Who would have ever thought that I would be where I am today considering all of the things that have been placed in my way from day one?
Anyone who knew me in middle school or high school could confirm that I was not a very attractive person, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if most people considered me darn right annoying. Looking back. . . I would agree. I was so lost back then, I bounced between my parents homes every time something got hard or difficult with them. Any argument sent me packing my bags and moving in with the other one. I had enough of high school by my sophomore year, yet somehow decided that because I wanted to be a drum major in our high school marching band I would stick around. I made it only 2 months into senior year before I couldn't handle it anymore. I took a test, got my GED, got extremely depressed and continued to gain more and more weight. By my freshman year of college, I was just shy of 200 pounds. Met a guy, got married, had 3 pregnancies (1 which resulted in a miscarriage, probably due to such an unhealthy lifestyle), and after giving birth to my 2nd son in March 12, 2010 I was at a staggering 239 pounds!!
My marriage very shortly started going down the drain, those closest to me know the story, but it's really not appropriate that I explain it on here. . . However that was the beginning of my life when I started making some really good decisions.
The first of those which was joining BeachBody as a coach. Why I thought do that when no one wanted to follow me? The concept of JOIN because others will want to loose weight with you didn't really make sense to me, but for some reason I did it anyway, and OH MY GOSH am I glad that I did. I am now below 180 pounds, over 60 pounds DOWN! I have more motivation, and energy to do more in my day. I am productive! For the first time in my entire life I feel like I have some experience! That my life has purpose! BeachBody did so much more for me than just help me loose weight. . . gosh I wish I could get that message across to more people. It has truly changed the way I live my life. If there is any thought in your mind that you want a better life, we should talk. BeachBody isn't a pyramid scheme, its not just selling products, making a commission and pushing more and more product to fill a status quota. It has changed my life, and when I saw how it was changing my cousins life (Stephanie Erickson) I wanted what she had. Now I have NOT gone as far as she has, because she is truly amazing and could blow me out of the water any day, but it's something that I am working towards in my own time.
Please let me know if there is any way I can help you! This is my passion!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Tips for Moving Forward in the Cycle of Behavior Change
I know that making lifestyle changes is extremely hard for some, so here are some tips that can help make it so that whatever change you decide to commit to has is successful for you.
First thing you need to do is decide what your "target behavior is" What is it about yourself that you want to change?
PRECONTEMPLATION
- Raise your awareness Research your target behavior and its effects.
- Be self-aware Look at the mechanisms you use to resist change, such as denial or rationalization. Find ways to counteract these mechanisms.
- Seek social support Friends and family members can help you identify target behaviors and understand their impact on the people around you.
- Identify helpful resources These might include exercise classes or stress-management workshops offered by your school/community center.
CONTEMPLATION
- Keep a journal A record of your target behavior and the circumstances that elicit the behavior can help you plan a change program.
- Do a cost-benefit analysis Identify the costs and benefits (both current and future) of maintaining your behavior and of changing it. Costs can be monetary, social, emotional, and so on.
- Identify barriers to change Knowing these obstacles can help you overcome them.
- Engage your emotions Watch movies or read books about people with your target behavior. Imagine what your life will be like if you don't change.
- Create a new self-image Imagine what you'll be like after changing your target behavior. Try to think of yourself in new terms right NOW.
- Think before you act Learn why you engage in the target behavior. Determine what "sets you off" and train yourself not to act reflexively.
PREPARATION
- Create a plan Include a start date, goals, rewards, and specific steps you will take to change your behavior.
- Make change a priority Create and sign a contract with yourself
- Practice visualization and self-talk These techniques can help prepare you mentally for challenging situations.
- Take short steps Successfully practicing your new behavior for a short time - even a single day - can boost your confidence and motivation.
ACTION
- Monitor your progress Keep up with your journal enteries
- Change your environment Make changes that will discourage the target behavior - for example, getting rid of snack foods or not stocking the refrigerator with beer.
- Find alternatives to your target behavior Make a list of things you can do to replace the behavior.
- Reward yourself Rewards should be identified in your change plan. Give yourself lots of praise, and focus on your success.
- Involve your friends Tell them you want to change, and ask for their help.
- Dont get discouraged Real change is difficult
MAINTENANCE
- Keep going Continue usuing the positive strategies that worked in earlier stages.
- Be prepared for lapses Don't let slip-ups set you back.
- Be a role model Once you have successfully changes your behavior, you may be able to help someone else do the same thing.
Fahey, Thomas D., Paul M. Insel, and Walton T. Roth. Fit & Well. Ninth ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill, 2011. 15-19. Print.
First thing you need to do is decide what your "target behavior is" What is it about yourself that you want to change?
PRECONTEMPLATION
- Raise your awareness Research your target behavior and its effects.
- Be self-aware Look at the mechanisms you use to resist change, such as denial or rationalization. Find ways to counteract these mechanisms.
- Seek social support Friends and family members can help you identify target behaviors and understand their impact on the people around you.
- Identify helpful resources These might include exercise classes or stress-management workshops offered by your school/community center.
CONTEMPLATION
- Keep a journal A record of your target behavior and the circumstances that elicit the behavior can help you plan a change program.
- Do a cost-benefit analysis Identify the costs and benefits (both current and future) of maintaining your behavior and of changing it. Costs can be monetary, social, emotional, and so on.
- Identify barriers to change Knowing these obstacles can help you overcome them.
- Engage your emotions Watch movies or read books about people with your target behavior. Imagine what your life will be like if you don't change.
- Create a new self-image Imagine what you'll be like after changing your target behavior. Try to think of yourself in new terms right NOW.
- Think before you act Learn why you engage in the target behavior. Determine what "sets you off" and train yourself not to act reflexively.
PREPARATION
- Create a plan Include a start date, goals, rewards, and specific steps you will take to change your behavior.
- Make change a priority Create and sign a contract with yourself
- Practice visualization and self-talk These techniques can help prepare you mentally for challenging situations.
- Take short steps Successfully practicing your new behavior for a short time - even a single day - can boost your confidence and motivation.
ACTION
- Monitor your progress Keep up with your journal enteries
- Change your environment Make changes that will discourage the target behavior - for example, getting rid of snack foods or not stocking the refrigerator with beer.
- Find alternatives to your target behavior Make a list of things you can do to replace the behavior.
- Reward yourself Rewards should be identified in your change plan. Give yourself lots of praise, and focus on your success.
- Involve your friends Tell them you want to change, and ask for their help.
- Dont get discouraged Real change is difficult
MAINTENANCE
- Keep going Continue usuing the positive strategies that worked in earlier stages.
- Be prepared for lapses Don't let slip-ups set you back.
- Be a role model Once you have successfully changes your behavior, you may be able to help someone else do the same thing.
Fahey, Thomas D., Paul M. Insel, and Walton T. Roth. Fit & Well. Ninth ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill, 2011. 15-19. Print.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Processed Food
On Friday 5/27/11 I went to my doctor for a check up. I had some things on my mind, and am so glad that I went in there with a list of questions to get answers to. Since starting my low calorie diet of 1500 calories per day I was having some issues that were hard to deal with.
The one that was causing me the most problems was I would be able to snack, and eat light foods all day, sticking to my diet, and then come 10-11pm at night, I felt like I was FAMISHED! I was so hungry it actually hurt. So we started analyzing my diet. Apparently I was eating too much processed foods. Even though I was counting my calories, and having my shakeology in the morning, it wasn't enough. All except for the Shakeology, the calories that I was putting into my body didn't do much for me, so my body was getting very hungry saying it needed more energy. So here I am on a 1500 calorie diet, at 11pm at night binge eating. It was horrible! You can imagine it didn't do anything favors for my weight loss.
Her solution: Throw out the processed foods!! Good bye boxed dinners, tv dinners, bagged foods, instant oatmeal (yes even that is packed with too much sugar). Don't have time to make real oatmeal everyday for breakfast? Make it on the weekend in a large batch, store it in the fridge, zap a scoop in the microwave every morning. Toss in a few nuts (I can't eat nuts, but I'll imagine I can), rasins, cranberries, and brown sugar, and INSTANT HEALTHY breakfast of champions!!
So I have thrown out everything, and am only shopping in what I "Edge Shopping" When you go to the grocery store, do your best to stay out of the aisles. I'm sticking strickly to fresh meats, produce, dairy, eggs, and bread. The only time you should go into the aisles is for things that you absolutely must have. Like coffee, flour, and sugar. Stay away from going down the aisles looking for things that are on sale, I know it looks like you are going to save money this way, and you might, but its going to come back to bite you in the butt. I save money by clipping coupons for the things that I will buy. Discounts on produce, whole wheat bread, milk, eggs, meat etc.
I've been on this diet now for not even a week, I've dropped 3 pounds. How crazy is that?!? And in addition, I'm not hungry because I'm feeding myself better nutritional items. I no longer can go to the kitchen and grab a bag of potato chips to snack on while I watch the biggest loser (yes I did that!)
Oh one of the other things that I wanted to mention, is that processed foods are made to stimulate your appetite. They WANT to sell you a product, and keep you buying more, so its suppose to leave you NOT satisfied wanting more to eat so that you will buy more. Guess what this leads to? You've guessed it, obesity!
I'm making a life long commitment to honor our farmers and support the food source that can keep us healthy. Go for natural stay away from the box. (Unless its a box of fresh strawberries. haha)
Hope this helps, let me know if you want help cleaning out your cupboards :)
By the way, I did NOT throw out all of the food, it was donated to our local food pantry.
The one that was causing me the most problems was I would be able to snack, and eat light foods all day, sticking to my diet, and then come 10-11pm at night, I felt like I was FAMISHED! I was so hungry it actually hurt. So we started analyzing my diet. Apparently I was eating too much processed foods. Even though I was counting my calories, and having my shakeology in the morning, it wasn't enough. All except for the Shakeology, the calories that I was putting into my body didn't do much for me, so my body was getting very hungry saying it needed more energy. So here I am on a 1500 calorie diet, at 11pm at night binge eating. It was horrible! You can imagine it didn't do anything favors for my weight loss.
Her solution: Throw out the processed foods!! Good bye boxed dinners, tv dinners, bagged foods, instant oatmeal (yes even that is packed with too much sugar). Don't have time to make real oatmeal everyday for breakfast? Make it on the weekend in a large batch, store it in the fridge, zap a scoop in the microwave every morning. Toss in a few nuts (I can't eat nuts, but I'll imagine I can), rasins, cranberries, and brown sugar, and INSTANT HEALTHY breakfast of champions!!
So I have thrown out everything, and am only shopping in what I "Edge Shopping" When you go to the grocery store, do your best to stay out of the aisles. I'm sticking strickly to fresh meats, produce, dairy, eggs, and bread. The only time you should go into the aisles is for things that you absolutely must have. Like coffee, flour, and sugar. Stay away from going down the aisles looking for things that are on sale, I know it looks like you are going to save money this way, and you might, but its going to come back to bite you in the butt. I save money by clipping coupons for the things that I will buy. Discounts on produce, whole wheat bread, milk, eggs, meat etc.
I've been on this diet now for not even a week, I've dropped 3 pounds. How crazy is that?!? And in addition, I'm not hungry because I'm feeding myself better nutritional items. I no longer can go to the kitchen and grab a bag of potato chips to snack on while I watch the biggest loser (yes I did that!)
Oh one of the other things that I wanted to mention, is that processed foods are made to stimulate your appetite. They WANT to sell you a product, and keep you buying more, so its suppose to leave you NOT satisfied wanting more to eat so that you will buy more. Guess what this leads to? You've guessed it, obesity!
I'm making a life long commitment to honor our farmers and support the food source that can keep us healthy. Go for natural stay away from the box. (Unless its a box of fresh strawberries. haha)
Hope this helps, let me know if you want help cleaning out your cupboards :)
By the way, I did NOT throw out all of the food, it was donated to our local food pantry.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
p90x Week One COMPLETE!
I am so happy that I have completed week one! That means I am 1/4th of the way done with the first month (3 months total). I can't wait to take some more pictures, and measurements to see how far I've come. I'm really looking forward to it!
I did buy a pull up bar from Target that easily attaches and releases from my door frame so that I can practice doing pull ups. I'm excited for that. I got it for $20!
Tomorrow I am going to start calculating the amount of calories I am eating. This week I've just been keeping track in my head which I don't think is working out too well for me. The key as Tony Horton keeps saying is "write it down!" Okay okay Fine! I'll write it down.
I did buy a pull up bar from Target that easily attaches and releases from my door frame so that I can practice doing pull ups. I'm excited for that. I got it for $20!
Tomorrow I am going to start calculating the amount of calories I am eating. This week I've just been keeping track in my head which I don't think is working out too well for me. The key as Tony Horton keeps saying is "write it down!" Okay okay Fine! I'll write it down.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Oooh NOW I feel it
Yesterday I started P90X and I did the Chest and Back, followed by the Ab Ripper X. Well I am pleased to say that doing it modified I was able to complete ALL of Chest and Back. I kept doing the modified pull ups thinking "I don't feel anything! This isn't even hard" So I tried challenging myself more. I did struggle on doing the push ups. I had to do them on my knees and even though my numbers were small I did more than I thought I could, and I'm glad I pushed myself that far.
After that I did the Ab Ripper X which WAS hard for me. A lot of the moves I couldn't do, I just didn't have the strength. I did what I could though. After that I drank my recovery drink (which was surprisingly delicious!! Tasted like an orange creamsicle smoothie.)
Today I woke up feeling a little bit, but by this afternoon, especially after doing Plyometrics I am not going to lie, I hurt. It's definitely a good hurt, but I'm shocked at how much I feel it in my arms from yesterdays work out. My legs are weak from todays workout, which I do and do NOT look forward to doing again. I want to see if I can do it better next time, but on the other hand I know it kicked my butt.
I am constantly reminding myself that the first 30 days are going to be the hardest. However 90 days from now I am going ot look back and feel SO good about what I did, and its important for me to finish this because I think that often I give up on things too easily. Unfortunately I WOULD classify myself as a quitter, and I want to change that habit into a habit of completing things no matter how difficult because I made myself a promise.
After that I did the Ab Ripper X which WAS hard for me. A lot of the moves I couldn't do, I just didn't have the strength. I did what I could though. After that I drank my recovery drink (which was surprisingly delicious!! Tasted like an orange creamsicle smoothie.)
Today I woke up feeling a little bit, but by this afternoon, especially after doing Plyometrics I am not going to lie, I hurt. It's definitely a good hurt, but I'm shocked at how much I feel it in my arms from yesterdays work out. My legs are weak from todays workout, which I do and do NOT look forward to doing again. I want to see if I can do it better next time, but on the other hand I know it kicked my butt.
I am constantly reminding myself that the first 30 days are going to be the hardest. However 90 days from now I am going ot look back and feel SO good about what I did, and its important for me to finish this because I think that often I give up on things too easily. Unfortunately I WOULD classify myself as a quitter, and I want to change that habit into a habit of completing things no matter how difficult because I made myself a promise.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Do not give up
P90X came in the mail today and I am really excited to start it on Monday. I am going to focus the remaining part of today, and this weekend on getting my workout plan together so that I go into this with all of the knowledge that I can to help me succeed.
I was thinking about it today, and the goal to lose 40 pounds in 90 days (or before I return back to school) might be too ambitious. However looking at it the opposite way, I've already lost 60 pounds, I ONLY have 40 more to go. I'm proud of that fact, and this is going to be the last step in my weight loss, and from here on out its going to be maintaining that weight and a healthy lifestyle.
I also started the Shakeology cleanse today. Sunday will be my last day, and then Monday will be a day of firsts for me. Summer school will be starting, and I'm really looking forward to that. The first 6 weeks are going to be the hardest, however they are not impossible, and if I plan things out I know that I can handle it.
I am not going to lie or beat around the bush, I am a person who likes to quit. I can push myself so hard for so long and then I'll just get up and walk away. Example: Last time that I tried the Shakeology cleanse I made it half way through the 2nd day. I was HALF WAY DONE and I gave up and walked away. I am going to try my best to NOT let that happen again. I am almost done with today. Just need to drink one more shake (in about 2 hours) and then eat some dinner. I'm going to stock up on some fresh veggies so I can make an awesome grilled chicken salad. I'll eat the 4 oz of white meat protein, and only the 2 tbsp of vingerette dressing, but I am going to LOAD up on the veggies!!
So the goal for the next 2 days is DO NOT GIVE UP! Finish it off and be done with it.
The goal for the next 90 days is DO NOT GIVE UP! Give it all that YOU can do. DO not hold yourself to someone else's standards. You are in control and know how far you can go. You'll get the results that you want if you put forth the effort.
I was thinking about it today, and the goal to lose 40 pounds in 90 days (or before I return back to school) might be too ambitious. However looking at it the opposite way, I've already lost 60 pounds, I ONLY have 40 more to go. I'm proud of that fact, and this is going to be the last step in my weight loss, and from here on out its going to be maintaining that weight and a healthy lifestyle.
I also started the Shakeology cleanse today. Sunday will be my last day, and then Monday will be a day of firsts for me. Summer school will be starting, and I'm really looking forward to that. The first 6 weeks are going to be the hardest, however they are not impossible, and if I plan things out I know that I can handle it.
I am not going to lie or beat around the bush, I am a person who likes to quit. I can push myself so hard for so long and then I'll just get up and walk away. Example: Last time that I tried the Shakeology cleanse I made it half way through the 2nd day. I was HALF WAY DONE and I gave up and walked away. I am going to try my best to NOT let that happen again. I am almost done with today. Just need to drink one more shake (in about 2 hours) and then eat some dinner. I'm going to stock up on some fresh veggies so I can make an awesome grilled chicken salad. I'll eat the 4 oz of white meat protein, and only the 2 tbsp of vingerette dressing, but I am going to LOAD up on the veggies!!
So the goal for the next 2 days is DO NOT GIVE UP! Finish it off and be done with it.
The goal for the next 90 days is DO NOT GIVE UP! Give it all that YOU can do. DO not hold yourself to someone else's standards. You are in control and know how far you can go. You'll get the results that you want if you put forth the effort.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Every Calorie Counts for something!
"Every calorie that we put into our body has to have a reason" - Austin from the Biggest Loser.
I couldn't agree more!! I was so guilty of counting calories, but the calories were empty, they didn't provide me with the nutrients that I needed, so I was having a very difficult time loosing the weight.
I still swear by Shakeology. I was inspecting the back of the bag, looking at the nutrients that it provides you with ONE shake, and its no wonder this shake has helped me out so much. It's giving you SO much, and so many of the ingrients are super fruits.
I am a little over half way through my own weight loss journey, and I am so excited that I am taking it to the next level. p90x should be here on Thursday, which means Thursday night I will be setting up my plan/routine for the next 90 days and starting early Friday morning (while my kids are still in their beds and I am all alone) I will do the first day of p90x!!
I am determined that this is going to be MY summer!! 60 pounds down, still is amazing to me, and I can't believe I've come all this way. I would be letting myself down if I didn't continue on and finish the job.
Something that I tell my friends who are "dieting" is that I have made my LIFE CHANGE by dieting. It's not some trend that I'm starting, and once I lose the weight I'm going to just go back to eating and acting like I was. That's not going to keep me healthy, that's going to put me back in the same boat that I was.
I have made a life choice, and I am LOVING the results that I see.
I couldn't agree more!! I was so guilty of counting calories, but the calories were empty, they didn't provide me with the nutrients that I needed, so I was having a very difficult time loosing the weight.
I still swear by Shakeology. I was inspecting the back of the bag, looking at the nutrients that it provides you with ONE shake, and its no wonder this shake has helped me out so much. It's giving you SO much, and so many of the ingrients are super fruits.
I am a little over half way through my own weight loss journey, and I am so excited that I am taking it to the next level. p90x should be here on Thursday, which means Thursday night I will be setting up my plan/routine for the next 90 days and starting early Friday morning (while my kids are still in their beds and I am all alone) I will do the first day of p90x!!
I am determined that this is going to be MY summer!! 60 pounds down, still is amazing to me, and I can't believe I've come all this way. I would be letting myself down if I didn't continue on and finish the job.
Something that I tell my friends who are "dieting" is that I have made my LIFE CHANGE by dieting. It's not some trend that I'm starting, and once I lose the weight I'm going to just go back to eating and acting like I was. That's not going to keep me healthy, that's going to put me back in the same boat that I was.
I have made a life choice, and I am LOVING the results that I see.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Not feeling it anymore
It's no lie, lately I have been slacking. I have fallen back into my chocolate addiction. I am happy to say though that now that I have eaten it all, there is NO MORE chocolate in my house, and I am RE-dedicating myself to Shakeology. One of the great things of Shakeology is that it is CHOCOLATE!!! I'm going to do a cleanse to put myself back on the right track, and I am excited to start taking some before pictures, as I am also about start p90x for the summer!!
This summer is all about making the right decisions. It is NOT going to do me any good to just quit now. I've lost 60 pounds, I've been the same weight for over a month, and I'm getting discouraged. But to be completely honest (because lying isn't going to help me) I haven't put all of my effort into loosing weight like I had when I originally started this journey.
So what should I do from here on out? Well for starters I'm going to fulfill the things that I have stated and promised people. I am going to order p90x, I am going to get myself back on track, and I am going to make this an awesome summer! I am sad that most of my friends are gone, and by far my closest ones have returned to their home for the summer, and I could use that a an excuse, something to fuel my depression, but instead I'm taking it as a challenge. I so badly want my friends to return after the summer and look at me and say "WOW! Wendy you did it!! You look amazing!" I've already been told I look good, (which my self esteem still challenges) but I DO AGREE that I look a HECK of a lot better than I did 60 pounds heavier.
I hope everyone knows that you are NOT the only one that struggle with weight loss. I fall off the horse too, but what matter is if you keep pushing forward.
This summer is all about making the right decisions. It is NOT going to do me any good to just quit now. I've lost 60 pounds, I've been the same weight for over a month, and I'm getting discouraged. But to be completely honest (because lying isn't going to help me) I haven't put all of my effort into loosing weight like I had when I originally started this journey.
So what should I do from here on out? Well for starters I'm going to fulfill the things that I have stated and promised people. I am going to order p90x, I am going to get myself back on track, and I am going to make this an awesome summer! I am sad that most of my friends are gone, and by far my closest ones have returned to their home for the summer, and I could use that a an excuse, something to fuel my depression, but instead I'm taking it as a challenge. I so badly want my friends to return after the summer and look at me and say "WOW! Wendy you did it!! You look amazing!" I've already been told I look good, (which my self esteem still challenges) but I DO AGREE that I look a HECK of a lot better than I did 60 pounds heavier.
I hope everyone knows that you are NOT the only one that struggle with weight loss. I fall off the horse too, but what matter is if you keep pushing forward.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Letter I got that touched my heart
Well Miss Wendy,
I am sadly leaving for the summer
buuut before i go i wanted to tell you how awesome it was to get to know you this semester, and how nice it was to look forward to working on Thursdays I am not sure that you are told this enough, but i do hope that you believe it--> you are AMAZING! Your boys are so lucky to have a momma as great as you. I think you are one the strongest working women that i know, school, work, children, taking care of your mother, and becoming a Beach Body coach, and battling your own body image insecurities WOWZA. You are leading a life that others look up to more than i am sure you realize.
I believe that this summer will treat you well. I hope that you go into it setting obtainable goals, and encourage others to take the challenge with you! I am looking forward to seeing a new you in the fall.
Have a good summer miss Wendy, and always know that you are a beautiful soul and perfect in every way that you come!
Take care, Much love--- Mandy
I am sadly leaving for the summer
buuut before i go i wanted to tell you how awesome it was to get to know you this semester, and how nice it was to look forward to working on Thursdays I am not sure that you are told this enough, but i do hope that you believe it--> you are AMAZING! Your boys are so lucky to have a momma as great as you. I think you are one the strongest working women that i know, school, work, children, taking care of your mother, and becoming a Beach Body coach, and battling your own body image insecurities WOWZA. You are leading a life that others look up to more than i am sure you realize. I believe that this summer will treat you well. I hope that you go into it setting obtainable goals, and encourage others to take the challenge with you! I am looking forward to seeing a new you in the fall.
Have a good summer miss Wendy, and always know that you are a beautiful soul and perfect in every way that you come!
Take care, Much love--- Mandy
Summer is approaching!
I'm really looking forward to this summer with the boys. The last time that I had a good summer I was much heavier (220 pounds!) and Christopher was around 18 months old. We were living in Atascadero California and I fell in love with Central California. I hope that one day I can return and hit up wine country again, and see ALL of my friends that I had to leave behind.
This summer I'm in much better physical shape, and can keep up with my kids without getting completely worn out. I'm also going to be doing p90x this summer, and I'm really excited to see if I can hit my goal weight by the end of the summer.
This definitely is going to be a great summer. The only thing I am waiting on is for the weather to agree with me and turn beautiful like I know it can. Marquette is one of the prettiest places in the country, and this summer I'm going to be exploring with my kids places that I have never shown any interest in. Maybe I'll even take them up Sugar Loaf. . . . Maybe not. The thought of it still sends chills up my back. I'm terrified that one of them would fall. We'll see!!
This summer I'm in much better physical shape, and can keep up with my kids without getting completely worn out. I'm also going to be doing p90x this summer, and I'm really excited to see if I can hit my goal weight by the end of the summer.
This definitely is going to be a great summer. The only thing I am waiting on is for the weather to agree with me and turn beautiful like I know it can. Marquette is one of the prettiest places in the country, and this summer I'm going to be exploring with my kids places that I have never shown any interest in. Maybe I'll even take them up Sugar Loaf. . . . Maybe not. The thought of it still sends chills up my back. I'm terrified that one of them would fall. We'll see!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Securing a self image
I read a bumper sticker the other day that said something along the lines of "women who follow the rules don't make history!" I also was listening to a motivational speaker on CD who said that life isn't worth living if you don't offend someone. This really got me thinking.
Last year I would do whatever I could to NOT offend anyone. To agree with people just to avoid a conflict or discussion. This might not sound like a big deal but it really limited me and how I could grow as a person.
Starting last year I started making more decisions and taking so much more into effect when thinking about my life, and more especially my sons lives. I have ALWAYS done what is best for my boys, but I didn't realize that not knowing who I was limited me in helping my sons grow.
I am thankful that I figured this out before it has any effect on my boys. They are my life.
I have stepped out on my own, I am self supporting, and I am now loving my life!!
I use to look at life and judge other people's happiness. I wanted to be the happy girl, the one that walked around and didn't care about what others thought about her because she was secure about her own self image. I believe that I am to that point. I have lost 60 pounds, and am confident that I am looking better than ever before, and making the correct life decisions that are going to allow me to go far.
Something to talk about later is going to be restraint. . . Thanks for listening to my crazy thoughts!!
Last year I would do whatever I could to NOT offend anyone. To agree with people just to avoid a conflict or discussion. This might not sound like a big deal but it really limited me and how I could grow as a person.
Starting last year I started making more decisions and taking so much more into effect when thinking about my life, and more especially my sons lives. I have ALWAYS done what is best for my boys, but I didn't realize that not knowing who I was limited me in helping my sons grow.
I am thankful that I figured this out before it has any effect on my boys. They are my life.
I have stepped out on my own, I am self supporting, and I am now loving my life!!
I use to look at life and judge other people's happiness. I wanted to be the happy girl, the one that walked around and didn't care about what others thought about her because she was secure about her own self image. I believe that I am to that point. I have lost 60 pounds, and am confident that I am looking better than ever before, and making the correct life decisions that are going to allow me to go far.
Something to talk about later is going to be restraint. . . Thanks for listening to my crazy thoughts!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Times are changing
This past year has been something I completely have not expected. I've had my second child, I moved to Michigan, I separated from my husband and became officially divorced from him recently, my mother has come to live with me (she has had 2 open heart surgeries and I have been caring for her, nursing her back to health), I have gone back to school full time, I have started working again (part time jobs), and I have started my own Beach Body business which has helped me in ways that I will forever be grateful for.
I'm not going to lie, it has been a LOT to deal with. I have definitely had my ups and downs. For personal reasons I have choose NOT to air a lot of my personal frustrations on Social Media sites. Which has worked well and against me. I do think that this was the right decision to NOT share my troubles on facebook, because I think it often comes across as whinning. Also it has really help me be a better person, I'm no longer always focusing on the bad things in life. If I didn't have anything positive to say, I just didn't say anything at all. However I do believe it is important to let other people know that I have been struggling, so that I can get the support that I need to continue on and be happy.
Looking back at this past year, I have a lot of sad memories, but also have been given a lot of different opportunities that I don't believe would have been possible if those sad events occurred. I want people to know that by no means was my divorce "easy." My decision to leave David still haunts me, as just recently I came to the realization that my marriage was over. It will take time to adjust, and I am doing everything I can to make my life, and my sons lives better than they ever could have managed.
I never imagined myself as 25 years old, mother of 2 children, single and alone. . . divorced. I have lost quite a few friends that did not approve of my situation and decision to divorce which only added more pain to an already tender situation. However I am glad that I have discovered who my true friends are. Friends that didn't necessarily (or DID) agree with my situation, but stood by my side anyway. They let me vent my frustrations, and keep my emotions private. Who gave me their best advice (even though sometimes I didn't take it) and made me feel like I was loved.
Friends: I can't tell you what you have done for me in this past year. Without you, none of this (school, beachbody, happiness) would have been possible. Thank you for letting me lean on you in my times of need. I promise that I will be there for each and every one of you when you are having difficult times. You helped me hold my head up, even when I wanted to crawl back in bed and pretend like none of this had ever happened. I will be forever in your debt, and always your true friend.
I'm not going to lie, it has been a LOT to deal with. I have definitely had my ups and downs. For personal reasons I have choose NOT to air a lot of my personal frustrations on Social Media sites. Which has worked well and against me. I do think that this was the right decision to NOT share my troubles on facebook, because I think it often comes across as whinning. Also it has really help me be a better person, I'm no longer always focusing on the bad things in life. If I didn't have anything positive to say, I just didn't say anything at all. However I do believe it is important to let other people know that I have been struggling, so that I can get the support that I need to continue on and be happy.
Looking back at this past year, I have a lot of sad memories, but also have been given a lot of different opportunities that I don't believe would have been possible if those sad events occurred. I want people to know that by no means was my divorce "easy." My decision to leave David still haunts me, as just recently I came to the realization that my marriage was over. It will take time to adjust, and I am doing everything I can to make my life, and my sons lives better than they ever could have managed.
I never imagined myself as 25 years old, mother of 2 children, single and alone. . . divorced. I have lost quite a few friends that did not approve of my situation and decision to divorce which only added more pain to an already tender situation. However I am glad that I have discovered who my true friends are. Friends that didn't necessarily (or DID) agree with my situation, but stood by my side anyway. They let me vent my frustrations, and keep my emotions private. Who gave me their best advice (even though sometimes I didn't take it) and made me feel like I was loved.
Friends: I can't tell you what you have done for me in this past year. Without you, none of this (school, beachbody, happiness) would have been possible. Thank you for letting me lean on you in my times of need. I promise that I will be there for each and every one of you when you are having difficult times. You helped me hold my head up, even when I wanted to crawl back in bed and pretend like none of this had ever happened. I will be forever in your debt, and always your true friend.
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