I have had a few people ask me, why are you doing this "self-improvement" project so publicly? Meaning, why are you sharing the intimate details of your gain health, lose weight program, your exact weight and your activities each day? Are you insane? Or, maybe meaning "Who gives a rat's ass?" I'm doing this publicly for two reasons. First, to keep myself accountable. The thought that even one person might be reading, keeping tabs on if I can really keep up my commitment to improving my health, is a great motivator for me. I didn't want to exercise today, but I did, because I knew I would have to report it here either way. And God forbid I would disappoint that one, lone follower I might have! I don't know why, but that pushes me to get off my ass. Yes, I could lie, but that's just not my style.
Second, I've been thinking a lot these last few months about facing some of the demons I have swirling around in my head. One issue I haven't faced is the fact I've been using my brain surgery four years ago as an excuse to remain physically inactive. I have allowed myself to become a couch potato and indulge in any food I wanted, simply because I survived. That was ok while I was still in recovery, but recovery ended a LONG time ago.  |
| Today's Haul From The Veggie Stands & Top Value |
And finally, because I have to come to terms with the fact that the number on the scale or the size of my clothes does not matter, or make me more (or less) valuable as a person. But taking the time to value myself does matter.
I picked up quite a few veggies at the stands today, and made myself braised brussel sprouts for dinner. YUM! It was dark by the time I was ready to exercise, and I won't walk the village after dark by myself, so I did stairs. My OWN stairs! I set my timer for 30 minutes. After 12 minutes, I had to take a two minute break. Then, I managed another 8 minutes. I didn't make 30 minutes today, but I did more than I normally would! And, of course, tomorrow's another day…….
Awesome! You did more stairs than we do at Tony's Gym! I love the line..."taking time to value myself does matter." You are inspiring me! I love brussel sprouts, too. Did ours with bacon fat, yes I did. And leeks/onions/garlic and then crumbled the bacon I used to generate the fat. To die for...not sure I could just eat them plain. I love that you are doing this. I am on the same road and if you can be accountable so can I. Thanks Dawn!
ReplyDeleteWell you inspire me more - I saw those pictures of you running on the beach and that's something I will probably never do! I braise my sprouts by first simmering them in a bit of water cut side down, then I add a touch of butter, olive oil, garlic, ground basil & oregano flakes, and tons of cracked pepper. Then I let them cook down until they're starting to brown up. I really like them that way! I'll have to try the bacon fat next though - who doesn't love bacon!!
DeleteActually I think 20 mins on the stairs is probably just as good, if not better, than 30 mins of walking. Good job. I know for me if I don't get my walking in first thing in the morning, I'll never do it. I'm just not a night person.
ReplyDeleteLove that brussel sprouts/bacon recipe Grandma Gail - will have to try that!
I know my body noticed the difference Sharon - this morning my knees and ankles were a little mad at me until I got them moving again! I wish I could be a morning person too, but I'm just the opposite. It's a source of constant frustration for dear hubby, who gets up earlier than the birds!
DeleteI didn't walk today, but as you know, I've survived my fifth day without sugar. 2.4 pounds down in 5 days.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Shrink! They say cutting sugar also helps to repair other things going on in our body that we don't even realize are happening, like inflammation or infection we don't know we have, etc. I've even read some things that suggest cancer cells thrive off "sugar" and die off when people eliminate it. I know my joints have felt better since I cut out added sugar several weeks ago so I think there could be something to it! Keep going - you can do it!
DeleteDear Dawn, this blog excites me. This is the Dawn I remember! Nothing new, but the Dawn that is FULL of determination. Ever since I have known you I have admired your ability to make your dreams come true and your sense of accomplishment. It appears that maybe a bit of the fire and strengths of the "old Dawn" that I remember is kicking some ass on the current Dawn. I'm happy to see the fire back. There is no doubt you will be successful in your journey.
ReplyDeleteaw Daleen - thanks! I'm fighting hard to find and resurrect some of the those things. It seems I just gave up caring for a few years and was happy just to "exist" every day. I'm looking forward to see what the "New Dawn" will bring to the table!
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