I'm not gonna lie. Last week was rough. 9 hours on the road. 6 kids. 8 days. Keeping my brother's house spotless for potential buyers. I'm grateful to be home.
The Good I went walking every day except one. Their backyard leads to a great walking trail, and I got out before the kids were up and moving. I stayed fairly consistent with water, fruits and veggies. And there was very little snacking going on after 8:30.
The Bad My emotional ties to food are VERY strong. Actually, I already knew that but the abundance of Halloween candy and stress of the week really got to me. Result: negative in the sweets category; fortunate not to be in the negative overall. I'd like a do-over... :)
The Good My brother's house sold on my first and only showing. They also found a perfect home in Arizona. Denise made a delicious meal of soup and rolls for my family so they didn't starve while I was gone. Your wonderful comments on this blog kept me going when I wanted to quit. I got back Saturday at 9pm to a clean house and a meal ready for Sunday, thanks to my wonderful husband. And as far as the challenge is concerned, I'm doing better with the sweets, I went walking this morning in below freezing temps even though my body screamed "NO!", and I've already downed 32 ounces of water. Things are looking really, really good.
Totally unrelated...I love Winnie-the-Pooh and here are two of my favorite quotes.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day."
I think the biggest surprise of last week was how many sweets I must consume without a second thought. I confiscated the boys Halloween candy early in the week because the boys would not eat at regular meals. They are allowed to pick out 2 pieces a day, but then the candy is back in my room. I haven't eaten any of their candy but every day I'm tempted. I used to have the regular ritual of using the bathroom and grabbing a good job sweet. Now I am using the bathroom more often because of the added water and have to mentally stop myself every time from snagging a sweet. I am hopeful it will not be so strong this week.
ReplyDeleteI also had some big pluses this last week. The boys and I ventured out for an afternoon walk and found a new path that leads to a park and we can get there in 20 min. We went twice last week and the kids begged to go back. We will see. It is much more challenging to head out if coats, hats and mittens have to be gathered for all those little bodies.
I did get to lots of the piles that have been gathering in my house and got rid of many of them.
So far I have written 14,000 of my 50,000 words that need to be completed to qualify for 5 free copies of my own novel for National Novel Writing Month. Sometimes it seems like a drop in the bucket, but each drop helps in reaching my goal.
It is funny you should mention Winnie the Pooh. I was at the Library on Wed and specifically searched out the House of Pooh Corner audio book. I knew I was in need of laughter and the joy that comes from the wonderful anecdotes of AA Milne. Somehow it puts a mothers mind at peace when her 12 year old asks to listen to Winnie the Pooh at bedtime. You never grow to old for somethings!
It's all a process. We want to see results immediately from the world we live in, but it takes time and we have to allow ourselves to come to terms with that.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding that with my new lifestyle eating choices that yes, I am a complete sugar addict, I want to ALL the time! And that I'm in the process of translating my control of food into other aspects of my life. Controlling my behavior, trying to become a firmer disciple of Chirst. To really take His name and countance upon me.
So I'm intrigued with your Spirituality and Happiness Challenges as well. To me, they go hand in hand as the we understand the Gospel and become more spiritual, the happier we become. Looking forward to what you have planned!