Finals, however, Jo-Wilifried Tsonga didn't quite seize his opportunity. He was beaten in straight sets and from my position on the couch it didn't look like he gave it much of a fight either. Sure, he can say he was there. He can say he played in The French Open Finals and was runner-up. Maybe for him that's enough. Only he can answer that.

I'm proud of myself for battling obesity publicly and honestly. I do give myself credit for what I've achieved. But, I can't rest on my laurels. I'm playing to not only battle but to beat obesity. I'm playing to win. So, for me being at the gym is just not enough.

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.

It's hard

I promise you. You don't want any part of this. Being fat and out of shape that is. If you haven't already -- then don't. Don't come any where near this.
 
Being fat is hard, really hard. Being fat and trying to lose the weight even harder. Being fat, out of shape, trying to lose the weight, and get fit -- brutal.

I've taken many of group exercise classes and I have heard just about every motivational pep talk there is. For some reason though during yesterday's cycling class as my legs felt as if they were going to fall off and I could barely breathe. The instructor's words "Push through," really resonated with me.   "You'll only get stronger if you push through," he said.

Gosh darn it! He's right. If I want to, if anyone wants to get to the next level, the next phase, they'll have to withstand some amount of pain. They'll have to push through. I guess, that's exactly why I'm still here. Pushing through is hard.

Truthfully, I don't want to eat any healthier than I'm already eating. I don't want to say goodbye to my signature homemade chocolate chip cookies or my lazy Sunday morning breakfasts involving thick sliced pepper bacon. And quite frankly, I don't want to workout any harder either. It hurts.

So, folks, when you see an overweight, out of shape person and you think to yourself, "Why don't they just lose weight?" Take it from one of those overweight, out of shape people -- It's hard. It's hard to say goodbye to all the bad habits and embrace the good ones. Despite the negative stigma that comes along with being fat and the health concerns -- losing weight -- is hard. 

Typically, I like to end with something motivating, uplifting. But, I'm afraid there's nothing motivating and uplifting about these truths: Losing weight is hard. Getting fit is equally as hard. Pushing through is the hardest.

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."

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
 

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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!

It's heavy

As the cashier loaded my grocery bag she cautioned, "It's heavy." I smirked and replied, "Yeah that's fine. I got it. Thanks."

She's right, it was a little heavy, but it wasn't that heavy. I'm 40 years old, in relatively good shape. So, carrying a 13 pound bag should be no problem - is no problem.

I haven't been actively working out at the gym lately, but I realize there are so many other forms of exercise outside of the gym that I can do. Some very basic things. Starting with, using my body for what it was intended. The simplest, most overlooked form of exercise -- walking. There are real health benefits to walking. Okay, so maybe you won't get buffed from walking. And sure, there's more advanced forms of exercise for folks that are fit, but no matter walking is the simplest, lowest impact form of cardio exercise. Oh, and it's stress reliever and great mood booster too.

So, I've made a pact with myself to sneak in exercise whenever, where ever. One way, I do this is to walk to my errands that are within a one mile radius of my house.  Come to think about it, it seems shameful to drive a car to go such a short distance. My walking errands are good for the environment and me too.

Back to the "heavy" bag. I strapped the cloth reusable bag around my left shoulder, positioned it snugly on my right hip, and back on the road I went. My stride was a little shorter going home with the groceries in tow, but I felt good. Real good. I like using my body for what it was designed for: moving, walking, carrying stuff.

"Nature designed walking as the most basic and the main form of locomotion and transportation for human beings. Therefore it is essential for optimal health and function that this basic form of movement is a regular part of our daily lives. It is very simple and logical - the more we do things our bodies were naturally designed to do, the more functional our bodies become." Read more from the article here.

With that said, I chose to -- move it so I don't lose it!

Also read: Spark People's Walking Guide

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.

Exercise is Everywhere

Just in from a nice interval walk along the Columbia Waterfront Renaissance walking trail. Y'all know by now I'm a proponent of walking. It's such a good form of exercise. It's free. And all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Most everyone can do that. Best of all, you can do it anywhere. Everywhere. Come to think of it there are so many forms of exercise (squats, push-ups, planks) we can do anywhere.

Living in the Pacific NW makes exercising everywhere even easier with all the beautiful parks and sites to visit and see. So if you can't make it to the gym don't let that stop you. Exercise is everywhere you just have to have the desire to do it.

In between my sprints, I snapped a few photos. From the trails...

The better part of my life

I'm always in a reflective state, but particularly so as 2012 comes to an end. Losing 170 pounds isn't easy and it didn't come without reflection. I blog about it all the time -- taking onus, accepting responsibility for oneself, and making a commitment to yourself.

By now, you have heard some version or another of my story. If not, here’s a synopsis: I’m a product of childhood obesity. At my heaviest, I weighed in at a whopping 388 pounds. To date, with a conscious change to my diet and regular exercise, I’ve lost 170 pounds. Yes, 1-7-0! Ideally, I still would like to lose another 60 pounds to meet my goal weight. That’s a total of 230 pounds. Yeah, I know, those numbers are inconceivable to most. Those numbers are not for the faint-hearted.

By far, battling obesity is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Today, 170 pounds lighter and I'm still considered obese. I started my bid to a healthier lifestyle in the late fall of 2009. Since then I've had many trials, triumphs, victories, and losses. But, battling obesity isn’t just about losing the weight. This is so much more than a physical transformation. It’s about finding myself and learning to love myself. It's about talking down the demons on a regular, "You're fat and always will be. "You can't." Every single day, I’m at war with myself emotionally and mentally, and boy do I the have scars to prove it.

I realize though that for the better part of my life I've been obese. So, I can't magically become healthy and fit with a wave of a wand. It takes work. Hard work. Dedication. Commitment. This is my life. My new life --  I'm creating it everyday. Sure, I'm not exactly where I would like to be, but I'm not where I use to be either. I will never, ever return to that dark miserable place. I find resolve in knowing that. I find victory in the fact that I found the courage to change, to battle obesity. I refuse to allow myself to wallow in self pity. I refuse to remain the same.

Sometimes I encounter road blocks. In fact, I haven't recorded a lose on the scale in months. Some would call this a plateau. I say, it's "Where I am now." I'll keep plugging away one day at a time. Tweaking my diet. Finding new forms of exercise. Silencing those demons. Loving myself. Truly loving myself. Beyond the scale, the mirror. In due time, I'll get there. I'll be there. One thing is for sure, I have never ever given up. Nor will I. There's no race to the finish line because there is no finish line.

I refuse to let the past forty years of my life determine my entire life. I have plenty more living to do. I plan to be a healthy, active beacon of light for others who are looking to make the necessary changes and to live a similar lifestyle. The best is yet to come. The better part of my life awaits me. I'm not into making new year's resolutions, instead lifelong resolutions. I'm claiming 2013 as one of my better years.

Gettin' my walk on!

What a beautiful, crisp fall day it is! I just came in from getting my walk on. Those of you who've been following the blog from the beginning know that walking is how this journey of self-discovery/weight loss began in 2009. Whenever I'm feeling sluggish or need to rejuvenate -- I return to that place, that starting point. I'm a true believer in looking within for self-motivation. Chatting with loved ones, reading self-help books, and coming up with a game plan from trainers, are helpful tools and they all can play a role. At the end of the day, however, there's just me. So I lace up my tennis shoes, and put one foot in front of the other and try to figure it all out. How to maneuver from one point to another in this obstacle course called life.

For me walking is not so much about the physical exercise, but more about my mental health. Walking for me is cathartic. Taking in all the beautiful sights of nature, the fresh air, and just spending time with myself, thinking. Really thinking. Reflecting is what my walks are about. Walking does the mind and body good. So whenever I need a reboot, I get my walk on!