2009 Has Arrived!

Thursday, January 01, 2009

A brand new year has arrived, along with all the possibilities that we mentally and emotionally attribute to it. A new year does not really bring with it any magical qualities that allow us to change, but somehow we seem to believe that we can begin again when an "official" beginning rolls around. We like to start our changes on Mondays or the first day of a month, the day after our birthday or at the beginning of a new year.

To me, this new year marks little more than the end of a holiday season where I let down my guard and indulged a little more than usual. I am grateful that it has arrived and my weight has remained steady.

I don't expect anything "magical" this year. My real change came about unexpectedly one Friday morning in April, 2008. I was drinking my morning coffee in front of my computer when I saw an ad for SparkPeople. I clicked, I read, I joined and my change began. SP has helped to teach me that life change doesn't come by magic. It comes by desire, action and commitment. Thanks, SP, and Happy New Year!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HARRINGTON5 1/1/2009 10:24PM

You really have a way with words! I feel the same way. 2008 had some highs and lows but I found myself and started paying attention to getting healthy. You have accomplished so much and you truly have been a motivator to me. I am always inspired by strong women and you certainly fit in that category. I hope 2009 brings you everything you are looking for in life. Cynthia Report Inappropriate Comment

AZDRAGONLADY 1/1/2009 1:59PM

I couldn't have said it better myself! You have me down to a "T" with the 'starting changes on a Monday, or the first day of a month' etc! Report Inappropriate Comment

NICKEYH 1/1/2009 12:56PM

Well put Jen! Happy New Year! I am back and appreciate your patients with my absence! I will be checking in everyday again and am ready to focus! No magic...just motivation! Love ya! Report Inappropriate Comment

One Small Step

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Another year comes to an end. This one is different for me. I look back without regret. I took a step this year that began a small change in my life. That step led to a second and the second allowed a third and so on. Each step was small and would have gone unnoticed by anyone outside myself, but together the steps became a path and the path has become a journey. I have now gone far enough in that journey that I can look back and say, "Wow! Look how far I have come!" It never would have happened if I hadn't taken that first step and continued onward. I think of how many times, in other years, I took a step or two or three, but became discouraged because no one noticed or the path seemed to difficult or the journey too long. One small, steady step after another and my whole life has changed.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUEFROMAZ 12/31/2008 3:36PM

Isn't it amazing how the small steps really add up! Good for you! I wish you even more success and happiness in 2009. Report Inappropriate Comment

A New Year is Coming

Monday, December 29, 2008

As years go, 2008 was a good one for me. I committed to change my life by joining SP on 4-25-08. It was a commitment that lasted throughout the remainder of the year. As I enter 2009, I am 60 pounds lighter in weight and far stronger in self-concept. I have learned a lot about myself. One important thing I am learning is how to listen to my body. Sometimes I still ignore what it tells me, but over all I do hear its message. That is something entirely new for me. I don't remember ever tuning in to that before. So far, I am aware that it tells me when it needs to move and what foods make it feel tired and sluggish. I am eager to know what lessons it has for me in the new year ahead. I trust that my body and I are well on the way to forging a new relationship that will last the rest of my life on this earth. How exciting!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HARRINGTON5 12/30/2008 12:29AM

What a wonderful lesson to learn! I think it is amazing that your body really knows what it needs if you can learn to listen. You are well on your way to success and happiness. I know you have new energy and have learned that you can do anything you put your mind to. You are a wonderful team leader. I hope 2009 brings you all that you hope for. Cynthia Report Inappropriate Comment

My Goals for 2009...

Friday, December 26, 2008

In 2009 I will:

Eat food that is good for my body.

Become more attuned to how I feel when I eat various foods.

Become stronger and more physically fit.

Practice some form of relaxation on a regular basis.

Lose at least 30 more pounds.

Stay connected with SP, and particularly with "The Weight is Over!" team.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VRCATON 12/26/2008 8:14PM

I'm with you on that! Woohooo! Report Inappropriate Comment

HARRINGTON5 12/26/2008 11:14AM

Those sound like great goals! I especially like the part about staying connected to "The Weight Is Over" team. I want to follow in your footsteps. Cynthia Report Inappropriate Comment

INSPIREDTOBEFIT 12/26/2008 9:33AM

Great goals!! I wish you the best of luck! You can do this! Allyson Report Inappropriate Comment

60 Pounds Down!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I have now lost 60 pounds with SP. That gives me a total loss of 91 pounds since I was at my highest weight. I have a new body, a new attitude and a new zest for life. I have more energy, more patience and more attunement to my own body. I have new habits, new preferences and lots of new SP friends. It is truly amazing what can happen in 7 1/2 months with some commitment, a great support network (SparkPeople!) and a belief in oneself.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VRCATON 12/13/2008 12:39AM

Jen!! Awesome results .. and you should be so proud of yourself! That is a great accomplishment! Now you need to work on that other issue .. and get yourself happy!! love ya! Report Inappropriate Comment

HARRINGTON5 12/11/2008 4:19PM

WOW, WOW, WOW! What a transformation. You are super and have done such a fantastic job! It sounds like you needed all that new found energy to get through the last few months! Way to go Jen! Report Inappropriate Comment

ETAGGEL 12/11/2008 10:19AM

Congratulations on you weight Loss!! Well done Phyllis Report Inappropriate Comment