As a busy Mom, I often lose who I am.  I know I’ve talked about his before, but it’s an issue that I struggle with on a daily basis.  When I don’t feel in control of my activity and what I chose to eat, it really does translate into all areas of my life.  I think the biggest blessing that has come from taking better care of myself, is the feeling of being in control and there is great pride that accompanies that.  That feeling transfers down into all areas of everyday life. 

I have chosen a different way to view life than what comes naturally to me.   For example, every day mundane tasks have to power to annoy the life out of me!  Making several trips walking the kids to school every day, having to park far away in a busy parking lot, getting groceries at night when I would rather be vegging on my couch, all annoy me if the truth be told.  All I have to do is tell myself that each of these little tasks, are just another way to stay active!  So I chose to park farther away in an empty parking lot, take the longest possible route to get bread at the grocery store, and walk instead of drive to the school.  Because every extra step matters.  It makes me want to do more!  It keeps me from the comfort of my couch.   It makes me want to break out into spontaneous dance when I’m down. I have no rhythm so it’s more awkward flailing than actual dancing.

When I think back to the most depressing part of being stuck at a weight I wasn’t happy with, it was that I felt so bad about myself. I felt trapped, lethargic, and every day tasks overwhelmed me. I felt like life was passing me by and I had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning knowing that those feelings were on the top of my mind. 

I wasn’t eating healthy. I was eating a lot of fried foods with no nutritional value.  I had no energy.  I remember coming home from work during the lunch hour and just wanting to sleep for the hour.  I had a hard time climbing the stairs at work. By the top, I was out of breath and ready to sit down!   Eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins not only keeps you healthy and gives you natural antibodies to fight off sickness, but it gives you so much energy.  It fills you up in a way that doesn’t weigh you down.

Making positive little choices in your day, leads to more positive choices.  The best part about it is YOU get to make those choices for yourself.  You are in control of what you chose to eat, and how much activity you add into your day.

If you feel lost or out of control, look inside and make that choices needed to treat yourself well.  Your body was designed to be fueled with natural foods.   There is a reason processed food doesn’t grow on trees. 

You will find YOU again if you’ve lost your way.   Positivity, pride and strength open the mind up and you can’t help but transfer those blessings into other areas of your life.  

I’m going to also put this out there.  I’m not always sure if what I share here are too broad of ideas! Are they tangible?  If you ever have any questions that you think I may help you with, please e-mail me at cjhop (at) telus (dot) net or leave me a comment.  If I can help in any way by lending advice on what to eat, exercising, or if you need someone to talk to I’m here for you.  

I remember a time when I was driving home from work, thinking I wish there was someone out there that understood how I was feeling and could help in some small way.  I felt so stuck and totally at a loss as to how to move forward.  I’m here for you if you are in that same space.  I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do know what has worked for me.  Most of it starts in your mind and heart, so any program such as weight watchers can work.  You are more powerful than you may know.

From my heart to yours,

Christine