Day 26

It's day 26 of the "Notebook" plan, and I am still on track. With all the stuff that has gone on of late, I haven't abandoned the plan. I'm proud of myself about that. You would not believe how many times I wanted to drive through McDonald's for a Big Mac or some fries when I was stressed out. But I am happy to report I did not do that!

Since I started the plan,

• The Josh incident took place
• I wrecked the car
• and the dogs frolicked around the countryside, leaving us worried sick and eventually, with a lighter wallet

However, I am still putting one foot in front of the other.

Some "revelations" along the way:

1. I am ME and what works for someone else might not work for me.
2. Moderation, moderation, moderation is key for me. If I totally cold turkey a food group or sweets for example, I'm likely to jump right back on the train to nowhere. I didn't gain this weight overnight, and extreme measures aren't my friend. Slow and steady wins the race. I am trying to make better choices, eat fewer processed foods and more fresh veggies. However, I am still allowing small portions of "fun" foods in my life. That's the best course of action for me and I'm going with it. I do avoid fast food, but mainly because I know I am unlikely to make wise choices once I'm in the drive through lane, staring at the menu.
3. The "moderation" statement above includes working out for me. I can't start out on overkill, or that's what will happen. I'll overdo it, hurt myself, and give up. I am excited that I did a two mile high calorie burn yesterday and felt like it was a breeze. It involved a slight incline, and I wasn't winded afterwards. Yay!
4. I am going to have a couple of "down" days here and there. The key is having a down day, then getting right back on track the next day. Beating myself up mentally doesn't do me (or anyone else) any favors.
5. I can tell I've lost weight by my chin first, then by my shoes and finally by the roominess of my jeans. I don't need the scale to tell me I am living a healthier lifestyle. The scale will be an eventuality for me.
6. I have so much more energy than I did eating fast food! And I have more money in my pocket! A twofold benefit!
7. I am pleasantly suprised that my immediate loved ones are EXPECTING me to succeed. They have all said, "We've seen it before. When you put your mind to something, there's no stopping you." I feel good about knowing that.
8. I am stronger than I thought I was!
9. I can do this!
10. To borrow a cliche: I AM worth it!

We've all been reminded of late that no matter how young and full of vitality a person may seem, abusing the body has dire consequences. My mother was a prime example. For years, she looked young and beautiful and didn't show her age. She abused her body with alcohol and prescription drugs and the resulting inactivity for so long, it caught up with her. Same with her mom, who also died young.

God gave me just one body. If I die young, it's NOT going to be for lack of taking care of myself. It's going to be that it was my time and I got hit by a beer truck. :) Just kidding about the beer truck part.

Thanks for letting me share these thoughts with you.

I hope you have a lovely weekend! Let's all hope it warms up a tad! ;)