My Unexpected Source of Motivation

Sunday, February 17, 2013

One of my favorite inspirational quotes is this one:



I even had that made into a big magnet that I keep where I see it every day. Some days I take time to specifically read it. Some days I barely look at it. Some days I move it out of my way as it has fallen down from its spot yet again.

Today, I really read it and spent some time contemplating what it means to me. This extra reflection was triggered by the fact that I am co-leading this week's new member class team -- you know, the one that SparkPeople automatically puts you in when you first create an account here. All these new members signing up and most of them are very excited and optimistic about the possibility of achieving their goals with the help of SparkPeople and the support of new friends that they are about to make here.

Do you remember how excited and motivated you were when you first joined SparkPeople? Have you kept that same level of excitement? Probably not. Do you actively work to renew your sources of motivation and inspiration? That is what I believe we each need to do: constantly seek out new motivation and support as we continue and improve our journeys and create new goals.

This week, my motivation is well stoked as I read the posts of this week's brand new Sparkers. So much enthusiasm, hope, determination and inspiration. They are already motivating me. I am sure that is not why they joined SparkPeople; it probably has more to do with finding motivation themselves. :-) But, I thank each and every one of them for helping to keep my spark alive and for giving me some new motivation.

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

January Steps Goal Exceeded

Friday, February 01, 2013

One of my new goals is to average 7,000 steps per day walking. I'm happy to share that I exceeded that goal for the first month. Yay me! Not by a lot: I was over by just 6,512 steps total for January. But, I figure that's like cramming a 32nd day of walking into January. Here's my SP steps tracking report:



I was not tracking steps previously so cannot really quantify how much of an improvement this is over say a year ago. But, an improvement it is for sure.

I use my Fitbit One to track steps and have been pretty faithful about keeping the Fitbit attached to me at all times. There was one day when I left the house without it; however, that wasn't a big walking day so it's not like I lost many steps because of that. I'm trying not to obsess over making sure I have it clipped on as soon as I get up; but, it is a little addicting.



I love this Fitbit and it definitely helps push me to get up off my butt and walk. This month, I started my training for the Flying Pig Half Marathon walk so that is certainly helping to rack up my steps. After the HM in May, I am going to have to find new motivation to make my steps goal -- will deal with that later.


How are you doing with your 2013 goals?
Do you have a steps goal?
Do you use a Fitbit or some other device, pedometer, etc. to count steps? Does it help you to walk / run more?

I hope all my Spark friends are off to a good start for 2013 in terms of your health and fitness goals. If you don't have formal goals set...how about setting one today? Setting a goal really can help you to achieve that and more.

Have a fabulous February! I'll be back at month's end to report on my steps count again. Until then, keep on moving!

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

Saying Goodbye to Mom

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Hello Spark Friends!

I wasn't going to blog about this; but, some of you have asked for updates on my Mom so here goes... I thank you for your follow-ups and asking how she was doing. Sadly, Mom passed away earlier this month. The past couple months were difficult for her and she was very ready to go. Knowing that helps a lot; but, it is still tough. I miss her a lot. I'm VERY thankful for her fabulous 88 years. I can tell you she was the best, strongest, kindest woman I ever met. I wish everyone could have a Mom like ours. We were all truly blessed to have been her children.

Following are just a few of my favorite pics to give you a glimpse of this fabulous woman that was my Mom.

My very fist pic with Mom:


With her sister and others (always smiling):


With my son when he completed Navy bootcamp and on his wedding day:


Mom and me last April:

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

Plateau Busting Plan

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I'm embarking on a 4 week Plateau Busting Plan starting today with the help of the new SparkCoach Plateau Buster program. I decided to publicly blog about it here for accountability and support.

So, there you have it.

I have been stuck at the same weight for quite a while. I am not completely sure I should call it a plateau as that may imply that I have been staying on track better than I have been. I've been struggling with eating things that are not-so-good-for-me and blaming my husband for bringing it into the house.

I've given advice to many Sparkers who were try to bust their plateaus, had non-supportive family members, temptations, etc. It's time I start taking my own advice again. So, please bear with me as I get back on track, friends. I'll take all the encouragement and support you can send my way.

I think this SparkCoach program is just the extra structure that I need. Here I go.... wish me luck.

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

Sitting In Mom's Hospital Room

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Sitting In The Hospital Room...lights turned out, listening to my Mom's breathing as she sleeps. It could almost be relaxing if it hadn't been such a nerve-racking day.

My Mom had a hip pinning surgery scheduled today. Earlier this week, she had a spontaneous fracture in her hip -- meaning she did not fall or anything, it just fractured / cracked. Although the surgeon was set to go and said the procedure itself was simple enough, when her team of doctors met (after reviewing latest chest xray), they decided to cancel the surgery altogether. Permanently.

She has several other health issues that have worsened, and the combination makes the surgery entirely too risky. The doctor actually said it would have been "surgery suicide".

We won't have the final recommendations for a couple days; but, it seems they will suggest some form of physical therapy and pain management. Luckily she currently has little pain; as long as she keeps weight off her right hip that is. But, I'm afraid her days of easily using her walker are over.

At times like this, I feel lucky to come from such a large family -- I have 9 siblings. There are plenty of us to help Mom. (Although, sometimes I think the doctors and nurses may wish that they had fewer of us to deal with. )

Tonight, I am taking the first overnight shift to stay here with Mom. She doesn't really like to stay alone and we'd rather be here to watch over her too. I hope she can sleep well.

I guess that's the end of my sad blog. Just thought a little journaling would help.

Good night Sparkers.

  Member Comments About This Blog Post: