Monday, April 27, 2009

What An Awesome Feeling!

I had my 90 day measure and weigh in today. I was so excited. I couldn’t believe how I am doing. I have had a lot of stress this month, so I knew that it was possible that I didn’t lose anything. I am learning to deal with the stress. Anyways, in 90 days I have lost 28 pounds and 46.5 inches. How awesome is that? Makes me feel great and the pictures were even better. Come on guys if I can do so can you. You just have to want it bad enough. I get every morning and pray that God helps me to control the things that I can and help me to let the things that I can’t go. No need to hold on to things you can’t change. I would like for you to know that although most people, that are on the same journey I am, use the aid of pills to help lose weight, I am not using any pills. I take a multi-vitamin daily and as far as pills that is all. So it is possible to not use those pills and lose the weight. And let me just tell you how good it makes you feel. I have been so excited all day. I want to share my achievement with everyone. Anyone who has a weight issue and doesn’t believe that they can do this, I am here to tell you, YES YOU CAN!
I have my ten year class reunion coming up in about four months and my goal is to be able to walk in the door and no one recognize me. It will be awesome! I hope to inspire some of my peers to do the same thing by getting healthy and fit. This world has a lot of harsh things in it already and by us not taking care of ourselves we make it that much harder on us. This is something that you can control, so what is your decision? I would like for you to check out a short youtube video of my progress. You will see what I’m doing and hopefully it will motivate you to do it for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-codGkrTk
Thanks for all your support on my journey and may God put his hand on you and guide you safe.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Are You Ready For The Ride Of Your Life?

There are people that you meet in your life, that are there to serve a purpose. If we were logical people which most of us aren’t we might could see that. I have friends that have come into my life at times when I need someone most. Like when my parents split, when I got sick, when I was feeling horrible about myself. Hindsight really is 20/20, I know who they are now and why we met when we did. Have you ever met someone that you didn’t really know why but you knew no matter what it was going to be a fun ride? I have, many! I find so many different qualities about people intriguing. The way they talk, or carry themselves or even how they look longingly at others lives. Why can we not just see that we all have a separate journey that God allows our paths to cross when the time is right. Things are not all coincidence and some things should be left to fate. Now where is your path leading you? Me well mine has lots of twists and turns. But I am trying to be a good Christian woman with strong faith and moral beliefs. It is not always easy to do the right thing but I do try. I would really like to find the strength in God that I need to make some things really happen for me so that I could help others. This is an ongoing prayer request of my own. Life definitely is a wild ride if you open yourself up to the things that can happen to you. Don’t be a closed off unhappy person. If you forgot what your path looks like. Take a minute, stop and pray that God will shine his light for you to see it clear again. It works, you can go from not knowing what to do next, to know that placing it in God’s hands will open you up to receive direction from him. Please don’t confuse coincidence with chance. Coincidence is something you might stumble upon at the right time. But chance is something you have to be ready to take on what may come and learn from it. Are you ready for the time of your life?

If You Believe It, You Can Do It!

I just wanted to let everyone know what’s going on lately. I had a pretty good week, made it to the gym everyday. I feel really good coming up on my 90 day weigh and measure this week. You know it feel really good to be able to not only see the results of a lifestyle change but to feel it. I feel stronger and healthier. I love working out and I hope that my journey inspires at least one person. I know there are those of you out there thinking that there is no hope for you. That you have let yourself go too long. I am here to tell you, NO it isn’t. NEVER give up on yourself. Watch what you eat and exercise it really is that simple. You don’t need a diet you need a whole new way of thinking. First thing you have to do is get your mind right. You will not achieve much if you don’t really believe that you can. You have to see yourself happy and healthy. Then the “work” is just something you do cause you like it and it makes you feel good. Try keeping a journal of the times you eat, what you eat, and how much you eat. Write down when, how often and how long you exercise. It will be much easier to keep it up if you are always checking on yourself. Find a way to express your feelings about what you are going through. Talking it out always makes it easier. If you want to talk to someone about it, find someone that inspires you to do more for YOU. If you want to talk but don’t really think you have someone to listen I would be glad to be your pen pal. If there is ever anything you want to talk about feel free to write me. I wish you all well, talk to you soon.

I Love You To The Moon And Back!

Yesterday I got the phone call that my grandma went to heaven. I know that most of you understand what it is like to lose someone you love, so you know what I’m feeling. It’s really hard to process right now. I can remember stories she always told. And how strong of a woman, a person, she was. She was the grandma that taught me how to pick strawberries and took me to art class. The woman who told me like it was no matter what. And would sing with me with tears in her eyes. I remember as a child helping in her yard and helping to feed the animals. She has always held a special place in my heart. She always believed in me for the little things like, singing and painting. I know that as I have gotten older I haven’t spent the time I should have with her but I cherish every moment I did have. Talking in her room about things no one would expect. I loved the taste of her home German Chocolate cake and icing. I remember going nearly every weekend as a child to her house and we always grilled something. There are more memories that I could possible share. I can hear her laugh and see her smile. There will never be another like her. Grandma I just want you to know I love you to the moon and back.

To my family who are all experiencing sadness at our loss. She was a strong woman who loved all of us very much. I don’t know if you ever got to sit and talk to her about it but I did every time I seen her. She was overflowing with love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. I know sometimes it didn’t feel like I knew just how much she really loved me. But talking to her when I did the last few years she told me over and over again. Everyone of us had a place in her heart that no one could touch. And she would fight tooth and nail for each of us. We haven’t always been as close as I would have liked, but I blame myself. I will never forget the things she taught me. And I hope that all of you can have peace knowing how much you were loved. I love you all.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Reach For The Stars!

You know there are a million thoughts going through my head right now and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. I am working on staying focused on the gym and what I eat. But the more I focus the more it seems that I may be over doing it. So now I am looking for the right way to go about it. I am doing well, at 60 days I have lost 36.75 inches. That is a feat for anyone. I’m so excited. But I know I have to keep my head in the game. I visited some family this past weekend and I saw how my ability to do this is giving them new hope. I was always the one with the great personality, but looks weren’t my strong suit, if you know what I mean. I believe that I am a pretty person, on the outside as well as the inside. So my goal for myself is to make the outside match the inside and keep it there. I hope that my journey is and will help others gain the strength and courage to do the same. I know that knowing that you have a problem and finding the courage to do something about it are two very different things. I am on my journey now because I decided that I was worth the effort and no one can tell me otherwise. I control my destiny and its time I show that to myself. I have GOD in my corner. With him I will achieve the biggest goal of my life and I will love every bit of sweat and tears. You only get one chance to make your life worth something. I have told you before I got myself into this and I WILL get myself out of it. I want all my friends and family to know how much I love them and appreciate their support and encouragement. Those of you who know me well, may this journey I’m on in my life shine the light on your own path. You can achieve it, it’s right in front of you. You just have to push forward to get there. Are you ready? God brings people into your life at specific times for a reason. Whether it be to inspire you, love you, push you, challenge you or whatever the case my be. I hope that if you are reading this that I serve a purpose for you as well. My faith keeps me strong and my Lord holds my hand as I reach for the stars. I am more than blessed to know you. Remember that goals can be reality if you just reach for the stars.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Look Past the Distractions, Keep Your Goals In View!

This past week has been a real eye opener about myself and how I feel about the people and things around me. If you knew me and heard the whole story your jaw would probably hit the ground. I amaze myself some days, when I pull my strength and say what I mean and then back it with my actions in a way that gets my point across without totally making someone horribly mad at me. I feel strong in my beliefs and I don’t think that I should have to sacrifice things for people who don’t seem to care a whole lot about what really happens to me or around me. I have spent years of wasted energy on these types of people and it takes all I have some days to convince myself that it’s ok to look after myself and not just others. But the more I pray to the Lord for guidance, the answer I get back is “if you are not taking care of your self, how will others know that you can take care of them?” Good question, in my opinion. Did you know that no matter what someone tells you, it is always good to have your own opinion. People may not always listen to you but you know you have it, which means you will not spends time wishing that you had just told people how YOU really felt about something. Do you ever feel like you are hiding the REAL you? I used to. Not that I would do things that others wanted me to, but I didn’t even do the things that I enjoy. This can make you more miserable than almost anything else. You try to live this life that you think is better for you and then you wake up one day and wish you had just been yourself and worked it out. There was another path you could have taken to make the changes you wanted without losing yourself in the process. Sometimes its more scary to be yourself and not know if people will accept you. But doing this means you don’t accept yourself. Which is more important to you? The only ones you should ever worry about accepting you is, God and yourself. Everyone else is really fighting the same demons you are. I haven’t met anyone yet who has always liked themselves. You think that there is a reason for this? I do, it’s cause we are still children and children learn through mistakes. But not to worry, we have a very loving Father who is always there. A Father who loves us no matter our faults. All He ask of you is to believe in him, and have faith that he is there always. You know what I don’t get though? That people can so readily turn down unconditional love for things of this world. Who in their right mind could ever turn down that kind of love?
You know I am understanding more everyday how things that you want seem to keep having barriers between you and them. Seems like the more you strive to reach the goal the more roadblocks appear. So I ask myself exactly what is that you really want? Is it worth what you are going through or is it just something you want to say you have? Well I have noticed this week that I have had many things change in schedules and time for the things, I really want, have been pushed more to the back. Now don’t get me wrong I find time for them but they are not in line like they should be. So this week I am trying to fix that. And if you are struggling in a similar situation, then you understand what I am talking about.
I start my day with a prayer which I don’t think I will ever change. It is like having the one thing a day that determines if you have a good or bad day. For me it’s the power of prayer, no matter what is going on in my life lifting a prayer to God makes it better. I know he is listening. But it’s everything after that, that I get all jumble up. And I am working it out, but this process will wear you out. However, in this case it is very much worth it. This struggle I am having, has nothing to do with material possessions, it has to do solely on me as a person, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I will be no good to anyone, if I can’t figure out how to get these in control. Not trying to say that I’m out of control cause that really isn’t the case. But to have a handle on these to a point that everyday is a good day, doesn’t matter what else is going on. I will have strength in my values as a person. People can look at me at any given time and will see a strong, God fearing woman.
I know that on the physical side I try to keep you updated, and knowing that you read this blog to find out how things are going, helps me to stay on track. So no matter who you are or if I know you personally, I really appreciate you reading what I have to say cause it keeps me focused. And having focus points means that my head stays clearer so that I can see my goals better. And for a short update on the weight loss I have now lost 22 pounds as of today. I have done this all in about 6 weeks. I haven’t measured again yet still have a couple weeks for that but I am hoping for great results. For now you are in my prayers, and my thoughts. May the Lord help you find the strength you need to push for your goals! May God bless you and keep you safe.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Great Things Come Through Strife!

Well I know its been about a week or so since I last posted anything. So let me tell you why. Cause if you are reading this thinking that I have it together and I don’t have any trials going on in my life well you my friend would be wrong. And since I’m trying to be as open and honest on here as I can you need to know the really hard stuff too. This past week I have struggled with a couple of things. One of my best friends/roommate decided to change their state of residence. Not that it was well planned in advance or anything, just something they felt they needed to do. This however leaves me to pick up all the bills on my own. They have cut hours back at work, so knowing that I will for sure have what it takes to make the bills is still kind of up in the air. My precious dog, Baby Girl, hasn’t been home in nearly four days, to those of you who understand that she is my confidant, know that it isn’t easy to lose her. I am still looking for her and I pray that wherever she is she is safe and taken care of. So as you can imagine, my week has been up and down. Now for the good points, cause with the hard to handle there is always a light. God always offers some peace in the midst of a storm.

My weight loss is going great. To date I have now officially lost 19 pounds. After only 5 weeks, I am amazed at myself. The gym to me used to be an ugly word. But I was really missing out. When I get frustrated and things just don’t seem to be going my way…..I pray hard and then hit the gym or a walking trail. I now enjoy a three mile hike with some very good friends on Sundays. I hate to miss my gym time and sometimes I go twice. It is empowering to take control of the things I CAN change and let the Lord handle the things that I can’t. If you don’t know what that feels like, try it, I DARE YOU! So even though it appears that my life has made a drastic change, in honesty, that I wouldn’t have been able to really handle before. I have a new found power and oh man does it feel good. With every down I know I will climb higher and higher. The dreams I thought I would never reach are so close now.

I spent so much of my life thinking that I could never be more than what I am. What was I thinking, I was so unhappy and always wanted more. Not that I wanted money or an expensive anything. I just wanted to be able to look at myself in the mirror without disgust. Those of you who don’t know what I mean you are lucky and very blessed. But those of you who do. Pick yourself up. We let ourselves get this way an we can get ourselves out of it. Just depends on how bad you want it. And well me, I want it bad! I get up every morning no matter what is going on, and thank God for a new day. I pray that he gives me the strength I need to do the things he wants me to do.

I was seeking advise from a very special friend the other day, who told me something that really hit home with me. He said “ Kama, things are going to get better for you. You are taking control of your life and God is removing the obstacles that have prevented you from achieving. God is like your parents, if you are taking control and responsibility of your life your parents try to help you in anyway that they can. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will go far.” I don’t know if he realizes this but saying that to me made my whole bad week seem so worth it.

Having faith in God will let you see things and do things you never thought possible. I have WISHED most of my life to be healthy and fit. You know wishes are just wishes. Now I dream about being healthy and fit. Dreams my friend are in your hands. You control what you do to obtain them. A wish is the hope someone will do it for you. A dream means you want to go out and make it happen yourself. Love yourself enough to dream. It keeps you from crossing that line in to unhappiness. And if you have a dream what are you doing to get there? If you are sitting hoping it just falls in your lap, you might want to rethink that strategy and realize you are wishing for the wrong things. God didn’t say anywhere that he was going to spoil his children, he did however leave us a very insightful manual on how to manage when things get hard. God love’s you, and wants the best for you. But for you to receive the best, you have to want the best for yourself and know that you will have to fight for it. Most likely it’s not going to be an easy road to get there, but you know it is definitely worth the trip to get there. The best lessons in life come from strife. So what are you waiting for, life is waiting for you to wake up and live. May God bless you and keep you safe on your journey. You are always in my prayers. I’ll write again soon, be strong in your faith and the Lord will guide you through.