A number of months ago I wrote that I made a commitment to improve my health.
I also wrote about working with a trainer to help me safely achieve my health and fitness goals.
Well, today I achieved another milestone. I can say that I’ve lost 50 lbs.!
I’m not sure where they went, but that’s okay! I don’t need to find them!
I decided to celebrate!
Many people may celebrate by splurging…but, nope, not me! There are many ways to celebrate that have nothing to do with food!
So what did I do?
First, I spent time with God, giving thanks for people who have helped me get here. More in a minute!
I ate a healthy breakfast. Then I went for a walk in my neighborhood!
The route is .8 miles one way, round trip 1.6 miles. I headed out, listening to my favorite workout tunes.
I also did something I’ve NEVER done before in the years I’ve done this route. For a *very small* portion of the way, I jogged!!!
In the past, given all the issues I’ve had with my legs I wouldn’t have thought it possible…but I did it!
I thought about what I’ve been learning about the way my feet and legs move, the way they should land.
Guess what?! I felt relaxed and peaceful. I enjoyed it! It may not seem like much but for me it’s another beginning.
Big milestones begin with small steps.
I returned dripping wet but feeling great.
So, I mentioned I gave thanks. I felt that was an important thing to do. Today I gave thanks to God for:
- Lieutenant B., the doctor who made the referrals so I could get started; and a team of people at Lackland AFB who help people make lifestyles changes to prevent or lessen the impacts of diabetes.
- Ron, the physical therapist who got me started with exercises for my hips so they could become more stable.
- Dan, the trainer who continues to challenge and motivate me.
My husband, Al, made a very astute observation that Dan is the person who helped meovercome my fear of working through re-occurring pain from my injuries. He was right! In the past I’d get to a certain point, then stop if I felt certain levels of pain because I didn’t know how to move past that. It was a frustrating roller coaster ride, not only physically but emotionally. Dan would, and still does track my progress, make adjustments, correct my form and help me to keep going! He’s seen me on days when I didn’t feel so terrific, but he’s kept me focused session after session. I figure one day Al will finally meet Dan, and when he does Al will shake his hand and thank him!
- Inga, the senior fitness manager who introduced me to Dan! Every time I see her at the gym she displays a wonderful smile of support!
- Jesse, the massage therapist, who’s done an amazing job of releasing the tension that my body has retained. Jesse has also seen me when I haven’t felt too terrific. He has a gentle but strong presence. I was fortunate to re-connect with him when I was searching for someone to work out all the crazy knots in my legs!
- Dr. Clark, the chiropractor who has seen me for years; he is keenly aware of the changes my body has experienced, both good and bad. He’s always encouraged me to keep exercising and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Can’t say enough good things about him!
Al, my partner in crime, family cook, “team captain” and steadfast love. I could go on and on. He has kicked me out the door to get to the gym, and has held onto me when I’ve been frustrated. I have set these goals not just for me, but for him and our Mija, because I want to be healthy for ALL OF US.
So what’s next? PLENTY! There are more milestones to achieve! My blood work is approaching where it needs to be but it’s not quite there yet! I also have more goals to reach in terms general health and weight.
As I see my reflection and reflect on what’s been happening I know I can feel great about what I’ve accomplished. …and as I’ve just expressed, it’s taken a small village to get me here!
Thanks everyone – we still have more work to do so let’s keep it up!
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To find out more about Bloggers for Peace, click the link!
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Post Script – As it happens, this post also fits the topic for the Weekly Writing Challenge – Fit to Write! To find out more about the challenge, click the link above!
You, my lady, look FABULOUS! And feeling better to boot! Well much congrats and keep up the good work. It is all with it. 50 lbs?!?! That’s amazing. Be proud. Be well. Be-lieve!
Gemma!!!! What a wonderful comment! It feels great to feel great! Thanks so much! 🙂
Ugh! WORTH it.. You knew what I meant. 😉
I did! It feels good to be writing again, too! I’ve missed it so hopefully I can get back to it. One thing at a time, I know! 🙂
Small steps and all in the right direction. So good to hear what you have achieved already. It will get better and better. Keep up the good work and you will reap the fruit.
Thanks, scrapydo! You’re right, with time and effort it does get better. Still lots to do so it’s good to set goals and to have wonderful, capable people to assist me! 🙂
🙂
Kathy, congratulations to you. I know what a rough road it is to get started and being determined to make lifestyle changes. 50 lbs is proof of a lot of workout time too. You look fantastic keep it up because you have the right reasons to get healthy and when you feel good about yourself, you are good for everyone else.
Patsy!!! Thank-you for stopping by! Yeah, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, stops and starts for a lot of reasons, so it’s been really great to do this! Funny thing is, I’ve always like exercising, but the issues with my leg always resurfaced! One of my hangout spots is now the local gym! …and yes, it’s really important to understand the real reasons/motivations for wanting to make this type of change. If you don’t take the time to understand that, then it could be easy to get derailed – Thanks so much!
Congratulations Kathy – I am so impressed with what you have done! 🙂
Hi Dor! It’s been quite a road but I feel great…and I still have so much more to do! As you might imagine this is really motivating for me! Thanks! 😀
My sweet friend, I have nominated you for the Best Moment Award! Please visit this link: transcendingbordersblog.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/best-moment-award-6/
How sweet of you Tazein! Thank-you very much. I’m not sure that I’ll do this this week, but I’ll enjoy putting this together! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS CATHY! WAY TO GO!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank-you so much, Francine! 🙂
Wow, you look great, Cathy. You are an inspiration to us all. My favorite part is that you give thanks to all those who made this transformation possible. Good/God for you. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
Hello Kozo, my friend. If there’s one thing this particular journey has taught me it’s how much help I’ve needed along the way! I gave more thought to this and realized that each one of these individuals is passionate about what they do, and very skilled at what they do…I am so grateful, and thankful…and I thank God they all crossed my path when they did! Blessings – Cathy 🙂
[…] Comments from Cathy […]
This is a wonderful achievement and something to be proud of. I love that God has brought into your life all the people you need to help you get healthy.
Thank-you, Colline! I feel the same way! 🙂
[…] Reflections – Big Milestones Begin with Small Steps! | Comments from Cathy […]
Cathy, you are inspiring! Congratulations, and may you continue on your path to good health.
Hi Naomi! It’s been quite a journey with a lot of ups and downs – I’m pressing forward and am grateful for all the assistance! More to come – thanks for your support! 😀
[…] Periodically I posted that changes were in progress, and that I was making strides! […]
[…] It’s taken me a while to write this post as I’ve been processing the transformation I experienced. […]
[…] I celebrated by taking a walk and short run in my neighborhood. I commemorated that achievement, and said thank-you to a number of people in this post! […]
Thanks a lot for the high quality article.