Saturday, January 1, 2011

DAY 506 Part 2, A Shiny New Year Full of Possibilities

Hi there again!


Okay, I've had my "booty seep" and my coffee, and am ready to go!


I have one thing to say to anyone who stumbles on this blog, who is just beginning... well, this IS January 1st. So, it might happen. ;-)

Never quit. 
Never. 
Always continue, no matter what. 
NO MATTER WHAT.




Do this for you, not for anyone else. And if you never quit, you will learn, grow and finally get good at what works for you.

What I write here is not from the perspective of an expert... someone with all the answers who has it all down. It's from the point of view of a student, one still learning. I write those things that I want to learn, that I want instilled in MY mind and heart. That I want to read and have influence ME. 

I have nothing to offer other travelers, except Encouragement and Hope. I cling to those with an iron grip... and that is what I try to pass on to others.

There was a time in my life when no one believed in me. I had tried and failed so many times, why SHOULD they believe in me?? I don't blame them at all. Yet still, do you know how deeply painful that feels?

But one person, my doctor, told me he believed I could do this. I had known him for about 20 years, and he, too, had seen me try and fail. But one day he looked me in the eye and said "I believe you can do this." 

That was powerful. Never underestimate the power of a kind word to another who is struggling. 

Celebrate who they ARE, not who they are not. Encourage, cultivate and uplift them. Be kind and offer words that UPlift, not drag down. You never know what might come of those seeds planted in their heart.

Finally the day came when *I* started to believe I could do this. Yes, I still had to work out the "how". To find a method that would work for me. It's been a long, hard journey so far, but I will never quit, regardless of what anyone else thinks of me. This is MY journey, MY life. And I believe in myself, finally.

Today is the first day of the month, the first day of a brand new year.
So... weigh-in: 332 lbs. 

That translates to 5 lbs lost in December. Finally going in the right direction!

Photobucket

And I did the tape measurement thing, and compared to last Jan 1st. Good news there: in 2010, I lost a total of 12.25 inches. Yay!

Sure, I wish I had made better progress in 2010... but there is no going back. There is only learning, growth, and going forward. So, on that note, on to my Checklist for 2011. 

It's nothing new and exciting. Just stuff I know to do, and want to be CONSISTENT this year with. 

That is my theme this year: CONSISTENCY.

(can click to enlarge)







My 2011 Small Stuff Checklist
Emphasis: Joyfully Embracing Consistent Focus
Focusing on all the small stuff that, together, add up to big healthy changes.
Intention: To transform scheduled routines into automatic habits that feel natural and produce joy, peace and a feeling of accomplishment.
Attitude: At this leg of my journey, I want to shift towards…
-celebrating who I AM, not who I am not
-a relaxed acceptance of what is/can’t change
-gratitude for my blessings
-confident knowledge of what is within my ability to change
-a focus on living fully and joyfully NOW, even as I travel towards my goal
-embracing the truth that it’s a “done deal”, it’s mine. I just have to get there. It is there, waiting for me, already accomplished.






















Physical:














































Calorie range 

Exercise routine 
Leg Stretching 
Walking routine
Liquid Vits
Vitamin pills
Weekly menu & food prep
Daily Routine chore list
Mental:
Flashcards
Goals List
Music
Visualization-ipod
Motivational books
Art books
Spiritual:
Bible
Gratitude, AM & PM
Emotional:
Business art 
My art projects
Household/craft projects
Computer:
  Journey blogs
  Read Art blogs
  Update my Art Blog weekly

Well, there you have it. I have no expectations of perfection... but having the checklist will move me closer to my goals than if I tried to do it hit and miss by remembering it all.

 I want to talk about the idea and benefits of a Checklist, but that can wait (too long already, sorry). 

Happy New Year, everyone!



From Dr Phil's book: "For you to succeed, you have to translate this knowledge, awareness, and insight into action."

My verse for today: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble."

My quote for today: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" --Dr Seuss

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta
=^..^=


16 comments:

colenic said...

I have recently found you and am loving your blog...I look forward to following your journey!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Loretta

I love your new theme. Consistency is the key. Just keep plugging away. That is something I have not done in many years. I'd start, I'd stop...but this is life. No starting and stopping. Just keep carrying on and if you do happen to exceed your calorie limit one day - bam, you are right back on the healthy lifestyle train again. Consistently.

Sorry you got a kick in the comments the other day. It was uncalled for and not at all true. You are amazing and I'm glad I found you in the Blog world.

Anonymous said...

Great post, Loretta. Great goals. And

WAHOO! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! A LOSS IN DECEMBER!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!


Deb

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Loretta! Great post to start a great year :)

Michele @ Healthy Cultivations said...

I'm glad to read you're moving in the right direction again. Let that gain momentum. This was a beautifully written post.

Debbie said...

Congrats on the 5 lbs in December. Way to go. Happy New Year..

Sandy said...

I'm impressed by anyone who can LOSE in December :)
I loved this post and that quote by Dr. Seuss ... VERY wise man ... explains most of my life and my attitude.
I hope I can offer even a fraction of the encouragement that I always receive when I visit you Loretta.
Keep up the good work. And yes, you CAN do this!

Jules - Big Girl Bombshell said...

Happy New Year, Loretta. LOVE the consistency theme! A checklist..honestly never thought about it quite that way....can't wait to hear more about it!

Anne H said...

Bless your dear sweet heart!
Happy New Life!

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

I celebrate with you and blow the horns not only for the New Year, but for your loss of weight and inches. Take a lesson from this that doubt (no matter how small) is a powerful adversary. Because you didn't give up, you are showing that progress you've been looking forward to.
CONGRATULATIONS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

Great job on your December losses! I am totally with you on believing. We have to believe we CAN do it. There is power in what we believe. That's why I named my blog "Believing it's possible is half the battle" because is really has been for us.

Love your goal and insights girl!!
God bless and Happy New Year!

~Margene

Anonymous said...

Way to go on that December loss, Loretta! That is awesome! Happy New Year! *HUGS*

Sugar Bush Primitives said...

Loretta,
I consider you one of the treasures I came across in 2010. I hope that 2011 brings you countless blessings!!!
HUgs,
Mary

Joy said...

Loretta, Way to go on the 5 pounds lost ~ Gone forever!!! Keep it up ~ you can totally do this thing!!!! I believe in YOU!!!

Keep focused!

Genie @ Diet of 51 said...

Happy New Year, Retta!

Great work in December, and in inches lost for the year. Those are inches you didn't need, for sure.

Consistency, indeed. You are on! Keep up the good attitude!

Hugs,

Genie

financecupcake said...

"Never give up." That is who you are. I know you'll never give up. Everyone has their stumbles, but it takes a strong person to pick herself up every time. You're may not be a speed loser, but you've made new and healthy habits a way of life. Encouragement is more helpful than destructive criticism and judgment. Nice goals for '11! How long until your next challenge begins?

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