goals – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

Yesterday I wrote about how much accountability helps me to accomplish anything I set out to do. Today I am going to touch on a couple of things that help me to accomplish nothing!

TRYING – As soon as I set out to try anything I have set a clear path to failure. Back in the day (pre 2010) I tried to quit smoking. At least a dozen times I tried and every time I failed. 😯 In 2010, I decided to quit smoking. I haven’t touched a cigarette since. 🤗

Result driven goals – Over the years I have started out on numerous fitness and/or diet programs. They all started and ended the same way. I set out with a goal to lose weight (10, 20, 30 pounds – whatever). I would start with determination and go hard! A couple of weeks later, with no results to show for my efforts, I would go harder. A month later, little to no closer to my goal, I would admit defeat and give up. When I started working out three years ago, I had no such goals in mind. I decided to become more physically active because I had to build up some strength and stamina. I was a fat and flabby 160 pounds, but that was the least of my problems. If I lost a few pounds and toned up a bit that would be great, but it was not something I was dwelling on. Today, I weigh 132 pounds and I am relatively toned. There is still room for improvement – at least 12 pounds of improvement, but that is not my motivation for moving forward. It is all about doing what I have to do to improve and maintain my levels of health and fitness. And it works! 👍

Food Diary – Day 9

(1) c coffee

(1) Apple

(1) Square dark chocolate (with all the flavor of a tar roofing shingle – but lacking the delightful texture)

(1) Bowl of beef, vegetable, barley soup – the last of a large pot made a few days ago

(5) Soda crackers

(8) oz water

(1) c tea

(1) Maraschino cherry chocolate

(1) Amazing salad with lettuce, Cajun roast pork loin, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, cauliflower, radishes, green olives, sunflower seeds, French’s Crispy Fried Onions (in lieu of croutons), and French salad dressing

(12) oz carbonated water

(1) sm ginger cookie

(1) sm peanut butter cookie

I’m still struggling to find the time or inclination to write these days but it’s time to have a go at it!

When I began my health and fitness journey eighteen months ago, I was unhealthy and unfit. I spent my days thinking that if I rested today, I could start doing something about it tomorrow. Of course, tomorrow came and I was no healthier, fitter, or motivated than I had been the day before.

I decided I just had to get up and do SOMETHING. I had no goals in mind – just do what I could, hopefully lose a few pounds and build up some strength, energy, and stamina. I started small and worked a little harder every day until I had built up to a respectable workout program.

My first six months or so went great. Then I hit setbacks – weeks of a serious respiratory illness, a broken arm, more respiratory issues … Finally, I felt I was somewhat ready for a return to full workouts. I was even cocky enough to think that it may be time to start setting some goals. In early May, I decided that in six months, on August 11th, my future self was going to be healthy, strong, and fit!

**I wouldn’t call this a win, but it’s not a total miss.

On the downside, my health is not what I would hope for at this point. I have been struggling with my workouts since being sick this spring. After x-rays, lung function testing, and a return visit to my respiratory specialist, I am back on antibiotics and Prednisone. The good news is they seem to be cleaning up the lingering infection I have been dealing with. I am feeling better and I can feel it in my workouts.

My fitness is not where I would like it to be – literally anywhere but hanging around my waistline. But, it is improving – notably on my upper arms and legs.

My strength is gradually improving. I have been getting out and doing some work in the yard and doing some deep cleaning in the house. I am even – FINALLY – starting a full redo of the spare room. I have been clearing out drawers and dressers and am ready to strip wallpaper and repaint.

After Dan spent hours prepping the porch, I gave it a fresh coat of paint and he finished it off by rebuilding the landing and steps. We are getting foundation work done on Tuesday, then we can begin some other projects that are well overdo.

In other family news, Jennifer and Genie are both feeling (and looking) much better. Genie is starting her HR courses and has started working with Jen at her second job – working at a restaurant/lounge for son Danny’s best friend from school. They both seem to be enjoying it – and from what I hear, Dave appreciates having them.

***Genie, Maddy, Prim, and Jen at the Regina Ex.***

And in more family news, Dan and I headed out of town last week for an impromptu camping visit with my sister Lorraine and her husband Jerry. We were joined at our rental cabin for a day by my sister Elaine and her husband John who live close by the camp – and their son Les and his son Ethan.

Speaking of Molly, we took her for a weigh-in at the vet’s yesterday and she has lost 5.7 pounds. Another, 10 to 12 pounds and we can put her on a maintenance diet. 👍

All in all, life is good. My progress is not where I would like it to be at this point but my mindset is on course and my determination is holding strong, with the ongoing support of my workout buddies Dwight and Jackie.

That’s about it for now. Take care and have a great weekend! 🌞💞

Tag: goals

Daily Food Diary – Day 9 of 365

August 11th Update