Doreen's Fresh Start & Success Story! (Welcome Friends!)

[Blueeyes101817]

eh i remmeber SATs--hope he did well
hope you had a great weekend!!

 

[sarahsmom73]

Happy Monday Doe! Have an excellent day!

 

[DoeWDW]

Let's just forget about the "healthy" part of living when thinking about this past weekend, shall we? I did the bare minimum as far as healthy living, but I got lots of rest and am prepared for the week ahead. Mentally, I'm in a better place to start my week.

Because of my weekend lapses, I've decided that weights & measures will be done on Wednesday this week. I've also decided that with the work stress, my focus will be on work right now. I'll still do my best at healthy living, but I'll be satisfied with maintaining my weight where it is for the next few weeks.

For those who are curious, DS felt he did "average" on the SATs on Saturday. This was his first time taking them and he considered it a practice test. He intends to take it again "for real." He definitely liked the math part better. He was totally exhausted when he walked out 3.5 hours later.

Today will be another busy one at work, but I'm ready for it. I had clean clothes to wear this morning. I have a bag of healthy yummy food packed. I drove in myself (my carpool driver is ill today) so I can set my own schedule if I need an extra few minutes to wrap things up at the end of the day.

I have an 8-10 minute walk from the parking garage to my office. As I was nearing my office this morning, I realized I had spent most of that walk thinking negative thoughts about myself, about all the things I've left undone. "This tote bag is heavy - can't believe I didn't get around to cleaning it out!" "I have to catch up on my checkbook - the whole weekend went by and I didn't do it."

This kind of negative self-berating talk is not helpful. The world won't fall apart if my checkbook isn't balanced and my tote bag is heavier than I'd like. The fact is that I'm a busy woman and I'm doing the best I can. Making a to-do list might be helpful to remind me about these minor tasks, but this negative self-talk has to stop. I'll be working to replace it with positive thoughts about all those things I HAVE accomplished. I need to comfort and reassure myself the same way I'd comfort and reassure a close friend who talked to me about feeling this way. I also can turn to God and ask Him to comfort and reassure me.

Today: (edit 1 PM)
1. Devotions - God is in control, despite my efforts to control the world around me. I can stop wasting my time and energy frantically trying to change people and circumstances on my own.
2. Pills - taken.
3. Water - will be drinking like a Working on my 3rd mug of 5.
4. Healthy eating - snack = a banana & string cheese, B = yogurt w/ almonds, L = ham rollup on lc tortilla, snack will be a grapefruit and/or string cheese, D will be fish filets.
5. Exercise - probably not today.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM.

(Edit 1 PM) So far, so good. I'm a bit sleepy so I may have to resort to a cup of caffeinated tea to keep me awake. In all other respects I'm on track. I feel like a weight has been lifted, since I've decided to maintain my weight rather than spend all my energies focused on losing.

 

[lulu201]

to you, dear WISH-sis, on your brand new Monday. I'm grateful that we had yesterday to spend together. . .I always love seeing you and Todd. I know that God has blessed my life richly by our friendship.

Here's a thought about your day--how about as you're leaving work today or walking around at lunch, you think about all of the good things that you did do (as opposed to stuff that you didn't get around to do)? From saying a prayer for a friend and smiling at a co-worker, to accomplishing 5-10 minutes on a task that was challenging. . .think of all the you DID achieve for yourself and for others. Sometimes that can help shift our negative thinking.

I think it's GREAT that you have an eating plan for today! Good going! I'll be drinking my tea today and toasting my WISH-sis Doreen!

Have a good one!
Erin

 

[Blueeyes101817]

hello i agree about the negative thinking, i tend to do that too...try and make lists-i find it helps me so much..i highlight thigns as i finish them so i really know when i got everything i needed done..hope you have a great week!

 

[sarahsmom73]

Go Doe! I like the way you think! I need to adopt your attitude!

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday I earned smilies for devotions, pills, and bedtime - that's 3 of 6. Today I'm going for at least 4 of 6!

Thanks for all the encouragement concerning my negative thinking. I'm always such a positive person when it comes to other people and even with myself when I consciously think about most areas. It was a shock to realize that my unconscious brain ramblings were so negative toward myself. I'm paying closer attention to that inner voice now and redirecting it with more positive thoughts.

Jen (blueeyes), I always have lists. However I tend to keep lists on the computer and just delete stuff when I finish it. I like your idea of highlighting what I've finished so I can SEE what I've accomplished. I'll try that today - thanks!

Today:
1. Devotions - Conquering my procrastination can bring about a sense of orderliness and accomplishment. Boy, this is an area I'd like to improve on.
2. Pills - on the desk and waiting for me to eat breakfast.
3. Water - 5 mugs today, no matter what!
4. Healthy eating - B will be yogurt w/ walnuts, L will be a burger, D will be chicken parmesan and a little lc pasta.
5. Exercise - 5 minutes of some kind - either walking or strength training. I know once I get started I'll do more than 5 minutes.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM. This is really helping me!

Lots to do at work, but I'll be breaking things down into small steps and highlighting what I accomplish. Bet I'll feel really good at the end of the day when I see that highlighted list and realize all I've done! I'm excited about this idea!

 

[lulu201]

s, s, and more s for your day, WISH-sis. I LOVE the idea of the highlighted list! I'm going to do that today, too. Not only will I enjoy seeing what I've accomplished, I'll get to use markers! Guess that's the preschool teacher part of me that likes that idea!

Doreen, we're walking through today together, seeing the beauty in others--and ourselves--as we go. Please know that I cherish YOU and our friendship so very much. How blessed I am to have you in my life.

I went to the Francis Scott Key Motel website and the indoor pool complex is supposed to open a month after we get there!!! Does this mean we'll have to go back for another girls' walkin' weekend next year so we can try out the pool and hot tub???!!! I've got a spa pedicure kit that one of my student's gave me--I'll be sure to bring it for our "after walk" care package. Nail polish and facials will have to be part of the recovery, too!

Let's see, oh, yeah, I wanted to tell you about something funny that happened yesterday. One of my student's mom is recovering from breast cancer. She came in yesterday with a 3 Day Walk button on. . .she's going to walk the Avon walk in Phila. for 3 days in Sept. She'll walk 20 miles a day (she has from sun up to sun down each day) and finish the day before her birthday. I get chills just thinking about this--it's such a huge victory for her. Anyway, she and I are very friendly and when I say this button, I said, "oh, my gosh, I'd love to walk with you!" and Mike came out from where he was teaching and said, "no, no, NO! I am the voice of reason. Erin is NOT walking this walk." It was pretty funny and we all laughed, but I know that he's right. I may help her out with going on some of her training walks, but I'm not committing to something as big as the Avon walk. Yet. The whole thing made me think of our conversation in the mall.

OK, I'd better get to my weight thingy and lift some weights. Today's cross-training day. Have a good day, honey.

Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe!

I love Jen's idea of highlighting the things you accomplish on your to do list! That is such a great idea! I hope it helps you today.

I want to thank you today for the wonderful person you are. The encouragement that you leave in my journal and in others' journals is such a blessing to me. Your posts bring to my day and often help me get through the "bumps" of life. Thank you Doe!

I pray that the Lord blesses you with His strength and peace each day!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

did the highlighting help?? hope so!

a few friends of mine are doing the 3 day walk..i dont think id be able to , although i would love to..my aunt died from breast cancer in 1998..

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I hear you about hte negative self talk. it is something I struggle with all the time. I think it is something that all women deal with. Awareness of it seems to help me the most. I need to be conscious that I am doing it.

I am thinking about doing the 3 day in a couple of years. It isn't as crowded as marathons are. I will be doing it with a girlfriend. It is going to take me that long to raise the funds to do it.

Take care,
Beth

 

[sarahsmom73]

Good morning Doe! I hope you have a wonderful, healthy, Wednesday!

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen! Just a quick post to let you know I'm thinking about you and sending lots of for the day. Whatever you have on the agenda, take it one baby step at a time.

With much love,
Erin

 

[DisneyEnthusiastic]

Good Morning Doe! I think the highlighting is a wonderful idea! Good luck with your goals today! Have a wonderful day!

Gail

 

[DoeWDW]

WOW! This month is just flying by! One month from now, I'll be walking in Ocean City MD with Erin and some other WISHers. I've got to find out if they're having snacks anywhere on the route. "To Mile 9!" really helped my group during the WDW half marathon. MeMe and Amanda can attest to that! Makes me smile just thinking about it!

Yesterday, I gave in to the evil carbs and today I'm paying for it. I'm feeling bloated & yucky. I'll be pushing my water to flush all that yuckiness away. I did earn smilies for devotions, pills, water and bedtime, so I met my goal of 4 smilies for the day. I think I'll be brave and try for 5 today.

1. Devotions - Find joy in your work. This is a tough one for me but I'll be actively looking for those feelings of accomplishment and joy in the workplace today. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart." Colossians 3:23
2. Pills - am pausing to take them now - done.
3. Water - yep I'll be drinking 5 mugs! Edit 3:30 - 2 mugs down.
4. Healthy eating - B = yogurt w/ walnuts. I have a grapefruit and 2 string cheese for lunch / snacks. I'll get a burger at lunch if I'm feeling hungry. Dinner? I'll think about this one - nothing sounds good at the moment. Edit 3:30 - still on track today!
5. Exercise - It's a beautiful day so I'll force myself to walk one lap (1/2 mile) around my office building sometime today. Edit 3:30 - walked 1 lap at lunchtime.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM.

The highlighting on my to-do list is WONDERFUL! I keep my work list in an Excel spreadsheet and I've color-coded it. Green means it's finished, orange is for the 3 top things, yellow means I've started it, red means it's on hold waiting for someone else's action. My to-do list looks so much more cheerful with all the color! Thanks for the idea, Jen (Blueeyes)!

I'm off into my workday with a happy heart. I can do this AND I can find joy in my accomplishments!

 

[MelanieC]

Hi Doreen,

Can you believe we will be walking the 1/2 in OC MD in one month!! I'm really REALLY looking forward to it! The scenery should be spectacular and it should be a great race!

Have a happy workout!

 

[keenercam]

Doreen-- Your to-do list actually sounds like it would be fun to look at and to keep up! Great job on the smilies. And I LOVE your devotion for today -- reminds me of a prayer I learned in college "Lord, I offer you this day, all I think or do or say, for on earth all good is done through Jesus Christ, Your Son." Finding joy in my work is a challenge some days. Thank you for the inspiration.
Have fun in your last month of training leading up to the 1/2. When are you travelling to Ocean City? What is the date of the 1/2 there? I'd love to be there cheering the WISH walkers on. You know we will all be with you there in spirit.
Have a 5 smilie kind of day, sweetie!

 

[lulu201]

One month 'til our big day! We're going to have such a fun time!

Congrats on your 4 smilie day yesterday. You're taking care of yourself in the midst of lots of "stuff." Way to go!

I'll think of you at teatime.

Erin

 

[septbride2002]

"TO MILE 9!!!"

That was so much fun. What was really great was when we got to Mile 9, "WHERE ARE THE SNACKS???" I thought Susan was going to hurt people. LOL! Oh that memory has me giggling this morning.

Glad your color coded to do list is brightening your day. Sometimes we need to add some color in life

~Amanda

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm sitting here with my cup of green tea. I love your color coding list. It sounds like it is giving you some incentive to get through your list.

I know you will be having a blast 1 month from now.

have a great afternoon,
Beth