FEB 28th Choosing Enthusiasm!

Hi Journal & Friends,

I was busy yesterday, so missed sharing my Favorite Photo. Today's a new day! 

I don't have much to say, but this photo Jim took feels like my mood. It's full of good cheer, energy and exhuberance... maybe that's why I enjoy it so much. :-)

(can click to enlarge)

My book quote for today: "We hear the word Warrior used to describe women and men who show up, give their very best, and refuse to quit until the goal is reached." --Richard Machowicz, Unleash The Warrior Within

My verse for today: "You are my portion, O Lord."

My quote for today: "You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the spark in your eye, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters, they have fortitude, they have strong qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without is there are only alibis." --Henry Ford

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 924

FEB 22nd Just Mulling Stuff Over

Hello Journal & Friends,

So here I am, sitting at my computer reading a book on my Kindle program. It's a controversial (to me) book, about the brain, bingeing, different recovery methods and why they do NOT work, and how the author DID recover. 

Because I'm not finished, and it seems there are a few gaps in logic (ie, correlation does not equal causation, so sometimes I disagree with her conclusions), I'm not ready to name said book. Sorry if that sound mysterious. :-)  I promise to talk more freely when I finish the book, with an honest and full review.

Anyway, I'm reading along rather slowly, mulling it over as I go, and then wham! I get hit with a thought that I did NOT realize was in me... which was:

But if I DO what she's talking about, I'll in effect be shutting down my weight loss focused blog! 

And I will miss everyone! 

I will miss the people I've come to care about. 

I will miss the fascinating posts full of insightful and sometimes entertaining thoughts. 

I will miss the inspiring and kick-butt posts that seem to come right when I need them.

I will miss feeling a PART of a community of like-minded people, who are on a quest to improve their lives, reclaim their health and LIVE every day to it's fullest.

If I Do what she's talking about... it feels like I lose all this.

Because her main point is this: 

What we focus on grows

To constantly talk about food struggles, weight issues, slip ups and the perceived power of the urge to overeat only serves to STRENGTHEN it's stranglehold over me. 

To give "it" more focus is to further entrench that way of thinking more deeply into my neural pathways.

To shine the light on "it" over and over and over just carves that rut in my brain deeper and deeper.

So now, I have a new train of thought to ponder... do I continue business as usual? Or do I think of a way to shift my emphasis to a healthier direction? And how do I do that? 

Well, all this is what's been on my mind today. I haven't come to any conclusions yet. One thing I do know... it's a process. 

Maybe this is simply the next logical step along the way. Maybe we start out this journey naturally focused on identifying and understanding our issues, and as time goes on we turn a corner in the process. 

We move away from the "problem" and go TOWARDS the solution. We end up looking ahead, having gotten all we need from looking back. We focus on our new life, instead of our "old" life.

Just thinking out loud here. 

Bottomline, I feel ready to "let go" of the old way. The old habits and ingrained way of thinking. For once, FINALLY, there is no sense of panic that rises up within at that thought. No push to run to the kitchen and "soothe" over that uncomfortable feeling of being threatened. No fear of change. 

Maybe that means I am ready? Ready to embrace the change, instead of clawing and scratching my way to force a change.

I hope so. :-)

My book quote for today: "Here is a fact: someday you will die. What will you do with this incredible gift that is your life? Do you want to get to the end of the road and wish you had strived more, accomplished more, and loved more? To do these things you will have to take chances, demonstrate courage, and commit in a way that allows you to be flexible but never allows you to quit on yourself." --Richard Machowicz, Unleash the Warrior Within

My verse for today: "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."

My quote for today: "The researches of so many eminent scientific men have thrown so much darkness upon the subject that if they continue their researches we shall soon know nothing."  --Artemus Ward, American writer and humorist, 1834 - 1867

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 919

FEB 18th Bacon, Gettin' Fat & The Truth

Howdy Journal & Friends,

Have you seen this chart going around the interwebs?? "Fats Don't Make Us Fat, Carbs Do." (link)

It's so clear and to the point... loved it! If you are still looking for a good nutritional plan, or are struggling on the one you currently use, do yourself a favor and check it out.

I first read about the chart in a newsletter from Dr Mercola. His topic was "Pasta, Not Bacon, Makes You Fat. But How?" (link here). 

I buy natural bacon made without all the gunk, like nitrates and nitrites. Yep, it's more expensive. But I no longer sit and eat a whole package at a sitting, either, like in the "bad old days." 

Yay bacon!

My book quote for today: "I've observed that all lasting change is preceded by changed thinking. Any other type of change will be only temporary. The place to begin, then, is with your thought life, with a revival of your mind." --Tommy Newberry, The 4:8 Principle

My verse for today: "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

My quote for today: "Change your thoughts and you change your world." --Norman Vincent Peale

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 915

FEB 16th Self-Concept & A Nice Discovery

Hello Journal & Friends,

A couple of days ago I was listening to a talk on my ipod by Brian Tracy,  a motivational speaker. He was on the subject of our self-concept and said we won't rise in life ABOVE how we see ourselves.

I paused my ipod to think about it, and decided--almost to my surprise--that I LIKE WHO I AM BECOMING. And I meant it. That was a nice surprise.

I resumed my ipod, and guess what he said next?!! 

He started talking about an area of research I had not heard of before, called "The Psychology of Becoming." He said everyone is always continually changing and growing as human beings, and becoming more and better and different. 

That we are always changing in the direction of our ideal "self", and in the direction of our dominant thoughts and dominant goals.  He goes on to talk in detail about things that hold us back from growing and changing in a healthy direction, and of course, how TO grow and improve and change in a good direction.

All that to say... I LIKED what I found myself thinking ABOUT myself! 

See, I can think back to much of my life where I was sooo disgusted with myself because all I could think about was my failure to be "strong" and lose weight. As kids, we grew up in a "just pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" environment, and I spent most of my life feeling ashamed of myself... wondering what was wrong with me... why can't I DO this?? This obvious and visible failure to "control myself" bled over into every area of my life. I used to think of it as a fungus, a mold, that spread silently into every crevice of my life. 

So, to realize last night that I genuinely LIKE who I am becoming... well, that makes me smile. And feel very grateful, calm, peaceful, and hopeful. And yes, strong inside. I think God meets us where we're at, and doesn't shove us aside just because we have flaws. I feel grateful that He always seems to bring something my way just at the right time when I need it. 

And this little coincidence... of me saying out loud to myself: "I like who I am becoming", and then the very next topic was all about The Psychology of Becoming... well, it was just too cool!!

My book quote for today: "All lasting growth begins with changes to the mental images you hold inside your head. They ultimately spread to the outside and create permanent changes in your circumstances. This is part of God's perfect design." --Tommy Newberry, The 4:8 Principle

My verse for today: "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place." 

My quote for today: "Sometime in your life you will go on a journey. It will be the longest journey you have ever taken. It is the journey to find yourself." --Katherine Sharp

Feeling happy today and enjoying the journey,

Loretta

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DAY 913

FEB 14th Happy VD & Other Stuff

Hi Journal & Friends,

Okay, don't holler at me for the title... I know what VD stands for in medical circles! But I saw Anne use that at Carb Tripper and it cracked me up, so I shamelessly stole it! LOL! Come to think of it, she often cracks me up. :-D 

On to the Other Stuff...

I recently stumbled upon a website created by Todd Henry called the Accidental Creative, and found it fascinating. Don't have a clue how I got there, but am glad I did. 

They have free podcasts and one was an interview he did with author Michael Bungay Stanier, who wrote Do More Great Work (Here). 

Now, here's what caught my curiosity. Before I listened to the interview, I had clicked to his website to see if I was interested. There, the description of the book was TOTALLY BORING!! Ugh... yet the podcast had promised oh-so-great things.

Daredevil that I am (yeah, right) I listened anyway. Surprise! I found the interview extremely fascinating. The author was... different. And interesting, in an odd sort of way. I liked him! (Here is the podcast interview) 

He got on to the topic of "failure", and how we perceive it. And he went on to say he regularly meditates, and that "I regularly fail to meditate with any capacity whatsoever..." He explained that he found it difficult to focus, and yet he didn't see this as a negative. He just accepted that he was learning, refocused his breathing and went on. 

I loved his relaxed attitude. He was not threatened by a "perceived" failure. He talked about having the willingness to come back to whatever it is we are trying to learn, and to just go on. To be willing to be resilient. 

This goes along with what I've been thinking lately... about not being afraid of failure. To not hold back, but to leap out there, to dare, to live and be bold.

To try things, and see what does and does not work. To experiment and play and explore.

Just last night I watched a short youtube video interview with Maurice Sendak, the author/illustrator of Where The Wild Things Are. I didn't know he was so... crusty! And opinionated, thoughtful, outspoken, feisty, and bold. 

And he said something that most creative people can identify with... in fact, anyone who is standing on a cliff edge, wondering if they dare take that leap of faith and try something new. It doesn't matter if it's in a creative area, or a new plan to health and fitness... I think the principle holds true:

"Artists have to take a dive, and either you hit your head on a rock and you split your skull and you die... OR... that blow to the head is so inspiring that you come up and do the best work that you ever did. BUT... you have to take the dive, and you do not know what the results will be."

There's that message again... boldness. Living fearlessy and boldly. Take the dive, take the risk.

Right now I'm involved with some art projects I've never done before, and sometimes when I "think" too much, I start to say "but I'm in over my head". So... I don't think about that. :-D 

Instead I'm gonna remember what Maurice Sendak said, and take that leap of faith!

From Dr Phil's book: "Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and require more of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally."

My verse for today: "Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might."

My quote for today: "Let the wild rumpus start!" --Maurice Sendak, Where The Wild Things Are

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 911

FEB 7th Then & Now & Happy Tears

Good evening,  Journal & Friends,

Yesterday afternoon a realization struck me... energy. 

I had energy. 

What's the big deal, you wonder??

Because for YEARS that has been the one thing I did NOT have.

I can remember how many times at the doctors office, when asked to recite my litany of complaints "for the record", I always, ALWAYS mentioned lack of energy. 

I distinctly remember the time it came up last year... just one year ago. I told my doctor that I was doing good to get one or two good days per month, where I felt actual energy. It was almost always an uphill battle. I had to force myself to get up, to do stuff, to move. I'm not even talking about pain levels here... just actual energy.

Well, yesterday I realized that I can now say I have, on average, 3 or 4 days PER WEEK.

For those of you who exude energy, be thankful. Don't take it for granted, okay?? I feel so grateful to be improving, and feeling real energy, it almost reduces me to tears. Happy tears.

Today, happy tears. :-)

Below are my favorite pages from a little hand painted book I made a few years ago in ink and watercolor, illustrating the book of Proverbs. I always wanted to be that woman, who had energy to do all those things, to care for her family with love and creativity. Energy... I'm finally enjoying some.

 (can click to enlarge)

From Dr Phil's book: "Have a plan and the courage, commitment and energy to execute it... you will overcome the tough stuff."

My verse for today: "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

My quote for today: "Think and wonder, wonder and think." --Dr Seuss

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 904

FEB 6th A Long & Opinionated Book Review!

A Marvelous Monday to you,  Journal & Friends!

Today I'm laying it out there. 

I highly value honesty. In fact, I think one of the worst ways to insult someone is to lie to them... it's the ultimate in disrespect in my book.

Over the years, in my zeal to be "honest", I've often lacked the tact needed to say it in a way that didn't rub people the wrong way. Or at least, as little as possible.

So... here I go, determined to give an honest book review for someone I adore! Someone I admire and respect and to whom I am grateful for all the encouragement he gave me, especially when I was just starting out with my blog.

Okay, enough stalling.

The book is 

Transformation Road, 

by  

Sean Anderson

 (his book website is Here). 

For those of you new to blogging, Sean is the writer of the Daily Diary of a Winning Loser. 

It's the daily record of his journey from 505 pounds to his goal weight of 230 pounds! I highly recommend starting at Day 1 and reading some each day. I promise you will be inspired and learn not only about Sean, but about yourself as you read some of his epiphanies along the way. I know I did.

So... why buy the book when 

you can just read a free blog??

Because the book is different. It just is. It's impact on me was strong and deep. I cried, I laughed, and I was deeply touched.

It would be the difference between nibbling daily on bits of good food versus sitting down and feasting on a fabulous banquet!! 

There have been many terrific and articulate reviews of Seans book, summarizing what's in it. So I'm not doing that. :-)

Here's what *I* prize most about Sean's book and why I urge you to get it: His take on the MENTAL DYNAMICS of this journey.

Sean says the same thing I've been saying for almost 3 years:

It's not about the food! 

But boy howdy, he explains it so much better!

He give you ideas, concepts and mental tools that are useable. Not a bunch of psycho-babble or "nice ideas". But hard core, workable strategies that - if you choose to use them - will equip you with weapons you can use to win that battle between your ears!

Okay... so what's the deal in the beginning of this review about "being honest"?? Because I... ahem... disagree with one little part in the book: The old maxim that says "all things in moderation".

It works for some but not for everyone.

Those for which it works are usually convinced it is THE WAY. 

I know it is ONE way.

Some of us can't eat a "moderate" amount of certain substances (in my case sugar and wheat) without going berserk with ridiculously intense cravings. It's not just psychological or habitual, it's physiological.

So yeah... that's my caveat. I can't endorse that one philosophy in the book, of " just eat less and move more, and eat all things in moderation". Current science has shown that there is more to the equation than "calories in/calories out". Knowledge has progressed beyond that. For some of us, other factors are very real: age, metabolism, genetics, insulin/leptin resistance, the addictive additives in modern wheat, and others.

I'm not upset at all, just giving my perspective. This is Sean's story, and so he is sharing what HE did and what worked for HIM. And I'm sure there are many for which it will work! I am just not one of them, that's all.

But here's the deal:

NONE OF THAT IS AN EXCUSE.

None of that has to stop us from our OWN transformation.

None of that is more important than getting our heads on straight!!

And Seans book will help you do just that! Really. He shares his hard won insights and epiphanies learned along the road to his own transformation.

So see? I can honestly and wholeheartedly recommend Seans book to ANYONE, regardless of the nutritional approach you are using.

Thank you Sean, for being such an inspiration. I am honestly sooo happy for you.

Sean's book (in print copy or ebook):

On Amazon 

On his website 

On his facebook 

On his blog   

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

=^..^=

DAY 903