Insecurities are Our Weaknesses

Last night I was playing poker on an app on my tablet, and it was like no other time. I have played with rude players before, but never one that was trying to be hurtful emotionally.

When I sat down at the table he was calling some people "donkeys" for some reason, then calling me one as I won a hand against him, but I ignored it. As time went on there was a hand that I said " why did I fold" and he had a ignorant response that I once again ignored.

He started going all in on his turn EVERY hand, which is pretty annoying!! So, one hand I called him with not-so-good cards... And won BIG (lol). It was sweet!! Lol

Well, he was pissed and said... "F U you FAT B****!"

.... Being me, I took this really personal!!

Why do people feel the need to try and hurt someone else's feelings?  Does that really do something for them!?

Anyways, my husband was sitting at the table as well, and needless to say he said what he wanted to say!  Not right!  BUt it was nice to know he had my back  (((Big smile))).

He tells me all the time that I should not care so much about what people think or even say.  But it's hard, especially when its with friends/family/people I come into physical contact.

The dude on the game couldn't know I were fat because all he can see is a face which is hard to tell ((lol)), but because it is one of my insecurities, it touched that spot! 

Insecurities are our weaknesses... Things that we are so self-conscious about; and when someone brings-up anything similar to the subject, we think it's about us!  Sometimes it is, but a lot of the time is isn't!

I really need to work on this myself!  I am so self-conscious and it affects me in ways that I never knew.  BUT it is something that I am working on! :)

The guy last night just caught me off-guard.. So Rude!!  I just blocked him so that I don't see anything he says.  Best way not to expose myself to his stupidity!!

I know we all have our insecurities, but PLEASE don't let them become a know weakness to others.  This only allows the cruelties of this world to affect you in ways that are not healthy.

I'm guilty of this, I know!  I'm sure we all are at one time in our lives, but don't allow them to reflect who we are.

Find out what your insecurities are and work on them, one at a time!!  Believe in Yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to doing.. If you truly set your mind to it!!

Hope you all have a great day!!

Morning Thoughts

This morning as I sat out on the porch steps smoking my morning cigarette the birds were singing and making all types of noises.  I forgot how peaceful it was out that early in the morning in country and I really thought about some things that I needed to clear up and out of my mind.

The past few days I have been trying to "Think more Positive" and it has really seemed to make my days happier or less stressful, I should say! However, there are parts of my life that I need to work on, as I am sure everyone else could say as well.

• I thought about how these cigarettes need to go, but how hard they are to put down once you have become addicted!
• I thought about the ways that I could become a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, or just the person who walks by you in the store.
• I thought about how I would like to take time to pick up a pencil and draw something every once in a while, before my ability to create something diminishes even more than it has.
• I thought about ways that I could be a better house keeper.
• and I thought about how I could become healthier.

While I listened to the birds chirping, I thought about the different areas in my life that could improve, and I hope to incorporate them into my day one step at a time until I can be a new person in all aspects... A NEW ME! :)

What are the things that you would like to improve on or add into your life to bring happiness?  How would life be different for you if you made these changes?

Think about it all and make that change, become a NEW you!!

Positive Thinking: Day #4

It may not be your journey, but the quote still fits!!  No matter what journey we take if we never truly start, then we'll never finish!

So, whatever your journey is...  GET STARTED!!   :)

Hope you all have a successful day, we'd love to hear about your journey!!

Changing Slowly

So I am still getting on the elliptical; I am jokingly telling everybody it is my torture device, but it isn't really. I feel really good after I get on it, like I have accomplished something for the day. I have been using it in the evening after supper so I can take a shower after I work up a sweat on it.

I have not weighed at all this week because of my monthly visitor. I will probably weigh on Monday morning, maybe if I am only weighing once a week it will be easier to see progress. I usually weigh everyday and I have figured out that is not the way to start the day. I know that number is not a reflection of who I am but I have struggled so much in the past that I let the number define me. If it was what I deemed to be high, I would hate myself that whole day and complain about feeling like a fat sausage. But not anymore, I am changing things slowly. Rome wasn't built in a day and I am not going to lose 50 pounds in a day. I am going to have to work for it and I'm okay with that. We tend to appreciate what we work for....hehehe.

JoAnne

Tuesday Morning Weigh-In

Good Morning, Everyone!

Well no weight-loss this morning, but NO gain either!! :) I figured with the way last week went and my friend visiting for the month (my cycle) that there wouldn't be no loss.  However, I was expecting a gain and that wasn't the case; so, I am happy about that!

My schedule recently changed and I have an extra hour in the mornings to work with; therefore, I am hoping to make the most of it and exercise a few days a week (at the very least).

I few months ago I purchased The Firm's burn, sculpt, and tone DVD with resistance cord at the Thrift Sore for only $4.99; and I think it's about time to give it a try!!

I have the The Firm VHS tapes with the Fanny Lifter; and I loved those, but when the VCR went out I never purchased another.  I hope that the new DVD is as easy to do but still works!!

Wish Me Luck!!


Have a Great Day!!! :)

Balance

I went out and bought me an elliptical. I got on it last night for 15 minutes and I slept like a baby last night! I could definitely feel the burn. I am so out of shape but that is okay because I am taking it one day at a time and I know I can do this.

Last week I was so emotional and I felt like everything was erratic. I am still dealing with feelings of grief and anger over the loss of my marriage. Even though we aren't divorced yet, sometimes I still struggle with my feelings because they are all over the place. I feel happy most days, but then there are those moments when the memories creep in and I remember how it used to be.

As you can tell I am in a strange place in my life right now. And all the feelings I am having about the loss of my marriage play into the whole weight loss thing for me. I am trying to find the right balance.

JoAnne

What to eat?

I am a few days into this weight loss journey, in which I am really trying. I am struggling with the "what to eat portion" of this journey. I have noticed that most quick foods that I can grab running out the door in the morning are processed or they are starchy. I don't know about you but I do believe I could live off potatoes!

I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow and stock up on healthy foods. I have searched the internet and come away with a 30 day meal plan that has options and has food on it that I actually eat. It also gives the recipe and how to prepare it as well. I am going to try to start implementing it today for lunch. An example is I can actually have a black bean burrito for lunch, which is really good because I love black beans. I need to find a recipe for a black bean burger if possible.

I did workout last night. I am hanging in tight with the Pilates door knob exerciser. My thighs and tummy are feeling the burn. I can also feel it in my arms, the bicep part. I have been looking at getting an elliptical soon, but I am still walking when I can and taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.

Until tomorrow..........................
JoAnne

Pilates are kicking my Butt!

Pilates is a butt kicker. My legs and the abs underneath my stomach are sore but in a good way. I am actually making myself do pilates every night. I am trying to get back on track with my eating though, that is the tough part. I have found that my starch intake is way too high and I have definitely got to start drinking more water.

As for the mental side of things...I keep telling myself that Rome was not built in a day and it will take me time to lose weight. After all, I gained this weight over the span of a decade so if I lose it slowly, I will not gain it back. Have you ever noticed all you have to do is overeat at one meal and you can put on extra weight, it is so easy to gain but so hard to lose??!!

JoAnne

Acknowledgment is the First Step!

For a while now I have been avoiding her...

I don't want to hurt her feelings by telling her how off track she has allowed herself to get in almost every aspect of her life.  But she needs to know:

• How she has allowed herself to fall back into that dark hole by letting the stress take over.. I hate it when she allows it to run her life when its out of her control.  Or is it?
• How she has allowed old eating habits to creep in and take over again.
• How she can't focus on what lies ahead or the things that are here in the moment.
• How un-engaged of a wife and mother she has been lately.
• How she has lost her vision of what the future holds.
• and How much disappointment has entered in my thoughts of her lately!

Can I tell her these things!?  How will she react?

I have been avoiding her because I know she knows all of this, but once I bring it up there will be so much more to acknowledge; but I know I need to say it, and hear it too!

I've been avoiding seeing her looking back at me; acknowledging that I have let myself drift off the road I want to be on!

Her, the girl in the mirror,  needs to be told to stop barring herself in the stress of the things she is unable to change.  Set new goals and achieve them. And make the most out each day she is given.


... I think I'll have that talk tonight!

                                           ~ *Acknowledgment is the First Step!

Nothing is Real if you don't

What motivates you?

Every journey that we set out on has it's challenges..  

           So, why should losing weight be any different!

What motivates you?

~ Knowing or Finding something to help motivate us is a way to reach the ending goal.

EASIER SAID, THAN DONE!! ~ Right? (lol)

I think over the past few years I have tried many things to help motivate me... a new outfit, competing with friends, beach trip, fitting into an old pair of jeans (that's an awesome feeling), etc.

A while back I joined DietBet (http://www.dietbetter.com/" ) after clicking on a link to a contest that Jillian Michaels (from "The Biggest Loser") shared for a charity. I have to say, it's a great motivational tool!

CHECK IT OUT>>>  DietBet allows you to start & join contests.. I'll let you see for yourself!

After watching the video, What do you think?

Is this something that could motivate you?  It sounds like if you reach your 10% lose (which isn't that much weight in 6 months) you'll win your money back + a portion of what other money is left to split by players who didn't complete the challenge.  Sounds like a win-win, you get your money back at the very least... Thoughts?

I think this could be fun among a bunch of competitive friends or all with the same goal.

A few years back a few friends and I done a Biggest Loser competition among us all... we weighed in each week and put like $10 in a jar; and the winner would get the $$; however, no one was motivated and so we all took our money back.

Sad, but true!

In order to make a change, I believe that We have to get the mindset of succeeding because being motivated is an important key to success!

What is your motivation when it comes to weightless?  Would a competition like DietBet help you succeed?

I want to hear your thoughts/experiences about this!?

Let's Get Started!

It's time to STOP talking and GET started living a healthier life!! 

I have No real plan going in... So, I am going to start by changing a few things each week until I get where I feel I need to be!

Getting my mind set is the number #1 priority right now, because If that isn't set.. I will never succeed!

This isn't a diet, it is about getting healthy!  I don't want to be on a ton of medication for health problems that I could have prevented, or so insecure about my body that I live in sweats or don't want to leave home!  That just isn't the way to live!

So.. I have a few thoughts that I know I will put into place next week (tomorrow) in my journey to a healthier, happier, more confident.. New ME!

(Hope you will use these in your journey & share your own with me as well)

 

Thought #1:

  "It's not about the number on the scale, it is about how I feel!"

I will weigh once a week; same day & time (when possible).  Getting on the scale daily will only be a discouragement that I do not need! 

Thought #2 

"Add Water!"

Water is such a benefit to our body; and it will help boost our energy levels..
               Why not include it to our daily lives!

Thought #3

 "Walking increased blood flow to our heart and is a great exercise to start out with!"

I plan to add at least 30 minutes a few times a week of walking to my daily routine.

---

*Join me on the journey to a New Me; and have a happier and healthier you!  

                 

      ..... Please, Share your own tips, thoughts, success, and goals  below!  I'd love to hear them and help motivate and support you along the way!

A Plan to Change

Been feeling sick & tired for a while now, denying that I need to get things in order with my health and mind.
This laziness has hindered me and my immune system too! 

I have decided to get motivated by sharing my personal journey with you!  This is going to be a challenge,  but I gotta start somewhere!!!!  or Nothing will ever change!

I don't have a plan.. but We can learn together!

Procrastinating any longer.. will make no difference (lol).

So... today is the the day!

I already got my water so I will be Grocery shopping today to get some salad mix and a few other things that I will need to started off right!

I want you to join me, if you need to make the healthy changes too.. Let's Do This!

Share what works for you, your challenges,  and your success.  Lets support each other!

This will help us all... join me!

We Can Do This!

Was it too much?

I'm a huge fan of the Biggest Loser and have been since season #1; but this is the first time I haven't been thrilled about all the contestants transformations on the finale!

I know it's a contest on who can lose the most, but Rachel didn't appear healthy anymore... in my opinion. 

155 pound weight loss in 5 months time is a lot and surely something to be proud of !!!

However,  she ended up weighing less than the recommended weight for someone her height and a little too thin in my opinion! 

I hope that now that the competition is over she will put a few pounds back on.  I believe  that it will make her look and feel healthier.

I loved Rachel's drive and competitive side this season; and knew she was the person to beat.. but never imagined the outcome would be such a shocker! 

Too big or too thin.. someone will have something to say, it's a no-win situation sometimes!  BUT.. they both come with  health risks!

I congratulate Rachel on her win of the Biggest Loser show, and at the same time I hope that she is in a good place and listens to her body & doctors; because all she wanted to be was healthy in the end....


What are your thoughts on Rachel's dramatic change?

Does Weight Hinder Who You Are?

A uniform is what I wear 6 days a week, PJ's on my day; and hardly ever wearing jeans.  Today I decided to dress nice and meet a friend for lunch, and to my surprise none of my jeans fit comfortably anymore!

This is such a disappointment.. I lost the weight, and have gained every pound of it back!  Just seems like it all came back in different places (lol)!

... When I was this weight before I never realized how lazy feeling almost depressing, having little to no energy, not wanting to do much of anything fun, and how grumpy I felt! BUT.. I remember all-to-well these days... since I gained it back.

You never realize how much weight hinders who you are until you loose it and gain it back! It's so hard to get the right mindset and shed the pounds, but it is so rewarding when you do!

... The weather is cold and it's hard to want to get outside once I get home, but it is time to get my butt in gear and drop these pounds!

I have been feeling 'sick' for weeks  months now.. wore out & drained; and I know that some of it is my hectic schedule, but a lot of it is my weight!

I do not want to be on medicine for blood pressure or other issues that weight plays a huge part of; and I want to be comfortable (have something to wear) when summer gets here, I want to be able to run and play with my kids outside, and I want to like what I see when I look in the mirror!

Getting back into many of my old habits & wearing this baggy uniform has allowed my weight to creep back up on me without me even realizing it; but I did it once and I can do it again!

... If I "Stay focused & Believe in myself"!

... So, there is no time like to the present to get my plan in gear and get it done!!  Are you with me?

Feeling IT!

Lately I've been feeling 'IT'  .. and by 'IT', I mean the laziness and the UGH feeling of being overweight!!

I want to get started on a weight-loss goal and get it accomplished again; but I am just NOT motivated AT ALL!!!  I just don't know why because I know that I need to get on the ball and get it done!!  This is not healthy and I can see how much it REALLY does weigh on you physically, mentally, and medically as well.

I'm wanting to get started, but I do so much better when I have someone to help motivate.. this in return motivates me!!  Anyone interested?

I've been considering starting a group on FB or somewhere to help others and myself be motivated and feel better about ourselves!  I know there are others who are walking in the same shoes that I am and I want to help!

I am so tired of feel 'ugh'.. I just want to get it DONE!! I want to feel energized and healthy; and I know that's NOT going to happen until I DECIDE that I am going to do it!!

If your interested comment on this post or like it; and keep a look out because I will updating things and trying to get something going by the 1st!!

.. "Stay Focused and Believe in Yourself!!"

A free Ab Machine.. Must be a sign (lol)

  So.. today my neighbor was out in his yard and called me over to ask me if I wanted a piece of equipment that he no longer used.. Exercise equipment.

  "Hummm".. I thought, "I don't necessarily WANT it, but YES I NEED IT! (lol)" Then, naturally  like anyone who is self conscious of their weight does, I wondered if he was calling me fat. (lol)

  He explained that (lol) "10 years ago he would keep it, but he was too old to be on that thing".  I guess everyone has something that has an insecurity in some form.

  I told him I would take it and try it out... But I wanted to know a little about the machine itself and how to use it; you know, I don't need no injury (lol).

  I think it's an older machine because this is the only video that I could find on the Body by Jake's Ab Scissor machine... check it out!


It looks like it could work.. and I think I will give it a try! I will let you all know the results.. (lol)

Life: Just Believe!

Life: Just Believe!:   When you look into the mirror, what do you see...  Do you like the person looking back at you?  Do you believe that they can accomplish an...