Hard to believe a week has passed so quickly. I had much success this week -- not in terms of weight loss but just in terms of life. Again, life hit hard. It was work stuff -- more than the usual but for someone who doesn't much care for change, a lot is getting thrown at me this year.
This past week, I did some serious working out and not so serious working out. The serious working out consisted of really busting my butt on the treadmill as well as using weights. I did do that consistently for three days. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, my energy came to a grinding halt. I work two evenings a week -- Tuesdays and Thursdays -- and get home around 6:30 PM. It's a 12 hour work day. As a result, by the time I have dinner, it is around 7:30 PM and frankly, I don't particularly want to go and work out. I need to relax for the evening and prepare mentally for the next day. This is an area that I may have found an answer; where the not so serious workout comes into play.
Last night, I took a walk. Nothing over the top but spent an hour in the cool evening; a welcome respite after the long summer we've had. It definitely was fall-like weather. I walked in a local park -- a leisurely walk. I even stopped for awhile to look at the pond (okay, it's a pretty retention ditch but I can pretend, can't I?). It has a marshy area and ducks. Lots of them -- big and little. And for a moment, I was transported to a different place. I sat down for about 30 minutes and thought about life. I talked to God. Most of all, I listened for that still small voice; His voice. And yes, He made some things very clear to me. I hated to leave but it was getting late, so I continued my walk. It was dark, cool and incredibly relaxing. I discovered that those are the kinds of walks I need during the week. Something where I spend more time with God; not just talk to Him but listen.
As for eating -- well, not one of my better weeks. But I have incorporated something into my eating plan that a friend suggested; no eating after 7 PM. Hard to do with my schedule but again, I gave it a shot this week-end. Instead of dinner last night, I had a protein shake. It is by a company called Visi. I like their particular shakes because they don't taste horrible. I add berries, pineapple and sometimes a banana to it. They are packed with protein and collagen. As we age, we lose collagen and this helps to restore it. I can't say that I look any younger (maybe on the inside) but I have been using their products for a month and really like them. I also take a capsule which helps with hunger and gives you energy, and eat a protein "caramel" when hungry. Those definitely help curb my appetite during the day. These products are all natural and most importantly, I have not found them to interfere with my blood pressure medication.
I lost a little over a pound this week. My weight loss has never been fast -- even when I was in my mid-20's, it took 6 months to lose 15 pounds. I am a very slow loser; one who is definitely in the throes of menopause, which I'm certain doesn't help. However, anything that I do that increases my motivation and movement is a plus as far as I'm concerned. Losing a pound -- although not a lot, is encouraging. I did not gain my weight overnight. This has been a lifelong battle -- a fight against my genetics. However, the last 19 years have been the hardest; I had my 4th child at the age of 35, and for some reason, that really slowed my metabolism. In fact, I think it stopped it! I will say this -- when I look at my health status at my age compared to other people my age (including my parents), I am doing great. I don't have arthritis, have never had any joints replaced, I still continue to exercise, eat right most days and am learning how to manage stress. I am 54 years old but frankly, don't feel like it. In my mind, I am far younger. I just have to fight (and I mean, hard) to get my body to match my mindset!
As for my journey -- it will be long. I knew that going into this; but I am taking positive steps. No longer are my "bad" days outweighing (pardon the pun) the "good" days. Everyday is a learning experience and one that continues to propel me toward my goals. I try to live my life with a positive mindset rather than a negative one. It would be so easy to put myself down but I have moved beyond that -- those days are over. I am a new person in Christ; one who is changing from the inside out. He is healing me.
I am grateful for my Oola Life and even for the "hard" goals I have set. I have no doubt I will reach them. If I have one area to improve on, it's time management. I will be attending OolaPalooza 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 7 & 8. I am certain it will be life-changing. If you would like to attend, I'm certain @OolaSeeker or @OolaGuru on Twitter could let you know if there are tickets available and the pricing. Tell them Lisa sent you! : )
Until next week, remember to stay positive, focused and reach for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land in the stars!
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