A couple of months ago, I wrote blog on losing weight -- and even described the difference between motivation (fleeting) and commitment (doing it). The truth is, I am very committed and have been since December 2014. However life, as it always seems to, got in the way. I was in a car accident in December, causing problems with my back. That eventually healed. Then, I hurt my foot in the spring, which took me out of commission for a good 2 months. I'm happy to report that healed. However, while on vacation in June, I did something to one of my toes on the other foot -- probably falling out of my son-in-law's truck at 3 AM on the day of my arrival. Sleep deprivation tends to make one careless when stepping out of a cab which is four feet off the ground. However, the good news is, that it is over 110 degrees here in Las Vegas, and so I am swimming which is allowing my foot time to heal before the fall, which is when I walk. I also use pool time to "chill out" when I'm finished, for meditation or just relaxing. Somehow, I forgot how to do that over the past few years. And may I just say, it is beyond delightful!
The weight loss? It's happening. I am eating less calories and doing some light exercise. It is a rather strict program. I have given up most carbs and anything with sugar. However, I am seeing results and the sacrifice, in my estimation, is worth it. I am looking forward to fitting into my clothes more comfortably, being healthier, and dare I say it? Look younger! I can't wait to go "shopping" in my closet!
So, what is the impetus for this weight loss? Although I've wanted to do it for years, it seems time had gotten away from me. I was busy working or going to school and raising a family; all things I loved but it always seemed to be an either/or situation. Take care of my children or me; obviously, my children were my priority. I did lose a large amount of weight during my divorce, but that was due to stress. It did not take work to come off as I stopped eating. I also saw the result of that in my face -- I looked older with my weight loss. And then one day, I ate a donut and something in me snapped me back to reality; suddenly, and at a pace that scared even me, the 40 pounds were back. I was "comfortable" when I looked in the mirror at my "old" self.
In summer 2012, I read the "Oola" book by Drs. Troy Amdahl and Dave Braun. After reading about Oola, I found out that I don't have to be who I was the last 30-some-odd years. I could be who I was meant to be; and so, I went on a journey to find Lisa. While doing so, I made many changes. My faith became stronger, I took control of my finances that were a major casualty of my divorce, I started going out and having fun with my friends and even, took my teaching to a new level. I began to write and in fact, wrote not only this blog but a book. You discover on this journey that you not only want to improve yourself but you are willing to take the steps to do it. This requires change and in my case, loving myself enough to do it.
Fast forward to Oolapalooza 2014. During the seminar, we were encouraged to write our biggest dream on paper; one that we would do this year. I thought about it. There were many I could accomplish but they weren't that big. Paying off a credit card? Doable. Making more income? Doable. Improve on my faith? Doable. Improve my career? Doable. What is it that I have been wanting to do? I thought about it and knew I had to tackle my weight. It was time.
So, the instructions were to dream. So I dreamt a bit...let my mind wander and thought 30 pounds had a nice ring to it. Doable? Yes, but definitely one of my biggest challenges. But then, we were called to dream bigger. Bigger? 50 pounds! Yes, that was my "Everest". I have been wanting to drop 50 pounds for a good 10-15 years. Yes, that was my goal.
And so, I wrote it down and stuck it on a big surfboard with the dreams of another couple of hundred people. None of these were small goals. They were the stuff that dreams were made of, as each of us recounted them aloud. I was scared; shaking, in fact. Not because I was speaking in front of 200 people but because I knew there was no turning back -- I had made the commitment! I was not only climb that mountain of a goal but was going to see that incredible view from the top!
So, as we fall into the final 5 months before Oolapalooza 2015, I look at where I am. I am doing it. I promised myself I would be at the Hard Rock hotel 50 pounds thinner or I wouldn't go at all. Life has thrown me some curveballs along the way and I've learned to "course correct". I have found that life is not perfect. There is never a perfect time to start, a perfect moment, a perfect anything. But I am making it happen! Dr. Dave and Dr. Troy -- see you at the Hard Rock! And gentlemen, be sure to bring your surfboard!
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