Pinterest Perspectives: Inspiration

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?! I absolutely love going on there to dream, to be inspired, to learn, and to grow. And, okay, to waste a ton of time. I find so many interesting ideas from Pinterest everyday, and I just wanted to share some of it with my readers on a regular basis. Hence Pinterest Perspectives.

It’s been awhile since I posted some of the inspiring pins I’ve found on Pinterest, so I figured today was as good a day as any to share some of the things that have kept my head in the game, lately.

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#Reverb12, Day 29: Have You Heard Your Word?

Throughout the month of December, I’ll be participating in #reverb12: celebrating the successes of 2012, honoring the challenges of 2012, and planting the seeds for a rich and rewarding 2013. December is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and start to manifest dreams for the new year.

Day 29 – What word did you select to be your traveling companion in 2012? What gifts did this word bring? What word will you choose to guide you through 2013? What do you hope it will bring into your life?

Every year I choose a mantra – a word or phrase that I use to motivate me through the tough times and helps me remember what I’m striving for.

In 2012 that word was RELEASE.  I wanted to release

…weight

…control

…frustration

…fear

…worry

…excuses

…stress

…guilt

and I did a great job of all of it, especially control, stress, and frustration.

This year I’ve been spending quite a bit of time thinking about what my new mantra was going to be, and after careful consideration, I’ve decided on REFRESH.

REFRESH means so many things: recreate, rejuvenate, exhilarate, change.  Each of these will take on a special meaning in my life in 2013.

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#Reverb12, Day 28: Overcoming Your Fears?

Throughout the month of December, I’ll be participating in #reverb12: celebrating the successes of 2012, honoring the challenges of 2012, and planting the seeds for a rich and rewarding 2013. December is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and start to manifest dreams for the new year.

Day 28 – Think of three things that daunted you in 2012: how are you going to work towards overcoming them in 2013?

There is very little in life that daunts me.  I’m never intimidated by people, no matter who they are or what position they hold.  I see most situations, even new and challenging ones, as opportunities.  I consider myself a fearless badass, if you really want to know the truth.  (Did anyone catch that “Holden-esque” phrase?)

The only thing that scares me is that tiny voice inside my head that crops up when I start doubting my ability to lose weight and reach my goals.  Sometimes that little voice rages loudly, other times her whisper is so hushed that I barely hear her.  Not achieving my dreams is truly terrifying to me, and that’s what keeps me persevering day after day, week after week, year after year, through self-imposed setbacks and challenges.

In 2013, I will battle daily to overcome this fear the best way possible – reaching my weight loss goals.

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#Reverb12, Day 23: What Will You Let Go Of?

Throughout the month of December, I’ll be participating in #reverb12: celebrating the successes of 2012, honoring the challenges of 2012, and planting the seeds for a rich and rewarding 2013. December is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and start to manifest dreams for the new year.

Day 23 – Name three excuses — stories you tell yourself that are holding you back — that you are going to let go of in 2013.

1. “I don’t have time to workout.” This one is the biggest excuse/lie I tell myself, and it’s certainly not true.  I’m single, no kids, and have a job that officially ends my day at 3pm.  I have the time, it’s just easier to watch t.v. or go online, or do a million other things instead.  That ends now.  More on this with my 2013 Goals post, coming soon.
2. “It’s okay if I eat ____, I’ll put in extra time at the gym tomorrow.”  Or some other sort of justification for giving into temptation.  I had a handle on this when I started Jenny Craig in September, because the plan allowed for an afternoon salty, crunchy snack and a nightly dessert.  I lost it a bit in December, but once this holiday madness is over, I’ll get back to it.
3. “I don’t need to spend time after school grading today, I’ll do it tomorrow.” I tend to do my grading in big bursts, which always leaves me feeling mentally and physically exhausted.  I know in my heart that if I spent 2 hours on my “B days,” and do a bit of grading every single day, I’d be so much more efficient.  Early in December I also started grading for a few hours on Saturdays, and it really made me feel organized. I definitely plan on carrying that over into 2013.

This was a great exercise for me, as I begin thinking about making so many positive changes in 2013.

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#30DaysofThanks: Day 8, Sofi’s Safe

This month I’m participating in 30 Days of Thanks (#30DaysofThanks) by writing a blog post about 30 things I’m thankful for. To join in, go to the link above. The best part is, you don’t need to have a blog or even be on social media to take part in the project; you just need to be thankful. I can’t wait to see how my life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in my life — every single day.

This post is a day late, because last night after the incident, all I wanted to do was hug Sofi. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I’ll start by saying Sofi is fine. Thank God!!

Last night I was on my way home after a Bikram class, already upset by something that happened at the studio ( more on that in a separate post). I was sweaty, freezing (it was 52 outside), and bone tired. As I pulled into my driveway and clicked the garage door opener, out runs Sofi!!!! Towards my car!!!!
Immediately I had flashes of Lulu, and my heart started beating out of my chest. My worst nightmare was realized, and I was going to lose Sofi, too. It is all a blur, really. I remember that I was so worried that she was headed to the street and I couldn’t move fast enough. I panicked and honked my horn for my sister to come and help me, as I was screaming for to tell her what was going on. (Although looking back, I’m not sure how much help LC could’ve offered, since she broke her foot and has it in a walking cast, but my first thought was GET HELP). When I honked, Sofi freaked out and ran toward LC’s front step. I prayed she’d stay there and that LC would open the door and grab her. Then Sofi took off again, and was moving in the direction of the street. I was still in the car, though I’d thrown open my driver’s door, because I hadn’t thought far enough to put it in park and put on the brake. I did tell myself to calm down and just call Sofi over.

So, I threw open my car door, called for Sofi as calmly as I could muster in my frazzled state, and hoped for the best. Sofi, being the amazing and smart pooch that she is, came right to me!!!!! At that moment LC came outside and got Sofi from me so that I could drive the car into the garage. I burst into tears as soon as it was over and I knew Sofi was safe. For the relief an the release as much as anything.

Now how Sofi got into the garage is the mystery. What I’ve pieced together is that I might have accidentally left the back garage door unlocked and possibly slightly ajar, and in yesterday’s storm, the wind knocked it open. Sofi went inside, and then the door closed behind her, trapping her in the dark, cold garage. Poor thing! So when the garage door sprang open, she was just so happy to have some freedom, that she took off.

As I said, I spent the night cuddling with Sofi, telling her what a smart girl she is. I’m so thankful that it all worked out well and that Sofi is ok.

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Pinterest Perspectives: Sunrise in Sight

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?! I absolutely love going on there to dream, to be inspired, to learn, and to grow. And, okay, to waste a ton of time. I find so many interesting ideas from Pinterest everyday, and I just wanted to share some of it with my readers on a regular basis. Hence Pinterest Perspectives.

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“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness.” ~Unknown

When I saw this photo on Pinterest, I knew I had to write a post about it.  It’s absolutely gorgeous, yet I find it so illuminating.  To me, this photograph epitomizes my weight loss journey.  My path has been long and incredibly daunting, but now, finally, I’m seeing the dawn of a new day.

The sunrise, my new life after VSG surgery, is still in the distance, but as the path symbolizes, it’s getting closer mile by mile, day by day.  I know I still have a way to go to reach my mini goal, but I’m also confident that it’s just a matter of time.

These past six weeks, seeing so much success while following Jenny Craig, have been amazing for me.  I’ve had a string of successes that show me that I CAN do it.  I do have the willpower within me, I just had to find the right path to follow to tap into it again.

Just like the serenity that is evoked in the photo, I have a calmness about myself lately.  I’m no longer anxious about how I can reach my goal, but instead I carry myself with the assurance that I will.  It’s only a matter of time.

I’m grateful to have this clarity, because it carries me through the times of temptation to skip a workout or indulge in a poor food choice. Knowing with all of my heart that my path ends with the sunset comforts and empowers me.

I can’t wait to see what lies beyond the sunrise!

“We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake… by an infinite expectation of the dawn.” ~Henry David Thoreau

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Speaking My Dreams Aloud

Tonight as I was writing an email to ScaleWarfare, I mentioned the fact that there are about 9 weeks left before I am on Winter Break.

9 weeks. 23 pounds to go to my mini goal.  2.5555 lbs per week.

Totally doable. Very realistic.  Completely achievable.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been on this journey for years.  This is one of the greatest accomplishments I will ever achieve in my life, and now is the time to do it.

I am committing to put in the work – 100% Jenny Craig, 10 glasses of water/day, 5 workouts a week, totally at least 45 minutes each.

I am worth it.  I can do it.  I WILL do it. I believe it.  I will make my dreams come true.

Do you hear me universe?!!  I AM GOING TO REACH MY MINI GOAL WEIGHT BY DECEMBER 19TH.

Mark my words.

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Pinterest Perspectives: Weight Loss Creed

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?! I absolutely love going on there to dream, to be inspired, to learn, and to grow. And, okay, to waste a ton of time. I find so many interesting ideas from Pinterest everyday, and I just wanted to share some of it with you guys on a weekly basis. Hence Pinterest Perspectives.

I’m going to come back to this post often, because it perfectly captures my beliefs.

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Pinterest Perspectives: I Will Succeed

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?! I absolutely love going on there to dream, to be inspired, to learn, and to grow. And, okay, to waste a ton of time. I find so many interesting ideas from Pinterest everyday, and I just wanted to share some of it with you guys on a weekly basis. Hence Pinterest Perspectives.

I really couldn’t have said it any better myself.  I believe this with my whole heart, and I’m trying to show it through my actions.  I’m not perfect everyday, by any means, but I will never, ever, EVER give up on myself.  Because if I don’t believe in me, who else will?

The changes that I enacted this Sunday (which I’ll reveal soon, I promise) have been amazing for my self esteem and my belief that my goals are within reach.  I’ve recovered my willpower and my strength and it feels fantastic.

 

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Pinterest Perspectives: Stop Doubting

Are you as addicted to Pinterest as I am?! I absolutely love going on there to dream, to be inspired, to learn, and to grow. And, okay, to waste a ton of time. I find so many interesting ideas from Pinterest everyday, and I just wanted to share some of it with you guys on a weekly basis. Hence Pinterest Perspectives.

I need to remember this, because I do think that doubt creeps into my mind, regarding my ability to lose weight, more often than it should.  On one hand, I am determined, strong, and have more perseverance than most people I know.  On the other hand, though, I’ve been at this weight loss more years than I care to count, and seem to be spinning my wheels.

Doubt is that little voice that negotiates why eating a late-night bowl of cereal is okay.  Doubt is the excuse that springs from my lips when I don’t want to workout.  Doubt is what causes me to reach for that extra spoonful when I would be satisfied with what I originally served myself.

Doubt needs to go, because I do have dreams.  I need to get out of my own way and make them a reality.

Tonight I’m going to push doubt out when I get in not one, but two workouts.

1. I’m heading to the pool directly after school because it’s supposed to be a scorcher.  I haven’t truly swam laps in weeks.
2. I’m going to a UJam Fitness class in the evening, after hearing such great reviews from the ladies in line at my Zumba class.

Dreams don’t come easy, they take work, effort, and action.

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