Enjoying the Journey

About a year ago I embarked on a weight loss journey.  My goal was to lose at least 30 pounds by the end of 2018, and with a day left in the calendar year I still have four more pounds to go.  So, technically I didn't reach my goal, but 26 pounds and 18 inches is nothing to scoff at.  I feel proud to have come this far in my fitness goal for the year.

And it surely wasn't a walk in the park - mind you I did a lot of walking and eventually walking turned to running.

The biggest question I got from my friends was "how did you do it? What's your secret?' No secret.  I just put my mind to it.  If anything, the fact that it was my main focus for twelve consecutive months was the secret.  I didn't go on a fad diet or cut out carbs or booze or sugar.  I learned how to portion control my food instead, exercised four days a week and enjoyed the journey.

That was the tough part; learning to enjoy the journey.  The beginning was challenging because the results weren't as quick as I hoped for.  I think it took up to six weeks to start seeing any change, but sure enough the numbers on the scale started to decrease.  And if it wasn't for my sister as my workout and dieting buddy I wouldn't have stuck with it those first six weeks.  We'd talk on the phone weekly about our progress, trouble shoot our obstacles and give one another encouragement.  And that was important to have another person keeping me accountable and lean on for support.  It also helped that my husband was very supportive and never complained about having to eat lighter meals on an occasion. And through my sister I found an online fitness group and learned exercises that upped my cardio and strength training.  So I guess having support is key in terms of sticking with it.

But learning to be positive and enjoying the ride was tricky.  With any new routine it is fun and exciting at first but soon enough the shine wears off and finding new ways to incorporate veggies into the diet or finding a new route to walk became hard. And when the weight stopping coming off (as it does when you hit a plateau) it's easy to give up.  I found the more fixated I was with counting calories and counting steps the more stressed out I was about the whole thing, especially when I noticed I gained a few pounds instead of losing them. When summer rolled in it was really hard not to freak out about gaining a few pounds back after a week away camping.  I had to come to terms with the idea that the more I stressed out the less I'd lose.  I needed to go with the flow and just keep trying, but not obsessing over every calorie. And sure enough the pounds started to trickle away again.  I was happier when I wasn't counting everything.  With the shift in focus I started to notice the slight changes in my body- I had leaner cheeks, muscle tone in my legs and arms and definition in my stomach.   Finally I was enjoying the journey.  Even with my exercise I noticed a huge change from walking for 30 mins to running further in the same time -frame.  It was remarkable.

I'm still on the journey and I don't think there will be a definite destination.  The changes I have made are lifelong, it's not a diet but a healthier lifestyle.  I'm loving the new me and I'm hoping 2019 will be just as fruitful for health as 2018 was. And I learned that it's never too late to change your life to make it healthier. 

Summer 2017

Fall 2018

Old Traditions Die Hard: 2017

       I'm finding it tricky to reflect on 2017.  When I think back on the past year there are only three big moments that stick out in my mind- Mexico trip, turning 40 and my parents moving away.  The trip and my birthday were very joyous and momentous occasions, both of which I wrote about in previous blog posts.  They were definite highlights of the year.  My parents moving away on the other hand was and still is a hard thing for me.  They moved away in June and the initial shock and sadness has worn off.  And though I miss them terribly I'm happy they are living their retirement the way they want to, in a place they dreamt of living in.  What still lingers are the deaths of old traditions; things I took for granted that will never occur again unless we live in the same town again.

      Meeting up for coffee is one thing I miss a lot.  My mom and I used to do that on a regular basis, which was an easy and quick way to catch up.  We'd meet in the same parking lot in Fort Langley and walk down the main street to the same coffee shop- The Blacksmith Bakery, and order pretty much the same  thing- coffee and bacon croissants.  Except one time I ordered a gluten free scone and I never heard the end of it, because my mom hates things that are gluten free.  But we ate it anyways.  Or the time my mom inadvertently ordered a chocolate brownie but saying Um a brownie would be nice.  The cashier thought my mom ordered one so in the end we had a brownie  and two croissants that day.  Since she left, I haven't been back. 

      I also miss Sunday night dinners with them.  My mom would cook something amazing and my dad would have this great new wine to try.  We'd eat too much and talk about everything and everyone.  My dad and my husband would catch up on sports or something like that.  It was fun and comforting.  Now in order to have coffee or a meal together we have to go visit them at their place or they have to come visit here for a few days.  And don't get me wrong that is lots of fun too but it's not the same as it used to be. 

      A tradition I'm missing today is such a silly one, but it was one I counted on each January 1st- ordering in Chinese food togerther, no matter how hung over we may be.  This is the first year they are not here for it.  I know I can order food in with just my husband, but it isn't the same.  There was something special the way my mom would always say this is the only time of year I eat this food and we'd laugh.  My dad and my husband would always go pick it up and I'd help my mom arrange the kitchen counter with serving spoons and forks.  Then when they'd bring in the bags of food we'd all say wow, looks like a lot of food maybe we shouldn't have ordered so much. And then we'd laugh again, because no matter what you have to order all the good dishes, like ginger beef, deep fried won tons, fried shrimp and rice and chow mein, and all sorts of other dishes that taste so incredible you have to order them, hence the ridiculous amount of food. 

       I know I'm bemoaning like they are gone for good, but I miss them and the little things.  I know in time this will pass and I'll have embraced the new traditions of visiting them for a few days at a time, but this is a good way to end 2017- letting old habits and emotions wash away as the new year comes in.  So here is to a new year with all sorts of new habits, traditions and possibilities while I let the old ones die off.