Celebrate One Million

Today is May 24th, 2007 (wow - tomorrow is my oldest daughters birthday. I had her 19 years ago) and I am 43 years old - a mom, a pretty good significant other and a proud founder of the most incredible women’s organization.  And last week when I started down the road to giving this weight backto the universe - or back to people who need the weight (how selfish of me to keep it when others need it…pssh!) - I am all of this and 162 pounds. - of which I have gained nearly 20 pounds in the last three years while in Florida.  Child custody, moving away from family, starting a business, whatever the reasons- I have decided I was just not living the celebrated life that I speak of - I am happy, generally- but when I look in the mirror at the rolls - I get this sinking feeling - my self image is not how I feel in my head.  So since last week I have walked/ran 77 miles - still going to the beach twice a day - which is awesome….drum roll…. another great discovery hit me like a ton of bricks. Yesterday I walked past the mirror and I WOKE UP to the fact that my eyes went straight to my midsection, my oversized BIG belly (thanks children: amoung other things) - instead of my strong powerful tan beautiful legs, my now slendering arms, the tiny bit of muscle pushing through on my shoulders. GOSH - no wonder I am gaining -  I have been focusing on what does NOT work, instead of what works.  And we all know that what we focus on is what we get more of!!!! Lesson Learned…I GET IT!

Mindful Voice - I see all the beautiuful parts of my body  when I look in the mirror each time- and I feel how excited I am knowing that I am achieving great progress each day. I am thankful the rest of the body parts will become “part of the whole” very soon.

Three years after Ronald Reagan’s death, former first lady Nancy Davis Reagan, says to Diane Sawyer in an ABC interview, “I miss him now more than ever. I remember more of the little things we did together.”

Now living in retirement in California, Nancy is very involved with her campaign to teach children to “just say no” to drugs. Nancy Reagan believes in love, honesty, and selflessness.

This week, May 22, 2007 Ronald Reagan’s presidential diaries being released – it is a good time to remember the radiant woman who stood behind the President since 1951, when the two became married and inseparable.

Nancy used her acting career to carry her through politics and is known for her comment, “A woman is like a tea bag - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

My hat is off to Mrs. Reagan for her beauty, strength and wisdom. She continues to be a radiant woman and role model for women of all ages.

Since Friday – I have walked/ran a total of 28 miles and getting ready to go 7 more tonight.  First let me say, this mass amount of change is  typical whenever I start a “healthy kick”…I try to get rid of the fat in three days – fat that took 5 years to pack on.  O.k wait, there is more – I added 200 sit-ups a day – along with leg lifts and walking with light weights.  I know, I hear you, you are saying, “GIRL – take it easy, it comes off with time.”

 

Well, all I can say is as my daughters are not here for a few months, and man I miss them dearly, it feels good to fill my time with outdoor activity. I get to walk along the Atlantic Ocean and watch people kite surf, throw tennis balls to their dogs, surf, kayak, walk hand in hand…I guess it could be worse.  I intend to leave the extra “butt” near the beach where the skinny little bikini girls can’t wait to absorb some!

 

Also, I have this incredible new found blog – of which the more I write, the more I feel like I am now answering to my own written word and holding MYSELF accountable.  How great is THAT!

 

MINDUFL VOICE – I, SHERYL LYNN live each day with consistent effort for overall healthful eating, drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen and enjoying moderate exercise (which is the key) –– to long term sustainable results. 

 

O.K. no more excuses. My two beautiful girls departed today for their summer vacation trip. Being that today is May 19, 2007 – and they will be returning on July 23^rd, - this two month window leaves me without reason or excuse any longer. My lack of exercise or eating right- even though it has always been up to me – is really now up to me. And taking some extra time for me as well??? Yes, I do believe I will carve out some extra time for quieting down and meditating some.

I know I can get out from behind this computer and go outside and WALK MY TALK - literally! I am going to try a few miles NOW and then have a nice dinner later. Mike and I stopped at the Farmers Market this morning on the way back from the airport – cucumbers, squash, broccoli, fresh peppers…. Sounds like a delicious fresh salad in the making to me! Well – keep cheering for me – I know you are …and I am so thankful!

Mindful VOICE – I AM healthy, vibrant and exactly the perfect weight!…I am walking and smiling now.

This is a very difficult topic for me and one that I have not been able YET to figure out.

Reasons for being overweight are vast and I could go on and on about all that forever and come up with every excuse in the book for why I put on the pounds.Recently Michael Hunt, a fellow Women Celebrations member and hypnotist with First Coast Hypnosis shared with me that I have a BLOCK about the weight that I find acceptable – what weight is “o.k.,” what is “too much” etc. Mr. Hunt says, “Your sub-conscious mind creates a self image of being heavy for so many reasons: your mother was heavy, your mother said you would be, there is someone in your family you powerfully identify with, someone of authority impressed upon you the idea of being big, and on and on.” Continuing, Mr. Hunt states, “Weight can be comforting in that it provides an insulation and or protection from the outside world, from responsibilities, from problems, from people…and that we all eat for so many reasons; when we are happy, sad, or frightened.” I would have to say – for the most part – I eat when I am feeling fear – uncertainty, confusion, and especially when I get STUCK on a project. Often during the work day- I head off to the refrigerator to find relief for the rejection that I may have just experienced or for the overwhelming feeling of “when will I ever get it all done?” In 2003 – I went on the BODY FOR LIFE weight loss program – a competition that lasted for 3 months. I grew and juiced all my vegetables – I worked out with a trainer every day – and WOW – what results! And then….I found myself back in an abusive relationship, the fear set in – and back down the road of excessive unhealthy eating- just like that. Only once in my life did I surpass size 12 pants size – of which only lasted a few months. Hence the block – 12 is o.k., but not 14, 12 is o.k.—and not sure if 10 is worth the effort. I now only dream of getting back down to a 8-10 and staying there. Now you may be thinking – “GIRL – that is not overweight!” Just know it is all relative and some of the most beautiful, thinnest people I know consider themselves fat and ugly. So however we view ourselves – me included, taking ownership for our bodies while providing self – love and appreciation for the whole package is wildly important. I have the exercise thing down pretty well– walking at the beach is a breeze – so I guess the first step is being aware right? More to come.