As 2013 comes to a close I am thinking of all of the
positive changes that happened. I lost 16 pounds this year. To many that might
not seem like much, but to me, it represents a complete turnabout from every
single year before it. In every previous year I might have lost and gained and
lost the same 16 pounds. This year I just lost them; slowly, without radical dieting,
without abstinence or deprivation. The change was in my overall approach to food
and exercise which I mentioned earlier in the year, but fully embraced over the
year. Pay as you go. If you consume
you must exercise. It feels good not to be in fast weight loss mode all of the
time where every yummy thing is off limits and every pound could return just as
soon as a normal diet ensues. This new
way is better.
Also in 2013 I resumed regular exercise. Every week without
fail I ride my bike, walk, and take Bar Method classes – up to five times per
week. Additionally, I take the occasional yoga class. I feel better all the
time, but I strive to feel even better. As I continue to lose weight in 2014 I
hope to find even more physical endeavors that I enjoy. Secretly (shhh, don’t
tell) there is a part of me that wants to try kite boarding. I might be strong
enough this year!
I would like, in 2014, to resume other activities that bring
me great joy. I am planning to learn to speak Italian this year. It is a great
desire of mine to go to Greece and Italy and knowing some of the language will
be fun. I love learning and am very excited at the prospect of classes and new
knowledge. In order to make this happen, I have to carve out a bit more time. I’d
like to travel a bit this year. It would be fun to spend more time with my brother,
my nieces and their families…I do so love them. I am looking forward family accomplishments: to my son graduating from UCSC and seeing how
his future unfolds, and for my husband to launch his software. I think it’s
going to be a big year.
It is very important that I stop overextending myself to
support others while neglecting myself. My son and husband have been so
encouraging; I am happy that they are support the changes I am making. However, I definitely overextend myself periodically
and nobody enjoys overextended
Shannon. This holiday season was just too much and I feel a little resentful
and as if I need all of January to recover. You know what I want next year for
the holidays? Invitations and
reservations.
