Can You See It Now?

What a difference a year makes!  For the past 3 weeks, I have not "felt" progress.  A few days ago, my coach sent me a picture taken about a year ago and asked "can you see it now?".  When I see me now (top right) I can see it!  It amazes me that a few short months ago, I looked so different.  Yes, the measurements and the scale have been about the same, but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words.  It certainly is in this case!  We should always look at ourselves, no matter the format, and see how we change.

Not only has my appearance changed, but my tastes have as well.  The lovely desert I ate on my 51st birthday (and at least 3 times a week prior to it) is not something I indulge frequently now.  It still looks beautiful, but my taste buds does not seek it out now.  That full feeling is not my idea of satisfaction now.  Not hungry works much better.

So, can I see it?  I can!  I can almost imagine my goal weight; well, not yet, but I'm trying.  Oh, lovely motivation!

...and away we go!

I Feel 50 again!

What a lovely day this has been!  My morning started with a 5k walk/run on the Katy Trail with my family.  Even little Carmen joined in.  I was so proud of her!


Aunt Nette - "Do you want me to pick you up?"
Carmen - "No, I'm jogging!"

And so she did...for a long time!  That energy inspired me and I completed the walk in less than an hour.  I walked some and jogged some.  I jogged more than I walked, I think.  And as I did, I heard constant encouragement; keep going or you can do it!!  As I began the day, I ended it with a 2 mile walk in about 30 minutes.  It was harder.  The heat was oppressive and the sweat poured.  Each step was a victory, toward the end.  When I arrived home, I realized that I have not worked this hard on my physical self in more years than I care to remember.  And each step is worth the sweat, the grit, and yes, the pain.

Weight Loss Update:  While I gained 2 pounds, I lost 2 inches!  My waist is smaller, my lungs are stronger, and my resolve is deeper than I knew it could be.  These days, my food choices are better.  My soul sings!  The tiny weight gain is not as important as the consistency I maintain.  If I stay the course, my success will show.  I find that I have many encouragers.  This little set-back is just that; LITTLE.  I refuse to measure my success only by the scale.  My attitude about exercise is very different than it was 6 months ago.  Movement makes me strong.  Movement heals my soul.  Movement gives me grace.  Movement lets me live.  Oh, yes!  I feel 50 again!  If I keep this up, I'll be 30 next year!

...and away we go!