JAN 4th Parable of Progress: The Princess & the Sharpie

There was once a Princess who liked to draw and paint. 

As such, she tended to doodle on whatever didn't move. This Princess had a room in her castle: a tiny bathroom, with plain white walls. And she waited and waited for her Prince to paint said walls. 

He was too busy out slaying dragons to do the painting, so one day the Princess decided "That's it!" She took up her Royal Sharpie, and started drawing a Doodle Universe right onto the walls! 

Oh, she had a plan. First, the doodle in black Sharpie. Next, some subtle shading. Then, some sponged on soft color in the background. And finally, a few spots of bold accent color here and there.

The Princess started her daring project in the summertime, in August. But by winter, with Christmas already come and gone, she was only just finishing up the last wall... of the doodled sharpie drawing!! She hadn't even started the shading or color yet. Even taking into account that she couldn't stand very long each time she worked on the drawing, it had still taken so much longer and had been so much harder than she thought it would be. 

At times she got discouraged and wondered why she had even started (whose briliant idea WAS this?!). She even toyed with the idea of compromise... just letting it stay in black and white, and forgetting all the work it would take to add the color.

And naturally, she thought about her journey to health. How it, too, had taken so much longer than she had hoped, and been so much harder than she could have imagined. And how she had gotten discouraged, and toyed with ideas of compromise.

But as she finished up the last doodle element on the last wall... she knew she would finish it, and add the color. The right way. All the way. No matter how long it took, no matter how hard it was.

And she also knew the same would be true for her journey to the best possible health. She would continue, all the way, no matter how long it took, no matter how hard it was.

For photos of all the walls, the process, and the symbolism behind the designs, I invite anyone interested to visit my art blog (Art By Retta)  where I go into that kind of detail. :-)

Enjoy the Journey (no matter how long it takes and no matter how hard it is at times),

Loretta

Day 2031

MAR 6th Sabotage, Strength & Surveys

Hi Journal & Friends,

If you've been blogging for any time at all, then you're probably just like me: you get emails asking you to endorse, promote, join, or otherwise become involved in all kinds of stuff. 99.9% of the time, I can't hit the DELETE button fast enough.

But today I received one that I feel passionate about! Surprise, surprise. So I'm going to promote it, and ask YOU to care, too. :-)

What's it about? 

Sabotage 

Specifically, sabotage of our weight loss efforts by our significant others.

Why do I feel so strongly about it? Because when I finally discovered the nutritional path that was healthy and doable for ME, my hubby (bless his pea-pickin heart) dug in his heels and--without meaning to--tried to sabotage me. For my health, I needed to stop eating sugar and flour. Period. That was March of 2009.

I was committed, determined and wholehearted in my decision to DO this.

He was equally committed, determined and wholehearted in his refusal to join me!!

So much so, that he'd bring home huge trays of giant muffins. Or a large flat of a favorite dessert of mine, baklava. 

Or several gallons of premium Dreyers ice cream. 

You get the idea.

At first I was such a martyr!! 

Then I was mad. 

Then I was full of self pity. 

Then... as I was bellyaching to God one day, I realized I had a choice. I could just keep on suffering and go down in flames, OR,  I could see this as an OPPORTUNITY TO GET STRONGER.

I chose the opportunity to get stronger. Every time he gave me resistance, it was akin to lifting weights. At the gym, resistance training builds muscles. And THIS resistance was strengthening my commitment muscle. Nothing, no one, was going to take this from me! 

Yes, I stumble now and then as far as the quantity that I eat. I've never hidden that fact. I'm working to get consistent with that. But the commitment to not eat sugar and flour has STUCK from day one, in spite of attempts at sabotage. 

That's the message I feel so strongly about: YOU CAN DO THIS regardless of your home situation. 

Regardless of who is criticizing you, or giving you resistance. Regardless of lack of support in your "real life". I didn't have it either. But I had all you great bloggy friends, and that helped tremendously! Heck, I even have my very own troll, who helps me to examine what I really believe, thus making me stronger! :-D

So what's this email thing I was talking about??

There is a lady named Amanda Harp, a PhD candidate at Clark University, who is asking for volunteers to participate in her survey on sabotage from significant others. She is close to collecting enough data, and just needs a few more volunteers to finish her research. 

I'm going to do it, and thought some of you might want to, also. 

If you can answer yes to these 4 questions, then you qualify to participate:

1)  Are you at least 18 years of age?
2)  Have you been participating in a weight loss program for the last 5 consecutive weeks?
3)  Have you been in a committed, cohabitating relationship for the last two years?
4)  Do you ever feel like your partner/spouse gets in the way of your weight loss?  

Here's the pertinent info and links:

--The Study info 

--It is an anonymous survey, and cannot be traced back to you

--After you finish the survey, she will donate $1 to a charity you choose from the following:

Playworks 

The Carter Center 

Susan G Komen for the Cure  

MAP International (the one I'm choosing) 

--She is also offering participants to opt in for a drawing for one of 10 gift cards, or you may choose to also donate that amount to your charity. I think that's a nice thing. :-)

I wish Amanda well in her studies!

Again, here is the main link to participate. 

PS: Just so you know, my sweetie is now very supportive and even tries to enjoy some of the yummy "alternative" things I cook.

My book quote for today: "I extend to you in invitation to meet your true self... and explore the adventure that is your life. There are challenges... but for the warrior, they are opportunities to see how far you can go and what you are absolutely capable of being." --Richard Machowicz, Unleash The Warrior Within

My verse for today: "My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare."

My quote for today: "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do." --Bill Phillips

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 932

JAN 30th Weight Loss & The Dentist

Hello Journal & Friends,

 

A weight loss journey is like going to the dentist...

...because sometimes it hurts. You don't wanna do it, but you NEED to do it.

...because sometimes it takes longer than you thought it should. But you hang in there, knowing it will soon be over.

...because it doesn't come cheap. But it's a price you pay, cuz the alternative is worse.

...because when the numbness goes, the pain comes. You remind yourself it's temporary, and you deal with it.

...because sometimes it's necessary to dig deep... to drill into your very core, your bone, in order to have a better outcome later. 

...because sometimes you could kick yourself, knowing if you have taken care of issues sooner, you would be in better shape now.

...because no one can do it for you, or take your place. You have to face it, choose to deal with it, and go through the process. 

...because you can't blame the dentist - or anyone else - for your problems. 

...because after the numbness wears off and all you want to do is escape the pain, you can't. You take the pills, but sometimes nothing works. You learn to deal with it... it's a part of life everyone faces at times. 

...because you catch yourself pouting "it's not fair"... why did I get stuck with these genetics? Why didn't someone teach me better, earlier? Boo hoo... life isn't fair. Get over it.

...because you know if you relax and roll with it, eventually you will be glad you did it. Right now, anyone within reach would get shredded... but eventually... some day... in time... you will smile and be happy it's over and done with. But for now... leave. me. alone. 

Yep... you guessed right. I went to The Dentist today. Drilled into the bone on both lower jaws; inserted implants; sewed me back up to go home and heal for 3 months so I can come back to finish. "Might be a little sore..." Uh huh, ya think!?

Stick a sock in it!!

From Dr Phil's book: "Start behaving in ways that make you feel really good about yourself."

My verse for today: "Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer."

My quote for today: "If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them." --Phil Pastoret

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 896

DEC 19th Snip Snip Ouch Ouch!

Good afternoon Journal & Friends,

Lessons from a Puppy #11

If It's Hard Now, 

Keep Going...

Cuz It'll Get Better

Joey went in for surgery yesterday. She will forever be a Miss now, never a mommy. It was hard on her, since she is almost always with either me or her Hero, Jim. That was the hardest part, seeing her fear of being left with strangers. Poor baby.

Here she was, in the car right after picking her up to bring her home. I drove so Joey could cuddle with her Hero. She was a little groggy and subdued, but perked up the instant she saw Jim.

She spent the rest of the day being pampered, watching tv with Jim, and dozing in his lap.

Today she is a little better. She doesn't bark out loud yet, just "whispers". And is sleeping most of the day, or just sitting and watching. But she is improving, and totally will be back to a bundle of enthusiastic energy by the time her first birthday gets here on Dec 28th. :-)

This too shall pass... 

And that's my lesson to remember the next time things get hard. And I know sooner or later they will, it's just the nature of the beast... that's life. But it's not permanent... it always gets better.

For now, I'm enjoying the holidays! :-D

From Dr Phil's book: "You talk to yourself more than everybody else in your life combined."

My verse for today: "See, I will not forget you... I have carved you on the palm of my hand."

My quote for today: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." --Neale Walsh

Enjoy the Journey, 

Loretta

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DAY 855

OCT 5th No Trash!!!

Good evening Journal & Friends,

No trash! Bad dog! NO TRASH!!

She freezes, drops the trash, backs away, hangs her head in shame... then after I've cleaned up the mess, she slowly comes to me, looking at me earnestly with her expressive brown eyes. And yes, once again, I am a puddle, melted by Joey's trust.

(Joey is a mini-schnauzer)

She trusts that I will forgive her, that I will not hit her or hurt her. She trusts that I love her, and that after I have given her a command (like Sit) that I know she can be successful at, I will enfold her once again in cuddles and praise.

She is only 10 months old, yet she KNOWS, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is loved. We've worked hard to teach her good manners, yet there are a couple of things she just finds irresistable. One is Doggy Delicacies (eating kitty poop! ewwww). The other is the trash. Any trash. All trash. We've put lids on them, sprayed them with abracadabra-magic-keeps-dogs-away spray, watched like a hawk and caught her in the act, to make sure she understands which action is unacceptable, etc etc. All to no avail.

Caught in the act!

After she is caught and reproved--a firm NO TRASH! with a frowning shake of the head is big stuff to her-- she is always repentant and wants to please me. She promises to do better next time... okay, that's the interpretation I give to her big brown eyed look, and her need for cuddles and reassurance.

So I've been thinking... you KNEW I'd tie this ramble in with weight loss, yes??! :-D

Do I treat myself with that much firmness yet love when I goof up? 

When I do that thing that I KNOW I'm not supposed to do?? 

Do I face the music, accept responsibility, then move on, and give myself a hug and encouragement, determined to do better next time?? 

Do I not beat myself up and instead feel secure that I am my own best friend on this journey??

I want to learn to be a better friend to myself. Yes, to reach up for a higher standard. To succeed, to do better, to make my goals. And to do all that not with harshness or threats or punishment... but with honesty, encouragement, understanding, and yes, Love. 

I don't believe that kind of Love is namby pamby, wishy washy. Because it knows how heartbreaking it feels to keep falling on my face. It understands how disappointing it feels that this has taken soooo long. That kind of Love is strong and wants the best for me. It will tell me the truth, but will also tell me I can DO this!

I'll never give up on Joey, and will continue to help her learn good manners, so she can have a happy and healthy life. Likewise, I want to never give up on myself. 

Sometimes... I get discouraged, and can see the edge of that black hole. You know, the one that says "just accept it, this is the way it's gonna be". But I repeatedly turn my back on that black hole, and walk the other way... as many times as it takes.

I choose to believe in myself. I choose to believe that God has never given up on me. And I won't either. 

Call this Lessons From A Puppy # 9

Treating Myself with Love and Respect

and Holding On To The Belief 

That I Can DO This!

From Dr Phil's book: "Every success or failure you will have flows from that self-determined personal truth."

My verse for today:  "When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted."

My quote for today: "If it's ever going to change, we have to accept the challenge and rise above our circumstances." --Sean Anderson  

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 780

SEPT 30th I Am Excited For My Friend!!

Hi there Journal & Friends,

Today for Friday Favorites I am so excited to talk about one of my favorite success stories: author Mary Pax! 

When I first started blogging, Mary (known then as Antgirl) was one of the first people to befriend me, and generously shared from her own experience of losing and maintaining. One of the things that has impressed me the most is how Mary took the lessons she learned from her weight loss journey, and applied them to achieving her dream, her passion: to be an author. 

The lessons of believing in yourself, perseverance, keeping your focus on your dream, and so much more. 

Back in 2010, she told me in an email:  "When I want something, I go after it with the jaws of a pitbull. And, I don't let go."

Well, this last Wednesday, Mary's first novelette was published as an E-book!! Congratulations, Mary! 

The title is Semper Audacia and it's now available on Smashwords and Amazon (I'll give all the links below). I've read several things written by Mary, and loved them. I even did some artwork for one that some of you might remember, HERE. There is also a link there for the current story trailer for that story, Stopover At the Backworld's Edge.

Semper Audacia is a Space Opera, and here is the Description of this Novelette:

Alone. Leda is the last living member of the brigade, the sole defender of her world. War took everyone she knew, leaving her in the company of memories and ghosts. Or is it madness?
The siren blares. The enemy is coming. Or is it? The approaching vessel isn't a friendly design, but it answers with the correct code. Leda must figure out whether the arrival is reinforcements or the final assault. In an aging flyer, she ventures out to meet her world's fate, the last stand.

About M. Pax: Inspiring the words I write, I spend my summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where I live with the husband unit and two loving cats. I write speculative fiction mostly and have a slight obsession with giant, man-eating reptiles and Jane Austen. I know, they don’t really go together, but it’d be interesting to insert Godzilla in the middle of Pride & Prejudice.

I'm so looking forward to reading Mary's story. But I am just as excited to see her dream coming true. I dunno... maybe it's partly from selfish reasons. I mean... she did it. That shows me I can do it, too. Very inspiring stuff! :-D

Okay, I promised the links. Mary's story can be downloaded for only 99 cents!! Here's where:

Smashwords link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92160

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QB25H4

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005QB25H4

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005QB25H4

  

Mary's Blog is at: http://mpaxauthor.blogspot.com 

And her Website is  at  www.mpaxauthor.com

Oh, I can't forget to share her terrific story trailer for Semper Audacia, here is the Link.

 Another Paxism: "Never compare your journey to anyone else's. We're all different. Don't listen to negativity from anybody. Your journey, your way and in your own time is the right way for you."

Watching Mary follow her passions and reach her dreams has encouraged me to do the same. Thank you for that, Mary.

From Dr Phil's book: "Having specific, carefully mapped out, vividly envisioned goals is an absolute requirement for success."

My verse for today: "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

My quote for today: "Getting healthier taught me about twists and turns and patience ... even when I have no more patience. It also taught me that if I am determined, I can figure out how to get to where I want to be." --Mary Pax, author 

Enjoy the Journey,

Loretta

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DAY 775