Hello 2011! The Journey Continues!

I LOVE the new year! A fresh start. It's bigger than a new day or week or month... It's a new YEAR! It's like a "redo" a "start over" a "new game" a "try again"...

I looked at my very first blog, written in January of 2010. As I'm reading it, my first thought was "Seriously?! I'm  STILL there!" Like, I'm wanting and working on the SAME shit I was wanting and working on then! But, after I finished reading it, I thought "Hey this is good, I'm STILL there, wanting and working on the SAME things as before." I'm still on "The Journey" I haven't given up!

In that first blog, I wrote the following:

I want to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise regularly, maintain an organized home, scrapbook, sew, quilt, paint on canvas, decorate my house, buy curtains, blog and write a book. None of these things have been accomplished in the past. They have been started, or attempted, but never completed. I always gave up because I didn't think I was doing it perfect.

So, at the age of 34, in January of 2010, I start my journey towards a middle place. I must strive to think in the middle, to think in the gray areas instead of the black and white. I won't be able to do all the things I want in my life, and do them all perfectly. That will have to be okay with me. This is a new year and a new start for me. I am determined to do something. To complete something. To accomplish something. Even if the road is bumpy and imperfect, and it leads to a place of imperfect results, at least I will have traveled the road and seen the results. That has to be better than standing still.

I HAVE done something. Completed something. Accomplished something. And, let me tell you, the road HAS been bumpy and imperfect. It HAS led to a place of imperfect results. But, I traveled the roads and I HAVE seen the results. This has definitely been better than standing still!

I had started a "weight loss diary" in January of 2010, so I recently looked back at what I weighed at that time. I stepped on the scale this morning, and although I was disappointed to see that I have gained 7.4 pounds over the holiday season, I have lost 15.6 pounds since January of 2010! Like I said before, bumpy and imperfect with imperfect results... but I have results!

My motivation, determination and commitment have been renewed with the new year.  With a fresh start I feel like anything is possible. What I must remember... always remember... is the "middle place".

Being in the "middle place" means to continue on, even if results aren't perfect.  For the first time in my life (as far as diet, exercise and weight loss is concerned) I have continued on, even after numerous set backs and screw ups. I have decided the only way to get to a healthy weight, and maintain a healthy weight, is to continue on... never giving up. I have come to realize that I will always have to watch my weight. Always be careful of what I eat and always exercise. Although I will eventually someday reach my goal weight, I still won't be "done". I will always be on this journey, traveling the bumpy road.

The definition of perseverance is : continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.  

This year I choose perseverance. I will continue my efforts to lose weight, eat healthier and exercise regularly, despite difficulties, failures and opposition. I will strive to be a better mommy, a better wife, a better friend. I want to attend church more often. I want to be a better person, inside and out. I want to be inspired and inspire others. God gave us this one life to live. I want to live it to the fullest. I want to Love the Life I Live, learning and teaching every step of the way.

Seriously!