Sweet Spot

I don't want to jinx myself or scare my mojo away but I have to tell you I've been feeling like I've hit the healthy lifestyle sweet spot. I'm in such a groove lately I wish I could bottle it up and store it away for when I really need it.

I haven't been getting too hung up on the numbers on the scale since they've been going in the right direction, I'm not stuffing my face with sugar and crap, I'm working out regularly and I'm feeling things I haven't felt in years (hello collarbones!).

I had an amazing workout today. In addition to making the elliptical machine my bitch for 70 minutes I also jogged a mile on the dreadmill. I was a sweaty mess and it felt great. I was already high on endorphins when a complete stranger stopped me in the hall and said "I just have to ask, how do you stay on the elliptical for so long. It's impressive. I can barely stay on for 10 minutes. " I told him I could barely stay on it for 10 minutes less than a year ago but I've worked up my stamina, increased intensity, and just get into a zone now. The first 10-15 minutes are the hardest but once I get going it seems to get easier and easier. Of course, not lugging an extra 50+ pounds of fat around helps too.

Let me know if you have any ideas on how to bottle this stuff up. We could get thin and rich.

A Different Person

I feel like I'm a completely different person than I was just 3+ weeks ago. B made a comment the other day that I'm "more lively" now, like I used to be. I knew I was stressed and miserable but I didn't realize how much it affected my life outside of the office. I'm beginning to comprehend how truly unhappy I was because I feel so different now. I've missed this fun, happy, energized person I used to be.

I'll be even happier when I can get my unemployment claim filed. I had to wait for the lousy 3 week severance to be up before I could even file my claim. I'm a little stressed over the financial situation with the holidays here but I'm sure I'll calm down about it when I have a check coming in even though it won't come close to the salary I was making.

I've been getting very good use out of my gym membership. I actually went twice yesterday. *shocker* Today I spent 90 minutes there (50 on the elliptical and and 40 on the treadmill).

My former office manager called me yesterday to tell me he gave my name to someone who was looking to hire. I thanked him for the referral but told him I was going to try to find a job where I won't have to look at a lawyer. I've been abused enough over the years.

I was supposed to go in the office for the staff's Yankee Swap today but decided I didn't want to see anyone badly enough to risk seeing someone I might tell to go F*** himself. I'm so happy to be out of there.

I think it's about time I took some measurements and pictures so I can track my progress because there are big changes going on here. Stay tuned.

HAPPY HAPPY MERRY MERRY!

You Are Beautiful

Believe it. Be it. Pass it on.

Find out more about Operation Beautiful here.

Good Advice

Why is it so hard to take our own good advice? So many of us write posts about how we screwed up, we binged, we're disgusted with ourselves, went over our points, didn't exercise or didn't do this or that but then we'll go and leave comments for others telling them that they can do it, it was just a slip up, get back on track, stay positive, it will happen, you can do it. Why don't we listen to what we tell others? We sympathize with everyone except ourselves.

From now on I'm going to try to talk to myself as I would a friend. I would never call a friend a fat ass but that is what I think when I look in the mirror. I would never tell a friend she disgusts me but will think it when I eat in excess. I would never call a friend lazy but will think it every time I miss a workout.

I want to be positive and look forward to a healthy new life. I am determined to get there and stay there this time. Treat yourself with the love and respect you show to your friends. Who knows, this might be the missing link. Maybe I just need to believe in myself.

Just like the L*Oreal commercials say "I'm worth it" and so are you. Be good to yourself and start taking your own good advice.