Life Doesn't End With 50!

Baggage, luggage, or suitcases are those things you carry around with you that really have no added value to your life. Sure, you needed those things, once upon a time. But in reality, if you dropped the load you could go on without it.

My problem is I have a LOT of baggage. Sometimes I think I have set it aside, dropped it off somewhere down the road, lost or forgot it. Then, it shows it's weary head, and usually at the most unsuspected times, in the most peculiar places.

So... let's recap. In my last post, Health and Happy, my complaint was my weight. It has always been an issue. It may not have begun as "my" issue, but it was an issue for someone. Looking back at all the baggage I recall the things that were said to me as a child, and young adult. Things like, "You could sit and ride on that booty it's so big!", "Lard Ass", "You're getting fat!", "Look at that gut!". These aren't entirely horrible things to hear, and many people have heard them before and gotten through it. In my case, it stuck with me like extra strong rubber cement and hasn't let go.

What am I getting at? I have had a poor self-image. Loving myself has been formidable and something I never thought possible. Until recently. Recently I entered a college course called Healthy Lifestyle Habits. It covered the basics, dealing with overall physical health, mental and emotional health, relationships, both hereditary, and unexpected disease. During this course, I had to revisit every minute aspect of my life, all the drama, the pains, sickness, family diseases, the hurts, broken promises, and unexecuted dreams.

Sometimes it's difficult to unpack baggage. Thinking about returning from vacation, sometimes you carry too much, and bring back more than you left with. The thought of going through everything, sorting it out, the effort and the process is daunting at best. Mindful of what it was like going through this Health course... unpacking my past, putting it all out on the table, sorting it out and tossing the nonvalue-added items I'd picked up along the way. I somewhat felt as if I was going through the shells I bring home from the beach each year. Some beautiful, shiny and in pristine condition. Some of them different, unusual, and noteworthy, while others somehow manage getting cracked, chipped, lose their sheen and appeal on the way home. I keep the beautiful, unique, and interesting ones, yet throw those fragmented shells in the yard. That's what I had to do with the baggage I've been carrying around.

Once I got to the bottom of the "suitcase", it was then I realized I had been carrying around a lot of "stuff". Most of it useless sort of things; bad memories, unhappy moments. While each was a tool used in educating me in life, I kept what I had learned from those experiences and discarded the hurt, the pain, the tarnish, and fragmented pieces. A lot like those broken shells.

So here I am... a clean slate. It's time to start living life again, I mean for real this time. I will see every moment as a positive step in the forward direction. Instead of focusing on EVERYTHING that is wrong, or every wrong that's been done, I am going to see all that is RIGHT and perfect in my life. I will love myself for WHO I am now... and not who I thought I would be, should have been, or wish I was. Make sense?

Now... for my health, a recent visit to the doctor revealed some issues which aren't really a concern as of now but could become a MAJOR concern later if I don't do something about them. I am already predisposed to becoming diabetic because of genetics and heredity, as I discovered when doing a health assessment in the Healthy Lifestyle class I was taking. Because I am an emotional eater, stress has really taken its toll on my overall health. I have gained weight, my cholesterol is high, and I am prediabetic. Not a good or winning combination.

Tackling my weight and regaining a positive mindset is a must. Unfortunately, at this moment I don't have a lot of time to tell you all what I'm going to do about all this weight, stress and an excessive amount of sugar. However, I do promise I will discuss the anticipated process in my next post. Hopefully, the process of writing about my healthy adventure will not only be beneficial and therapeutic for me, but it will be enlightening and inspiring to others as well.

 Whenever you see... F8 think FATE!

 Best wishes and God bless as always!

LOVE THE WAY GOD MADE YOU AND THE SKIN YOU ARE IN!  Don't let 50 years intimidate you into giving up!  

My weight has been a formidable opponent of mine for many, many years. To be exact, it has been the bane of my existence, my worst nightmare, my most hated adversary.

Here of late, I haven't been feeling all that well. It might be partially due to stress, a never-ending to-do list, and supercharged family dynamic. The bottom line would be, however, I'm not taking care of myself, my needs. I don't regularly decompress after working in a busy, self-giving profession. In other words, I give, give and give throughout the day without taking... yes, without taking any time or doing anything for me. There are many days I don't even sit down but for a few minutes, or take a break... ok, ok... I may take a quick potty break here and there, and only because I undoubtedly, necessarily have to. YES... I often wait until it's an emergency and I have to go.

So... hmmmm.... where was I going with this... STRESS, yes stress! I'm exhausted. Stress exhaustion, physical exhaustion, and mental exhaustion has taken its toll. I'm tired. Really tired. I barely have time to eat breakfast and catch a snack throughout the day, scarfing it down without tasting it so I can continue with my work. When I get home... I'm tired. That's WHEN I get home from running errands, picking up and delivering kids to sports, sporting events and part-time jobs. When I finally do make it home, I wash the morning dishes, put away clothes, and cook dinner, gorge myself on junk .... before I can complete the healthy meal I am cooking...because I'm starving.

Anyways.... let's get on with it. All of "THIS" stuff has added up. Over a period of 4 years, I have gained 30 lbs. I cannot sleep at night, my back hurts, feet ache and I am MISERABLE. My clothes don't fit anymore and I can't stand looking at the person in the mirror.

YES.... it is time for a change. But I'll start tomorrow... HA! Just kidding. I'm starting today. The best thing I could do for myself today was to start cleaning my house. I can't think of the mess and clutter. My brain is messy and cluttered too. HOWEVER, I do have a week off from work, and I'm looking forward to getting some things organized. I'm done... and I'm attempting, NO... NO... I am NOT attempting.... I AM COMMITTED to having a NEW, HEALTHIER, HAPPIER mindset.

Everything is possible, right! I just have to dream big.... or with my physical state being 30 lbs. or more over what it should be.... maybe I in this case I should dream small.

TO BE CONTINUED........

Look what God has done in me... 

Wow, sitting here thinking about the past, and how far I have come in my relationship with God.  I'm so thankful He has given me the health and energy to keep going when I need to, to exercise, and have enough money to buy healthy foods for myself and my family.  I am so thankful for all the resources available, and the tools needed to get there.

I'm still trudging... moving ... stumbling forward.  I will not fall down, I will not stop and I will give my best each and every day.  BUT, there are some days, like today that my body says 'stop'.  Conditioning your body to win is just that... there will be days when you feel you need a break.  Breaks are necessary components to winning.  We keep going... and rest when we need to.  We can only physically do, what we can physically do.

The problem with stopping, is when we do, we beat ourselves up because of it.  We are over ladened with guilt, dread, and this guilt is what causes us to fail.  Remember this... we are just a vapor, mist... here for such a short while in the scheme of life.  We need to embrace each moment, and perceive each and every opportunity as a success, not failure.  If you can't physically get out and do what you need to do today, find something you can accomplish.  It may be organizing a file, drawer, room, cleaning, getting caught up on something you've put off.  You're still moving forward.

A sense of accomplishment doesn't always have to come through our diet, or exercise... it can be as simple as reading our Bible in the morning.  Preparing a well cooked meal.  Don't put all your accomplishments in ONE basket.  Meaning... concentrating all of your accomplishments around one thing (exercise and diet) can cause you to feel like a failure when left undone.  Truth is, you're NOT a failure... Do something to give yourself a sense of achievement... and when you're ready go back to your diet, exercise or fitness plan.  

Diet and exercise is a way of LIFE... not a form of abuse.  So don't beat yourself up, punish yourself when you didn't achieve what you thought you should for that day.  That would be putting all your eggs in one basket.  Fill that basket with a multitude of things, and spread the diet and the exercise about so you can easily come back to it.  Have a bunch of baskets, tasks and accomplishments... fill them and locate them about your home, life.

YOU ARE A WINNER... Keep running that race as if you're going to win.  It's a race of life... and just because you took a detour doesn't mean you're not a winner.  It just means you avoided an obstacle... but more importantly, you KEPT GOING!!!!!   

Reflecting on something a friend said the night before, I had a revelation and decided to post this on my facebook page:

Waterfalls... Rainbows... And Unicorns.

When I was a young girl, I went to a hypnotist to lose weight. I was a 4'10" twelve year old girl who weighed 148 pounds. That's a lot. Before he began, he asked, "What's your favorite thing? What brings you peace when you think about it?"

"Rainbows, unicorns and waterfalls". No lie.

So when he began hypnosis he said, "You're standing at the top of a waterfall, see yourself there the way you want to see yourself... Smaller waist, long flowing hair, nice arms and legs, and a beautiful smile.". Sounds kind of creepy, but these are all the things I told him I wanted , I was just this twelve year old girl.

I walked out of the hypnotists office feeling empowered. And, I lost over 50 lbs that summer. Do I believe in hypnosis? Well, I believe we can want to do something enough we'll try anything to get it.

See... My struggle wasn't necessarily the weight. It was about self image, and loving myself. I thought if I were beautiful, smaller, prettier I would obtain the love I wanted (especially from my dad).

The problem wasn't an eating or weight problem. It was a heart, self image problem.

This is one of the reasons I wanted to talk to girls about modesty, self image, self respect. There are so many instances in today's world where girls are being over sexed. It's everywhere. Competitiveness between young women these days is outrageous, and many times to the point of bullying...or hurting themselves... Lashing out at and hurting other girls.

The truth... God's love ❤ is the great over comer. Loving God first gives us what we need to love ourselves. Loving Him selflessly takes away everything we abhor about our selves, because when we give ourselves to him, we are no longer of ourselves but of the most high.... And what a Glorious place and feeling it is to be there.

Beauty is what God created. It's up to us, as older women, adults to teach young girls to reflect outwardly what God has done inwardly. A mighty task in deed...

Our youth groups have taken the focus off God, gotten so wrapped up in fitness, sports, competitiveness and fun. The lesson's taught are overshadowed by what comes NEXT.

Then....There's the girl or boy standing on the sideline feeling the reason they're standing on the sideline is because they aren't good enough, worthy, pretty enough, fast enough... What lesson did they take from the youth pastor, when they're left standing there......

We can talk about Love, God... But if our own behavior doesn't reflect what we are trying to teach... These kids are going to be seeking waterfalls, unicorns and rainbows too to find it.

Our youth are often times forgotten in the course of our actions and all good intentions.  We need to remember, the best lessons in life cannot be taught, but learned.  Our youth are watching us, and as Christians, we need to set appropriate examples.  In today's world, where all is acceptable, everything goes, children are over sexed and promiscuity is the norm... we need to be supportive of them more than EVER!  God speed...

"But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."  1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV 84)

Let us not wait until special occassions, birthdays, holidays to do good things for those we love.  Our gifts to them should be from the heart, and regular, as we are thankful for them each and every day.  Imagine a day without your loved ones.  Why wait to let them know how much they mean to you?  Let them know continually, teach them that good deeds are part of showing appreciation and love, not an expectation.

Remember when you first started dating your spouse, or when you had your first child how you lavished them with gifts, often times going out of your way to make significant attempts to surprise, wooo, and celebrate them?  Notice how as the relationship grows you pull back and these special gifts, going out of our way to surprise is no longer instantaneous... but saved for holidays, parties, birthdays and special circumstances?  Let's make a change in how we celebrate the love we feel for those in our lives... make our gifts, good deeds to them an extension of that love, and an extension of ourselves.

What do you think?

I've been walking RELIGIOUSLY with a good friend of mine.  Yesterday, I walked for more than an hour.  I enjoy walking, but walking alone is not touching those stubborn areas I'm desperately wanting to reduce.  Diet is 80% of it folks.  AND... I'm definitely NOT with the program.  I've been reading, thinking about but NOT doing.

I stay busy with busy work, my children's sports and everything else, I haven't taken the time to get started on my projects.  I won't say I feel like a failure completely.  I've managed to find some time to work on my jewelry.  

Time management is crucial.  As I sit here, I think about the 15 minutes I've already wasted on social media, and unfocussed thoughts or day dreams of things I KNOW will never be accomplished.  I can do this!

I only need to prove this to MYSELF.  But I need to continue to push forward as if I will be receiving a prize!  Do not get discouraged!!!!!  I CAN DO THIS!

Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"  

This past year, my oldest child decided to join JrRotc.  She's now into a program called Raiders which is similar to Cross Firt/Mud Runners.  She trains 2 days a week for two hours.  My son, on the other hand, is practicing for 8th grade, middle school football.  He trains 3 days a week for two hours, not including the time he's in our outbuilding lifting weights.  

Every morning around 5:30-6:30 my husband is in our outbuilding lifting weights.  He takes one day a week off.  

My youngest child is 9 years old.  She spends much of her time outdoors playing and riding her bicycle.  

When we aren't doing these regular exercise activities, training for some event, sport, etc., we're in the woods hiking, walking or fishing.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Mathew 24:24

Speaking with a friend of mine the other day while enjoying the scenery and cool waters of the lake.  I find myself in the most unique discussions with people who seemingly share the same outlook of Christianity as I. 

The Gospel.  When we say the Gospel, we know we are speaking of truth.  As my friend and I discussed, and one reason why I left the church is the methodology, ideology, and theology which is being taught.  Throwing a verse out here in there, and combining sermons with fairy tales isn't the same as preaching/teaching the Gospel.  God gave us a whole book of Parables to use as examples when we're sharing the Gospel.  Sure, I think it's ok to use real life examples, even our own testimony at times.  Combining God's word, and using make believe examples, cartoons, or fairy tales as examples reduces the meaning of the Bible/Gospel entirely.  There's a warning there... Revelation 22:18-21 AMEN.

I'd be afraid to take away from or add to the Gospel, the book of prophecy.  

I don't know... maybe I'm wrong.  But I see the sanctuaries (I can't call them churches becase churches embody Christ)... teaching worldly things. Yes, the world is a diverse place.  But just becase it's a diverse place, doesn't mean we take up our heels.  Now, more than ever we need to dig into what we believe, dig our heels deep into the word of Christ.  Who cares what the world says?  Our judgement is/will be with God.  Not man. Get back to teaching the Gospel the way God intended to to be taught.   

I'd like to know what you think about the Gospel, today's church and what you see being taught.  I'm sure I will return to this topic, as it weighs heavily on my heart.  

God bless...

Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6, Deuteronomy 12:32, Mathew 24:24

I don't know, haven't been keeping up with my blog entries as I had hoped.  I'm doing so many wonderful things this summer.  I don't even know where to start.  Spending a LOT of time with the kids fishing, swimming and sight seeing.  I am doing well on my eating, not over eating for sure.  

5-7 days a week I go walk or run.  I found a walking buddy, and sometimes I think it's more strenuous walking with her than it is running.  I've incorporated a cross fit type program, but I'm using the 'Curves' franchise model of 40 seconds per weight/cardio exercise and going for 20-25 minutes instead of 30-40 minutes.  The program allows me to plan my workouts, get in and get out.

Truthfully, my teens are keeping me busy with their extra curricular activities (socializing, sports, socializing).  But I'm somehow managing to find time to walk and work out.  I'm not doing all low carb.  I am paying more attention to serving size, and content of what I eat.

I know this isn't a huge entry, I don't want to ramble... because quite honestly I haven't much to add.  Its the first day in weeks I've actually been able to sit still without interuption, questions, or needs.  I'm enjoying the stillness of the morning and drinking my coffee. 

Have a blessed day!

Yes, it's been a few days.  I'm still getting up doing my run walk.  I haven't started the Cross Fit Exercise portion of my "plan" yet.  I don't feel as if I'm putting in 100%. I need to.  

It was a good weekend.  I got out of town and went with the family to play putt putt golf.  It was extremely hot.  This time of year, it's vital to stay hydrated.  The heat is one reason why I'm reluctant to do my weight/Cross Fit exercises.  I do them in an out building behind my house.  Yes, there is a fan... but if you know anything about Georgia heat, you know it is HOT.  

As far as diet goes, I'm trying to do low carb.  Here's the thing, with the running I find that I'm low on energy after.  What I'm doing, which is out of the norm is eating my old fashioned oats, a tablespoon of peanut butter, and I traded my sugar (brown sugar) for a very ripe banana.  It's really good, and I don't have the refined carbs you get with instant flavored oatmeal.  Always try to eat as close to natural as possible.

Exercise is important, especially for premenopausal women.  Even if you walk, run, do cross fit, lift weights... whatever your exercise of choice is you will find benefits to your health and appearance.  Lifting weights and building muscle for menopausal women helps to tighten lax skin.  Actually, the skin isn't really tightened, but the appearance is tighter because muscle fills in where fat deposits existed in our youth.  

SECRET in chia seeds.  I have tried this, and can say it honestly works... chia seeds help your body maintain water under the skins surface.  This is great because it plumps up the skin, making it look tighter and healthier.  

I'm not going to give up.  I can do this, and I won't stop running for the prize, I just need to start running as if I'm going to win.  God is my goal.  But through my research, trials and mere existence I'm hoping to help others who are experiencing some of the same challenges as I.