Embracing My Health

Each week, I help my friend Dana Roc, put together her ezine for Monday morning distribution.  Dana is one of my dearest friends and I am inspired by her.  Her  weekly insight this week really gave me a great reminder that to be one of those individuals who “makes it” – whether it be in my health goals, or my personal and professional life — there’s a price.   Dana’s words echo my Dad who told me for years “Nothing worthwhile comes easy…”

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I am not the first to acknowledge the fact that there are no shortcuts to greatness and I will not be the last. Many before me have discovered for themselves that there is, after all, no easy road to extraordinary accomplishment and no unobstructed path to achieving that desired sense of profound self satisfaction and reward. Many more will inevitably conclude the same, and discover for themselves that -

True greatness will demand much more of you than you might be willing to give.

If the desire of your heart has been to leave behind undeniable evidence that you came and that you played, altering forever what once was, you have no doubt figured out by now that you have to pay the price, crystal clear that if you aspire to get beyond what has become excruciatingly mundane, you will have to wage war against your undercover commitment to keep having more of the same, while you struggle to resist the urge to settle for whatever it is you don’t have to pursue.

It was as clear to me as the nose on my face – I was meant to be an actor. And, as I mapped out exactly how my life would logically unfold from the safety and comfort of my own imagination, I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would, one day -

“arrive”.

What I would eventually discover is that merely wanting is not nearly enough. I would learn through one agonizing experience after another that ambition hurts sometimes, that rejection can be cruel and that patience rarely, if ever, occurs like a reward.

I wanted to be an actor. I studied it. I lived it. I loved it – until – it demanded of me real sacrifice. At the point where the rubber should have met the road, I rationalized myself right out of the chance to finally play.

Imagine.

I really, really wanted to become an actor but what I had yet to reconcile for myself was the fact that really, really wanting to become is very distinct from being willing to work and reach and grapple and believe when there is absolutely no reason to. Wanting and willing are two entirely different conversations. Wanting talks a good game while willing walks the walk. I could talk the talk with the best of them. But, when it came down to walking the walk, I chose to turn and walk away.

And you?

Are you a talker or a walker? A dreamer or a doer? Have you found deep within yourself the courage to go after what you say you really want – no matter what — for the opportunity to achieve that sense of profound self satisfaction and reward?

Most people will not accept the invitation to go through the fire for what waits on the other side and not everybody will resolve within themselves to do whatever it takes. Many will indeed begin and some will even try hard, but few of us however, will actually achieve greatness because -

True greatness will demand much more than most are willing to give.

Because ambition hurts, because rejection can be cruel, because patience will not provide you comfort, because you have give it everything you’ve got -

the odds are, like me, you’ll choose to walk away.

Once upon a time I did give up and I used to wonder what might have been had I demanded of myself to work and to reach and to grapple and to believe when there was every good reason not to. Now, equipped with what only experience can inflict, I look forward instead to what might one day be, with the full expectation that who I think I am will battle relentlessly each and every day with who I imagine I can still become.

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To learn more about Dana, visit her website, DanaRoc.com and sign up for her weekly ezine.  You’ll be glad you did!

Thanks for the encouragement and support in response to my last post.  Seeing the progress really is a motivator! 

I’ve got a week and a half of holidays ahead and I’m thinking about them this morning.  I don’t want to back track.  I’m feeling two things.  One, I’d like to continue losing weight, or at a minimum stay at my current weight.  And two, I want to feel great.  I don’t want to feel that physical malaise, icks, blahs or that “ooph, I shouldn’t have eaten that” feeling.  

I’m going to have to be flexible since I will be staying with family.  But here’s my first thought.  I think I will buy enough produce when I get into town to make a massive salad to go along with each meal.  That way, I can pile on the raw foods and minimize the amount of cooked and less healthy food choices I’m eating.  Paul & I decided we are going to pack our juicer and blender too — if you can believe that.    We both love our green lemonade juices first thing in the morning.  And I definitely want to keep my green smoothies going as well.  It’s a little unorthodox to travel with a juicer and blender, sure…  But keeping the high quality nutrition coming our way feels more than worth it.

My question for you today:  Do you have any strategies you are going to be following through Christmas and New Years?  If so, share with us! 

Embrace Love, Embrace Life, Embrace Your Health!

This month has sped by.   We’ve had snow, ice, and sunshine.  It’s been a lovely Christmas season – and sharing it with my 4 year old daughter, has been such a gift.

I haven’t been rigid with my eating and my progress, while good, isn’t as far along as it could be.  I had goaled to be at 230.  That was a good goal, provided I had created an effective structure for achieving it.  I didn’t though – and without that, I continued progressing but not as quickly.  That said, I found these two pictures that really help me see how far I have come.

The more I think about it, the more I’m certain that having a structure will bring me the biggest results.  That will be my focus in the coming year… automating everything so that it becomes like breathing to the food that I want to, exercising, and living a fully embraced life. 

So, click more to see the numbers…

(more…)

This past week was a good one.  I’m feeling more and more of a divide from my prior eating habits and my new ones.  I haven’t completely settled into a new routine, so the time to stick to my healthy changes is every day.  I created pages that I posted in my pantry letting me know how many days to my next goal.  It’s been great having that visual reminder.

So, to the numbers…

(more…)

Weight: 246
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.4

Measurements

Neck: 14.25
Bicep: 14.5  (-.5″)
Forearm: 11 (-.5″)
Chest: 46 (-1″)
Waist: 44
Hips: 48
Thigh: 26
Calf: 18

No weight loss this week, but I’m not surprised.  I am happy to see some body “restructuring” though — with some inches lost around my upper body.  It’s interesting that my size has shrunk in regions.  My waist and hips have lost weight first, and now my upper body is seeing some results.  My neck and limbs have seen the least reduction… I’m guessing that will start to appear as I continue on.  Any loss is exciting though.

Oh, and I have to tell you.  I reconnected with a friend yesterday who I haven’t talked with for 4-5 years.  I found her blog and was so inspired by her.  She has a son, who is only a couple of weeks younger than Amira, who inspired her to transform her life to be the healthiest she can be.  Last I saw her, she was beautiful but carrying some extra pounds.  The new pictures I saw of her – she’s fit, trim and.. a TRIATHELE!  And not just a triathlete – one who wins first prize in her category!  Absolutely inspiring!  She’s definitely inspired me to get my fitness routine into gear!  More on that to come!

My question for you: What motivates and inspires you to be your healthiest?

Embrace Love, Embrace Life, Embrace Your Health!

Weight: 246
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.4

Measurements

Neck: 14.25
Bicep: 15 (-.25″)
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 47
Waist: 44 (-1″)
Hips: 48
Thigh: 26
Calf: 18

The progress was slower this week.  I found encouragement though in looking back at some old numbers.  For example, since my highest point after Amira’s birth…

• I’ve lost 39 lbs.
• I’ve lost nearly 10 inches around my waist
• I’ve lost 6 inches around my hips and chest
• My BMI has dropped from 43.3 to 37.4

I need to get some new photos up of my progress.  I’ll try to do that today.

I’m finding that adding green juices and smoothies and eating more raw meals is making this journey to optimal health much easier.  It isn’t as difficult, physically or psychologically.  That alone is making me a fan of raw eating.

My two week challenge with Paul went really well and helped me push through 5 lbs of loss.  I’m strategizing another challenge for myself.  I’m going to do a short challenge followed by a longer one.  My first will be between now and Thanksgiving.  9 days including today.  My goal: lose 3 lbs.  My second will be from November 29th until Christmas, nearly 30 days.  Goal: lose 12 lbs.  Accomplishing both of these goals would have me at 231 lbs on Christmas morning.  That would be a Merry Christmas to me, indeed! 

Breakfast this morning was juice:

• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 1 large leaf of purple kale
• 1/2 a cucumber
• 1 pear
• 1 apple
• 1/2 lemon

As always, I do love my green juices.  Well, in the case of today, purple juice. 

Embrace Love, Embrace Life, Embrace Your Health!

Weight: 247
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.6

Measurements

Neck: 14..25 (-.25″)
Bicep: 15.25 (-.25″)
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 47 (-1″)
Waist: 45 (-1.5″)
Hips: 48 (-1″)
Thigh: 26 (-2″)
Calf: 18 (-.5″)

I am making progress – the most I’ve made in over 4 years.  I’m excited — and yet still sober because of the 100 lb journey I still have ahead of me.  But for today, I’m celebrating!

I have to thank Paul (so THANKS PAUL! ♥)  for helping me with this latest round of weight loss and movement towards optimal health.  He took on a 2 week challenge with me.  Having him on the challenge with me was such a great support.  It is truly easier to take on difficult things in partnership with others.

Weight: 248
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 39

Measurements

Neck: 14.5
Bicep: 15.5
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 48 (-1″)
Waist: 47 (-2″)
Hips: 50 (-1″)
Thigh: 28 (-.5″)
Calf: 18.5 (-.5″)

This numbers check-in is a good example of why you can’t just trust your scale as a measure of your progress. The scale shows me at the same weight as my July 26th check-in. However, and it’s a big however! I’ve lost inches! An accumulated total of 5 inches! That’s some progress!

I need to remind and encourage myself of that because I want to see the scale numbers drop and I want my self-portrait updates to inspire me. And it doesn’t. I’ll be honest, it takes some discipline and determination to post these photos. I’m embarrassed of my size. But my embarrassment is outweighed by my commitment to have this be a journey to optimal health and fitness. Every day, every number, every picture is a part of that journey.

(This update is for yesterday, August 1)

I’m getting into a groove with my food choices. The thing I’ve noticed is that, for me, it takes a little bit to get into the mindset. It has taken me less time than in the past, about a week, but I still wasn’t able to jump in on the first day at a 100%.

All of us have “that point” where our commitments suddenly feel less important than what we feel like at that moment. I have two times for that: 1) beginning the implementation of that commitment, and 2) about 4 weeks into it… I’ll suddenly “grow tired” of doing what I committed to and want to “treat” myself because I’ve been good and I “deserve” it. While giving yourself treats on rare occasions is perfectly appropriate, for me, it can be the beginning of the end. Some people have addictive personalities and I believe I’m one of them, at least in a fashion. When I splurge, especially with something like sweets, I have a difficult time keeping it in moderation. Although it sounds like one, sugar addiction is no joke. In fact, I’ll share more about sugar addiction in the next post.

Last note for this update, as a fruit lover, summertime is a GOOD time to live in the Pacific Northwest. Snack this morning: the most amazing organic local cherries. Heaven!

There’s a part of me that is convinced that I’m crazy to do another blog. And that said, I am certainly convinced that this is what I need to do. I wrote a few weeks back about doing the examen and how themes in everyday life can guide you. And the theme that has been there for me is ‘embracing my health‘. This isn’t a small topic – so it deserves it’s own blog.

This blog will follow my journey to optimal health, provide information, recommendations, resources and anything else that is helpful and encouraging to me on this journey (and my intention is that it will be for you too).

My commitment is to be honest even if and when I find it embarrassing. I’m going to share the ins and outs, ups and downs, the victories and the losses.

Ready? I am. Here we go.