"Stress has been a part of my life for so long, that it's almost ingrained, like it's normal to be stressed. I don't think it should be."

After years of raising five sons, caring for our aging parents and volunteer work, I found the most neglected person in my life was me. In very many ways I have "let myself go".

Before using the SparkPeople System,
I had borderline high blood pressure, was overweight, lacked a controlled exercise program, and had "on the run" eating habits. Stress was the result of this life style.

Like many women my age, I was finding an exciting challenge in a new career. In my mid-fifties, I moved on from being a full-time SuperMom to starting my own cross stitch design company, www.kekdesigns.com. While thrilling, my new endeavor added it's own stress.

My Goals
My goals in using some of SparkPeople guidelines were simple: to control the stress peaks and to benefit from better health. I wanted to lose 40 lbs. before our son's August wedding, lower my blood pressure, and to enjoy overall better health. My heart tells me I'm 40; I wanted my body to agree.

After Using the System for One Year
I am now one year into the Sparkpeople program. It was last Sept. I was approached about this new idea for self-improvement. While I may not then have totally understood the complete idea of Sparkpeople, I did like the concept of a program designed to fit my needs and a program that listened to my ideas and goals. Here, with guidance, I set the goals, I say what my needs are and I chart my progress. Many other times I've tried programs or read books on self help only to find I was trying to see how I fit their program, not the program fitting me. As all people are different, with different goals and needs, the Sparkpeople idea appealed to me and I figured "Why not?" So here I am at my "first anniversary." It has been a rapid year with some very great changes. My main goal last year was stress control. I was over weight, had high blood pressure and had a general "not up to par" feeling most days. I had neglected myself for too long and it showed. A year has passed, my blood pressure is as low as it was 15 years ago, I weigh less, and I exercise regularly. Many of the goals I set a year ago are now just my normal routine. Most are so automatic to my day I no longer require charting them.

Recently on a family outing and we made the same long hike as we did last year. At first I did not think too much about it until I remembered last year how often I had to ask everyone to stop for a breather on the trek back. This year I easily kept up and had energy to spare at the end. My heart was not racing, nor was I out of breath, my knee did not ache and I enjoyed the outing. I ended the hike thinking it was so much shorter this year. WOW!

I find I do not lack for new goals. I am making a list and selecting my objectives for 2002 now. Since I have seen with Sparkpople's resources and help that I have attained my goals, I am excited about selecting new ones. This leads me to wonder what changes this next year will bring! I find that a thrilling thought!

Elaine