Ole Karen's Back!

Feeling hopeful and remarkably productive today! It can't possibly be the medicine my psychiatrist added to the mix, can it? This soon? Regardless the source of my bliss, I am feeling good and I intend to act on it! 

I am back to working on my wellness plan. I got a full night's sleep last night, and I've been eating well. Today, I'm going to do my Fat Burning Workout for Dummies DVD and kick up the endorphins.

And, to top it off, while I've been typing this, I've also been texting my brother. He has tickets to the Potomac Nationals minor league game tonight - behind the dugout! - and Gio Gonzalez of the Washington Nationals is pitching! My day has just gotten even better!

No Excuses!

So one of the things I left off the list is active lifestyle. By this, I mean things like active recreation (e.g., sports, games, walking the beach, walking through a museum) and choosing to walk more when possible (e.g., parking far away from the store, walking to things that are nearby). In other words, don't just go the gym for an hour and camp out in a chair for the remainder of the day.

{Check out that rogue highlight in my hair!}

With this in mind, I decided to walk to Giant (grocery) today. All I needed was Granny Smith apples and almonds (for my healthy oatmeal snack). It's only about a 15 minute walk to the store; so I thought, "Why not?"

I'm not going to lie; the last week has been very challenging. I haven't always wanted to eat well or exercise. I even caved in to cravings occasionally, but I picked myself up each time and got back on the path.

That is all you have to do really. Take it one day at a time - one moment at a time - one step at a time; and if you have an indiscretion, stop, reset, and get back on track. Mistakes are not the end. Quitting is!

Motivation

So far, so good! I've lost one pound in two days. I know, however, that this is typical only in the beginning of a weight loss program, and the rate of loss will taper off to about a pound a week in a few weeks.

It's not easy, I have to say. I've had a craving for mac and cheese and caramel popcorn!

One of the things I've done to stay motivated, however, is to create a section in my daily planner for visualizing success. The pictures in there - especially of the outfits that I want to get back into - inspire me in times of weakness. When I want that caramel corn, e.g., I look at my pictures first and decide which I want more - caramel popcorn or cool clothes that fit well! So far, it's really helped me stay on track. 

You see, in the last year, whenever I've had to go to an event that requires more than jeans and an over-sized t-shirt, I've gone into panic mode and have ended up having to buy a new outfit for the event.

I have a closet full of a wide variety of outfits that just don't fit, and it's depressing! 

You know, I think the key to sticking to a weight loss and fitness plan is to find what motivates you personally. 

On another note, that zingy feeling in my head from changing medication seems to be dying down - thank God! I have an appointment today with my psychiatrist, and I'll let him know about it.

Well, I'm headed out know for a good power walk. It's another beautiful day here in Virginia and I want to make the most of it! Hope you have a wonderful day too!

First Check-in

You have only just begun to discover your magnificence. This period of your life marks a New Beginning. You can feel it. And you have only just begun to know the treasure and the glory of You.

                                                                    - Neale Donald Walsch, Facebook post, 5/3/14


So I lied. I'm not going to update you once a week; I'm taking you along for the ride with me.

Crikey, this is going to be a loooong journey; but I'm ready to do it. I monitored my calorie intake today. (I know it's not on my mental wellness list of things to do, but it works for me. I'm very data-oriented at times.) I also drank eight glasses of water, ate protein- / carb-balanced meals, and got in my fruits and veggies. And I walked - about one mile. 

What was hardest today is something I hadn't taken into account. My doctor had been transitioning me off Effexor and onto Wellbutrin; and as of two days ago, I stopped the Effexor entirely. Since then, I have been feeling very...dizzy? Dizzy isn't quite the word...very zingy, like there are electric impulses that occasionally shudder through my head and body. It made walking tonight a challenge. I hope this passes quickly!

At any rate, I intend to repeat the process tomorrow. One day at a time!