Feeling good!

Yesterday I attended a cookie exchange.  What delicious cookies!  Yes I gave myself permission to indulge and they were delicious.  When excess calories are taken in of course you have to burn them off so today I ran 4 miles then went to Kickboxing and did an hour there.  I'm feeling good!  I've come a long way to try to find this balance.  Last year I didn't touch sweets.  Now I can enjoy them a little at a time and work off the extra calories. I did only eat 3 cookies and will enjoy they rest over the next week.

How to Love Yourself

I didn't always like how big I was but I always felt beautiful and I loved the person inside.  I think it really started with my parents telling me of my worth and beauty.  My Dad especially always told me how beautiful I was and then my wonderful husband compliments me everyday as well. I never questioned if I was pretty, I knew I was and then made sure I did my hair, put on make-up and wore flattering clothes.   I think looking your best is key to feeling good about yourself.  I have been very blessed with a love for others that gives me a huge drive to give service.  Nothings makes you feel better than when you are in service to others!

If you are struggling with loving yourself here are a few things that may help.You can start loving yourself by making a list of the good things you do, the things you have accomplished in this life so far, and also ask your husband or kids what they like about you. It may be hard but tell yourself positive things in your mind throughout the day.  Even if the things aren't true if you tell them to yourself then they will come true eventually.  I have a list of goals and Life Affirmations in my closet that I look at every morning.  One of those sentences reads," I weigh less than 200 pounds.".  At the time I wrote it I questioned if I could actually get there but here I am now at 177 and I did it.

Praise your self for all that you accomplish.  Even the little things you should pat yourself on the back for accomplishing.  Surround your self with positive people that will compliment you and your efforts.  Friends are very important.  I didn't realize the importance of friends until recently.  Life is so much sweeter when you open up your heart and life to others and let them in. When others tell you of your worth and they love you, it is easier in return to love yourself. 

Of course the best way to find love for yourself is to get to know your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  Get on your knees and spend time developing a relationship with them and after you feel of their unconditional love for you then you can't question you worth.  You are a daughter or son of God.  You are of Infinite Worth.  You have a Divine Nature and there are things that you need to do in this life. 

I feel very blessed to know who I am, why I am here, and the role I have here that will help me to ultimately return to live with my Heavenly Father.  Part of our mission here on this Earth is taking care of our bodies.  We have a stewardship over them and we must not only keep ourselves spiritually in shape but physically in shape as well.  They really go hand in hand.  Our body is the home for our spirit.  We need to provide it a healthy, happy place to reside. I only now appreciate this truth.  Remember with our Heavenly Father's help all things are possible. The Atonement of our Savior is there to take away the pain and heartache if we let him.
Let's try and be a little kinder to ourselves as we work on improving who we are.

A Phone Call Made My Day

What a wonderful surprise to get a phone call from an old friend (we ran into each other at Time Out For Women).  She wanted to know more about what I am doing to keep my weight off and how I did it.  I love helping others try to find something that will work for them.  I know that my way may not work for everyone but I do believe that if you include your Heavenly Father in your plan you will only WIN!  Everyday is still a struggle but it is very worth it when I can get out and run, run, run and not hurt or feel exhausted. I am doing things I never dreamed of.  I limited myself so much by my weight. I truly feel free now! Now if only losing weight took away all of the normal everyday stress of life.  I am no happier than I used to be but I am able to do different things and some things are easier.  I think many of us think that being smaller will make us happier and that just isn't what brings happiness.  Love yourself where you are today and even if you make just one healthier choice today than you did yesterday then you are making progress!

Good Luck to everyone as we go through the tough Holiday season of sugar, butter and white flour!  Yep I was elbow deep in it all morning for a cookie exchange I have tomorrow.  Crazy thing is that they didn't even taste good to me anymore.  I guess my taste buds really have changed. Just the thought of so much butter turned my stomach.  I better figure out a yummy Christmas Cookie recipe I can share with everyone soon. Now off to run!  Baking all morning has thrown off my schedule!

Confession

Last night was the Ward Relief Society Christmas Dinner.  I knew it was coming so I didn't eat much during the day.  The food was wonderful.  I had a large helping of salad, broccoli, some grapes and a slice of ham. I skipped over the mashed potatoes, hash brown casserole and the salad dressings but my plate was full.I even kept my self content not eating any of the dozen or so delicious desserts that women had lovingly prepared. Before leaving I made up a small plate of yummy desserts to take home to my kids and hubby.  That was a mistake! Sugar makes me want to eat, eat, eat!  I wanted just a bite of each treat so I did and then passed everything onto the rest of the family.  I didn't eat much of the sweets but it was enough to have my stomach wanting FOOD!  I hadn't eaten well all day and mostly snacked other than my smoothie which was a mistake.  And I really didn't each much dinner so more calories wasn't the problem but the time of day is.  I gave in rather than push through my craving and made a veggie burger and had a few multi grain chips with it at 9pm. Being who I am I did a hard 30 min workout on the elliptical to overcome my guilt of eating so late followed by 30 min of crunches, leg lifts and push ups. Next time I will eat regularly during the day and eat a little of whatever is prepared and why not just cut a small bite out of each dessert while I'm there rather than take so much home.  Anyway, I learned a lesson so next time I will make a better decision!

My New Swimsuit

It is scary to post a picture in a swim suit but I finally have a little confidence in my body so here it goes.

I Ran and Ran Last Week

Well the treadmill has continued to work.  What a huge blessing it has been to run and run and run!
Monday: 6.5 miles
Tuesday: 5.5 miles
Wednesday: 4.5 miles
Thursday:4.5 miles (Turkey Trot at 8 degrees BRRRRRR!)
Friday: Thanksgiving at Judy's - my day off
Saturday: 5.4 miles

I set a goal for myself at the beginning of the week to run 20 miles and I surpassed that goal! Yeah!!! 26.4 miles exact, WOW that is a full MARATHON!!!

Thankful for My Body 10 K Run

I decided to start the week out right I'd run a 10 K just for me.  Actually I started out just wanting to go 3 miles but that felt so good I decided that 6.4 miles would be doable.  I completed the 10k in 67 minutes. Not great but no too bad!!!  I am so thankful for this strong healthy body.  I look at where I was a year ago and 2 years ago and can hardly believe the difference.  I am a different woman now!  I still have the same personality and same testimony but even deeper if you can understand that.  I have always loved myself and been a very happy positive person but I am no longer limited because of my size.  I did have moments of despair over my body which caused me to desire change but I still loved me!  I can't explain how wonderful it is not to worry if I can fit into a chair.  Life is good!!!