You may not know this about me but when I was younger I was a bit of a tom boy. I climbed trees, fished, loved being outside and was pretty active through my earlier years.
My sister and I had it all set up. I did the yard work and she did the indoor stuff.
Then sometime after puberty I got heavy. Then I had kids and got heavier. Then I had a complete hysterectomy and got even heavier still.
UNhealthy.
If you remember my one little word this year is HEALTHY. My goal was not to lose a bunch of weight (which is good because I’ve only lost 10 pounds) but to feel healthier. To feel better in my skin.
And I felt that this past weekend when I was out in the yard. I’ve been walking 2+ miles every weekday and doing yard work in the evenings or on weekends.
Walking, shoveling dirt, weeding, forking out mulch, chopping down saplings, digging up new beds, and major reconstruction on the end of my driveway. Not to mention mowing – both push and riding – and weed whacking.
Lots of sweat, dirt and sore muscles. Scratches, bruises and sunburn.
This past weekend I was reminded of the time when I was an active tom boy. When I felt strong and confident. When my body felt HEALTHY and capable. And it felt damn good, I’ll tell you.
Damn good.
While I haven’t lost much weight, I CAN take off most of my pants without unbuttoning them. I feel stronger. I feel BETTER.
And I love that feeling!
I might not lose a bunch of weight but I’m feeling better all the time. I’m going to keep it up!
Do you remember a time when you felt good in your own skin? Do you feel good now?
Congratulations! I remember that feeling. It’s been quite a while now since I’ve felt like that, so I envy you. I’m working now to lose weight so I can get knee replacements and start walking and doing physical activity again. Down 30 pounds and 90 to go. (Heavy sigh)
Hi Sandi, great job on your 30 pounds. Just keep your head down and keep moving toward your goal You will get there! Don’t let that big number get you down.
The research out there shows more that although weight can affect your health — if you are active — no matter what your weight — you are healthier. Healthy was my promise for the New Year too. Physically, mentally (worrying less) and being financially healthy. I’m doing pretty good on the first two, but I do love new crafting things. I actually put on weight this summer when I first started working out. It was muscle. Doesn’t make me sad at all. Don’t worry about the number on the scale — worry about feeling healthy and the rest will come with time and perseverance. I saw a post today about taking 5 months to get pounds off and 5 seconds to put it back on. That’s not a healthy way of looking at it. If you have a day when you can’t exercise or you overeat — you can make it up easily the next day or two rather than waiting for it to pile up on you. And hold onto that feeling of being healthy in those times when you’d really rather have a ton of chips and dip. That’s what I’ve found works for me. I really enjoy the long-term feeling more than the short-term gratification. Good for you! Keep it up! We’re rooting for you. And I bet your yard looks so much better too!
Cynthia, I agree. Being active is important.
I’m glad you made such a positive promise for yourself.
I’m rooting for you too! Keep up the great work.
Congratulations on what you’ve achieved so far! Like you, and probably so many of us out here, it’s a daily struggle to stay fit and healthy. Summertime is better for me because school is out and I can spend more time planning healthy meals, working in the yard and garden, and taking long walks to clear my head at the end of the day. Of course, all I can manage is to lose the weight I gain during the school year, so I have to just be thankful that I’m breaking even!
Hang in there and know you are not alone…and I’ll bet your yard and garden look as fabulous as you feel!
Thanks Charmaine, I guess staying even is better than gaining. Right?
(Sometimes we have to take what we can get.)
My yard and garden are coming along but there is almost 2 acres to keep up with. It takes a lot of work just to maintain.
More exercise! 🙂
I’ve been walking the dogs daily since spring hit and have worked up to a quick pace and a tolerance for several miles. (It hardly feels like a walk if it’s under 2 miles now!)
I haven’t made changes to my diet but my legs are different. Strong, with muscles! Less dimpled. I like the way they feel. My clothes fit better. And I like working up the sweat and zapping the dogs’ energy in a productive way.
If only I could stay away from ice cream…
Hi Kelley,
I know what you mean. Less than 2 miles is easy now.
I’ve been on a ice cream kick lately too. Must be the summer weather.
Vicki