Getting Healthy

In the past I have tried many kinds of diets. I'm sure if I added up all the weigh that I have lost, gained, and then re-lost, and unfortunately regained it would be close to 500+ pounds. However, I'm tired of that. I've read numerous magazines and books, and they all point to one common sense fact: the only answer to lasting weight loss is lifestyle change. Um, duh! Why on earth is it that I would go to a Weight Watcher's meeting and think about how great life would be when I didn't have to count points anymore? Once you stop counting, the weight will come back. And if you can't stand the counting, probably you are going to quit- sooner rather than later. Therefore, I have decided that I will only commit to changes that I can make permanently. I will challenge myself at times to do (or not do) one or more things, but I won't make myself start some new fad if I don't honestly see myself changing for good.

My new goals are to move in some form for at least 15 minutes three times a week, to drink more water, and to focus on consuming more vegetable servings. Sounds small and pointless, but I know I can do it for the rest of my life. I lose 2 pounds this month that means I'm 2% of the way to my goal!!! I hope that someday it will grow to be a regular 45 minute session and possibly happen 5-6 days a week, but I won't set those goals permanently until I know I can keep them. Optimally, I would only drink water and green tea, and consume primarily plant based foods. But again, I don't think I could make that commitment right now. Maybe one day, but I'm not going to stress over it at this point in time.

Lifestyle change is a journey- not a marathon! I've heard over and over again that I didn't put all the extra weight on in 3 months, and it's not going to come off in 3 months. It took me years of developing horrible habits to get here. I am slowly fighting my way back to the top, one small goal at a time!

Starting Points

Every vacation has a starting point: you plan the trip and start packing. Definitely not the fun part for most people, but I kind of like it. You get the excitement building as you think of where you are going and what you will be doing. These early sparks of joy are what get you through what can sometimes be daunting journey. For me, my biggest obsticles to making it to the beach include feeling and looking healthy, being financially sound, and most importantly being spritiually grounded. 

Looking and Feeling Healthy: I need to lose a considerable amount of weight. Not only am I far too embarrassed to get into a swimsuit, but I don't think I even have the stamina to enjoy a real swim in the ocean. As a result of my poor diet choices in addition to the burden of carrying about 100 pounds of extra weight, I often feel lethargic and just want to sleep more. However, that isn't going to get my bags packed and my car on the road to the life of carefree beachyness, is it?

Financially Sound: Let's face it- the lifestyle imposed by many American ideals can often leave you over-budget and living month-to-month. As a recent college graduate I immediately decided that I needed to get a house. That's what you do, right? However, after I looked at all the bills that would be coming in I had to rethink that. I don't want to make choices because that is what is expected of my by others or because everyone else is doing it. I want to make sure that I can be happy now, and still be able to have a stable financial future. Are you really able to relax if you are laying on the beach worrying about how you will make next month's house payment? I couldn't. 

Spiritually Grounded: Many people spend their lives roaming about trying to find whatever it is that is missing. Often this gets confused and turned into a bigger house, a nicer car, a more fashionable wardrobe- all of which keeps them subdued for a short period and shortly after looking for the next upgrade. I believe that we need to be true to ourselves and admit that we aren't going to find inner peace through stuff. Spiritually we need to connect: with other people and with a higher power. I don't believe that a big bang led to all of us being here today. We are far too complex and intricate to have just happened. I believe in the Christian God and Jesus. If you believe in something else I won't argue, and in fact I enjoy hearing everyone's beliefs and stories of faith. I have friends from all walks of life, and I don't judge anyone for choosing a different path than I have. I think that being aware of other cultures and beliefs can help strengthen your own spiritual life and make you a better person. In short: faith is something that is extremely important to me, and I think that the key to a happy, beachy life will be rooted in spiritual strength. 

My next few posts will relate to how I intend to set goals and achieve these lifestyle goals!

What Am I Looking For?

     I have always loved the beach. Since I was a little girl I have enjoyed those vacations filled with hours and hours of driving (a minimum of 12!) to get to an ocean front. When you get into the right town you are greeted with a unique scent. Once you arrive at the shore you can kick off your shoes, dig your toes in the sand and rejoice because you have made it!!!
     The sun shines brightly as you bounce up and down the water's edge. Take a few steps in and let the crashing waves chase you back. Relax on the beach or dive into swim until your arms ache. It doesn't matter what you have to do when you get back home- that will wait. You don't care about the latest episode of the Bachelor- you're living your own escapade. Nothing matters but soaking up the moment and experiencing God's work at its finest.
    What if that weren't limited to a week-long vacation every year or two? What if you could live a life similar to a beach bum without having to move to the shore (although I haven't given up on that dream!)? Why not pick out those features you love the best about the beach- or any experience for that matter- and find a way to bring them into everyday life? That's my goal, and my purpose for creating this website. I want to find a way to create a constant lifestyle so I feel like I am living on vacation all the time. I am officially a beach babe in the making!