Thursday, July 28, 2011

MILEPOST 163 - ONLY 17 MORE POUNDS TO DESTINATION!

MILEPOST 163 - ANOTHER CHALLENGE AHEAD!

"Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." - Norman Vincent Peale

It's hard to believe that I have been on program for one year on August 4. Each week as I update my blog, I realize that life is a challenge. There is always a special event or activity that requires one to dig deep within himself to find the determination to stay on track.

"Nobody can predict the outcome. Therefore don't let anyone sidetrack you or talk you out of YOUR goals." PosPositive:

Next week, Bob and I are heading back to Montana to attend the 3rd annual Stratton Family campout in the Hilands south of Butte. We spent so much of our courting days in that beautiful area. The past two years, I have been so heavy that I could not do many of the things that are so much fun. I am so looking forward to this year - mostly riding around on the 4-wheeler over the mountain roads. I know it won't be the same as it was when I was 17, but I will be able to get from the tent to the fire without needing to stop and rest.

However, along with enjoying the beauty of nature in the mountains of Montana, there will be camp food. Hamburgers. Hot Dogs. Fried chicken. Potato salad. Desserts. Camp breakfasts, with all the sausage, eggs, bacon, hot cakes, etc. that goes along with cooking over the fire. Camp coffee with Irish Creme. And, smores!

I have learned from experience that the challenges seem much more formidable when contemplating them than when they actually present themselves. Also, I know that sometimes the smallest things will present the largest temptations when I am least expecting it.

"Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - Henry van Dyke"

I have been considering what talents I can use that will help me cope with the temptations that I know will be ever present. I think what I do best is cook - and I can cook things that will help me remain on program. We have been experimenting with Dutch Oven cooking - and there are things that I can prepare in the oven that will be very tasty and also will be good for me to eat on program. And, I can put my food into the potluck and no one will even know it is "program food". The only problem might be that my food is so good that I will have to fight all the other campers off so I get the amounts that I need.

I won't have an update next week, but am looking forward to a wonderful time in the mountains doing things that I love to do. Maybe I will even get a picture or two.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence...Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." - Calvin Coolidge

Every morning, I chat with Toni (my daughter) via Skype. I have come to many conclusions during our chats - she helps me to understand myself better. This morning, our conversation concerned exercise - or the lack of exercise in my case. And, I came to the realization that the biggest challenge I am facing now is putting myself on some kind of exercise routine. I am so close to my weight goal that I can feel the success. However, I am saggy. Last week, I posted how my mother's remark about my face being drawn hurt me - and put me into a slump for days before I decided to ignore it and move on with my program.

Well, maybe I shouldn't ignore that remark! I can't let it get me down, nor can I allow negative thoughts to impede my progress. But, I can take it as reality and do something about it.

Why do I resist exercise so strenuously? I have contemplated that question for the past couple of hours, and I think it might be that when I was exercising before I lost so much weight, it hurt. It hurt bad! And, I don't like hurting! But, now it shouldn't hurt - it should be just another monster that I have to attack just as I attacked the weight monster. Right?

Jack says I should find "something fun that I enjoy doing" and then I will look forward to it. For instance, he rock and ice climbs. Now, trust me! I don't think that I will climb any rock faces anytime soon, but I should be able to find something enjoyable that makes it fun rather than work.

"Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus." - Oprah

1 comment:

  1. I agree with Jack, do something you like for exercise. I chose Curves because it's designed for people like me, I make friends, I exercise to music, my balance is incredible for my age (72). So, choose well, and choose what you like to do. Maybe hiking with your love?

    ReplyDelete