It's 2012-- A New Beginning!!

When I look back at 2011, I see some progress made, and it delights me. I was able to lose 55 pounds and to regain even more of my mobility. I was even able to conquer some of the fear I had when being out alone (I feel less like an "easy target" for anyone wanting to steal my purse, etc.) When one walks at the speed of an ant, they worry the "bad guys" are seeing them as an easy target.

Having a major spine problem and losing my ability to walk was no picnic. Yet, for some reason, eating loads of food, like I was at a picnic, was the norm. Food eased the fear that developed in me and it eased the saddness I felt not being able to do things like others could. Yet, in 2011, with weight loss and exercise I managed to stop feeling soooo frightened and feel like I was gaining back some control.

I used to find walking through Wal-Mart too painful, due to the store's size. And going to the mall? --- no way!!!! I could never walk that far. The handicap plate on my car helps me with the large parking lot, but no way does it help me cover huge in-door distances.

Yet, in late 2011, as my body continued to heal and I continually swam at my local health club, and my weight dropped, I received a tremendous reward!!! I can now walk through the entire Wal-Mart store without my cane, having to lean on my shopping carriage, or without having sooo much fear. It sounds kooks, I know, but walking like normal people do daily (and people do go to Wal-Mart) is a huge goal.

So for 2012, here are my goals:

--put my health first ALWAYS
--put a huge smile on my face and keep a happy attitutude
--continually work at taking off the extra weight I am carrying
--stop binge eating. That is a horrible way to treat my body
--swim at the health club at least 5 times a week
--stop feeling envious that others make walking look easy
--continue physical therapy for leg strengthening, using "dreaded" weights at the health club
--log in to Spark daily: track food & exercise, and encourage other Sparkies
--And lastly, be able to walk the entire mall, like normal people can!!