Reflections Upon Three-Year SParkversary

Thursday, January 05, 2012

This month marks three years on SP and I have to say that I've given back as much as possible. Bought products, brought in new members, spread the word, etc. So, with that said, I feel a lot of gratitude.

As I read newbie blogs and smile at all of the familiar thoughts, feelings and expectations that are there in the beginning, there is a lot to be said.

One thing that sticks out right now, though, is that I used to think it was a cliche when more experienced members would remind me that this is a journey. I thought, sure, but I just wanna get these extra lbs off and then blow this town. (smiling)

However, it IS indeed a journey of much more than just lbs lost. Forming new, healthier behaviors is part of the adventure and one that is such an investment in the good health that I've continued to enjoy. How can I possibly expect all of the lifelong behaviors to change in a mere three years?

So, this is a journey that you can either relax and enjoy, or fight yourself every step of the way when the inevitable setbacks occur.

I vote for relax and enjoy. Sure, it takes work. But it's sooooo worth it.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/17/2012 9:24PM

Great attitude! Congratulations on your Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/6/2012 8:05AM

Wise reflections! I loved where you said: "investment in the good health" To me that is what coming to SP is all about. And let's face it we are SOOOOOOOOOOO worth it. Report Inappropriate Comment

STRIVER57 1/6/2012 7:36AM

yes. thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/6/2012 6:55AM

You nailed it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 1/6/2012 5:02AM

So very true! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISTINE99 1/5/2012 9:07PM

Great reflections! Congratulations on your three-year SParkversary :) Report Inappropriate Comment

A Few Pats On the Back for 2011

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

I wasn't going to look back, but on NY Day, I started to remember some things that I did in 2011 that I feel good about. In the midst of continued loss of loved ones, and feeling like it was another year in the grief clouds, I DID manage to get some things done.

- Gave up TV totally. Hooray for me. I feel so much better.
- Gave up sport shopping. Empty hours, buying things just for the sport of it.
- Sugar. I think I have a handle on it this time for good. I really do.
- Zero credit card balance maintained.
- Completely outfitted my home with serious emergency supplies.
- Kept up with SP and fairly good healthy behaviors.
- Learned to let go a bit better. I'll never be a pro, but letting go has always been one of my biggest challenges.
- Continued doing consultant projects in the midst of a terrible job market.
- Stayed active. Walking, plays, concerts, etc.
-Other stuff too silly and/or personal to mention. (smiling)

Wishing all a wonderful new year.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/8/2012 8:27PM

Congratulations on all your accomplishments last year. Report Inappropriate Comment

RR1_RR1 1/5/2012 8:22PM

Ok I think I want to copy these and make them my goals too- those sound right up my alley as well and I admire that you accomplished them! I gave up TV too incidentally because my TV broke and too much of a hassle to buy another- its better to read anyways and theres so much junk on TV. Ive caught up on all the classics from doing it! Hope you have a wonderful NY as well! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVINGFREE19 1/5/2012 9:16AM

That's a lot of things and very important things! Way to go, friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/5/2012 8:23AM

You are Amazing!!! What a wonderful list! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 1/4/2012 4:17PM

Way to go gal! Sounds as if you accoplished quite a bit. Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBBF 1/4/2012 2:44PM

WOW!!! Fantastic...wish I could have done 1/2 as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISTINE99 1/4/2012 2:26PM

Excellent resolutions for 2011! Can't wait to see your progress for your resolutions for 2012. Keep up the good work :) Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 1/4/2012 12:36PM

A great list! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/4/2012 10:13AM

Awesome!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPTEMBERSPIRIT 1/4/2012 10:13AM

That's an incredible list for 2011! and all the best as you strive for new goals in 2012!! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Caterpillar Thought Its World Was Ending...

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

...and then it turned into a butterfly. (Proverb)

I ran across this proverb on a book cover while in a store this morning. I have felt like that caterpillar so often during this past few years.

However, I keep working at life a day at a time. I'm a very different person as a result of all of the people I've lost, and I'm still trying to make the acquaintance of this new person.

If I stay in motion, I may turn into that butterfly one of these days/years. I'd even settle for a moth! (smiling)

Wishing all a happy day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NANCY- 1/5/2012 8:18AM

I see you as a butterfly. Thanks for the sunshine and New Year's wishes. With the windchill the sunshine is a blessing. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012. Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 1/4/2012 7:07AM

happy day to you too!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRISTINE99 1/3/2012 7:18PM

Good luck on your "butterfly transformation"! You can do it :) Report Inappropriate Comment

MARY1313 1/3/2012 3:08PM

Awww that is a great post!!! Good luck! Mary Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/3/2012 2:06PM

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MISSIFISH 1/3/2012 1:57PM

Good luck with your metamorphosis! Report Inappropriate Comment

36% Surveyed Have Already Broken their New Year Resolutions!

Monday, January 02, 2012

I had to smile as I saw this statistic from the Rose Parade TV coverage a few minutes ago. You can't just flip a switch and change behavior. When folks do that to themselves, they're setting up inevitable disappointment. That's one of many reasons that the SP site is so valuable - shaping new behaviors that will last over time.

I also laughed out loud over the surfing dogs float. Unreal! Watching this parade is in honor of my dearly-departed cousin (like a sister) who flew out four years ago to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the Rose Parade in person.

We then met for the rest of the day (I live about three hours from there) and evening at the Queen Mary. It was a wonderful day, and a wonderful lifelong friendship together.

Wishing all a fun day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IDLETYME 1/3/2012 12:01PM

Instead of Resolutions, it's better for me to have a 2012 Plan. It's not as restrictive. Resolutions your supposed to keep. A plan is just s nice thing!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 1/3/2012 10:02AM

I love how your memories of your cousin are now more sweet than sad...oh, I know how much you miss her but I can tell that now you're savoring memories and hurting a bit less. Now....as to the statistic...how true that our instant results desired society has set up a lot of failure....this is why thinking about this not as a diet but as a lifestyle with little changes that up to big rewards....well, it's all about change! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCOOTER4263 1/2/2012 6:28PM

Precisely why I do not vow. I know darned well that I'd break my vows before the sun set on the first day. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/2/2012 5:02PM

Not surprised. Report Inappropriate Comment

WYO_CASEY 1/2/2012 3:52PM

That's a crazy high statistic! Weird! Report Inappropriate Comment

MZZCHIEF 1/2/2012 3:13PM

Sounds like a super memory to remember your cousin by! I don't do resolutions, I set intentions instead... sounds kinda like the same difference only with intentions you've got more wiggle room... its not as black and white as resolutions... so the fall from the wagon isn't as great, making it easier to get back on! hahahaha : ) Mzzchief Report Inappropriate Comment

Okay, It's Here. Now What?

Sunday, January 01, 2012

I'm not concerned about the goals I met last year, or resolutions for this year.

I'm more concerned about laughter and peacefulness. Leaving myself alone instead of being so centered on self and weight loss and all that goes along with this constant monitoring of food intake, exercise, etc.

In fact, I'm just happy for being. Just being. Nothing lofty or fancy.

That's enough for now. Peace, quiet, and somewhere down the road, who knows?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMBERZADE 1/1/2012 8:05PM

I can understand this!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCOOTER4263 1/1/2012 6:37PM

Excellent choices, my friend. I've found that the constant nattering away at myself to limit this and lift that haven't done a darned bit of good - all I've managed to do is to generate more stress and self-doubt. Wishing you peace and happiness in the New Year. Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 1/1/2012 2:25PM

Sounds great to me :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 1/1/2012 9:21AM

Being happy for just being is amazing. Here's to 2012. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPTEMBERSPIRIT 1/1/2012 6:32AM

I just read an article and it said if you make a commitment to self-love - then that's all it takes. When we take care of ourselves - everything else just falls into place. I wish you all the best for the year ahead! Report Inappropriate Comment