Love Your Body!

Love Your Body!

Motivation is an ever-present need when implementing the change to a healthier lifestyle. Today I have elected to share some extremely personal information in an effort to provide you with some very important reasons to continue on this path you’ve chosen.

My employment with the American Red Cross came to an end in the middle of May, along with a thousand others nationwide. A 200 million dollar deficit predicated this massive layoff that affected most of my coworkers and many who dedicated their lives to this noble institution. We felt displaced and found ourselves polishing up our resumes.

When the notice came of our impending departures, and the resulting termination of our health insurance, scheduling routine annual exams suddenly moved to the forefront of our “to do” lists. One such appointment was to my family practitioner. The visit included a routine blood draw and came with the added benefit of seeing the look of amazement on his face as he noticed the large weight loss since my last visit. (By the way, that is a really fun aspect of the physical change … seeing someone who hasn’t seen you in a long time and watching his or her reaction!)

So … last week I received the test results of my lab work and I was thrilled! Not only all normal, but better than normal!!!

Weight: 185 lbs
Total Cholesterol 189 (Normal range 165-199)
HDL 77 (Normal range 35-59; doctors say anything above 50 is good – 77 is Great!)
LDL 90 (Normal range is less than or equal to 129; cardiologists are recommending below 100)
Triglycerides 111 (55-199)

I remember my old values being out of range, especially the triglycerides, so I called the doctor again. Here are the old results for comparison purposes.

Weight: 290 lbs (Highest was 330 lbs)
Total Cholesterol 218 (Normal range 164-200; abnormal)
HDL 80.9 (32-96; within normal range)
LDL 94.7 (90-190; also within normal range, but new values are better)
Triglycerides 214 (30-200; abnormal)

Many times we focus on the physical appearance of weight loss and mentally we compare ourselves with others. Unrealistic images and touched up photos of movie stars and models bombard our senses and we tend to develop a false picture of what it “looks like” to be healthy. For most of us, we are not and never will be a size “0” and the truth is, the average size woman in the United States is a size 14, the size at which “plus sized” clothing begins. You may want to read this interesting article from the New York Times, written by Kate Zernike.

The point is, the most important reason we should lose weight IS to move to a HEALTHY Lifestyle!

As I excitedly shared the results of my blood work with my mom, she informed me she had noticed many changes in my health. Not being quite so in tune, I asked her to share what she had noticed.

These are her observations and they’re shared with you to encourage you to look beyond the physical aspects.

Sleep Apnea – This has resolved itself and a CPAP machine is no longer required.

Breathing Difficulty – Can breathe freely and inhalers are a thing of the past.

Bladder Control – With less weight on my frame, there is no longer the pressure on my bladder and bladder control issues are no longer existent.

Knee Pain and Stability – The knee pain is gone and knees are stable! It is no wonder they had trouble. Can you imagine carrying a 146-lb person on your shoulders day in and day out??? I get tired carrying an infant or a toddler for short periods of time and I get to put them down!

Blood Pressure – It is in the normal range and medication has been cut in half. Believe we’re on the way to eliminating it all together.

Heart Health – The benefits are shown in the blood test results above and my risk for cardiac disease has greatly improved.

While I did not have any issues with my blood sugar, it should be noted that had I continued on the same path, statistics show it would only have been a matter of time before Type II diabetes developed. (It can be precipitated by obesity.)

Let’s stop thinking about outside appearances and focus on the inner working of our bodies. Try comparing it to shopping for a car. Would you want to purchase the car owned by a mechanic who had meticulously cared for the motor? OR, would you purchase the one whose owner participated in the pleasure of many long road trips but failed to perform the routine maintenance?

You see … if we do not choose to love our bodies and treat them in a kind and caring manner, we stand to lose our health. If that happens, we stand to lose everything that is near and dear to our hearts. Without your health, you won’t be able to participate in activities, your longevity is threatened and your life may become burdened with the cares of tending to the needs of your health.

By making HEALTH the No. # 1 reason to eat nutritionally and exercise regularly, you preserve your body to participate and enjoy all that life has to offer! You will be alive to enjoy the love of your family and friends and that is truly where our treasure lies! The Choice is Yours!

Were You Loved? ~ A Tribute to Dad

Were You Loved? ~ A Tribute to Dad

Sometimes in the self-discovery that allows for personal growth and acceptance, it is equally important recalling a moment where we know we were loved ... recalling it provides the "balance" that is needed in our lives and promotes the healing of our hearts.

With Father’s Day this Sunday, and with the passing of my Father February 6th, it is an honor to share this special memory of my dad with you. He was a wonderful and loving man whose primary mission was to care and nurture his family. He enriched the lives of those who knew him and we were very blessed to have him.

As a chubby 13 or 14-year-old, finding stylish clothes that fit was a daunting task. What should have been an exciting time to buy new school clothes became a tortured event. As each new outfit was chosen, my hopes would soar, only to be disappointed that outfit after outfit did not fit my chubby body. While it was a dreaded experience for me, hindsight tells me it could not have been much fun for my mother or my Aunt Barbara either. For every seven outfits that my sister and my cousins found that fit beautifully, I was lucky to find one that fit somewhat uncomfortably. And, of those outfits, they did not flatter and were not made of the stylish fabrics of the other girls. To this day I wonder why they don’t make the same fashions only in larger sizes …

One day, my mother and father were discussing this and the conversation ended when my mom told my dad, "then you take her". My father and I went shopping and Wowwww .. did we find a dress!!! My heart soared and I was elated when dad bought me the dress of my dreams! It was stylish, it was bright and I felt like I "fit in" with the other kids.

The dress was a medium, warm brown .. like the crayon "Burnt Sienna". There were stripes of turquoise, purple, bright green, fluorescent yellow and orange ... that went around. Can you imagine what those stripes did for a little fat girl??? Lollll Not knowing that ... I felt like a princess!

When we came home, my mother knew this and that fact, combined with the $18.00 price tag (that was a LOT of money back then), caused her to disapprove. My dad promptly brought the conversation to an end by saying very firmly .. "She wanted it, I bought it, and I don't want to hear another word about it!" WOWWWW .. from the understanding of a child .. I just knew my dad had stood up for me, bought me the prettiest dress I could remember and I was a princess!

Over the years we have laughed and shared this experience on many family occasions ... and I still feel the pride and joy I felt that day ... all these years later.

Our memories can be triggered by a smell, a touch, a similar situation or just as a fond event we wish to recall. They allow us to apply what we’ve learned and experienced to make way for personal growth. They represent “our history” and are powerful reminders of where we have been.

As you move forward with determination, commitment and self-examination towards a positive and healthy lifestyle, don’t forget your memories. They can not “define” us, but they have shaped us. Acknowledge them, rejoice in them, learn “what to do” or “not to do” from them, but always remember …

Hugggsss ... and memories ... good or bad, have made us who we are. Who you become … remains completely in YOUR hands! Use the lessons you have learned wisely and reach for the stars … it is the journey of your lifetime!

Love Yourself Thin!

Love Yourself Thin!

As each new day dawns, I am blessed to share in the journeys of others. One by one, each person has summoned the courage to reach out in friendship and share a common path. For some, the journey ends all too quickly and they turn away, without a word, giving in to defeat. For countless others, they embrace an online community of loving, caring friends and begin to heal.

Each person has a story. There are those who shyly sit back and slowly begin to interact and there are those who shout out for all to hear. A full range of emotions seems to surface … from anger, fear, remorse and sadness … to happiness, courage, acceptance and peace.

Day after day, I sit in amazement as I watch these amazing people reach out to each other. Caringly, with extreme compassion and genuine love, their gentle and heartfelt words are written to comfort the heart of their friends. Those receiving this unconditional outpouring of support are embraced with total acceptance, unending support and gentle words of encouragement. They are upheld in their moment of despair and the lives of those that share in this exchange can feel their honest and heartfelt desire to offer aid in hopes of healing another.

From time to time, each person that has unselfishly rushed to the aid of another finds themselves in a failure of their own. As they write, they share the depth of their failure, how angry they are at themselves for failing, how they hate themselves and their body image and how they no longer believe in themselves.

As I (like others) was compelled to rush to their aid … a moment of awakening occurred!

• Why is it that we can be so accepting and understanding to another soul and yet so unforgiving and harsh with ourselves?
• Why is it we encourage others to take baby steps and gently support them in their progress yet set unrealistic expectations for ourselves?
• Why is it that we give caring, loving support to others but turn on ourselves with anger and hate?

This was a personal revelation for me as I realized that I, too, had set unrealistic expectations for myself. While I always thought I deserved to be happy and treated well, I found that the person who was treating me the worst was me!

A gentle friend, who accepted me for who I am and encouraged me to care more about myself, caringly shared this poem with me. It hit home. It was posted on my bathroom mirror for a very long time and these words are never far from my thoughts. In an effort to “pay it forward”, and in his honor, it is shared with you …

Queen for a Day

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you queen for a day
Then go the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that girl has to say

For it isn’t your husband, brother or mother
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the girl looking back from the glass

She’s the person to trust, nevermind all the rest
For she’s with you clear up to the end
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the girl in the glass is your friend

Author Unknown, Adapted by Michael

The truth is, we must learn to love ourselves. It is the essence of healing our hearts. In doing so, we are then able to successfully move forward in our lives. If we do not learn this, we are stuck in the struggle for self … just as if being mired in quicksand.

There is a famous saying that says “You can’t learn to love someone else until you learn to love yourself.” Another one states “You can’t expect someone to love you until you love yourself.” There is truth in both statements.

So, throw out those negative self-images! Give yourself the kindness you would give a stranger! As you find yourself starting the negative self-talk, step outside yourself and imagine it is a friend in your situation instead of yourself. What would you tell them? Would you be forgiving? Would you encourage them?

Then, treat yourself with the same kindness you would a stranger. For when you learn to forgive yourself, accept yourself and love yourself, you have the key to your success! In the caring, loving, accepting environment you create, the seeds you plant to lose weight, be happy and healthy will grow!

Louise Hay said it best: "When someone comes to me with a problem, I don't care what it is: poor health, lack of money, unfulfilling relationships, or self esteem issues... there is only one thing that I ever work on, and that is LOVING THE SELF. I find that when we really love, accept and approve of ourselves exactly as we are, then everything in life works."

Make Yourself a Priority!

Make Yourself a Priority!

In my early twenties, much to my chagrin, I found myself divorced. On a day-to-day basis, I had the awesome responsibility of raising my precious young daughter and I did my best to balance full-time employment, household chores, preparing meals and spending quality time with my child. Although her father saw her every other weekend, and diligently paid child support, I found myself feeling the need to over-compensate for having only one parent in the household.

My precious princess was soon enrolled in dance, Girl Scouts, school activities and softball. It wasn’t enough to merely support her in those activities, I then took on the duties of Girl Scout leader, chairman of the annual cookie sales and co-chaired two large camping events for the association. Dance lessons expanded to tap, ballet, jazz and toe and I became a regular chaperone on the class trips at school.

These activities are all worthwhile and I highly recommend them. However, as a single parent trying to work, maintain a household, support my daughter’s activities and also spend individual quality time with her, I found myself exhausted and failing. It was then that my mother gave me a sage piece of wisdom and said, “You can’t make anyone else happy if you are not happy.”

I found it necessary to scale back some activities and make some time for myself. I couldn’t make my daughter happy if I was tired and exhausted all the time. My little one could remain in her activities, but I did not need to chair the annual cookie sales nor did I need to lead the camping trips for the association. I did need to make some time to do some of the adult activities that I found rewarding, like attending a play or attending a social event with friends. (In hindsight, a wiser choice would have been to get involved in a regular exercise program.)

Those words have always remained true, although I sometimes need to be reminded of them.

This past week, a kind friend posted an entry on DailyStrength that very eloquently reminds us that we need to make ourselves a priority! Both stories are concise, to the point and give us pause to reflect on their meaning. With her permission, and her request to remain anonymous, we gratefully share her words with you.

Heard of the Golden Goose?

Imagine you have a golden goose that lays golden eggs.

What's more important? Is it the golden eggs or the golden goose?

If you don't look after the goose, what happens to the eggs?

You don't get any!

You can use today's tool to help determine which of your Life Priorities are golden eggs, and which priorities nurture the goose so it can keep giving you golden eggs.

Ideally, you need to order your priorities so the goose (that's you!) is higher than the golden eggs (what you produce).

For example, what's your most valuable financial asset? You might think it's your house, but it's not.

Your Most Valuable Financial Asset, let's say your house (a golden egg) is worth $300,000 and that you (the golden goose) earn $40,000 per year.

Looks like the house is worth more, huh?

But after 20 years, your house might be worth $400,000, but over that time you have earned $800,000.

So, your ability to earn is twice as valuable as your house.

Or the "golden goose" (you) is worth twice as much as your most valuable "golden egg."

In light of this, how high should "Health" be as a priority?

On an Airplane with your Child in Danger

Imagine …

If you're on a plane with your son or daughter, and the flight attendant is doing the pre-take off routine, what do they tell you to do if there is a loss of cabin pressure?

Do they tell you to put your child’s oxygen mask on first, or do they tell you to put your mask on and THEN help your child?

They tell you to put yours on first because, if you aren't in a conscious state, you can't help ANYONE.

This is an example when it is loving and compassionate to make you the number one priority and put yourself first.

Do you feel better now about making "Yourself" a priority in other areas of life, so you have something to give to the people and work you love?

Closing thoughts

We’d like to encourage each of you to examine the “Health” aspect of your lives and reach out and make the time to exercise and eat healthy, nutritional food. Take the time to consider your health and ask yourself, “What will you be able to do without it?”

Don’t forget, we BELIEVE in YOU!!!

Too Old To Lose Weight?

Too Old To Lose Weight?

Weight loss has become a serious issue in our community and it affects people of all ages and both sexes, from teenagers to the elderly. Today, even societies children are getting obese at an alarming rate. As many people are becoming aware of the physical damage and serious health issues excess weight can cause, many people are looking to change their lifestyle. They are reevaluating their choices, taking stock of their situation and electing healthy eating and exercise to change their lifestyle and reach their goals.

What do you do if you are aging and your metabolism is slowing you down?

What steps can you take when your muscles ache and your bones creak?

What can you do when your uncooperative limbs make exercising more difficult?

So, here is the million-dollar question! “Do You Think You Are Too Old To Lose Weight? "
Slower metabolism, bad knees, buzzing lifestyle, fewer active friends, less free time, (saggy bosoms …loll) ... it all conspires to make you want to take a nap instead of getting out there and moving. However, with the right determination and the correct guidance, you will be able to lose weight and stay fit. The best thing you can do is to work with weights and implement cardio -- circuit training -- so that you get your metabolism going again. Swimming and bicycling are also great alternatives with summer approaching and much easier on those creaking and/or ailing joints. Having said that, you should always consult your physician before undertaking any exercise program.

You may hit a plateau every now and then. I know how it feels! It is a very difficult time when you are putting in the effort and lifestyle changes to lose weight and the pounds seem to stay glued and don’t budge! The fear of losing this battle slowly creeps in with the daily disappointments of the scales not moving.

I have been disappointed several times in my life, not only with weight related issues but personal issues as well. There came a time when I told myself, "THIS IS THE END OF THE ROAD AND I GIVE UP!” Funny thing about life, it doesn't give up on you so easily; it teases you with its magical twists and turns! People are brought into your path that encourage you and stimulate your thought processes, if you are open-minded enough to be truly reflective and examine the meaning of the words they share.

Life is much easier if we know how to fight these obstacles! Just remember this,there is a warrior that lives within each of us and the urge to battle on is stirred in your mind every time you feel defeated! We don't like to be defeated and we don’t accept defeat, do we? Cowards do that and we are not one of those! That's why one of my favorite quotes is “Never Say Die!"

Whenever you start losing confidence in yourself, that is a stepping-stone to failure. NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF OR YOUR DREAMS! Keep chasing them and the triumph of the battles will follow you; the pounds will melt!

Although I don't qualify to give you any expert or medical advice, I start my day with renewed strength and new hope by saying, "Today Is the Day I Take the Sword to My Weight Loss!” With each pound you lose victory will fall at your feet! Set small goals for yourself and be realistic about them. DailyStrength has an amazing tool where you can set your weight loss goal and track your progress. Be realistic about your goals! Perhaps set your goal at a pound a week. As you make healthy food choices and institute that exercise program, the weight will start tumbling down as the weeks fly by!

If you become moody and stressed during this whole delicate process, I would suggest bringing some excitement into your life! Do something entertaining and enjoyable! Develop a routine and take some time to relax. Take up reading, sewing or anything you can do indoors. If you can go outside, then the possibilities of driving the depression monster away are endless! Count your calories and keep a track of what you eat; journaling is very important to your success. Check with your physician as to the appropriate calorie level as each person differs depending on their age, their activity level, etc. Personally, I stayed between 1,300 and 1,500. Others who are more active require more calories and need to stay between 1600-2000.

Sometimes people slip but that's natural! Give yourself a hug and shrug off any negative thoughts and keep moving forward. When you feel like moving, go for a brisk walk or do a light work out at home and when you are ready to breathe the air of the gym, get going!

YOU are going to be fine and do wonderfully. We BELIEVE In YOU and you can be the next great weight loss success!

Now What Did You Say? Too Old To Lose Weight? Think Again! You are much younger than that!

Self-Motivation ~ My Strategy for Weight Loss Success; Could it be Yours???

Self-Motivation ~ My Strategy for Weight Loss Success; Could it be Yours???

When undertaking the task of losing weight and changing your lifestyle, there are undoubtedly periods of time where renewed motivation is required. For me, this involves two processes: (1) the search for those people, stories, quotes and friendships that inspire me and (2) an introspective look at myself that ultimately culminates in a deeper understanding of life and furthers personal growth.

The Search-

Feeling deeply committed to those who have joined the blog and the Weight Loss Group hosted at DailyStrength, my heart has been heavy as I watch the motivation of these wonderful, caring people decline and their posts slow to a snails pace. How can I motivate them? What are they feeling? How can I “pay it forward” to honor those who helped me and assist these people who are crying out for help? What if my motivation is waning?

Following some soul searching, I asked this question, “Name someone or something you found extremely motivational and examine what it was that made you feel that way.”

Have you seen the movie Lorenzo’s Oil? If not, may I suggest you rent it and watch it. It is the real life drama of Augusto and Michaela Odone and their unbelievable motivation, unyielding determination and unending love for their son. At five years of age, he was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD); a horrible debilitating disease that slowly robs young boys of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and ends with taking their life, usually within 24 months of diagnosis.

In spite of their son’s impending demise, the Odones began a mission to save Lorenzo’s life. They went to various medical facilities, submitted their son to the latest medical protocols and scientific trials only to watch their son’s health decline. They decided to learn everything they could about this little studied rare disease and poured through libraries and medical literature to broaden their knowledge. They were unyielding in their desire to ask questions and understand the disease process and how various treatments affected their son’s status. When faced with opposing information, they steadfastly stood together and summoned their inner strength to not only care for Lorenzo’s failing health, but to collide with support groups, doctors, researchers, and scientists in their quest for a cure.

Through the unbridled dedication and self-motivation, the Odone’s stretched the boundaries of conventional medicine and identified the formula that now saves the lives of countless children diagnosed with ALD. While the Odone’s formula did not “cure” the disease, it holds the disease from progressing any further and these children live; what a victory for all! Their son, Lorenzo, was 14 at the time the movie was released and had long outlived the 24-month life expectancy of the doctors.

An Introspective Look-

I opened my mind to new thoughts and took a look into my life and how I might be able to use these things I so admired in Augusto and Michaela Odone to provide me with self-motivation.

•Motivation – What is your motivation? Mine was to learn to be kind to myself, to be healthy, to live, to set a goal and show my grandchildren you could accomplish what you set your mind to do.

•Determination – Are you determined to succeed? I was determined to not give up, to realize I was human and would fail from time to time and forgive myself quickly.

•Unending Love – Do you love yourself? Do you love someone else? Learning to care for myself has been a large part of my journey and there are those in my life who I love dearly … family, friends, coworkers, and others.

•Mission – What is your mission? Mine was to succeed in becoming healthy and developing a positive self image.

•Learn – Do you want to learn and gain the knowledge of others? Is your mind open to new thoughts and ideas? My mind yearned for knowledge and while it wasn’t as easy to institute true change in the beginning, learning and evolving is now one of the most important and enjoyable elements of my life.

•Desire – Do you have a burning desire, a dream you want to turn into a reality? Initially, it was to lose weight and have my tummy fixed; now it is to develop the blog, support the weight loss group, help others succeed along their individual journeys and honor those who so selflessly helped me.

•Understand – Do you understand where you have been, where you are going and why you are where you are in this process? Understanding where I had been took time, effort and self-examination. I understood where I was going although as I began my journey, I could only see a stone or two ahead of me. The farther I progressed on my journey and the more knowledge I gained, the farther down the path I could see. I must tell you that I did, and do, remain open to stumbling, falling down and getting up. I’m never so set on a path that I cannot choose a different fork in the road if a new opportunity presents itself.

•Steadfast – Are you willing to be steadfast and committed to yourself? I learned that I needed to keep putting one step in front of the other and eventually I would arrive at my goal.

•Inner Strength – Do you have the inner strength to grow and achieve your goals? One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that I am stronger than I thought possible; YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!

•Dedication – Do you have the dedication to continue and not give up? I did and am continuing on my journey. YOU CAN TOO!!!

•Self-Motivation – Do you have it? Are you willing to get it? I have it and continue to get it. Truly hope this is your choice; would love to share in your success!!!

•Victory – Do you want to claim victory for yourself? I am! You Can!!!

Sunshine Wishes-

While we can provide support, information, answer questions and give you those wonderful virtual hugs, we can only provide some ideas regarding motivation. You must allow your mind to open and explore the words that are shared and you are the only one who can put them into action. YOU really can make your goals and dreams come true.

Please know WE BELIEVE IN YOU and as my mentor shared with me, “BELIEVE, even when it is not rational, and good things WILL happen …”

Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey.

Sunshine wishes,

Ranae

PS – If you’d like to read more about Lorenzo Odone, here is a website that has some more recent information (he is now 30!)

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Want to continue eating unhealthy day-to-day? Stop reading. Want to learn and make the choice to eat healthy, knowing you’re human and may have an occasional day where this doesn’t happen? Read on and open your mind to some new possibilities!

Put a “STOP and THINK” sign on your cupboard and refrigerator doors to remind yourself to ask these questions before proceeding. Then choose your plan of action and proceed knowing the decisions and the consequences are yours!

Are you hungry? Is there a gnawing and growling in your tummy?

• If no, then examine why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator looking for something to eat.

• What emotions are you feeling? Sad? Happy? Depressed? Angry? Bored?

• Has a specific incident just happened? A fight? A disappointment?

• What activity were you just doing?

• Is going in search of food a habit you have developed whether you are hungry or not?

• If so, then examine the reason why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator

• Have you given any thought to what motivated you to begin your journey? Your health? Lowering your blood pressure or your cholesterol? Living to see your children or grandchildren? Wanting to share more time with your spouse? Being able to be active? To wear pretty clothes? To improve your self-esteem? To feel better?

If you are hungry and you feel a gnawing and growling in your tummy, then examine if you want to make a healthy choice or an unhealthy choice.

• If electing to eat healthy, then select good nutritional items that contain acceptable caloric content . Eat protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-fat or low-fat dairy. Eat in moderation.

• If electing to eat unhealthy foods, then realize what you are doing by understanding what it will cost you to make this choice. Your health goals may be affected; your weight and cholesterol numbers may increase.

You may have a larger relapse following this choice. You may die earlier due to associated health related issues. You may not live to see your children raised or enjoy your grandchildren. You may have to resort to wearing over-sized clothing or tight clothing and those pretty clothes you yearn to wear simply won’t fit. Your self-esteem may suffer. You may feel worse, physically and mentally.

By this time, if you’re truly hungry and elected a healthy option, you are on your way to the success you desire; Congratulations! If you’re not hungry but wish to eat anyway or if you continue to be challenged with the urge to eat in an unhealthy manner, there are a few more thoughts to consider.

• Not hungry? Then try implementing these changes.

• Sad? Go do something you know will make you happy, get your nails done, call a friend, go for a walk, get out of your present location, read motivational thoughts, get online and talk to your support group friends.

• Happy? Yeah you .. go somewhere where you don’t eat, like a walk in the park, skip around the block, take a candlelit bath … you don’t eat in the tub, do you?

• Depressed? Read the article about the good wolf and the bad wolf and feed the good wolf.
Join a support group. Get out and do something new. Go shopping for a self-help book and read it. Get outside and feel the sunshine on your face. Watch the clouds move. Listen to the birds sing. Count your blessings.

• Angry? Go work out at the gym and run on the treadmill, ride a bike, or hit a punching bag. Go for a long, fast-paced walk. Take a pad of paper and go sit outside in the sunshine or a library and write down your feelings. Journal your feelings online in your support group ~ they can be shared with all to gain assistance and knowledge from others within the site. You can elect to share your journal site-wise, with only those you’ve elected to be your online friends or you can keep your entries private ~ for your eyes only. I would recommend not handing them to the person you’re angry at … sometimes we say and/or write things in anger we wouldn’t say otherwise and might regret later.

• Bored? Come to my house, I’ve got LOTS to DO! LOLLL Find a new activity or interest. Take a class at a community college or local university; they’re inexpensive and you meet new people. Start a new project or finish an old one that you’ve been meaning to do. Exercise. Volunteer to help others; it will bless your life.

• A fight? We all do from time to time. Be sure you “fight fair”.

-State the action: “When you yelled …”

-State how YOU feel, you are entitled to your feelings … “…it made me feel like I wasn’t important. …”

-State what you would have liked to have had happen (sometimes it’s good to give two options) “… I would have preferred that we talk quietly about what was bothering you and ways to make improvements” OR” I would have preferred there had been no yelling and that we planned a later time to discuss this when tempers had cooled”

• A disappointment? Disappointments are unfortunate but not a reason to be unkind to you; they are a part of life as well. Believe it or not, without disappointment we would not know pleasure, happiness and contentment. It is all about balance. Perhaps when feeling disappointment, you can find another activity to do that brings you joy or you can simply think of the pleasure and joy you’ve shared before and count your blessings.

Now, all that said, if you still elect to make a choice that is unhealthy, then by all means do NOT beat yourself up for it! Realize you are human, you will make and choose decisions that may be contrary to your goals, but they are for that day. Accept the choice, enjoy what you are going to eat, forgive yourself and start the next day out without guilt and a renewed commitment to live healthier and make better choices. Life is a learning process for all of us and while we enjoy and share the company of others along our path, our journey is of our making and leads us where we wish to go. I’ll restate a favorite quote and a few others that helped me many times when faced with these decisions …


“Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be?” Nelson Mandela


“The only limits to our realization of our tomorrow are our doubts of today.” Franklin D Roosevelt

”To achieve the seemingly impossible, you must first dream it possible.” Victor Havel

”As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.” Emerson

”Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford


To quote a dear friend, “Too many times we have a dream and we have voices that tell us why it can't be done or how hard it will be, explaining to us in great detail the obstacles and the difficulty. In doing so they are well meaning yet damaging beyond measure.

Too many times we listen to those voices - too many times ours is one of the voices.

It is our dream no one has a right to prevent us from reaching it, least of all us.”

Sunshine wishes and many heartfelt hugs … always … Ranae

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Thoughts from Becky …

Affirmation: My past does not control my future.

Truth Be Known: Other people's opinions are just their opinions.

Quote: “Happiness never comes to those who don’t appreciate what they already have.

Unknown Latin Proverb: It is the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

Funny: Every morning is the dawn of a new error.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Motivation and Support – Keys to Successful Weight Loss!

Motivation and Support – Keys to Successful Weight Loss !

Staying motivated is one of the biggest battles we face on our journey to successful weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. In many ways, it is an intimate conversation with our inner self, a pep talk of sorts, and our success lends itself to the desire of our hearts and our willingness to look inward to the root of our behaviors.

*Surround yourself with positive people as their sparkling personalities and the sunshine that radiates from them sets the tone and provides the foundation for your success.

*Read or listen to thought provoking books, quotes and other materials, examine the meaning behind the words and how you can translate that meaning into your success. Here is one of my favorites:

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? Nelson Mandela

*Give yourself the gift of joining a caring supportive self-help network. This can be crucial to your success.

• In surrounding yourself with like-minded friends and virtual hugs, you are setting the stage for your success.
  
• The wealth of knowledge shared is amazing and diverse and topics range from motivational words and exercise tips, to a favorite recipe or a cry for help.
  
• The genuine concern and understanding of those who are walking the same path provides comfort and hope as successes are shared.

A much-loved story to share with those asking for help in their struggle to succeed is one I found thought provoking and most true. Please read this and ponder its meaning.

ONE evening, and old Cherokee told his grandson about the eternal battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My boy, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.”

“One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.”

“The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, tolerance, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The boy thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”

So, with Sunshine wishes, I ask you to adjust your thinking cap to allow for the soul searching and self-examination that leads to the self-improvement of both mind and body. Move forward with a newfound commitment in motivating yourself towards your success and “Feed the Good Wolf!”

It is the journey of YOUR lifetime!

June Rainbow Rose Challenge - Week 2 - Today's Motivation

WELCOME TO THE CHALLENGE!

One of the most powerful strategies to implementing a successful lifestyle change involves developing a positive mindset. By visualizing your goals and filling your thoughts with positive affirmations, you provide yourself with a competitive edge. Constant repetition allows your subconscious mind to record the message, take action and generate change.

Just as newly planted seeds spring forth fruit, you are allowing yourself to plant the seeds of belief that culminate as self-improvement. The power of positive thinking, combined with your efforts, can transform your life!

Sunshine wishes always ....


DAILY MOTIVATION - WEEK 1



Day 14 June 22nd

Today as you explore yet another new exercise and sharpen the skills that will lead you to success, remember the five simple principles in the Parable of the Pencil!

Fulfill your purpose and leave a positive mark on you and those around you! YOU are WORTH the Effort!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 13 June 21st

As you’re given the freedom to choose your own exercise today, and you read today’s success story that reinforces “I Can Choose!” … allow your mind accept these motivational quotes and expand your thinking to KNOW and BELIEVE that YOU CAN and WILL Change Your Life!

This is the one and only precious life we have … let’s DO this TOGETHER!!! BELIEVE in YOURSELF … WE BELIEVE IN YOU!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 12 June 20th

Take 5 minutes to sit back, relax, and truly ponder the meaning of this inspirational and motivational message. The music is a little obnoxious … sorry … but the words are worth seeing. (Hint: You can turn the volume down as no words are spoken.)

Remember, YOU are the Director of your own life!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Day 11 June 19th

Halfway there! YEAH US!!! Sometimes, at this point, you may be feeling this is hard or wonder if it is worth the effort. YES .. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!! Please listen to this motivational message … maybe several times … and help expand your thought process to truly understand that “every failure is a step closer to success”!!!

WE BELIEVE IN YOUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 10 June 18th

We’re approaching the half way mark of this challenge and it’s time to pat yourself on the back for your great effort and rejoice in your success! Whether you have lost weight or whether you are holding where you are … you are learning to eat healthy, developing an exercise routine and Succeeding. You are learning to treat yourself kindly!

Today we need to remember and focus on the words “I CAN!!!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 9 June 17th

Today’s motivation focuses on Persistence and Success. In sync with the blog article on “Plateaus”, this reminds us “For those who continue to do things right and are not discouraged, for those who are persistent, rewards will follow.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 8 June 16th

Just as this video is “pumping up the team” to go out and win … let it remind you to go out and seize the day … carpe diem … and claim your victory!

June Rainbow Rose Challenge - Week 1 - Today's Motivation

WELCOME TO THE CHALLENGE!

One of the most powerful strategies to implementing a successful lifestyle change involves developing a positive mindset. By visualizing your goals and filling your thoughts with positive affirmations, you provide yourself with a competitive edge. Constant repetition allows your subconscious mind to record the message, take action and generate change.

Just as newly planted seeds spring forth fruit, you are allowing yourself to plant the seeds of belief that culminate as self-improvement. The power of positive thinking, combined with your efforts, can transform your life!

Sunshine wishes always …

Day 7 June 15th

What an Amazing and Inspiring week we’ve had! Friendships are growing, support is ever present and you should feel empowered by your efforts! Please take time to reflect on the positive steps you have taken and give yourself the much-deserved credit for your determination and persistence. Reflecting on these positive thoughts should help you rejoice in your accomplishments of Week 1 and prepare you to leap forward with renewed faith as we begin Week 2 tomorrow.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 6 June 14th

As we focus on