EXERCISE . . .

Started exercises this week. I have been faithful to my program so far, but I have to say who ever invented "exercise," was a sadist I am sure . . .

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL . . .

Well, I haven't been on for a while! I am pleased to say that I have made great progress. (I will go into more detail in future posts) It took a while to get on track, but I think I am finally there. It has nothing to do with weight, it has everything to do with living life!! Not that I wasn't living before, but when you  look at the glass half full, things look a whole lot better. I had a HUGE health scare and decided it was time to get things in order. My doctor gave me the push I needed  and I wasn't about to let it slip away. I am not going to lie, it has been hard, but what a great life altering experience it has been. Imagine being told you are obese and that you have lost 5 years of your life ~ well, when I heard  those words right after the health scare, I cried, but I realized that crying and thinking about change aren't going to  create change. So in order to reverse that diagnosis, and become healthier I needed to get working and working hard! And that is just what I am doing. I couldn't be doing what I am without my husband and kids. They have been  the most amazing support system. I can't even begin to tell you. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of just how lucky I am . . .  (I don't need diamonds, I just need that rotisserie chicken and a man who can provide me with that just at the right moment in time! and I am lucky enough to have that man in my life :) I have moved on and started fresh and it feels good. Thanks to my husband and kids who stood by me through thick and thin and I know I wasn't the easiest person to live with at times, but we made it through! And I am forever grateful! Who ever said that there was no light at the end of the tunnel, wasn't looking hard enough . . .

Gotta Run . . .

Just wanted to say I am very proud of myself, just had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and hope something positive comes out of it. Keeping my fingers crossed, gotta run, don't have time to explain . . .

Time To Turn That Faucet Off First . . .

For many years now I have been hearing the same thing; whether on TV, in magazines, in books, through peoples observations/experiences, however it is wrapped, it all boils down to the same thing . . . unless you address the underlining causes for your condition; mine being weight,our bodies will not be able to begin healing. "Even the most severe conditions often can be reversed by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. If you choose to bypass the underlying causes, then the same problem often recurs."  Marianne describes it perfectly when she says in  "A Course In Weight Loss " . . . "I often show  a slide of a doctor busily mopping up the floor around an overflowing sink without also turning off the faucet . . . The lifestyle choices we make each day in what we eat and in how we live are among the most important underlying causes of obesity and other chronic diseases . . . Information is important, but not usually sufficient, to motivate lasting changes in diet and lifestyle. If it were, we'd all be thin and healthy, as most people know which foods are healthy and unhealthy to eat. And no one would smoke. Everyone who smokes knows it's not good for them - the Surgeon General's warning is on every package of cigarettes, at least in this country. Yet one-third of Americans still smoke. Clearly, we need to work at a deeper level. The real epidemic is not just obesity or heart disease or cancer; it's loneliness, depression, and isolation. If we address these deeper issues, then it becomes easier for people to make lasting changes in their behaviors."

"If your weighty thinking does not change, then even if you lose weight, you'll retain an overwhelming subconscious urge to gain it back. It's less important how quickly you lose weight, and more important how holistically you lose weight; you want your mind, your emotions, and your body to all "lose weight". Weight that disappears from your body but not from your soul is simply recycling outward for a while, but is almost certain to return. It's self-defeating, therefore, to struggle to drop excess weight unless you are also willing to drop the thought-forms that initially produced it and now hold it in place."

I am in the process of reading this book which I would recommend to everyone.  I find Marianne puts things in a way that you can't ignore  or act as if you didn't understand. Very straight forward and to the point and her examples are brilliant . . . I  will definitely be making a conscious effort to "Turn the faucet off first!"

We Are All In It Together . . .

Last night I was pleasantly surprised when Marlese and I went down stairs to exercise, my husband followed? At first I thought oh no, this may be awkward, but I actually liked it and hope he continues to join us. My son also came down and rode the bike while I used the treadmill and we chatted a bit. I don't see him much with work, school and his social life. I am glad that he does make time for us still when ever he can and hope that lasts forever!
Marlese is amazing, she is always watching me and pushing me to do better and stay on track . . . she drives me crazy sometimes, but that is only because she is right and persistent and makes it difficult for me to find excuses . . . she only wants whats best for me and I love her strong will. I wish I had have been that strong with my father growing up. She reminds me so much of my mom it isn't even funny! Because of her I think more often before making certain choices and she is very vocal to say how proud she is of me when I do!! Thanks Mar, you make me proud!!!

Life Is Too Short . . .

Sitting down enjoying our Sunday evening with a movie and a bowl of air popped popcorn . . . no butter or salt I might add :) when the phone rings. It is the wife of a good friend. She has called to tell us that her husband has had a heart attack and is in ICU. My husband just spoke to him two days before and he said he didn't feel right . . . who knew? After we closed our mouths and the shock somewhat wore off, I put down my bowl of popcorn and just thought for what seemed like a life time . . . what am I doing? What are WE doing? LIFE IS TOO SHORT!!!

Who Knew . . .

In my previous blog, I copied an article from "lifeMogo" http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-water-1422542 about the health benefits of lemon water. Who knew something so inexpensive and so readily available could be so beneficial? Well I know what I am going to do from now on . . . While lemon water is very beneficial, there may be a downfall to keep in mind . . . Over time, it is definitely possible for regular consumption of lemon juice to erode part of the outside enamel layer in our teeth. Lemon juice is highly acidic, and it's especially high in one acid called citric acid. There is something with citric acid and calcium which is the reason that fruits high in citric acid can erode the tooth enamel. Some health care practitioners suggest drinking citrus fruits through a straw to avoid this possible damage to the tooth enamel. Unfortunately there hasn't been enough studies to prove this theory and to state just how much lemon juice is too much, so until then be cautious and enjoy!!!