I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. I believe that you can do anything you put your mind to. That if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Life is hard. It is full of challenges and setbacks, but it is also full of amazing rewards. Just think about how it will feel when you finally reach your goal.
I still haven't reached my goal, but I know I will. I refuse to give up. I am too close to the finish line. Actually, I don't know how to give up.
And that's something to curl up with.
If you read my Motivational Monday from last week, then you know I only have 1.8 pounds left until I reach my goal. I was hoping to reach it on Saturday. Unfortunately, I didn't. I didn't lose any weight this past week. At first I was a little bummed, but then I thought to myself, "What are you upset about? You've lost 69+ pounds. So you didn't reach goal this week. That's okay you'll do it next week."
Thus, my weight loss journey continues, with a positive attitude and smile. As a friend of mine told me... 2012 is my year, and that something to curl up with.
Last weekend I signed up for my first 10k, The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills. I have to admit I am a little nervous. This will definitely be a challenge, because running has never been an area of strength for me. As a child, I could barely run a 50 yard dash, let alone a 10k. I hated running, I hated being sweaty, I hated exercise. So when a friend asked if I wanted to do this race with her, it took some convincing. Actually, it took more than convincing. It took a sparkle tutu and an invitation to run with "Team Sparkle", to get me to agree. Now, I am really excited and might even go out and buy my own sparkle tutu.
Hmm... Maybe I can find a gold or yellow one, and then I could spray my hair green and dress up as a pineapple. After all pineapple is my favorite fruit...
Wouldn't that be something to curl up with? I think so.
Oh and by the way, I run because of boys like him. If he can do it, I can do it, and so can you! :)
You've earned more than your pain. You've earned your pride.
As of Saturday, I have lost 69.2 pounds. I am only 1.8 pounds away from my Weight Watchers goal, and I am left speechless. It doesn't seem real. But it is. And I am proud of myself.
My journey has in no way been painless. It has been hours of exersize and shopping and food preparation. My journey has been stressful and frustrating and at the same time, euphoric. I am not going to say that I have loved every minute of it, because that would be a lie. Although, I will own it and be proud of what I have accomplished.
This is my journey. My life. My body. My pain. My pride. And, No-One can take that away from me. Because, I've earned it.
And that is something to curl up with!
This thought really speaks to me. In 2009, I looked in to becoming a speech-language pathologist. I found out about the program, realized it was going to take me about 4 years to complete it and decided to pass.
Now 3 years later, I've started my first two SLP classes. If I had started in 2009 I would be almost done, but I didn't and I don't regret that choice. It wasn't right for me at the time. However, now it is, and I am so happy I am doing what I should have done 3 years ago. The timing is finally right.
Here's my challenge for you: this week take the steps to do or become something you have always wanted. If that's running a 1/2 marathon then sign up for one. If that's going back to school then do a search online and find out about classes.
It's never too late to be what you might have been and that's something to curl up with.
On Tuesday, I am starting a speech pathology program, which means my time for exercise is going to be drastically reduced. However, that doesn't mean I get to be lazy about my exercise. I just have to find new ways to get moving.
I have two hours between my two classes and the student fitness center is right by the speech building. So guess what, I have no excuse to not use some of that time to run on a treadmill or take a Pilates class or even just walk around campus.
For me, exercise is a way to relieve stress. It lifts me up, if I am sad. It gives me a boost of energy, if I am tired. It allows me some alone time, to think. I love getting on my bike and riding for 10, 15, 20 miles. It doesn't matter how long or how far I go. What matters is that I am outside moving. I have the opportunity and ability to exercise. So, I do.
I leave you with this, if you are physically able to exercise, then stop making excuses. Get up. Get out. Get moving. Because not everyone can.
Just something to curl up with.
I have always been a little afraid of eggplant. I am not sure why, but last week, when I needed a purple food, I faced my fear and I bought an eggplant. I had no clue what to do with it or how to cook it, but I bought it. I ate it, and I loved it. I can't wait to make it again. (Actually, I've already roasted some for my salads this week.)
My eggplant pita pizza was super simple to make. Here is what you need to make it yourself:
1 eggplant
1 tbs olive oil
1 tbs fresh garlic
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
1/4 of any color bell pepper, sliced
1/2 c marinara sauce
1/2 c mozzarella cheese
1 whole wheat pita
Slice eggplant and brush with oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Grill eggplant until tender. About 15 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 400. Place pita in the center of a cookie sheet. Top pita with sauce, eggplant, peppers and cheese. Bake until the edges are golden brown. About 20 minutes.
An eggplant pita pizza is most definitely something yummy and healthy to curl up with.
