Pilgrim's Progress

I have made a lot of changes lately, so I thought I'd take a moment to assess my progress.  I think it's smart for me to stop and check myself from time to time.  It's encouraging for me if I see that my hard work is moving the ball down the field.  I need to be able to see frequent progress.  I need to know that my efforts are producing fruit, and that my sacrifices are not all for naught. I have been on my journey to health for just about three weeks now, so it's time to assess if I need to adjust the sails or not.  My progress to date is as follows:

THE SCALE

I weighed myself on day one of this journey, and decided that I would not weigh again until the first thirty days have passed.  I have adhered strictly to this rule.  I don't want to risk being derailed if the scale doesn't show the progress I think it should.  I need to be able to implement changes...hard changes...without the stress and pressure of whether or not the number on the scale is cooperating.  I know my initial success needs to be about more than just a number.  It's important for me to utilize this time to focus on implementing some serious changes that I think will prove critical for my long-term success.  I am proud of myself for not weighing in yet. This is a HUGE breakthrough for me!  I definitely FEEL I have lost weight!  I just don't know the exact number yet.  I will report more on this next week though!  **insert excited face emoji here**

FOOD

I have made huge progress in this area!  I feel I am on the right track, but I do still have some work to do.  I am eating healthier than I have in a long time.  I am planning ahead more than I used to as well, so my freak-out sessions in the grocery store have diminished greatly.  I still have the occasional meltdown when entering Publix, but I have learned to stop, take a breath, get my bearings, and then, and ONLY then, proceed.  No more "hulking out" and running like a freak through the frozen food aisles for this girl!

One of the most exciting changes has been incorporating healthy snacks into my diet to keep around the office.  With my newly found skill for boiling eggs, I have provided myself with quick "go to" snacks.  This will be an important key to my success.  I can now enjoy an egg with salt and pepper or a few bites of egg salad instead of starving or reaching for processed junk.  I have also brought into the office some Cuties (sweet little tangerines) and a jar of green olives stuffed with pimento.  I love these things! And it's amazing how they satisfy my sweet (Cuties) or salty (olives) cravings!  I still need to work on getting some new, healthy, plant-based recipes to keep things interesting at dinner time, but I am actively seeking realistic options.  I am enjoying mending my old whacked out relationship with food.  This has all been an exciting change for me!

POSITIVE SELF IMAGE

Okay, so this area needs a lot more work.  I am definitely making progress, but old habits die hard, as they say.  The good thing is that I am aware now when I think badly or say not so nice remarks to myself.  I am aware...and that is a great thing!  Acknowledgment is the first step to recovery.  I still look in the mirror and say or think thoughts to myself like "Jeez, look at how fat, dumpy, and tired you are."  But now, I am at least noticing when I do that, and I immediately follow it up with feelings of gratitude for that very body at which I just spewed hatred. It is slowly, but surely working.  

I think this may end up being my biggest challenge.  I want to keep things real with myself, but I also need to train my mind to do it in a more positive and healthy manner.  It seems there is a very fine line between keeping it real and keeping it cruel.   So, yeah, still working hard on channeling my spirit animal.

C25K

My workout regimen is going along swimmingly!  I am not going to say it's been easy necessarily, but it's definitely been the easiest part of this journey!  Despite the occasional heel pain, it feels really good to move my body!  I mean, it's not like I am the next Flo-Jo or anything, but I am keeping at it. I am sticking to my the plan from the "Couch to 5k" program - "C25K" as we cool kids like to call it.

I printed off the C25K calendar to hang on my fridge, and I am crossing off each day as I complete it.  Even though I have yet to jog a total of more than 5 minutes per session, the jogging part is still pretty harsh! But I'm proud of myself!  Regardless, I am still doing this thing...take no prisoners style!  Feeling good about this one!  :)

BEAUTY REST

It has only been two nights since I started Project Sleepy Time, but I have never slept better!  This has been my favorite change thus far!  I feel incredible. The difference, mentally and physically, from just a couple of days ago is like night and day (pun intended)!

I am waking up earlier now since my body does not have to sleep in to try to make up for the sleep it lost during my old 3:00 AM insomnia sessions.  This is such a bonus for me!  It gives me more time in the morning with my pup, for working out, and making breakfast.  I am feeling more relaxed on my way to work as well! (Bonus for my road-mates!)  I feel refreshed and alert all day.  I don't even need an alarm!  I have been following all ten steps of Project Sleepy Time, and it is working beautifully!  I am no longer feeling/looking like an extra from the show Walking Dead, and the time I was wasting on insomnia is now being used for actually enjoying life!  Good times.  :)

CONCLUSION: Overall, it seems that I'm moving in the right direction.  Onward Ho!!