Buh-bye, 2017!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am looking forward to 2017 coming to a close. At no time in my life have I ever felt so completely dejected and angry - just because of politics. Normally, that frustration would result in a serious amount of overeating, but not this year. I actually have learned something over the past decades about my relationship with food and stress.

In early 2017 I reached what I believe was the pinnacle of stress in my life. Difficulty with a family member's future, concern about my dog's health, weight issues - again, and overwhelming angst about our political environment.

I decided I couldn't do anything but remain aware and call my Congress people about the political climate. I could also reduce my impact on the environment by recycling, walking/cycling more, creating less waste, etc. The concern about the family member was mitigated. Our family put our collective heads together and, along with the vet, found some excellent approaches to dealing with our elderly bulldog's arthritis issues. Mostly holistic, one injection, and we also discovered that my son is quite the pro at giving shots to a wiggly dog!

What remained to manage was the weight. Yet again, the weight. So, I decided to start tracking with LoseIt! again. As the level of awareness increases with the application use, the weight loss begins. I guess I lost about 5 pounds just from tracking. Then, in August, after a reunion of my husband's family, I realized that I was feeling less healthy than I'd ever felt. I feared, for the first time, oddly, that my weight was going to contribute to health problems that I would have to manage with medication. So, I decided - with that in mind - that I needed to lose the weight. Nutrisystem has always been a good way to do that for me, so I rejoined. It's been 113 days and I am down 35 pounds. This time I haven't been obsessed with adhering to the letter of the diet. I have had a couple of drinks with friends, eaten meals at restaurants, enjoyed food at parties, and holiday meals with family. I'm just eating less, logging everything (even the cocktails, people!), and doing this for my long-term health. I feel better, am sleeping better, but mostly, I'm not so worried.

It would be terrific to believe that this is the last time I will have to lose weight, but I know it isn't true. Certainly, weight is my life-long challenge. Even when I have been a group exercise instructor I've still had weight issues...so I know I will always need to be vigilant.

So, here are my thoughts going into 2018: I'm going to take a breath. Each time I am stressed - each time I am overwhelmed - each time I encounter a challenge. I am going to take a breath. I am going to make time for simple pleasures - a walk, a bike ride, a movie. I am going to listen to what my soul needs - creative time, alone time, snuggle time with my pup, family time. Also, even though I am going to eat less, I am going to eat everything! No more NO approach. From now on it's YES! (but just a little, please). Hoping yes leads to longer term success. 

Happy 2018, Everyone!