October 4th – Update

by annemariedemyen, posted in 2023, Health and Fitness

It has been nineteen and a half months since I took my first step to making my health and fitness my priority. Three severe lung infections and one broken arm later, I am still as committed as ever.

I am still following my doctor’s orders for managing my chronic lung conditions. I am still working out six days a week. I am still meditating on a regular basis.

Getting some fresh air and exercise with Dan and Molly (Waterfall Park – Regina)

Lately my focus has been on improving my diet. A few weeks ago, I decided I was tired of being bloated and nauseous and having sharp intestinal pains, heartburn and hiccups so I banished bakers and brewers yeast (an obvious culprit) from my diet. I started feeling better within days. Shortly thereafter, I started counting calories, practicing portion control, and seriously focussing on the nutritional value of the foods I ate.

Breakfast of champions. 😁

For the record – none of this has been easy. It has all been worth it, but it has not been easy.

The hardest thing I ever did (thirteen years ago) was to become a nonsmoker. I smoked off and on, a quarter to a half a pack a day, for thirty some years. Smoking was my way of coping with every stressful situation in my life. I knew all the reasons that I should quit, and I ‘tried‘ to quit countless times, but inevitably another crisis came along and I was reaching for a cigarette. When the crisis passed, I would struggle to start ‘trying’ to quit again.

Finally beating that devil has helped me on my current journey. It hasn’t made it easier – but it did make me stronger. Strong enough to get up and get started despite being sick and tired. Strong enough to stick with it despite setbacks. Strong enough to persevere and tackle my diet – even sacrificing yeasty favourites like KFC, Beef Dip, Donuts, Buttered toast AND red wine.

Every step I take in this journey gives me strength to take that next step, reach for that next level. With every level I reach, I anticipate what lies ahead, what challenges I have yet to conquer.

“Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”. 🌞💞

31 thoughts on “October 4th – Update”

  1. Hi Anne Marie! Your breakfast of champions looks delish and is good for you! I like the photo of you guys at the park. I am sooo glad that you kicked the ciggies to the curb, Bravo! I smoked until 2002. Yucky habit! I still crave certain foods but can’t eat then because of diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s a daily battle, isn’t it? It’s good to see you!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Amen to that! I kind of snicker in my head when I am at a gas station watching people pay ridiculous prices for a pack of that stuff. They were a buck or less when I started decades ago.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I feel so privileged Anne to be on this journey with you. Everyday you inspire me. I witnessed those lung infections and broken arm and the grace and determination you held to keep marching forward regardless. Keep moving to the next level!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Every time I start wondering “I wonder what’s going on with Anne Marie?” you thoughtfully oblige with a nice update. 🙂 I am glad you are still persevering–love the photo of you three!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Thank you for all the kind words. That header picture was taken last Sunday when we took Molly walking around a series of parks in our corner of the city. They are set up to pre-filter flood water before it flows into the city water filtering system. It is all rather interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Molly has certainly grown! Inspired by you I now go to the fitness center at our senior center. I found that working out with others my age is very encouraging and motivating. Thanks for the nudge.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment