So I’ve Been Thinking…

Photo and caption by myself 🙂

You know that indignant feeling you get when someone has wronged you? That feeling that rises up inside you and can control you in either a negative or positive way? I’ve been thinking a lot today and I’ve come to some conclusions…

What’s inside that feeling? Let’s dissect it. I think the heart of it is anger…but then again, isn’t anger and sadness really one in the same? Isn’t sadness just suppressed anger and anger is sadness that is coming to the surface? What else? I think that this feeling is like an equation…but what comes after the equal sign? That’s the real question.

Many times in the past, that feeling has gotten the best of me…made me act out of the anger inside of it…but that can be good too. I think that anger is a natural feeling and when controlled, has a very important role in life. Anger makes a person not just roll over and let someone punch them; it makes you fight back. I believe all feelings are natural…it’s what you do with them that counts.

So what do you do when that feeling comes up inside you? I’ll tell you what I have done many times but what I decided NOT to let happen today. I usually let it control me and my feelings. But isn’t that giving the person who caused it just a little too much power? In a way, isn’t that kind of unfair to them? NO ONE should have that much control over your life. If they do, you need to figure out why. YOU are the ONLY person who has that much control over your life.

You. Period.

You are all the happiness you will ever need. You are in control of your feelings and your response to those feelings. If someone has come into your life (and if they haven’t yet, they will) and you are letting their actions/non-actions control how you feel, you shouldn’t be angry at them; you should be angry at YOU. Sure, whatever he/she did may have been really bad but it’s YOUR life. You decide how you’re going to live and feel about it.

I got that feeling today and I almost acted negatively. But then…that stirring anger came up inside me and I felt it say, “NO. No one will have this much control over my day.” I put a stop to it. And you know what? I had a pretty damn good day as a result of it. And now here I am writing this post about it…hopefully helping the 3 people who read my blog. 😉

So, next time you get that feeling, remember it’s a good thing. The anger and the sadness, it’s all good. Let it be your guide but make sure you remember that what’s on the other side of the equal sign is a positive. That’s up to you. Life’s gonna throw all kinds of stuff at you. You get to decide how you take it.

Be happy, everyone. You only have one life.

 

More Weight Loss Secrets

I was just thinking about a few of the things I do to help me continue with self-control in this dieting that is my life.  If you’re in your early 20s or younger, this post may not be for you because you can probably still eat whatever you want.  However, save this link for when you turn 28 – you’ll need it later.

Okay, so the scenario is you have just finished eating dinner.  What do I do when I have just finished eating my healthy dinner and I want to start snacking?  BRUSH MY TEETH.  No joke.  This requires a little bit of self-control so muster up everything you have and push yourself into that bathroom, get out that toothbrush and brush those pearly whites.  It’s like a switch gets flipped inside me every time.  EVERY TIME.  Seriously, I get that minty taste in my mouth and get the taste of food out and I’m satisfied.  If you are not in a place where you can brush your teeth, get a piece of MINT gum.  If that still isn’t enough, I suggest some hot tea.  My favorites are Pineapple Camomile, Vanilla Caramel and Coconut.  The warm inside of your tummy also helps to trick your body into feeling satisfied.

Most importantly, drink lots of water.  I drink a minimum of 12 eight ounce glasses of water per day.  I always gulp down 2 full glasses right before dinner – another way of making your stomach tell your brain you are full.  Remember that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to send a message to your stomach that you are full and usually by then it’s too late if you are over eating.  DRINK WATER!

Another good rule of thumb is to make sure not to eat too late at night.  I have been guilty of this lately and it really slows you down in so many ways.  It takes me longer to fall asleep and slows down my weight loss.  The reason it makes it impossible to sleep is because it takes energy for your body to digest food.  So, you eat a late dinner, get ready for bed and try to sleep…why can’t you sleep?  Your body is actually in a “workout” state trying to digest that meal you just ingested.  I recommend eating dinner no later than 7pm (6pm or earlier is ideal).

Side note: I’m really not trying to lose that much more but I’m pretty sure there’s not a girl out there who wouldn’t mind shedding a few inches.

After a while of practicing self-control, your stomach will shrink and you will lose your cravings.  Truly, you will – I promise.  I have not deviated from my diet plan in 7 weeks now.  NOT ONCE.  I’m completely satisfied and my stomach has shrunk so much that an apple makes me feel full!

Well that’s all for now!  Just a few tidbits to those of you who need a little advice.

The best advice I can give you is this:
If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up.  You need the positive reinforcement of your mind so don’t be overly hard on yourself.  Realize that you are human and tomorrow is a new day.  You can do this.  I promise.  If you would like advice on how to lose or just need someone to help keep you accountable, email me (janeyb7807@yahoo.com) or comment here.  I’ve done this twice now (thyroid issues).  I feel your pain.  BUT I am here to tell you it is possible.  Just believe in yourself and look at all the others out there who have already achieved their weight loss goals.  Let them be your mentors.

My Affair with the Gym

I’ll admit it. I used to hate the gym. I dreaded going and doing all that cardio. Something happened though. About 6 months after I started working out on a regular basis (Fall of 2009), I became addicted. Addicted to the feeling of accomplishment I get after running 6 miles. Addicted to the pounds that just keep falling off. Addicted to feeling better in my own body and mind.
I can control it. It’s one of the only things in my life I feel that way about. It makes me feel strong and beautiful, healthy and confident.
One of my new favorite things is yoga. I LOVE yoga! I can go into the class feeling overwhelmed and stressed and leave an hour later feeling calm and relaxed. I remember my first class was so amazing and relieved so much anxiety that I almost burst into tears!
My husband always asks me if I’m going to see my boyfriend, Gym or “Jim.” It’s true. Gym is the other love of my life. Just wish he would stop cheating on me with all those other people!

Dear Me: I Love You

The picture you see is a doodle I made last night.  I looked in the mirror at myself and the negative inner dialogue started.  I had to stop myself though.  I decided to invite “Positive” inside and push the negative out.  I started telling myself things like, “You can do this.  You will succeed.  You are great.  You are beautiful.  You are successful.”  I wrote this out and took a picture of it so that I could constantly remind myself of these words.  My inner voice is terrible and unloving sometimes.  I had to silence it last night with positive words of love to myself.

How important is it to love yourself?  It’s the first part of loving others.  Believe in what the Bible says or not, you have to agree that “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” is a GREAT verse (Matthew 22:39).  Have you ever noticed that we tend to focus on the loving your neighbor part but not the loving yourself?  This seems like the key to the entire verse.  How can you love others if you don’t love yourself?  I battle with this too so I’m talking to myself.  I just wanted to share what I’ve been thinking about lately.

Love yourself so that you CAN love others effectively.  Take time for yourself – just a little bit each day.  If you never give yourself any time, you will begin to resent others when they ask for help.  Do something that makes you happy.  Write in a journal, read a book, take a walk, go to the gym – show yourself love so that you can show your love to others.  It’s important.

Dear Me: I love you.

Operation: No Caffeine

Let the insanity commence.
Lately, I’ve been reading about caffeine and how cutting it out of your diet can change everything. Anyone who knows me knows that one of the things I enjoy most in this life is coffee. I love it. I love the smell and the anticipation of that first taste every morning.
However, I’ve been feeling kind of crappy (to put it lightly). I can’t sleep. My muscles are sore a lot for no apparent reason. I have extreme PMS. Seriously, I actually went to the doctor for it. My exact words were, “You gotta give me something to help my PMS. I’m a raving bitch.”
The past 2 weeks I have really been pondering all these things and what to do. Everything that I have read suggests that my insomnia, muscle aches and PMS could be a result of caffeine. I realize I’m not a spring chicken anymore so some of this could be aging. But what if most of it is from the supposed “toxic” substance I willingly put into my body every day?
So, I have decided to try to rid my diet of caffeine. I decided this before really looking into it. Did you know that chocolate has caffeine in it?!?! WTF??? Ok…stay strong…deep breaths. I can do this.
Okay so step one: I bought decaf coffee. Did you know that even effing decaf coffee has caffeine in it?! So I guess this is just a step toward becoming completely caffeine free.
Step two: Avoid chocolate. Hell no, I’m not cutting this out of my diet altogether. I’m on a very low calorie diet so it’s not like I eat it a lot anyway. Sometimes chocolate is the only thing that can make your day better. Case in point: I ate an entire bag of Lindt chocolates the day my dog died. Didn’t bring my dog back but sure as hell made me feel better.
Step three: Develop a timeline for completely ridding myself of caffeine. I’m thinking 6 months is a good start. Everything I have read suggests that cutting it out cold turkey is really not a good idea.

Well, wish me luck. Here’s to feeling better and less “raving bitch-like” behavior.

Interesting reading:
http://bodytechnician.com/caffeine.html
http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts

Take your vitamins!

No joke, I have not been sick one time in over a year (But I will inevitably get sick for having written this – damn Murphy’s Law). AND before the cold I got in December of 2010, it had been 2 years. Why am I telling you this? Because I used to get sick ALL THE TIME. Seriously, I always had a cold – the last one usually ending as the new one began.

Well, I was complaining about it one day and a friend told me to start taking a multi vitamin. I started right away and I have been almost cold free since.

So, stop being sick and take your vitamins! Now, I’m not a doctor so I can’t guarantee anything. I’m just telling you my irrefutable personal experience. Take it or leave it – I’m just trying to make you feel better and make your co-workers (and anyone else you come into contact with) happy because you’re no longer spreading your germs all over the place! Now start popping those pills!