July 25th

Day 25: Jenn in July

(Day 55: Journey Continued June, Day 86: Made it May, Day 116: Appreciation April, Day 147: Mending March, Day 175: Fitness February, Day 206: No Junk Food January)

Twenty days later… I’ve had one soda.  Completely by accident!  A diet ginger ale decided to jump into my vodka last Friday.  Ooops. 

But in other news- weight loss still holds firm, haven’t lost or gained any this past month.  I have changed up my exercise and am working hard to stick with in the perimeters of healthy eating.  I know it’s just the first huge plateau I’ve hit along this journey.  Always reminding myself that now more than ever it is important to stay focused and on track!  And no matter what (outside of gaining it all back, lol) loosing fifty plus pounds in less than eight months is fantastic in my book!

The staying focused part is key … I’ve found my mind drifting lately.  All good thoughts and wonders, but I don’t want my minds idle wanderings to take me off track.  Hence, if I’m reviewing the same issues over and over perhaps it’s time to bring them to the fore front!  I summed up the contemplations as an early midlife crisis, hahaha!  Gave me a good giggle!  I guess with personal change and growth it can only lead to seeking bigger and better for all areas of life.  The problem comes with feeling ‘stuck’.  Though I know I’m not really stuck, more mentally mired down.  I need to give thoughts on financial, work and relationship situations considerable attention.  Mostly I know that my own mind is the one stopping me from achieving what I need [want].  If weight loss has taught me only one thing it would be your personal mindset, will power and faith to obtain a goal can make you (or break you).  You have to want it more than anything you’ve ever wanted in the world.  Only then do you find ways to move mountains and ford rivers.

That being said- it brings me back around to faith.  When I was finally able to let go of control and stop asking for what I wanted… that’s when things started happening.  It’s not that I didn’t make my own choices… God wasn’t sending me a delivery guy with egg white omelets every evening, lol.  I asked for the fortitude and will to make the best choices.  Temptations as always were around every corner.  The ‘devil’ was on his side saying “Hey it’s not delivery, it’s DiGiorno!”  It was my very own test of faith- in myself and in the power of allowing God in…  Now I can apply that lesson to the situations listed above that I’m considering.  Financially- do I really need to buy new nail polish or movie?  Work related- what tools do I need to do to help myself succeed?  Relationships- pray, continue to have faith and continue to build strong foundations with those around me who are an important part of my life.

I have given considerable thought to what August’s goals will be.  It seemed only right with the questions that won’t leave me alone that August be dubbed Accountable August.  Rules of engagement include saving approximately thirty percent of every dollar earned, reviewing and listing work skills and having faith.  With the work related thoughts I’d like to also take time to consider what it is I’d really like to pursue…  little scary and shocking to realize you’re thirty years old and your absolutely clueless as to what that may be, lol!

As always, forever grateful and thankful for all of you who have shared in on this journey with me!   

July 16th

Day 16: Jenn in July

(Day 46: Journey Continued June, Day 77: Made it May, Day 107: Appreciation April, Day 138: Mending March, Day 166: Fitness February, Day 197: No Junk Food January)

Day eleven of no soda… not so bad in all honesty! 

I have been conflicted with what to write about today.  Over this past half year I’ve touched on so many topics from diet, to exercise, to mental and spiritual well-being…  I’ve noted that over time as I go back and re-read my old posts it’s not so much that my opinion has changed, but it definitely has been broadened.  With each success and triumph I’ve learnt something new and likewise with every failure or mistake.  It’s all an ever evolving journey with the hope that I become a more centered being.

So here are a few viewpoints of where I’m at today.

SUCCESS:  That’s a tricky one!  Just when you reach a goal and feel you have success you realize there is so much more you can do!  There for the success of one’s life is infinite… and I REALLY like that thought!  Even in death the success of your life has the potential to live on in the world; gives you an amazing sense of immortality.  Mayhap I am a bit idealistic with my views, I think outside the box… But I feel most of us want to leave some sort of everlasting mark on this world and this could be the way we do it; through our success.

FAILURE:  Unlike success, it seems like such a finite word.  That once we have failed that’s it!  It’s over!  But I see failures and mistakes as a lesson.  What can we take away from the experience?  What can we do to succeed next time?  How can we take the negative and turn it in to a positive?  If a failure isn’t addressed automatically by a million ‘what if’ and ‘how to’ questions then the failure will consume us… and only when it consumes and we give up do we really fail.  I try not to let my fears of being told ‘NO’, ‘you can’t’ or the millions of other negative comments keep me from pursuing my goals.  I use it as an opportunity to explore that section of your life; and often remind myself that what is meant to be will be (though a certain amount of energy, work and determination are required).

POSITIVITY/NEGATIVITY:  the yin and yang, light and dark, happy and sad of the world.  We can’t go around in life complaining about everything and everyone and expect to be happy and content with ourselves.  Most often I have to remind myself that everyone has their struggles, chances are we don’t know what they even are.  What a better way to live giving encouragement, advice and well wishes to others during their time of struggle (the positivity) than bad talking, mocking or IGNORING (the negative).  Be the friend to others you wish to have in this world.

I do my best to positively reach out to the world and the people in it every day.  I remind myself that there is nothing expected from the world or others in return for what I offer.  Through my deeds and successes I open a door inside to a happy life.  As always, thank you… forever grateful.

July 9th

Day 9: Jenn in July 

(Day 39: Journey Continued June, Day 70: Made it May, Day 100: Appreciation April, Day 131: Mending March, Day 159: Fitness February, Day 190: No Junk Food January)

Here we go!!  Another new month with new goals and objectives!  Jenn in July is going to encompass many of the things I’ve wanted to do or have needed to do, but have put off because I’m scared, lazy, etc.  Of course as with every new month all the previous objectives from the months before still apply!  With it being month seven now, things are a bit crazy!!  So many wonderful ideas that help keep me on track and motivated.

The first HUGE goal for July that I have been sloughing off is giving up soda completely!  I was a big cheater- still drinking zero calorie sodas.  Enough is enough!  I know that even zero calorie sodas are not all the great for you, so soda is out… for the rest of the year!!  Thanks to those who made the suggestions- the V8 V-fusion is pretty tasty with a nice natural energy kick!  And La Croix and Schweppes flavored seltzer water gives you the soda fizz I am missing!  So if I’m a little cranky and caffeine deprived over the next few days while I detox, I apologize.

One other I can discuss now was getting back on my strict diet which includes logging everything I eat or drink.  It’s a pain in the butt sometimes to note every item that goes into your mouth, but it seriously opens your eyes to your eating habits (good and bad).  For the past four days (had a little bit of a late start with July- figured I’d enjoy Independence Day) everything eaten/drank has been accounted for.  I know using this method helped me to successfully lose my first 50 pounds! I am shooting for 20 more pounds on top of that first 50… and since today was weigh in day I can proudly say already down the first 2 pounds out of the 20!  Proof to me that diet is one of the most important keys to my weight loss success.  (And a reminder- starting weight was 207 pounds on January 1^st, 2014… after 50 pounds lost I was at 157 pounds around May 2014.  Around 155-153 currently… the 140s are so CLOSE!!)

There are lots of other little things, but I will blog about them after they are done.  No counting my chickens before the eggs hatch, lol

Moving forward one day at a time… Keeping my heart and mind positive…  Always grateful and forever thankful for all the support, motivation and help over this past year so far!  Looking forward to the new and exciting things ahead in July!!  Stay tuned!