Today's pep talk

Saturday, February 13, 2010

I'm sitting watching a myriad of emotions wash over me. Coffee mug by my side, TV show on netflix on another window. I put the TV show on pause, to deal with emotions that are flitting around and competing for top position in the brain.

* Valentine's Day (and being "alone")
* My ex (and of course why he's my ex)
* My son (deployed, and whether I'll even get an IM from him this weekend - can we say impending self-pity?)

* Work (and the big stress-inducing project just getting under way... a huge source of past relapses, by the way. Can we spell f-e-a-r?)

* Reflections on recent and past successes in establishing healthy habits (and how I really feel about that)

* Pride in what I see in the mirror this morning (imagine a look at a full-length image and the words "d*mn I look good!" flitting through the consciousness)

* Fear that like all past efforts this will unravel under the pressures of life

* A touch of loneliness

* A touch of defensiveness

So, on to the pep talk, to address these things:

Barb, you've got to keep it green, and re-motivate, here. A lot of times you used to eat large volumes of food to stop feeling these feelings. Now they are here in force!

Let's review strategies that have worked in the past.

* Distraction (the horse show this afternoon might be a good one of that nature, so take full advantage of that, but prepare to deal with the aftermath... when the distraction ends)

* Reasoning (hey, I'm doing that now). I've learned from every past "failure". I'm learning more now. This time, I can do even better. Just because something has always been does NOT mean it will always be!

* Planning, accepting that these emotions are OK, that I will feel them, but that they do not necessarily require action, just acknowledgment.

* Experiencing and enhancing the emotions: if there's sadness, watch a sad movie and let the tears flow. It's OK. That's a bit of transference, and if it works, go for it.

* Giving myself permission to fail. Seriously... if you never failed, you never tried.

* Giving myself permission to succeed! Yes, it IS OK to be the best me I can be, even if it is "not perfect", and even if my life seems consequently "better" on some scale than that of others I care about. There will always be differences... comparison to others is fatal to living your own life!

This last is a very important point for me. I have spent a good deal of my life trying to avoid having people envy me... wanting everyone to like me. I think part of keeping weight on, or relapsing is a "don't envy me" message I try to put out there. It is OK to succeed. It is OK to be pleased with a healthy body. It is OK... I am OK.

There, I think I'm done. And I DO feel better. Here's to staying strong, my friends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSLZZY 2/14/2010 5:40PM

You addressed the issues in a straight-forward manner! You are OK! You are just now recognizing it because it is real! Report Inappropriate Comment

DAMOTIVATION 2/14/2010 7:21AM

Congratulations on being where you are. Being your authentic self even in times of great challenge is job #1. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/13/2010 8:47PM

What a great post today. Keep up the good work and GREAT attitude. It is quite OK to succeed. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

CARO1YN 2/13/2010 6:42PM

Wow,I can relate to most of the things you wrote. Good for you for being true to yourself. I have found a lot fear in my losing weight and why I have not been able to lose the weight in the past, i realized I was afraid to succeed and the possible responsibilities that come with it. I am at a stand still right now and I know it is that ugly fear raising its head again. I am very proud of you and you have every right to be proud of yourself, you look wonderful. I still have 55 more pounds to lose but I know it will happen. Thank you for sharing and Happy Valentine's Day. Comment edited on: 2/13/2010 6:43:33 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SPENCEMOMOF5 2/13/2010 3:09PM

Great motivational insight! I am mirroring several of those emotions myself...feel the emotion, it doesn't have to be justified or changed or ate at nor does it require action! Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 2/13/2010 1:47PM

What a wise and honest blog. Success is all the sweeter when it doesn't come easy and you've shown this week how your sensible planning has helped you to deal with stressful situations. There's no doubt that you've helped others to work through their own temptations, frustrations, worries and disappointments by sharing some of yours along with your strategies. It's great that you've given yourself some answers and advice. Thank you - and for your kind comments on my blog. By the way, I envy your abs but I still like you! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 2/13/2010 11:01AM

Self-conversation can make all the difference in a good day versus a bad day! You made some excellent points that I need to remember and use with myself frequently. It's important that you shared them here on Spark ~ a place where you are never alone. You have friends here and today, by sharing like you did, you have helped many of us learn how to deal with "down" times in our own lives. Thank you for being so open and honest and providing us with a way and words to fight our battles. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

RAYLINSTEPHENS 2/13/2010 10:28AM

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MMICKEYP 2/13/2010 10:09AM

There are many times in our lives that we must talk ourselves down from the "ledge". That's exactly what you just did. I hope that whoever reads your blog today takes away a little something to help them when they come to difficult crossroads in their lives. Crossroads don't have to be big major ordeals..but can also be small things that we run into in our daily lives. You took a look at your thoughts, emotions and fears and instead of dwelling on them..you looked them in the eye and made a decision to review what has worked for you in the past and you ended by making another decision to keep moving forward. That's how we encourage ourselves and others! Good blog..Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

CONCHA77 2/13/2010 9:19AM

Sounds very reasonable to me! Great blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

OZINBELG 2/13/2010 8:59AM

well done - you'll be fine this time 'round! Report Inappropriate Comment

I love my Spark Friends!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

You guys are amazing, you know that?

To continue this morning's story, I made it past the chocolate again today, mainly due to having posted that blog entry this morning. Tonight I came home to a whole collection of wonderful tips from my Spark Friends... sharing their own experience, strength and hope about one of my weaknesses.

Anyway, today I was in meetings all day, and at a couple of stressful points in the day, I made certain that I went down to walk my loops in the basement. At noon I went outside, across the street, and bought myself my latest reward for working my program: a ticket to see www.lipizzaner.com/lipizzaner_frames
et.asp . Cheaper than a massage, and something I've wanted to do my whole life and never got around to.

This is my valentine to myself. And suddenly, I don't need chocolate quite so much.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINABUG 2/12/2010 10:04PM

What amazing choices! There is much wisdom in this decision... And you will carry the memories much longer than you would have the taste of the chocolate! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/12/2010 5:04PM

Rewards don't have to be food and this was perfect! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 2/12/2010 12:42PM

Your Spark Friends love you too! Congratulations for coming up with the plan for an alternative reward. A smart idea and a well-deserved treat. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/12/2010 9:23AM

Love it, love it, love it. What a perfect treat. Happy Valentines to You! Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 2/11/2010 10:51PM

Sounds like a great show to see! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBRA_T 2/11/2010 10:45PM

Awesome, Barb. When those horses do the flying lead changes they look like their skipping and it just lifts you up right out of your chair! Excellent reward and good strategy! Cheers, Deb xxxooo Report Inappropriate Comment

Yelp! They moved the chocolate at work!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Seriously humorous - somebody in their infinite wisdom decided that having food in the receptionist area was causing too much "socializing" at the front desk... and it's been banished. Unfortunately, where they banished the candy jar to... is within a very few steps of where I sit. And... it's full of Dove dark chocolate.

Now over the months and years, I have trained myself to walk right past the reception area, knowing that the food that gets put up there is just "not for me". Yesterday, I found my feet automatically veering toward that jar every time I walked by. (No, I did not dip into it). It was like a magnet of some sort! It took a mental battle to choose not to take a piece, each time.

Later in the day, a few of us took a walk in the chilly sunshine (sun sure looks great, by the way... felt like a bear coming out of hibernation)... and ended up at a drug store with aisles and aisles of Valentine's Day candy. In fact, my compatriots were there purchasing same for their kids. I had to physically leave the aisle to keep myself from the stuff.

Going to have to come up with a plan... will I plan a small treat to make myself not feel deprived? That might work. I'm better with a plan than without one... but somehow, "what was I thinking?"... was I thinking I was just going to breeze by one of the major chocolate days of the U.S. Calendar without being tempted?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOGOULD 2/11/2010 3:41PM

That's a tough one! I can usually deal with a sweets craving by keeping cubed or balled melon in the fridge for a quick sweet snack, but when CHOCOLATE calls my name, well, melon just won't do. I have looked up and add to my favorites list what a sensible serving of chocolate is and in case of emergency I turn to that - and savor! Comment edited on: 2/11/2010 3:42:39 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 2/11/2010 3:09PM

Well, I like to give myself a tiny treat of one little square of dark chocolate at the end of the day. Of course, the allure of chocolate is that it stimulates the same feelings as being in love does! So it naturally goes with Valentine's Day!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 2/11/2010 1:04PM

What a shame that life is conspiring against you on this one Barb. It's the seemingly small stuff like this than can derail the most focused of us. You'll probably work out your own solutions but I deal with the chocolate thing by having a single square of Lindt 85% or 90% when I feel the urge. It's supposed to be healthful in small quantities. I nibble it and savour it. I've grown to love it but it's an acquired taste if you're a sweet, milk chocolate person. A couple of sugar-free mints can sometimes rid me of other sweetie-urges. Remembering that the artificial sweeteners in them can have a laxative effect is enough to make me manage the portion control! If things like this don't work you'll have to leave your coins at home or invest in some designer blinkers! Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRISNA 2/11/2010 11:20AM

Oh dear! My sweet friend I feel your pain. I was having a real problem with leftover chocolates from Christmas. There are times when I can eat one tiny piece and then other times when it triggers a binge. I am picky about what brand I will eat. So my trick is not to buy the brand I like. I haven't bought any lately and I am going to avoid buying any for a while. I thought the stuff I bought for Christmas would not tempt me and I was wrong very wrong. My DH and I were talking last night about the the Stove Top stuffing I made. He said I could eat all of that left in the pan, but I'm not. We don't eat stuffing very often. I said isn't it funny how much you can crave something like that? I said I would rather have stuffing than ice cream. He put a serving for each of us in our leftover containers for our lunch today. I hope you can resist the you know what. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

LEE-2013 2/11/2010 10:38AM

How is it that these type of decisions (struggles really) seem to dominate our thoughts at times. Candy is not my problem, but fried foods are. I have committed to abstain for the month of February - and before I read your blog I was trying to figure out how I could fit in fish & chips into my calorie count for the day. Then I remembered my goals for the month. How conveniently I had forgotten... why is it that my "comfort" foods are also the things that tempt and then tip me over the edge of self control? I am glad to have Spark Friends together with me on this journey! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLENDERELLA61 2/11/2010 9:08AM

Ooooooo, that's a tough one. If you can win this one, you've got it licked!! Be strong. Visualize yourself stronger than chocolate. You are stronger than chocolate. You have control over chocolate. You can choose when and where you will have chocolate in a healthy amount. You can do it!! Give us at least a weekly update on this BIG challenge. Again, you can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARISSA81 2/11/2010 8:49AM

I find that one small treat always leads to another until the whole package is gone. That's me though. It may be better to give yourself a small treat each day. Best of luck, oooh why oh why is chocolate soooooo good? Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/11/2010 8:46AM

Yes, I agree that it is important to find something to treat yourself with occasionally so you don't end up feeling deprived. That feeling could spell disaster. Take care and have a TERRIFIC THURSDAY. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

__IZZA__ 2/11/2010 8:10AM

These sort of holidays are a challenge but you it is also time to start new traditions. Maybe there is some healthy snacks that you can bring with you to work so in case the temptation is really horrible. It is just a few days left now, so hold on. Soon it will have passed by. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBRA_T 2/11/2010 8:07AM

Oh, man, you're singing my song. I just decided I had to give it up completely because, as they say, one is too much and 75,000 is not enough. Or something like that. Chocolate is an accelerator for me that I just cannot afford to step on. I don't know if I ever will be able to have "just one," so I'm not risking it for now. I don't know what you will decide to do -- but I know it will be right for you -- but I feel very relieved that I have taken myself out of the debate. The Valentine Candy which will undoubtedly be replaced by Easter Candy on Sunday which will torture us for another 6 weeks -- just OFF LIMITS. I never thought I could say this but abstinence is easier than moderation for me in this one food. Hang tight, my friend, temptation is just a thought not a deed. Thank God! Cheers, Debra Report Inappropriate Comment

Pep talks - how it's going

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It isn't that I've never done self-pep talks before, but this week I'm trying to be conscientious and conscious of when I do. Today's little pep talk took place while I walked laps in the basement of the office building where I work. I do this during "bad" weather, when going outside to walk on break is not a pleasant option.

This morning's pep talk was about the upcoming work challenges and maintaining healthy habits when I enter a period of time where I will be sorely tempted to overwork. One of the first things that happens when I fixate on a big work project is that I try to throw myself, personally, at it, and make it all come together by sacrificing my personal time and life.

This has made me successful in my career, but it's not the way I want to live the rest of my life. So, my self-talk is directed at "my mind gets sharper when I take an exercise break", "if I drain my health by over-working, that won't do the project any good", "it's important to delegate", and of course, the every popular, "You can do it... you CAN let go".

If I can let go of the food, I can let go of feeling I must personally do EVERYTHING at work.

You see, Sparking is about so much more than nutrition and exercise. It is about becoming our best selves. Our best selves are not self-destructive!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 2/11/2010 12:52PM

Right on the button. I've always had a strong work ethic as well and am lucky to have a great job that I love. I thought I was indispensible, working long hours and taking too much on until... serious illness forced long term absence and the delegation of work to other colleagues - who have more than risen to the challenges. I'm going to try to apply some of the principles and self-talk that you've described. You're definitely making strides (indoors in poorer weather!) in getting more than weight control sorted. Thanks for the insights. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/10/2010 10:48PM

Perfect - what a balanced perspective... Don't we always try to solve the problems of the world? You continue to be a role model - I love the fact you are walking inside in this 'weather' - although, even I must admit the snow in the sun is beautiful. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/10/2010 9:51PM

Exactly! We are in a healthier lifestyle to stay healthy and not "self destruct" by overworking. Do what you can and use common sense. Allow someone else to share the work load and you'll both feel good. Report Inappropriate Comment

PALEAN 2/10/2010 9:12PM

Our BEST SELVES are not self destructive. I like that. I am just trying to uncover my best self...let you find oxygen, as so long I have lived to do and be what I thought others wanted or expected. Never really found my "best self" and now though it's foreign, it's pretty amazing to take a time out, and look inside and say.."who am I really?" Very good blog for me to read! Thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBRA_T 2/10/2010 9:08PM

Right on, Barb! The fantasy of being necessary, the only one, in control, totally responsible, etc. is just as much to blame for obesity as the food and lack of exercise. I love the idea of thinking while exercising -- it used to be such a natural thing to do -- I'm going to take a walk and think about that ... I do my best thinking when I'm walking, showering, brushing my teeth. It's like the automatic motor operation frees up some brain function. Which is good and necessary. I need every bit of it. The people we were originally created to be are healthy and full of well-being. Cheers, Deb xxxooo Report Inappropriate Comment

Reconciling The Spark Chapter 6: Stage I - Fast Break

Monday, February 08, 2010

It has taken me a week and a half to get from the post on Chapter 5 to the point where I can say I finished reading Chapter 6. I stopped back then, recognizing resistance in myself.

Now I've got around to the place where I think I understand what was happening. I was trying to add the stage I "fast break" on top of everything else I was already doing, and it was starting to seem burdensome to me.

I already do all of the nutritional fast break goals. Of the exercise goals, some are not feasible for the season (Winter), some I already do, some are just "not me". Which leaves motivational, which really, really applies to me.

So my Stage I fast break goals:

Nutrition - keep doing what I'm already doing.
Fitness - keep doing what I'm already doing.
Motivation - I'm going with the "Give yourself a five-minute mental pep talk".

My stage I starts today. My five minute pep talk today happened in the car on the way to work. It went along the lines of, "OK, Barb, you have meetings back to back this morning, which ditches your normal walking break. What's plan B?" And I came up with one: walk a little longer at lunch, make sure I don't skip the afternoon walk break, and if not enough steps by the time I get home, make up for it with treadmill. "You can do this!"

So, day 1, motivational goal met.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 2/9/2010 5:16PM

Sounds like a great plan. It's great how we're all changing our ways bit by bit. (Wish my Spark would arrive...) Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 2/9/2010 5:13PM

WTG! That's keeping on track. Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLIEC 2/9/2010 9:46AM

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LEE-2013 2/9/2010 7:45AM

This is mindful living - planning ahead. Thanks for sharing your insight. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/9/2010 7:43AM

I am not to that chapter yet but getting there. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/9/2010 6:17AM

Great Plan B! Hope you have an awesome day. I walk at work too so be thinking of you at lunch today. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBRA_T 2/8/2010 10:52PM

Sounds like a plan! I have to confess that I am more of the "take what makes sense and leave the rest" type when it comes to all the activities and suggestions in the Spark Plan. They have so many activities and plans and trackings and awards and stuff that I sometimes feel like it's just a scattershot approach to put enough material out there to have something that appeals to everyone. Or so I rationalize to myself as I skip over this and that! LOL Cheers, Debra Report Inappropriate Comment