It’s been another crazy, stressful day. The kind of day when I leave the house in the early morning and don’t step back here until late afternoon. At least now the kids have been fed dinner and I’m waiting for Brian to come home from visiting his dad. I have about a half hour to myself before I have to start the bedtime rituals so time to de-stress with a post. š
Since it’s Wednesday and I haven’t done a Weigh-in-Wednesday, I think I am due. I started my health journey in Fall and my goal was to lost 20 pounds for my brother’s wedding in January. I almost made my goal and lost 17 pounds. To celebrate I actually went out and bought a dress for the occasion (one size smaller.) Anyone who knows me, know that is a huge deal because I only wears skirts twice a year – on Easter and Christmas. I haven’t worn a dress since my wedding day. My wedding day 15 years ago.
I found a simple black dress at Macy’s that was originally $70 but it was marked down and I had savings coupons. The final price $13! I was so proud. I couldn’t wait to tell my frugal sisters! I took a quick snap in the mirror, although I feel stupid posting it. I’ll keep it small so you’ll at least get an idea. š
The thing is that I feel like I’ve hit a wall. I haven’t lost any weight in the last month. I haven’t gained either, which is actually amazing considering all the stress I’ve been under lately. So maybe that is actually a win even if the numbers haven’t changed.
I think another aspect I can count as a small win is the fact that this morning when I reviewed over my day and all the places I had to go, I thought there is no way I can fit in my morning walk. Normally, that’s no big deal but today my heart ached thinking I could not get outside and feel the cool air on my face, and feel the pavement beneath my feet and breath in the fresh ocean air. I calculated that it would take me just over 16 minutes to walk a quick mile before I had to be at my first destination. I would have tried to run but I’m afraid of getting a heart attack. š
My view today. No filter.
As I was walking I thanked God for the desire to want to go walking. For someone who’d rather be curled up on the couch watching a movie and eating a snack (hence, my mom giving me the nickname pooh bear) wanting to move is a big deal.
Then as I was walking, I got to thinking how much the physical life is like the spiritual life. I remember a priest once telling me that at first when we pray, we do it because we should. However, as we pray more and come closer to Christ, it stops being something we should do and it becomes something we want to do. I haven’t hit that point completely. There are too many days when I let prayer take back seat and too few days when my heart just looongs to be quiet before Our Lord. But like my walking, I am working on it and taking baby steps. And they may be small, but I am seeing improvements just the same. So for those small accomplishments, I’m celebrating with a small piece of dark chocolate rather than a huge piece of cake. Baby steps. š
What about you? What is a big or small accomplishment you made this week?
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You look fantastic! I am right there with you with the weight plateau. I’ve been working out consistently, but haven’t budged on the scale. I’m sure it has something to do with nursing, but still frustrating. Thankfully, I LOVE working out (I’m one of those people, hah!) and it’s a huge stress-reliever for me.
P.S. So jealous of your walking view!
Thank you, Ashley. Truly. You are lucky to love working out! For me, I think I need to work harder on what I eat. I haven’t been as careful as I was a couple months ago. As for the pretty walks, you just need to come visit. š
I’m feeling like I’m in a little bit of a holding pattern before Lent starts. I lost 7 lbs in January and am just working to keep things stable while relaxing my standards a bit in anticipation of a renewed dive into it for Lent.
Wow, Annery! I’d say that 7 pounds in January is awesome progress! Lent is definitely a time when I am able to put more focus on bettering myself physically and spiritually. Thanks for stopping by. š
You look AMAZING! Love that dress on you! And what a steal!
It is so great when we can make continued habits a routine. I really want to get back on track with exercising myself. I know if I just put in 15 minutes a day — and actually DO IT — it will get me going in the right direction to where I am wanting to do it regularly. I find it is very hard when once you’ve been in shape, to fall out of it, and then have a LONG way to go to get back. It’s really discouraging me and making me stay away. I’ll have to find something good for motivation. Any tips?
It’s hard for me to imagine you out of shape, Laurel, because in your photos you are so lovely and fit! I have been thinking about your question all day and I started writing all the things that have been helping me but it was getting too long to be a simple response comment! If you don’t mind, I am going to just make it a new post with my answer. It’ll be up soon! But I loved hearing from you and will respond soon! BTW, are you going to the CWBN in April at Kendra’s?
You look amazing and I love the dress. And the view oh what a gorgeous view. I am a bit jealous NM isn’t that pretty in the winter.
Thanks, Becca. That’s so sweet. It really is gorgeous here. I remember when I first visited Monterey when I was dating Brian (we lived 400 miles apart at the time) I was flabbergasted that someone could live in a place with so much beauty. I am truly blessed to call it home. My parents live in So Cal in the high desert and although it is much different from here, it has it’s own beauty. God’s creative touch is everywhere. Sometimes we just have to look a little harder for it. I’m so glad you stopped by! š
Way to go for getting your walk in! *shakes pompoms*
Aw, thanks, Jen! Mwah!