Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Break Time Is Over

Taking the morning off from blogging today really helped me to refocus on where I want to go on this pilgrimage to a healthier me. I know what I need to do to get to my final destination and I am becoming more aware of the majority of the obstacles that may present challenges along the way.

I have been aiming to blog once when I wake up to solidify my mindset early each day and once before going to sleep to allow myself to reflect on what was accomplished or which parts were a struggle. I will have to remind myself that this is an ideal framework and one that needs to be flexible to actually allow my overall goals to be achieved. If I can only do a single post once in a while – or even if I have to skip a couple of days all together on the very, very rare occasion – then I have to be okay with that. Like it is with this weight loss journey, I need to let go of the all of nothing mentality that I sometimes find myself defaulting to.

I do not want to give up journalling this daily fight. I refuse to actually. It has been too important a component in helping me get this far. The accountability, accurate records, and motivation that I get from this are all integral parts of why I have succeeded as much as I have so far. Learning about what others go through, developing a sense of camaraderie with other bloggers, and having the community remark on my progress has given me invaluable gifts. There is no way I could continue as enthusiastically as I have without all of that.

So I am staying committed to this blog. I will do my very best to continue posting twice a day as I have been, but I will recognize that this is not always possible. If I have to miss the odd entry then I will not dwell on that fact, but rather rest assured that my readers will understand as well as in the knowledge that I will not falter in my pursuit of health simply because I was not immaculate in recording my every waking thought about the path that I am walking.

Writing about my food and exercise, feelings that arise due to complications or celebrations, or the random insightful and thoughtful post about a particular aspect of health or weight loss is important. Yet actually dealing with these things is the most necessary part of getting to where I am going. Today, I took the time to remind myself of that fact. However, I know that if I work hard, stay focused, and do my best to manage my days effectively, the majority of the time I can still generally do both.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water throughout the day
- 1 banana
- 3 cups of steamed asparagus with margarine
- 1 cup of steamed cauliflower with margarine
- 2 slices of ham with mustard
- 3/4 cup fat free peach yogurt with 1 cup Vector cereal
- 1/2 glass caramel macchiato soy milk

EXERCISE:
- 45 minute step workout video
- 50 minute walk
- 40 minutes on the recumbent bike
- 2 sets of 2 minutes of weight lifting with 5 lbs per arm

11 comments:

  1. I agree -- blogging a journal is a fantastic motivating, inspiring tool.
    I think you're doing great!

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  2. I've kept a blog journal in my online group I created when I started this journey last year in November ( link in my blog ) not a day goes by without me logging in to write about my day - my blogger blog is a bit on the mixed side, a diary on my life in Germany and a bit about my journey to a healthy lifestyle.
    In my online group lies all my secrets, heartaches and joys while I shed the weight.

    Keep a journal of yours..its great to look back and see how you felt at that time.

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  3. I'm glad that you decided to keep blogging. You have some great things to say that will help others along their journey as well.

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  4. I am glad that you are going to keep blogging. I know it can be hard to find time to do it, but it really does help with reflection. Keep up the great work, you are so motivating!

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  5. From one all or nothing person to another, I understand your struggle completely! I love reading your blog and sometimes it's hard to find the time. I just had to take break because there were literally no hours left in the day! If it helps, I've been jotting down a few things in a notebook if I don't have the time to do a post. Then you can add them to your blog at your next post. You're a great job. Go easy on yourself! :) p.s. thank you for the award which I will respond to later on!!

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  6. Blogging really is inspiring not only to yourself, but to the ones reading it I think.
    Just do what you can. If it becomes a chore, I think that zaps some of the charm out of it.

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  7. Sometimes I just can't find the words to say what I am thinking or feeling, which is why my blog is so sparse. But it is so great to have somewhere to put things down when I do have something to say. What is even better is reading words, like yours, that say what I feel and make me feel so much better not to be the only one feeling it! I'm glad you're still going to be writing, and totally understand not being able to write all the time. Whatever you write, it's for you, also, for me and everyone else who reads (no pressure, haha), but ultimately, for you to get through every day to the end one step closer to your goals, which you are doing so well! :)

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  8. Flexibility is key. You have to allow your life to occur! Blogging is very important (I think) to succeeding in this process, but you have the right idea with not freaking out if you miss a post now and then.

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  9. Do what works for you. We all enjoy reading blogs and getting inspiration and encouragement from them. But when it comes down to it, you must do what is best for you.

    Hugs

    Sheilagh

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  10. It may be a struggle sometimes to find the time, but it is worth it! And when the time simply doesn't exist, the world will not end; it's good to remember that.

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  11. Do what works best for you. I love reading your blog and your insights but keep it up only if it benefits you!

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