My Cup Runneth Over

So much goodness the last few days...

Yesterday my sister and I were interviewed for a radio podcast, "The Karolyn Merriman Show". The daily show features licensed therapist, Karolyn Merriman and each broadcast covers a variety of different topics. From childhood abuse, to difficult relationships, from freedom from fear and anxiety to enriching your prayer life and many other life struggles and challenges, Karolyn offers biblical insights into dealing with and moving from hurt to healing through the power of God's grace.

in the recording studio with Karolyn, after a successful interview!

How did we come to land on Karolyn's show? Karolyn was my therapist many years ago and we've stayed in touch off and on. We recently reconnected on Facebook where she learned I was involved with a writing group. She was intrigued. As we chatted about what our writing group does she became more and more interested in the whole concept of a writing group designed for Christian women writers. She asked if we'd come on the show and talk about how we started the group, why, what we do in our group, how it benefits us etc. I was kind of taken back by her request originally as I couldn't fathom how our group fit in with the themes of her talk show. She assured me that because she often encourages her clients to engage in writing as therapeutic, sharing about our group would be appealing to many of her listeners. She also felt that what we've  done in establishing this group was worthy of mention as it may inspire other women (or men) in churches or communities to start their own writing groups. So.... Anita and I bravely committed to the podcast. It was so much fun!!

 ( You can listen to the podcast here)

Later that day I met up with a sweet gal who is going to host a jewelry party for me this month. I first met L. as a member of my Curves fitness center and we've stayed in touch on Facebook ever since. She is very excited to host a get together for me, not just because she loves the jewelry but she also shared she was happy to have a way for us to connect in a more tangible way than just online!

 I've had my emotional ups and downs when I look back on my time as a fitness center owner. I enjoyed the initial start up and being my own boss. I loved, loved, loved seeing Curves empower and strengthen women in all aspects of their lives. I loved feeling healthy and loved meeting so many wonderful gals and starting friendships that have continued long after the club closed. But the stress of running a business and keeping it financially strong was too much for me. The last couple of years running the club, I was depressed, angry, frustrated, stressed and exhausted most of the time. Not a very good presentation for promoting health! I've often wondered if my presence in the club was a positive one. If I made a difference in even just one persons life. I've questioned that over and over.

Until yesterday.

As we chatted L. expressed just how much she enjoyed her time at Curves and emphatically stated that it was my presence there that made the difference to her. She saw something in me that clicked with her. In addition to being friends on facebook since the club closed, she's been a faithful follower here on the blog (Hi L! Surprise!!) and shared that my posts often speak to her just what she needed to hear on that particular day. Wow.

Every writer desperately wants to be 'heard' and my deepest desire as a writer is not to attain fame and fortune (although I wouldn't turn it down, ha ha) but to know that my writing, Holy Spirit inspired, reached even  just one person and impacted them in some positive way. Yesterdays visit with L was a confirmation that yes, it has. And for that I am so very very blessed. Thank you sweet friend.

And to put the cherry on top of the day I came home with a burning desire to BLOG! And to WRITE! I whipped open my laptop and began pounding the keys. Even if it was drivel I have managed to shake loose the chains that were binding my hands and mind from creatively flowing. Hallllllllelujaaaaaaah!

A Day in the Life Of

or 'What I Wore" x THREE!!

I don't do 'what I wore' posts, mainly because what I wore just wasn't that exciting!! But yesterday was a full day and I only changed my clothes 3 times to get me through 3 very different and very fun experiences.

My Friday began with WORK. 

On the circuit and keeping the ladies motivated, that's my job!

After work I had THE INTERVIEW!!!

I rocked the interview. I felt confident and relaxed and I did my best. If they offer me a job it will be because this is the way the Lord wants me to go! I will expect to hear something by end of next week.

Then the best funnest part of the day finally arrived!! My 35th high school class reunion is this weekend and we began the party with a social gathering last night for classmates only. 

School colors: purple and white!! Go Pioneers!

One of our class mates graciously opened her home and hosted about 25 of us for appetizers, drinks and a lot of social engagement. What a fun evening!! And we get to do it again tonight, with more classmates, spouses, and even some of our teachers!! I can't wait!! (I'll post a 'what I wore to the reunion" picture next time.)

Follow Through

It has not been that long since I started posting about Embracing Change but I really started this journey before I began this series. A friend on Facebook actually launched this whole idea by forming a group on FB dealing with weight loss. She calls it Chrysalis and there are about 15 members. We've been sharing tips and ideas, offering encouragement, a safe place to vent and a place to gain strength. The journey to anything-- spiritual fitness or physical fitness need not be done alone.

I have been logging my meals using an online calorie tracker but after 30 days of faithful follow through . (and sticking to 1200-1300 cals per day) I was frustrated and tired of the whole thing. Plus, I had not lost any weight!! On the bright side I did not gain anything but the plateau stage sucks!

I was working out at Curves 2-3 times a week but it was feeling like a hit and miss project as I only make it to Curves when I am scheduled to work and my work schedule has been a little all over the map. Then in the last couple of weeks I seem to have a schedule that allows 3 times a week, spaced out more evenly. I added walking to my regime. 30 minutes every day. It does wonders for my mental state even as it works my whole body.

Today I am celebrating, because even thought my weight is still where it was a month ago, I have lost inches!! I did a happy dance as I pulled on a pair of jeans this morning that a few weeks ago felt just too pinchy to wear all day. (and I did not have to lay down to zip them) And paired it with a t-shirt that I would normally discard because I felt to vulnerable (muffin top) to wear.

So, things ARE paying off!!
I am feeling stronger, leaner and happier!

Here are the things I want to focus on:
Staying on guard to keep the GOOD habits I am acquiring.
Diligence rather than willpower.
Pay attention to the details: how do my clothes fit (today they feel awesome!)
Remember the habits I have acquired and reflect on how I feel.
Celebrate EACH and EVERY moment, no matter whether it be small or large.
      

Just Do It

nike swoosh

Nike's famous slogan sounds great on paper but carrying it out is not always as simple as it sounds.

After 4 weeks of writing down everything I ate in an online weight tracker, with a goal of 1300 calories per day and with 3 workouts a week under my belt, I really expected to shake some pounds off. But my scale has NOT BUDGED. I am frustrated but not defeated. Tackling this subject of Embracing Change in my blog is making me look deeper at the reasons I want to lose weight and how I will attack it.

Today the focus is Planning the Solution.
I made the decision that fitness and weight management is a priority in my life. I am learning to operate from a place that is NOT motivated by emotions or desperation. It's not enough to let that be my motivation because my emotions change daily (sometimes minute by minute) and desperation will not steer me into thoughtful consideration of identifying the problem, prioritizing it, nor planning it. Desperation is what makes me skip breakfast, drink a 'energy drink' for lunch and then plan to eat a 'healthy dinner' all in an attempt to lose the 5 pounds that somehow attached themselves to me over a weekend. The plan fails before dinner ever arrives because I am starving.

Changing my body weight and sticking with a regular exercise program requires a thoughtful process that will produce lasting change. I don't have to depend on my will power-- because my will power won't change me. I have to change my habits. Saying 'Just do it' is not going to be enough.

Over the years in my spiritual walk, I have learned I can't change myself. Not until I give permission to the Holy Spirit to have HIS way with me, does real change occur.

I can establish change in my habits however. I can change out a bad habit to a good habit. I have made it a new practice to go to God's book each morning before I go to Facebook.  And spending time in knee-mail before I e-mail. They say it takes 21 days to establish a habit, good or bad. And it takes just as long to break one. Just a thought...

So, first things first. I need a plan that has proven to be effective. I have decided to follow as best I can, the weight management plan that is available to me through my old (dusted off) copy of the Curves fitness and weight management plan. We each have to find the one that we feel comfortable with, can work with and adapt to our specific needs. I have to make gluten-free adjustments and I don't want to cook 2 separate meals for me and my husband. But aside from that here are some MUSTS that we should all want to incorporate into our plan.

GOALS ARE A MUST
how are you going to end up where you want to be if you don't know where you want to go? Goals will focus your efforts and keep you moving in the right direction.

GOALS MUST BE SMART
>specific
>written down
       so they are real and you can see and refer to them
>exciting
>achievable
        you should be ENERGIZED when you think about accomplishing a goal!

DON'T CONFUSE DISAPPOINTMENT WITH DISASTER!
We're gonna mess up.
I'm gonna eat a chocolate bar.
I'm gonna pull a wimpy and skip my work out. I know this about myself.
But I am not going to let it derail me!
I am gonna forgive myself and get back on track.




So, Step 3-- Planning the Solution. Are you ready?
here are today's questions

1. what personal strengths will help you succeed?

2. list your triggers for making poor food choices.

3. how can you manage those triggers more effectively?

4. how can you make good food choices in bad situations?

5. what days of the week will you commit to some kind of exercise program?  what time of the day?

6. what is your weight loss goal for 30 days? how about this week?

7. what are your biggest fears about starting this new plan?

8. how could you proactively address those fears?

9. what part of this plan is exciting for you?