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!!!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight with Your Pet!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight With Your Pet!

Do you feel the stress or the depression of having to lose a lot of weight slowly creeping up your nerves? Well then ... it's your body saying you need to go have a workout and get some sweat on your t-shirt!

I know sometimes you feel reluctant to leave the comfort of your home for many reasons. For some people, it is their domain and for others their command center! While the TV room, the computer that goes online and the video games can keep you entertained, it can also be as if you are under house arrest for such a long time, the word "exercise" becomes a distant memory in your vocabulary.

But, somewhere in your mind, in a silent corner of your brain, you can sometimes hear a faint voice crying ... "You need to get some exercise .." This may happen several times before you really feel the urge to go work out! But, as soon as the thought appears, I hear you say, "If only I had a friend to exercise with me, I would definitely go out ..." Don't worry, I am not eavesdropping on your complaints or reading your mind! I know that because it was my excuse, and that of many others, to continue to hide behind the walls and hope all these pounds will melt away without a bead of sweat!

Eliminate the excuse - "If I only had a friend, an exercise buddy, it would not be so boring!"

I know a friend to go out jogging would be a great proposition! But not all of our friends have the time for a walk.So what do we do? Do we continue the same way for the rest of our life?No, of course not!

I thought I wanted to get out and change my life, the way I looked and the way I felt about myself. I knew that unless I was willing to try new experiences and commit myself to exercise, I would always feel as if I was failing and not living up to my potential. The determination and the urge to become successful made me innovative.

I found a friend who, although he could not talk, was every bit a companion and just as real as a person! If the absence of an exercise buddy is the only thing stopping you, then it's time to stop the excuses and look around your house. Maybe you forgot the fact that you have always had a dear friend around you, who needs some real exercise as much as you do! By now, you must know whom I am talking about! Yes, of course, it is your pet!

For me, pets have been always been fascinating! As an animal lover, I admire and adore them.They will never say no to you and they will never back away. They are lively, energetic and ever ready! Well, the thought of your pet being an exercise buddy may be amusing to you, but try taking a walk with your pet and see your spirits rise!

Don't be afraid to go out and feel that winter chill or the mid summer sun on your face! In taking these little steps and implementing these new innovations, you are going to change that bit of laziness within us to a person of action!

Exercise, pet and innovative? I know what you are thinking! I hear you say "Are you crazy? lol..
I Know. I am with you mate!

Why do I stress exercise so much? Well, if you are to lose weight, exercise plays a great part in that goal and could be the major deciding factor in your journey to success! There are countless reasons why exercise is good; here are some you will want to explore a little further.


Stress - it will fly out the window!

Depression - well,it too will exit out another window!

Active - you will feel a spring in your feet.

Composed - you will feel your mind thinking clearly and making decisions will become easier and more concise.

Concentration - you will become an expert at this!

Healthier heart - you will have given your heart a new lease on life!

Stronger bones - they, too, will enjoy the benefits of exercise!

Toned muscles - well, do i need to elaborate more?

A Healthier, whole new you - I think you get the picture!

Here are some out door activities that you can do with your pet. Remember, it is not only healthier for you but healthier for your pet to get some exercise!

Suggestions for fun time with your pet-

*Throw a frisby and feel the movement in your arms and biceps; you are nearer to seeing them toned!

*Run a 100 meter sprint ... on your mark, set, go!

*Throw a ball and see who fetches it first!

*While you are getting to be good sprinter, challenge yourself to 200 meters and see who pants more!

*When you stop feeling your heart pumping at 200 meters, increase your distance.

*Gradually test your endurance, and your pets, and see who is stronger!"

*Want to try a tug of war? Well, that is a real challenge!

*Get on your bike and see if you can paddle faster than your pet..

The options are endless and i know you have a very creative mind.Know each time you go out and get some activity, you are one step closer to achieving your dreams, one step closer to
your goals!

Throughout the competition with your pet, make sure you both stay hydrated. It is essential your fluid levels are replenished and remain at a healthy level! As the exercise routines and fun continue with your inseparable companion, you will feel exercise much more rewarding. Your pet will smile too and you will be happier and more inspired each time you head out the door.

While your self esteem climbs up the ladder, your TV room and the comfy sofa will seem like the arch villains! You will want to spend more and more time with your lively companion! The park or the side-walk will seem like a safe haven and "the place" to be! You will often admire your courage and your determination! You will learn to look forward to exercise.When ever you wear your workout out fit you will feel empowered!

Soon you will start to love exercising and it will not feel like a chore anymore! Look yourself in the mirror and you will start smiling and see those pounds disappear! When you take your pet out the next time you will hear yourself saying, "Aren't we an awesome exercise duo!"

To Weigh or not to Weigh? – The Dreaded Scale and the Unending Question!

To Weigh or not to Weigh? – The Dreaded Scale and the Unending Question!

How to weigh yourself

OK … so we might as well enjoy a little humor with this subject!

This is the most fascinating question and seems to generate an unbelievable amount of responses; each person fairly secure that their manner of facing the dreaded scale to measure their weight is the correct way.


I can’t believe I was doing it wrong all these years!

There seems to be a happy medium that needs to be sought and it is different for each person. While we need the scales to monitor our progress, the results seem to lead us through a range of emotions from depressed and ready to give up to being elated and motivated to continue our plan with vigor.

The truth may be that we need to be kinder and gentler to ourselves and realize that our true goal is to change to a healthier lifestyle and that if we are committed to that, day-by-day, we WILL achieve our goal! The scale is merely a tool to help us monitor our progress from time to time. The journal of our food intake, the calories and the exercise we commit ourselves to do is the real indicator of our success; the scale is the ultimate truth machine as to whether or not we’re doing that correctly.

So, just as the tortoise went slow and easy, was steady and determined, remember who one the race? Through the never-ending faith and persistence, the tortoise won the race and so can you!

Below are comments from various people who, just like you, face this question and try to make sense of it; each ultimately trying to develop a plan to monitor our weight that works positively for us. You may find your feelings somewhere below or you may have other feelings that have not yet been expressed. Please feel free to share them in the comment section at the bottom of the blog so others facing their own journeys can receive the benefit of your knowledge.

Should I weigh daily?

I weigh daily, each morning, as soon as I awake. I go to the bathroom and weigh without clothes so my true weight is recorded each day. In this manner, I can make adjustments in my eating choices for that day based on what the scale shows. I am aware that there can be a fluctuation of 1-2 pounds due to water weight so that never bothers me. It does give me immediate confirmation of my behavior and I hold myself accountable to make the appropriate adjustments swiftly for any weight outside of that so I remain on course.

It makes me absolutely crazy to get on the scale daily; it is an emotional roller coaster.

When a “bad” number shows up, I immediately head to the kitchen to eat; it is self-defeating.

My moods are affected greatly by the numbers on the scale; I just can’t weigh daily. I had to step away from the scales.

I couldn’t stay away from the scales so I gave them to a family member and got them out of the house and removed the daily temptation to get on them. I was drawn to the scales like a moth to a flame and it was not producing good results.

Should I weigh weekly?

I weigh in weekly on the same day each week; it provides me with additional motivation. A few days prior to my weigh in I really buckle down to see some results.

I’m in Weight Watcher’s and weigh every week.

Should I weigh once a month?

I just keep doing what I know to do and then when I get weighed in a month, I can see how much I’ve lost and take pleasure in my achievement.

I try staying off the scale and it helps me to have longer periods between my weighing sessions. I don’t let the scale rule my life.

I weigh once a month. Although I remain curious and am tempted, it has helped me stay on my plan. Previously, I used the slight change in numbers to derail myself from my plan.

Should I take a hammer to the scales and throw them away?

I threw out the scales and ignore them; I go by howI feel and how my clothes fit.

I only get weighed at the doctor’s office.

I don’t weigh.

I may take a hammer to my scales once I’ve reached my goal!

What if the scales don’t change?

Give yourself a HUGE HUG and a pat on the back; you HAVE made progress! Your weight has remained constant and you have not gained!!! That is improvement over your past behavior and leads to the advancement of your understanding, which is ultimately what is needed when making a long-term lifestyle change!

Besides, the scales should change in the following week or two. Remember the tortoise; they will! :]

What if the scales go up?

A slight shift upwards could be due to the time of day; we tend to weigh heavier as the day progresses or it could be that you are wearing a heavier outfit than you weighed in last time.

If you’re exercising, muscle weighs heavier than fat and this can account for a minimal weight gain.

Journal your food intake, absolutely everything, and see how many calories you are truly consuming. Count every bite that goes in your mouth, including tasting dinner while cooking, eating a few bites from the plates of your children or grabbing a candy or two from the office candy jar; you may be surprised.

If you’re still having trouble and they continue to go up, send me your journal and how to contact you and we will discuss.


Sunshine wishes and many heartfelt hugs … always … Ranae

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Positive Thoughts from Becky …

Affirmation: I choose to be a happy person.

Truth Be Known: Don’t sweat the small stuff—it’s all small stuff.

Quotes: One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. -- Andre Gide

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. --Chief Joseph

Funny: I don't suffer from insanity...I enjoy every minute of it.

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Today’s Surgery – Panniculectomy with Muscle Tightening (Abdominoplasty)

Today’s Surgery – Panniculectomy with Muscle Tightening (Abdominoplasty)

Today’s surgery represents the culmination of the last 21-months of my weight-loss journey and the myriad of emotions that have emerged has come as quite a surprise! Throughout the past two days, the flood of emotions has ebbed and flowed like storm waves upon the shoreline and an endless stream of tears has come and gone like fleeting torrents of rain that have left me feeling emotionally drained, yet strangely content.

This amazing journey has been filled with many adventures, and preparing myself for this surgery has been no different. Opening my mind to believe, examining my behaviors and my way of thinking, and allowing positive thoughts to lead to improved goals and healthy lifestyle changes not only paved the way for my success but has ultimately provided me with a new skill-set that has allowed me to triumph through this emotional quagmire.

These are the basic keys that led to my success …

*Self-examination – The ability to look at yourself and truly see what is working, what is not and allowing yourself to see that changes need to be made.

* Knowledge – The ability to view and consider another person’s perspective or to unearth resources to educate yourself to gain intelligent information on which to base a decision or plan of action.

* Understanding – Comprehending where you have been, realizing where you need to go and having the insight to formulate a plan of action to lead to change .

* Implementation – Executing your plan of action, followed by the measurable events that show your success.

* Determination – The willingness to Believe, even when it is not rational, and to never give up!

* Support – The gift you give to yourself by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people and/or an online community of like-minded caring friends.

* Steadfastness – Long-term commitment, “can do” attitude, and an unending belief in success!

By utilizing these basic key concepts, I was able to work through this barrage of feelings and discovered …

that … losing 137 pounds is like losing the weight of another person and my physical appearance and body shape has undergone a huge alteration. My mind has not quite grasped the reality of moving from a size 30/32 to a size 14 and I still have a few days where I look in the mirror and see myself larger than I am; these are referred to as “fat days”. I’ve learned to trust the store clerks at Coldwater Creek and that the view I have on “fat days” is distorted. I am fearful of the pain of surgery, trust in the surgeon’s skill to perform the procedure and believe that God loves me and is with me always. (Self-examination)

that … the excess skin of my tummy causes chafing, sores, cleanliness issues, tears easily and the weight of it causes back strain/pain and impedes my ability to move freely. This will only get worse in the coming years and surgery is the only way to correct the damage. (Knowledge)

that … while I hated my saggy tummy and thought surgery was somehow a simple answer, I have come to the realization that separating myself from it is really quite emotional! Questions came pouring into my mind ~ Why would I miss this saggy appendage? Could I possibly still want to keep it?

*In some ways my tummy was like a dear friend; it had been with me throughout life, was attached to me and felt oddly comfortable.

*In other ways I likened it to the Peanut’s character Linus and his need for a security blanket and the thought of finally separating myself from it felt slightly uncomfortable.

*Finally, throughout this journey, I realized I have used layers of fat to try and shield me from the pain of life. Now, in this moment, I am laying down my imaginary shield to face the emotions of life in a forthright and honest manner.

(Understanding – THIS WAS THE HARDEST PART ~ AND THE MOST SUCCESSFUL!)

that … Surgery scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today! (Implementation)

that … I am GOING to surgery, BELIEVE all will go well and trust that I am where I am supposed to be and that life is lived with a purpose. (Determination)

that … I am blessed beyond belief with such loving and caring support and best wishes from family, friends, coworkers, and my online community friends! I wouldn’t be where I am without them and are they represent the greatest treasure in my life! (Support)

that … I am committed to undergoing surgery, facing pain, getting up and walking, healing and am renewing my commitment to develop better exercise habits and begin training to participate in a half marathon. (Steadfastness)

How telling to realize that some of the same fears of self-doubt returned briefly and yet how AMAZING to realize that I achieved the Ultimate Success! I have successfully developed the skill-set to examine, learn and understand my feelings. I have learned to face my emotions, allow myself to “feel” them and there is no longer a need to medicate myself with food or hide behind the layers of fat.

Sunshine wishes and Success to each of you …

~Ranae~

Introduction To Ranaesheart Weightloss Blog - FAQS

What is this blog about?

This blog was born as the result of a 143-pound weight loss and the commitment to “pay it forward” in helping others achieve the same success. The blog is new and growing and all aspects to assist in your transition to a healthy lifestyle will be addressed – from motivation, to nutrition, to exercise, to emotional support, to sharing in the journeys of others and answering questions …

How will it help me?

You will find many useful resources and articles here on healthy weightloss. I have shared my own personal experience and knowledge in this blog, which is a proven formula to healthy weight loss. Additional topics will be researched and reported to provide an ever increasing database of information designed to assist you along your journey and help you achieve your goals.

Do you offer services for further advice?

Apart from the information and services provided in the blog, we also have a successful weight loss group hosted at DailyStrength where you will find a friendly, caring, supportive community of people who are walking in your same shoes. You can participate anonymously and get involved in, or start, discusson topics. The community provides a wealth of information including recipes, motivation, ongoing encouragement, regular weight loss challenges and more! My personal favorite, and one I'm sure you'll love, are the virtual hugs! This community was a crucial element in my journey to successsful weight loss and I believe it will play a major role in your success!

Why recommend DailyStrength?

Well..You need to watch this video to see why we recommend it.

Is there a fee for all of your services?

Absolutely NOT. This Blog And Weight loss group are 100 percent free to particpate.

Do You Have A post on ________?

Perhaps! Use the blog search function in the sidebar to try and find a post on the topic you're interested in. If nothing relevant comes up, then email me with your question and either I'll help you out via email or write a full post on it.

I am struggling with my weight loss! Help!

The word "Weight loss" has taken the world by storm. With so many people out there wanting to lose weight, the options seems to be endless. There is a lot to learn about healthy living and weight loss. Thankfully, there is a lot of help! Weight loss doesn't need to be a chore; it can actually be fun, especially when joining with a network of friends with the same goals!

This article will help get you started on what healthy weight loss is all about. After that, you can use the resources in the blog or the weight loss community to find the answer to just about any question.

Once you know the basics, subscribe to a site, like this one and join a weight loss community if you want to take things a little further and use your newfound knowledge in your own weight loss journey!