Trust the process

Thursday, August 09, 2012

I finished my undergrad work through a magnificent program at the Vermont College Program of Union Institute and University. The program was structured in such a way as I chose what I would study and how I would go about it. I chose an adviser and worked with that person throughout a six month study. I spent one week twice a year on the Montpelier, VT campus presenting my completed study and planning for the next. I never knew what my next study would be when I went into each residency. I learned that I had to "trust the process". The process included many exploratory meetings with small groups of students and different advisers. During that process, students discussed their ideas, made suggestions to one another, and received feedback from the adviser. The process always worked. I always came out of the residency knowing exactly what I wanted to study and which adviser would be the best choice for that study.

I am now feeling the same way about developing a healthy lifestyle. I have to "trust the process." Through this process, I have tried many avenues: fad diets, points, frozen meals and now SparkPeople. This is the first time that I truly believe that I can be successful! SparkPeople seems to fit my need to have the "process." I'm in control of how I approach this "study." Control is very important to me (more on that another time). But I am also making connections with other members which is also important. I have that "study group" who can give feedback, suggestions, encouragement, and ideas. I think that the articles and message boards will probably serve as the adviser, but I'm not sure about that yet! The most important piece is that I am trusting the process and it is working!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEDICATED2HIM 9/7/2012 8:14AM

I love it when our own lives provide us with analogies and "life lessons." Thanks for sharing this insight with us! Report Inappropriate Comment

KRYS210 8/9/2012 1:26PM

Very thoughtful and well written. Spark can only do for you what you are willing to do for yourself. Feel free to think of me as an advisor if you should ever have a need. I am here to help you achieve your goal. Krys (SP Class leader) Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVEDAILY 8/9/2012 11:01AM

on finishing your undergrad work! You found a program that worked for you, just like Spark People ! Report Inappropriate Comment

The weekend was not as bad as I thought it would be

Monday, August 06, 2012

Just knowing that I have so many people behind me made the weekend so much easier! I decided to get out of the house as much as possible. I made sure that my husband was taken care of and then my daughters and I headed to the lake. We spent a lovely day swimming (exercise) and picnicking (I followed my meal plan). We then spent the evening at the rollerskating rink (a hour straight of hard skating, more exercise)! Sunday brought church in the morning (my youngest daughter sang a solo - I was quite proud of her). In the evening, there was a concert at our church by a fun group called Re-Creation. There was pot-luck and I made very wise choices. The weekend was far better than I thought it would be! Thanks for all the encouragement and support! It really helps!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEDICATED2HIM 9/7/2012 8:21AM

Sounds like you had a wonderful time that weekend. You did a great job planning activities that integrated exercise and fun and good food! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIAJOEB 8/7/2012 3:21PM

What a great weekend! Family, activity, companionship, sharing of food, and Spiriuality Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVEDAILY 8/7/2012 10:13AM

Your weekend sounded wonderful!! You planned for it That makes a huge difference!! Report Inappropriate Comment

I hate weekends!

Friday, August 03, 2012

It is so easy for me to stick to my routines and practices during the week. I wake up a bit early to get some exercise and meditation time in, clean my husband and take care of his toileting needs, move him from his bed to his recliner, give him breakfast and his teeth, get breakfast for myself, and head for work where keeping on track is simple! Everything will change a bit when school starts in a few weeks and I have to get the girls out the door and to the bus as well, but I don't think it will be terribly different.

The weekends, on the other hand are tough! I don't head out the door to go to work. I stay in that stressful home environment with my husband and everything has the potential for falling apart. It is during the weekends that guilt and shame and anger take over. I'm working on finding ways to beat it! Stay tuned!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MYSTERY-LADY1 8/3/2012 5:53PM

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MIAJOEB 8/3/2012 5:23PM

You have challenges that I cannot comprehend.. We will all be here to support your new choices and decisions... Keep on blogging.. Report Inappropriate Comment

The attitude circle

Thursday, July 26, 2012

I have discovered that my weight affects my attitude and my attitude affects my weight. My life affects my attitude and my attitude affects my life. People around me affect my attitude and my attitude affects the people around me. It goes round and round and round. I'm working really hard to take control of my attitude no matter what is going on around me. I am finding that a smile goes a long way when I have to clean my husband after a bowel movement or when the girls are being sulky teenagers or when people at work are having mini tantrums. I just smile and tell myself, "I have no control over what others do, I can only change the way I respond." It's working! I find that it is easier for me to reach all of my goals that I am setting for myself when I take responsibility for my attitude. Keep good thoughts for me that I can continue this trend!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FITMARY 8/6/2012 9:18AM

Truer words were never spoken! I hope you can keep this in mind during the most stressful moments. Please hang in there and do try to find a few minutes for yourself in your busy, busy day! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIAJOEB 8/3/2012 5:25PM

Girl you are my hero. I will be following up with you and hope you will feel inclined to continue to share your struggles.. Report Inappropriate Comment

The Beginning

Monday, July 23, 2012

This is the beginning of actually sharing my journey. I keep a daily journal for myself, but I haven't actually shared with anyone else. So, this is a beginning for me. I spend a great deal of time caring for others and have forgotten to take care of myself. Actually, I wouldn't so much say that I forgot as I would say that I didn't care. My husband is completely disabled and needs a great deal of care. I have two teenaged daughters who are great, but still take energy. I work full time as a child care administrator so I take care of many people there! All of this adds up to the fact that I neglected myself! When my husband became disabled, it cut our income nearly in half and more than doubled our expenses. Through all of the stress, I chose to eat and eat and eat until one day I stepped on the scales and saw the number 200. I had never weighed that much even when pregnant. So, I cried and told myself that I was going to do something for me this time. I was so excited when I found SparkPeople! Right now, it is exactly what I need. I just have to keep my focus even as the weeks wear on. I can do it this time. I have 50 pounds to lose. I can do it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MIAJOEB 8/3/2012 5:29PM

I just read your blogs for the first time today.. I do not know if you have time to read all this but, know we will be listening and praying for you and your family. Report Inappropriate Comment

KRYS210 7/24/2012 8:09AM

So glad you decided to take some time for yourself. In the long run, you will be able to help others much more when you are recharged yourself. Please use the Nutrition and Fitness trackers to help you guide your progress. If I can help in any way, know I'm here. (Yes, I'm a caregiver too! LOL) Report Inappropriate Comment

FITMARY 7/24/2012 6:08AM

It sounds like you have your hands full! But you can definitely make progress, baby step by baby step, and IT WILL HELP! I made a pledge to do "just 10 minutes" of exercise a day and it really, really helped me! It also helped me a lot at first to try to eat just two fruits or vegetables a day. Maybe you already do much more than that, but I wasn't. I think that's the best advice I ever got from Spark People actually: start slow. That way you can build your momentum slowly and it will sustain you. Hang in there! Report Inappropriate Comment