Hello Kenn,

My goodness, you have such a good memory.  It must be all that good food and exercising.  I have found especially with exercising our minds become clearer and more focused.  Once we pass that plateau of change, we begin to notice a signifcant change on the way we think and how we process things in life.

It was a hard time when I fractured my knee last year.  I think back now and I feel it was my determination to take back my life, as I was confined to my home for quite some time.  I had time to think and process a bit of my life and how I wanted to make positive changes.  Well, with crutches in hand, and a visit to my doctor I insisted that I wanted to learn how to eat right, exercise for a chronic pain sufferer, and voila! 

Did I make these changes in one day, of course not, it takes time.  The most important thing is to have a plan.  It doesn't have to be gigantic.  A simple plan that may grow as days go by.  I don't call my way of eating "a diet plan" as I am sure you are aware Kenn, that's not the way to go.  We have to introduce a "new perspective on diet".  It's not a diet -- it's just a new way of eating. 

We have been told by our parents when we were young what to eat.  Well, we presume this is the way. 

We are getting older -- day by day -- the earth does not stand still.  We have to think of the future and long term.  How do we want to see ourselves in ten years from now.

The spirit walk made a big difference in my life.  I  used to walk around my complete building daily.  People at work used to call me the "weather girl".

Spirit walking is exercise.  It's also a mental focus away from work and home.  Consider this your time.  You can start at 10 minute intervals for one week (right after lunch), especially if you are not used to walking that much.  It can be increased over time; say 20 minutes after two weeks.  I always kept a pair of good walking shoes under my desk.  I always had my light lunch before walking.  I found by having a light lunch (say a homemade chicken salad, a yogurt, and a fruit) did not give me a feeling of fullness which I find can deter you from getting out of your office chair.  You will find that having a light lunch will keep you until your afternoon snack time.

You can lose weight by completing this exercise.  What I love about it, is that anyone can accomplish walking as we do it all the time in the office and at home.  If you were to wear a pedimeter at work or home; you will see the hours that you walk.  Many in my book!

I wanted to share with you all, something that we all can do to lose weight and enjoy it at the same time.

You are right Kenn, we have to stop thinking about how much weight we can lose within a week.  This is a downright unhealthy process.  I know I did it for years.  Getting on the scale, seeing how much I lost.  The scale cound not move fast enough for me.  It's all about "getting healthy" as you said.  I remember when I started my new way of eating, the professionals said to me "Right now what I want you to do is focus on your new way of eating and exercising".  Don't get me wrong, it's an adjustment, but what I loved about this new change is that when I wasn't thinking about calories, I was losing weight.  I just kept on the same track, and I was so surprised to see how the scale dropped.  But an even better thing is that I only went on the scale when I thought about it.  The scale in your bathroom is a real stressor.  Sometimes it can revert you back to old ways because you feel you have not lost enough.  Don't think that way.  A good idea would be to put it away and concentrate on current lifestyle changes.

I would love to post some of the ideas that were given to me through my professionals that I saw.  I think you are all going to love the new way of eating.  I shall also share with you my exercise program; but take into account, that I have fibromyalgia and my exercises are for strength.  I cannot do aerobics because of my chronic pain.  But I sure can take in a Salsa exercise video for a change of pace.  I even have enjoyed "Richard Simmons - Dancing To The Oldies".  Oh! My goodness I am showing my age.

You are right Kenn, I am feeling good about myself and I found that my home is more organized and I now have time for new adventures; such as photography and oil painting.  I never thought that I would love to take photos and do oil paintings.  I am not even sure if we can show photos here at health central.  I shall take a look.

To give incentive to all, I was mentally and physically abused when I was young. I left home with a tabaggan and my personal effects.  No where to go.  Later on I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Now girls and guys if I can do this, you can too.

Well, take care for now and I will be posting again soon.

Susan