13 In 2013

Short and sweet. 13 goals for 2013 (in no particular order):
- Savor the small things and live and love in the moment.
- Listen to my inner-self and the Universe more.
- Know my strengths and weaknesses and build on both of them.
- Healthy living…eating clean and healthy.
- Weightloss (35%). Not to focus only on what I want to lose,
but more what I’ll gain in the process. - Participate in a 5k event each month (virtual or local).
- Grow my web and graphic design clientele.
- Show my kids everyday with words and actions how
important they are to me. - Volunteer my time and knowledge with a local organization.
- Drink more water, because right now I’m no where near the
proper/required amounts. - Blog, on a regular basis.
- Look for the positives and leave (or at least learn from) the negatives.
- Win the Lottery. (okay, so that’s a little far fetched).
Pearl
When We Outgrow Relationships
Is there such a thing as outgrowing relationships? In the past I would have answered this differently than I would now. Now I think we absolutely outgrow relationships. I do believe that people are brought into our lives for a reason and have learned that letting go isn’t near as bad as I’ve made it out to be in the past.
2012 has been a year of new discovery with me and people coming and going from my life. I had a relationship end abruptly and surprisingly, I wasn’t heartbroken. It didn’t bother me that the person just cut all ties in a split second and didn’t look back. Honestly, I felt relief. Like a weight had been lifted. I didn’t realize how much work it took to keep that relationship going. So when it ended and I no longer had the day to day upkeep of that friendship…my life felt a lot lighter. And that was a friendship that had grown over 12 years. Honestly, I feel bad for NOT feeling bad that this person was gone from my life.
While that relationship ended, another was blooming. What could have been a horrible experience ended up being one of the best of the past year. This person was definitely brought into my life to help me see the real me and to help me rediscover some passions I thought were long gone and forgotten about. I’ve become a brighter, more caring and understanding person and have learned to accept myself for who I am and not what others see. And I’ve been introduced to some wonderful people because of this person.
On a business/career level, I’ve had an amazing year of doing web and graphic design for many wonderful and oh so interesting people! Each of which, have had a profound impact on the way I see myself and the way I see the world. Honestly, it’s been a pleasure doing business with them!
Really, I think I’m just grateful for the people who have both been in my life and have taught me valuable lessons and for the ones that are part of my life and make me a better person.
So Much Out There To Help
I hadn’t really realized just how much is out there to help and inspire me on my weight loss journey. But over the last few weeks I’ve found many Facebook pages and blogs to follow that are just so inspiring and there to help each and everyone of us on our journeys to a healthy life.
One blog that I especially like is Can You Stay For Dinner. A blog from a 27 year old that has lost 135 pounds. She talks about her feelings, struggles and offers genuine guidance to being the best you. I just love everything about this site.
Another story that made a big impact is this one from a blog titled Flintland. Just very touching and respectful.
I’m one that is trying to do this on my own without having to make others feel like they have to go out of their way to accommodate my needs. Because it’s a way of life, a life change if you may and others shouldn’t have to try to remove temptation or make food they ordinarily wouldn’t. There are going to be temptations everyday in the real world and I’d rather learn how to deal with them from the get go.
So on a good note, I’m 2-1/2 weeks in and have lost 7 pounds. I’m so proud of that number! And I’m getting the hang of calorie counting and tracking the burn. And a big Thank You to all the people that have been in this spot and have succeeded and journal’d it to inspire others. I don’t know if I’d be as inspired and motivated without you!
Stand Back Up
Sometimes I may stumble and fall. But I always Stand Back Up. Love Jennifer Nettles and SugarLand.
Weight Loss Journey
I love reading about others and their weight loss journeys but the thought of sharing mine scares the shit out of me. But, Bob (Harper – the BL trainer that I adore) says that people that journal their weight loss are more likely to be successful with it. So, I need to journal it. I have a website, with a blog…the answer is obvious no matter how painful that may be.
I’m going to start slow and share bits and pieces and as I get more comfortable with the idea maybe share a little more in depth.
So to start, I have more than just a few pounds to lose. The first thing I’ve done is purchase a BodyBugg and set up the program and pace I want to lose. My goal is to lose 1.75 pounds a week. I started on October 17th with my initial weight (that I’m not comfortable sharing just yet) and I had my first weigh in yesterday. I’m happy to report that I lost 5.8 pounds in week 1!!
I do have a treadmill and I’ve purchased a cheap eliptical machine – that should be here tomorrow! I have a bum right knee and a spur on my left heel at the moment, so no running a marathon for me right now…lol But I’m hoping between these two machines and my exercise ball I have enough to sustain weight loss.
The biggest thing so far is keeping track of calories consumed and calories burned. During this first week it’s been a real eye opener just how much I was overeating and not realizing it. OMG. It’s truly amazing to see the numbers as they are tracked. So I’ve purchased a kitchen scale to aid in portion control and help keep me on track.
I think between the Bodybugg helping me see the numbers in real time and portion control, I think these first few weeks are going to have high numbers.
I look forward to checking in at a minimum of weekly to track my progress and hold myself accountable.
Pearl
Fall Walking
I love Fall. The cool weather, the beautiful colors..just everything about it.
We have a local park that has a 3 mile walking trail around a lake. So my brother and I hit that this morning for an awesome walk/workout. He’s highly motivating for me and I’m on the “lose weight” bandwagon again. The only thing holding me back is a spur on my heal and some knee pain. Both of which I can work through. And the spur will eventually go away
Tomorrow I’m hoping to walk with a friend from high school that I’ve only seen twice since then (I graduated in 1986). Would love to have her as a regular walking buddy!
I’ve also signed up on walkwithwalgreens.com. It’s a site that Ali Sweeney (host of The Biggest Loser) is associate with and actively participates in to motivate people to exercise, eat healthy, and lose weight. I can track and map all my walks and see how many steps I’ve walked. Lots of members to interact with, too. Love it so far.
New Site Design
Updated the website! Yay, nice new design and layout. Maybe something new will help me to get on the blogging bandwagon again.
One of my favorite videos at the moment…
Ella Henderson, XFactor UK.




