A Major Victory!

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Yes! This is for real. I've had a few false-starts this past year at getting my mojo going but there is nothing false about this start. I'm in week three of exercising and eating better and I am seeing SO MANY results. I can't even believe how much better I feel. I should make a list.

Things that are better now that I'm eating better and exercising regularly (and getting more sleep):

1. My body already feels better, fewer aches and pains
2. I wake up feeling rested
3. I have energy to last all day, no need/want for an afternoon nap or coffee
4. My mood is better, fewer cranky/grouchy moments
5. My clothes are fitting better 
6. I feel more confident and optimistic knowing I'm taking care of myself
7. I am already seeing improvements in the gym. I did two sets of 10 pushups the other day.
8. I'm more relaxed about social functions knowing I can handle the food/drink temptations.

I would say I don't know why I waited so long but I know why, I wasn't ready. And you know what, I've been thinking, and this whole thing is a major victory. MAJOR. 

I went into a sustained period of low motivation...as in months and months, maybe even more than a year, of not feeling it. And what's the worst thing that happened? I went 15 pounds over my goal weight and lost a lot of fitness. Totally. Manageable.

What didn't happen? I didn't slip into a totally sedentary lifestyle and I didn't give up and eat a bunch of crap on a regular basis. In other words, I didn't fall off the wagon into an all-is-lost, who cares anyway?, denial state of mind. I didn't stop weighing myself, I didn't hide from the issue, I didn't lie to myself and pretend it wasn't happening. That's what would have happened in my old life, that's what DID happen in my old life. But no more. Now, I can go through a rough patch and keep it sort-of together. I am choosing to give myself a HUGE pat-on-the-back for coming out of this with just a little catch-up work to do but no major renovation. YAY!!

I'll close with a few pictures. I made this blackened chicken salad with low-fat blue cheese, avocado, tomato and cucumber (no dressing) last night for dinner with my buddy Michelle. We got to hang out, catch up and enjoy this feast of a meal.

 

Soccer season is back! And Myra is WAY into it this year. Practices are in the late afternoon so this is a good example of my having energy. I don't sit there feeling exhausted. So fun! This is a picture from Myra's first game. She scored goals and was so happy and I loved watching her play.

And this is from Marek's first game. He's totally into it and it's a joy to watch. Both of them have great coaches. So lucky to have a sport they both love!

Ok, that's it from me for today. Thanks as always for all the encouragement.