Finding NEW Normal

Friday, August 15, 2008

The past week has been a roller coaster of emotion for me. From altercations with my boss to embarking on a new romantic adventure to talking several friends and my sister back from the proverbial edge of reason, there is no doubt in my mind that the full moon it is a coming. There is absolutely no way any of this is NORMAL, but the key here is the way I have worked through each thing that has moved into my path. There was a time when I would eat through every single emotion I was feeling - thus labeling myself an emotional eater.

Since transitioning to a clean vegan diet, I have found that label does not apply to me at all. Apparently, my trigger foods always set off a cycle of binging that just happened to coincide with my emotional highs and lows. Looking back, I now see that those cycles also coincided with just about everything in my life. I ate more and more not because I was blocking out emotions, but because I was always craving that next high from food.

As I type, I'm eating a vegan peanut butter cookie from the absolute BEST vegan bakery in Columbus. I bought one, because I wanted one, and I'll eat one and be satisfied. The is no doubt in my mind that if I had opted for a pack of Nutter Butters, the first row would be history by now, and I'd be eyeing the second one. I love the fact that I made the choice to define my new normal and that it embraces my desire for good, clean healthy living. As I recommit each day to my new normal, I am empowered to make every morsel count, and that allows me to stay the course effortlessly.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

F.SILVI 8/16/2008 8:21AM

Report Inappropriate Comment

It just doesn't get any better than this...

Monday, August 04, 2008

I was having the crappiest Monday ever. First, I got on the scale up a few pounds that I KNOW didn't really belong to me. I thought I was doing really well with that, considering I've been using my rescue inhaler to treat asthma symptoms for the past few days, and that tends to make me retain water. Next, I got to work and someone decided, yet again, to pass the buck on to me because they know I will get the job done. It had to be a combination of the two things that made me snap off in my bosses butt (yes he deserved it, but it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do), and subsequently break down in tears.

I was coping, but just barely. I wasn't eating through it, and I wasn't looking for anyone to dump my woes on. As I'm so fond of saying, I was doing the best I could with what I had to work with. And then it happened. I received an email from SP telling me that I am now a Spark Motivator. Instantly there it was...my silver lining and my rainbow after the storm all rolled in one. It was the coolest level of external validation I have received in forever, and it reminded me that there are far too many times when my best is MORE than enough - as am I.

When life gets me down, it's the little things that give me the greatest lifts. For me, it really doesn't get any better than living my life on my own healthy terms, and allowing the rest of the world to fall into place as it sees fit. There will always be good and bad days, crappy weigh-ins, and bosses that don't appreciate the value of hard-working employees. Those days may even overshadow the good we do in our lives more than we would desire, if only momentarily. But in the end, after all is said and done, the marks that show...the ones we leave on ourselves and others... that's all that really matters. And for today, I am thankful for that realization.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TONIJORDAN1 8/7/2008 9:23AM

This type of day sounds familiar. There is always a rainbow at the end of a mishap. It looked as if you needed to be exhorted that day!! Congrats on your being promoted to a Spark Motivator. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAS1949 8/6/2008 2:16PM

You truly are a motivational person. Diets and life seem to be the reality mix for all of us. I wish you nothing but success on your weight loss journey, and KEEP MOTIVATING people like me! Thanks. Carol Report Inappropriate Comment

BALANCENEEDED 8/6/2008 2:03PM

Just happened upon your blog and became intrigued by your story of diets. It could be my own. Then, decided to read your post, "it just doesn't get any better than this..." We've all had days like this. Isn't it great to know we're not in this alone? I'm adding you to my friends list because I'd like to watch your success. You are going to make it. So am I. Hope you'll check in once in awhile on my progress, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

CALZOR 8/4/2008 5:06PM

I don't know what to say. "I'm sorry you were having an atrocious day"; "I'm sorry you had to keep using that d...ned inhaler"; etc., etc. All of those statements. But I'm almost overwhelmed by your entry today. I can think of NO one who is more deserving to be recognized as a motivator than you. I can think of NO one who deserved that remarkable lift during an awful day more than you. You have such a great way of wording your messages ... you really should be a motivational speaker. I'm sorry I couldn't be around to try to get you up out of the doldrums this morning, but it seems that Spark People did it for me ... you deserve nothing except the best out of life! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Value of a Positive, Healthy Attitude

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

I have always maintained that I can be exceptionally cute OR exceptionally smart. I've never been able to manage both at the same time, and it doesn't really bother me at all. Well this morning, I must be SMOKIN' HOT, because somewhere between my house and the gas station I lost my mind.

Here's the deal...I typically use my debit card to pay for my gas, but today I went in and paid with cash. When I walked back to the car, I tossed my keys and receipt through the sunroof onto the seat (I have no clue why) and proceeded to pump my gas. You know where this story is headed, but stay with me for effect. When I was finished, I walked around to the driver's side and attempted to open my LOCKED door. If I tell you that I have NO idea how the door got locked, you'll agree that I really am serious about how SMOKIN' HOT I must look today.

As I stood looking at my car, I realized that there was absolutely NO WAY I was going to climb up the front end of my car to slither through the sunroof in this particular dress. NOPE, not gonna happen!!!!! But I didn't freak out, and I didn't stress out, and I didn't panic. I simply walked back into the store and asked for help. The wonderful attendant grabbed a step ladder and had my door opened in 2 seconds flat. (He's my new hero for the day )

Here's the beauty of the situation, as I see it. When the body, mind, and spirit are all on one healthy accord, the minor glitches in life are tolerable, and often times even laughable. I love being this balanced and centered, even on a day when I'm of less than optimal brain functioning, but rocking the SMOKIN' HOT beauty of healthy wellness inside and out.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RATSAMONGUS 7/30/2008 1:30PM

Aw that was cute! This makes me smile and also helped to lighten my load today. Thanks for sharing your positive out look today! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACI76 7/30/2008 11:29AM

I enjoy your writing style! :) I also really like the way you view the world. You have a very positive, interesting perspective. Seems like your sunroof was both your enemy and friend!! You wouldn't have thrown the keys in if it wasn't there, but you were able to easily get them b/c of the sunroof. Glad it didn't ruin your day! Report Inappropriate Comment

CALZOR 7/29/2008 9:34AM

WOO-EEEEE!! I can FEEL the steam from your "hotness" all the way here!!!!!! Thank you for the chuckle (yes, sorry, but I was having a good chuckle out of this at your expense ) to start out my day! I've said it before and will say it again .... YOU, my dear (my smokin' HOT dear), are indeed a beautiful woman inside and out ... I absolutely LOVE your attitude about life!! Barb Report Inappropriate Comment

Understanding the meaning of CLEAN!!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

This morning I got on the scale up 4#s. I wasn't freaked out and I wasn't angry. In fact, I was quite resigned to it before I even stepped on the scale because I spent the past 4 days either on the road or out of town. I learned first hand that while it's relatively easy to eat vegan while traveling, clean vegan eating is a "horse" of a different color. Add to that the stress of a loved one undergoing surgery, and you have a recipe for what I've now discovered to be Dirty Vegan Eating . My best friend has always said, "you've got to work hard to eat clean as a vegan, because Twinkies, potato chips, and beer are ALL vegan as hell!"

So this morning I got up and started anew from right here where I am. I got in my daily circuit training, and had my clean, healthy breakfast and packed my tofu and veggies for lunch. I stopped by the grocery store on the way to work and picked up my salad fixin's for dinner the next few nights, and I'm G-O good to G-O go!!! I love the way my body feels when I'm eating lean and clean - what better motivation to get right back on track after a weekend trip to the dark side?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RATSAMONGUS 7/28/2008 10:52AM

Hey Anita, good for you on the great attitude and healthy choices. Don't worry, that 4 pounds is most likely water weight from the salt of eating out and traveling. Always seems to do that to us. Did you know that not all beer is vegan? It amazes me how many foods have animal products in them. :( Keep up the good work!! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Spreading the Spark with a bit of Caution

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I can honestly say that I know more than the average person about health and wellness. Reading and studying and learning about nutrition and fitness have been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. Because I still don't have all of the answers, and quite truthfully, probably never will, my thirst for knowledge remains unquenched even after all this time.

In spite of the knowledge base I have, I am cautious about sharing the information so as to never be perceived as a know it all, constantly pushing unwanted or unrequested information on others. I tend to make it known that I have info that I am willing to share and then wait until the person is ready to hear it.

My point today is actually about my sister. For the past 10 years she has struggled with her weight in ways that are still foreign to her. She broke her leg and then had major complications that led to a permanent disability and an increase in body size and health problems. She has sleep apnea and gerd, so she currently requires both a CPAP machine and a prescription for Nexium. Recently the insurance company changed the tier structure and made the Nexium ridiculously expensive.

Last night she said, "Well, it's time to shell out the Nexium money again." And my reply was, "In the next year, we are going to work to get you off of both the CPAP and the Nexium. The root cause of both is your extra belly weight, and we can manage that." And then I stopped talking to see what her response would be. I think she was shocked that I had held the mirror up to her face, but with a solution attached to it. She said, "Yes, we can. It is manageable, isn't it?"

As I grow healthier, I want my family members to be healthier as well. I must remember that my enthusiasm is not their enthusiasm. I must remember to plant the seeds in carefully cultivated soil and allow them to germinate without digging them up to check the progress. I must remember to nuture them diligently, but with care and caution. I am spreading the spark with a lovingly gentle and open hand.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CALZOR 7/24/2008 12:39PM

You are simply too smart. I'm still learning, at my tender young age , to keep my opinions to myself. I've been trying your way ... just throw out a crumb and see if they pick it up. It sounds like you timed you small "intervention" w/your sister at exactly the right time! Good for you ... and good for her!! I'm proud to consider you a friend ... if even a distant one!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACI76 7/22/2008 3:12PM

That is so true. I am the same way. I find myself hesitating on giving advice because I don't want to be a "know it all"....but when the opportunity is there, I dive in! :) I think your sister is more open to the advice also, after seeing you as an inspiration. Report Inappropriate Comment

IASADE 7/22/2008 11:55AM

YEAH FOR YOU!! Now if I can only get my sister to do that!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RATSAMONGUS 7/22/2008 10:29AM

Anita, what a lovely person you are. What you said reminded me alot of how we Vegan deal with situations with others when our Veganism is questioned. Knowledge of how to approach both situations is key and it certainly sounds like you have mastered that approach. Spreak that spark my friend as I'm sure it will be very well received. :) Report Inappropriate Comment