Eight weeks has come and gone. The holidays are drawing to a close. And our fitness challenge is officially over, but it has been nothing like I thought it would be. Yes, I kept track of "credits". I drank a little more water and ate a few more vegetables. But the experience was far different than I imagined.
I don't have anything very profound to say. December 30 was not an end date for me; it was simply the beginning of another week. I got up this morning and went for a walk -- it was bitter cold. I took a shower, enjoyed my typical breakfast of oatmeal and fruit, and got into my routine for the day.
The lessons I learned were simple ones, no real surprises. I struggled with the things I knew I would but enjoyed quiet victories along the way. There were some days when I completely ignored the tracking sheet, wishing it would disappear. And other times when I couldn't wait to add up the big totals for the week. I certainly was far from perfect and I'm pretty sure I'm not at the top of the winner list but I'm really okay with that.
I often feel overwhelmed by all the things I "have to do." But I am the happiest when I recognize the baby steps I've taken throughout the day that are moving me in the right direction. Yesterday I made some really poor food choices, but I also spent an hour in the car with my daughter talking about nothing of importance. My son and I looked at fabrics as we discussed his next sewing project. And I enjoyed a wonderful meal and visit with family from out of town. Those are the things I choose to remember. Those are the things that make me happy. December 30 feels no different than December 29. But I will do my best to fill it with more baby steps and small victories.
What about you? Random thoughts? Quiet epiphanies? I would love to hear about your experiences. Look for an email about our Challenge Celebration at the end of the week. And remember to click on the link for the Spiritual Challenge. It begins Sunday, January 5.
This was interesting for me as well. I started off strong throughout Thanksgiving and most of December, but when I took those first few bites of sweets, I relapsed into my addiction and am still in it. I now have a sugar "hangover" headache every day. It's awful!
ReplyDeleteWhat I learned from all this is that my limits have to adhere. I have to be accountable for them. I said when I fell off the wagon that I would let it go over the Christmas break and when the kids go back to school next week, I will get back on. I do plan to do that, but what I've learned and what my body has been telling me has been invaluable.
After resetting my body with a complete detox and then diving back into all the junk, my body is crying out for me to stop! I have a perpetual headache, am always tired and am regaining what little I had lost in weight, especially around my tummy which is the worst part for me.
Unfortunately, my brain still thinks that I need all the sugar, which is the hardest part. I KNOW it's not good for me. I KNOW that my body is rejecting it and yet I persist.
For 2014, I am resolving to change and that change has to start with a battle of the brain. I need to flick off that devilish shoulder nymph and stand strong in my decisions. Is it going to be hard. Definitely. But the worth if it will be far greater than the toughness of it all.
There's always a long list of things that I need to change about myself. Sometimes I get discouraged from it all. I just need to remember to do my best daily and if it's not my best that day to let myself off the hook and try again the next. Day by day. One at a time. Have a long look goal and daily work on it. It's not new philosophy at all. But we can't get something unless we work for it. I'm not going to have the body I want (the financial stability or the Spiritual Peace I crave, etc..) unless I work for it.
So thank you, Heather for including the rest of us in this. There can be strength in numbers, or at least mutual support! And it's nice to have a place to come to to write out our thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.
I'm in for the Spiritual Challenge! I'll even write it down this time! lol..