Back on Track

It's been a while since I have posted a blog. The thing about the blog is that it was supposed to be my motivation to keep going and provide accountability. However, I have not been motivated at all to meet my goals and my followers seem to have dropped off. At this point, it is time to get back on track.

First, let me thank Sheri for becoming my workout partner. I am now exercising at 6:30 am for 3 days a week. She has been motivating by challenging me every step of the way. I am not a morning person or a runner but somehow Sheri has gotten me to be both in less than a week.

Second, I have gotten a trainer (that I actually like). She a 21 year old, white girl with whom I have very little in common but she is patient with me. She finds a way to engage me in strength training.

Third, my body has been craving exercise. I suppose as your body gets used to exercising and moving; it feels deprived if it doesn't get what it wants. Today, I was feeling kinda of crappy with mucus coming out of every opening but my body was screaming for exercise. I got myself up and went on a 30 minute walk/jog using the Couch to 5K running plan.

I am utterly proud of myself. It's only been a week since all of these changes have taken effect but it's a great beginning. Totally Lovin' Myself!!!

Lost Track

I've not kept my promise to myself and I've lost track. I've lost track of what's important to me. I've lost track of my goals. I've lost track of my worth. I've just simply put lost track. I wish I could pinpoint the moment in time where I got off so I could immediately get back on course.

I recognize this is a process, not just for losing weight, but for changing my lifestyle. My lifestyle currently consists of very little time management, no structure, no centering (if that makes sense). When I was an undergrad I was extremely focused on my goal of becoming a doctor. I mean you couldn't tell me otherwise, my time and energy all centered on this goal. If something occurred in my life that didn't align with this goal; I would just ignore it, push it to the side, and not pay it any attention. Now, years later, I don't have the same focus. It seems as if I've lost my sense of determination and will. I need to get back on track!!

Back In The 'Paign

I am back in the 'paign after a much needed hiatus. While I was home, I must admit I was not as focused on my weight loss goals as I should have been but the thought was never far from my mind. Now, that I am back in the 'paign I have two main focuses: the completion of my degree and my weight loss. These two goals have one major thing in common- the need of a team.

In order to be successful with my goals, I must create a team to help me. As my followers and friends, you are a part of the team but I need a core of professionals. My professional team will include: my physician, a trainer, a nutritionist, and counselor. The concept of thinking I can do it all by myself was a little faulty. A good friend of mine shed some light on the situation by saying I can still progress toward my goals but in the initial stages I may need more support. Once I have met some smaller goals and have the tools needed to make changes; then I can do more by myself. I agree with her so it has begun.

I have already begun by making appointments with my physician and personal trainer. Tomorrow, I can make the appointments for the nutritionist. The counselor is always on call.

I am back in the 'paign and on my way!!!

Keys To A Long Life

Over the weekend I visited my great aunts in Charlotte. There is almost 200 years between them and they are still in excellent health. My Aunt Marian kept mentioning the perfect bill of health she received from her physician. She drinks wine everyday. My Aunt Nola kept saying "no one does anything for me. I make my bed every morning. I walks. I drink milk everyday. I don't eat sugar because it's fattening." So this is what I learned to be the keys to a long life:

• Drink wine regularly
• Exercise- all I need to do is stay active
• Drink Milk- make sure you get your calcium. I'm not a big milk drinker at all
• No Sugar- this is a challenge

The only thing I do on this list is drink wine regularly but not daily like my aunt. She definitely encourages the wine. If I try to incorporate these things into my daily life; I know I will be on my way to long, healthy life.

Failure

Have you ever felt like a failure? Have you ever felt like no matter what you did, how much you tried, or what you changed about a situation you totally failed? Well, that's how I am feeling at the current moment and not necessarily about my weight loss. Even though, I have not made a major overhaul in my habits; the little changes have been enough to have me lose a little weight. I am enjoying the exercise but admittedly I need to be more consistent and focused on it. How do you focus on your goals when you are personally distracted by the other areas in your life?

I am definitely a proponent of life is not as bad as it seems and most of the time I am a pretty optimistic person but when you feel so unaccomplished in a particular area of your life; what do you do to stay focused on your goals?

A woman once said you can never be successful at everything. If you are successful personally; then professionally you will suffer and vice versa. I am finding this to be true.

Another 1.5 Down

I am so excited that even after my Tour of Food, Birthday Cake, and lack of exercise over the past week. I am down another 1.5 lbs. I have been a little more conscious about what I eat but I must admit I have still been eating french fries and you already know about the burger. One thing I have been doing for a while and I am so glad it has carried over since I've been home is not drinking so much soda.

I did exercise for the first time in a week today and it felt so good. Exercise really does relieve stress. I didn't even know I was stressed until after the workout. I just felt so much lighter and happier.

Anyway, the saga continues....

I'm Back!!!

Hello My Lovely Followers,

It's been a little over a week since I posted. I took a little break to celebrate my 30th birthday and now I have recovered from my week of activities. I am been celebrating non-stop since my car pulled up to my parent's house last Wednesday. However, I did not forget all I needed to do and why I needed to do it.

Getting a pass to the YMCA was more difficult than I thought but I finally acquired a 7 day pass. I had the crazy idea that I could exercise outside but unless I plan on working out at 5:00 in the morning; it's not going to happen because it's blazing hot in Atlanta. Anyway, tomorrow will be my first day of exercise in a week so it will feel like I'm starting over but I will not give up.

Food is still a struggle and since I have been here every single meal has been more delicious than the next. The burger I had at Flip Burger Boutique was ummm ummm good. My niece scolded me at the table for not eating breakfast. So, knowing the nutrition aspect of this new lifestyle will be challenging I am still continuing to pursue my goals.

A plan is necessary, especially, when you are travelling because without one you will most likely fail. I had a plan but it was a little flawed. I'm reworking the plan. Does anyone have any tips for staying on track while travelling?