I just received an inspirational, but pain filled email from someone who has perceived that it is time to change. Wait a sec . . . let me rephrase that. I just received an inspirational, but pain filled email from someone who has perceived it is time to change, and is asking for support as she takes an action step on this journey of lifestyle change. I think about this often. What makes someone perceive that something has become painful enough, that they must make a change? I felt that way on my couch when my mom handed me a picture of my nephew and me, and I almost fell off the couch. I truly saw (perceived) myself exactly where I was. A woman who was well over 400 pounds and desperate to change.
(NOTE: Not who I was. . .but where I was)
What then, makes that same person make a decision to act on that perception? In other words, putting the rubber to the road on lifestyle change. There are so, so many ways to put the rubber to the road on this journey if change. What do you think "putting the rubber to the road" means in regards to lifestyle change for you? In what ways have you begun to put the rubber to the road? Do you think it is always related to fitness or food choices?
Thank you all for your faithfulness in reading the blog and especially for sharing your lives and experiences in the comments that you leave. I have had more positive responses about the comments that are left than even the blog itself! Have a wonderful weekend and remember one thing. . . y'all are the smartest people I know!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Julie's Journal
Last June I talked Yarby Williams, one of our H.O.P.E. participants, into joining me for the Krueger Memorial Splash & Dash. The concept was beyond her scope of comprehension and comfort. She did not believe she could do it because at this time she was unable to walk a mile. With some training, encouragement, fellow H.O.P.E. participants and committed family members, Yarby decided she would sign up for the H.O.P.E. one miler. With me and her family beside her, and a lot of sweat and tears, Yarby completed the H.O.P.E. one miler portion of the Splash & Dash. At this point Yarby had been on her journey of Lifestyle Change for about 6 months.
Fast forward to yesterday. I went to visit Yarby in the hospital. She has lost 200 pounds to date and had some of the excess skin removed from her now much smaller frame. I asked her this year if she would participate in the H.O.P.E. one miler with me and here is her reply: "I am so thankful to be able to be a part of it this year. It will be so much easier now that I am able to do 3 miles."
Yarby's story is no different than all of ours during our journey of Lifestyle Change. One step at a time leads us to where we want to be. Walt Whitman said, "For what is the present, after all, but a growth out of the past." I truly agree with this quote. One baby step after another. My encouragement to those of you who are reading this BLOG is to take a "step" and challenge yourself- Come join us for the H.O.P.E. one miler on Saturday, August 15th at 8:30am. It will be an opportunity to join with others who embrace a healthy lifestyle. You can join us in a few ways: Sign up for the entire 1 mile, a portion of the mile or at the H.O.P.E. tent during the race. Here the website for more information and to sign up. You may also fill out the form and give it me.
http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/harris/programs/fitnesswellness/gkrr.aspx
To prepare for this event, we meet every Tuesday and Friday at the Harris YMCA track near the Teen Center at 9am. Come join us!
Fast forward to yesterday. I went to visit Yarby in the hospital. She has lost 200 pounds to date and had some of the excess skin removed from her now much smaller frame. I asked her this year if she would participate in the H.O.P.E. one miler with me and here is her reply: "I am so thankful to be able to be a part of it this year. It will be so much easier now that I am able to do 3 miles."
Yarby's story is no different than all of ours during our journey of Lifestyle Change. One step at a time leads us to where we want to be. Walt Whitman said, "For what is the present, after all, but a growth out of the past." I truly agree with this quote. One baby step after another. My encouragement to those of you who are reading this BLOG is to take a "step" and challenge yourself- Come join us for the H.O.P.E. one miler on Saturday, August 15th at 8:30am. It will be an opportunity to join with others who embrace a healthy lifestyle. You can join us in a few ways: Sign up for the entire 1 mile, a portion of the mile or at the H.O.P.E. tent during the race. Here the website for more information and to sign up. You may also fill out the form and give it me.
http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/harris/programs/fitnesswellness/gkrr.aspx
To prepare for this event, we meet every Tuesday and Friday at the Harris YMCA track near the Teen Center at 9am. Come join us!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Practical Ponderings
How about this for a practical fact. . . . .
Sleeping burns MORE calories than watching TV.
Now that IS a practical fact!! Here is the calculator to help figure the calories burned for different activities. http://www.lowfatweekly.com/calorie_burning_calculator.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I sat pondering the many practical things necessary for lasting lifestyle change, I kept asking myself 'what does 'practical' really mean for this journey and isn't it different for each person?" I looked up the actual definition of 'practical' on thefreedictionary.com, and here is what it said;
~acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideals
~involving the simple basics
.
Wow! These definitions are extremely full of wisdom. How do these definitions resonate with you, right where you are on this journey of change?
What do you think connects it all together?
.
Have a healthy week. . . . . spirit, mind, body and emotions!
Friday, July 10, 2009
H.O.P.E. Highlight
We had a great conversation yesterday in H.O.P.E. about the roots that we cultivate and nurture as we are on this journey of lifestyle change. A comment that really reminded me of my journey toward change, especially during the first year or so was as follows:
"My roots feel like they are wadded up and restricted with no room to grow, like some of the roots are choking the life out of everything else. I need room to breathe and grow and change."
We talk about how important it is to have roots on this journey. Strong deep roots. But what if those roots we are nurturing are strong, deep unhealthy roots? Then the fruit or leaves(behavior) we produce will be unhealthy also. Some of the unhealthy roots I struggled to pull up out of my life were shame, fear, isolation, rejection and rage just to name a few. They were choking the life out of the very plant they were intended to support and nurture. Just like the comment above, the rotten roots in my life were actually choking the life out of me. I was simply existing, over 400 pounds with very few relationships that were healthy, and was just about completely smothered in shame. My behavior was dictated by fear and rage and shame, so I ate. . . and ate. . . and ate. . . and ate!
I too needed room to breathe. . . and grow. . . and change. Remember, some of these sick roots can be very deep(from childhood) and can be very strong(lies or racket). How would you prune these unhealthy roots out? How would you find healthy seeds that would produce healthy roots? How can you nurture the new healthy seeds as they begin to take root in your life. These healthy roots will allow you to breathe. . . and grow. . .and change!
Hope to see you next week. Have a fun, safe and healthy weekend!
"My roots feel like they are wadded up and restricted with no room to grow, like some of the roots are choking the life out of everything else. I need room to breathe and grow and change."
We talk about how important it is to have roots on this journey. Strong deep roots. But what if those roots we are nurturing are strong, deep unhealthy roots? Then the fruit or leaves(behavior) we produce will be unhealthy also. Some of the unhealthy roots I struggled to pull up out of my life were shame, fear, isolation, rejection and rage just to name a few. They were choking the life out of the very plant they were intended to support and nurture. Just like the comment above, the rotten roots in my life were actually choking the life out of me. I was simply existing, over 400 pounds with very few relationships that were healthy, and was just about completely smothered in shame. My behavior was dictated by fear and rage and shame, so I ate. . . and ate. . . and ate. . . and ate!
I too needed room to breathe. . . and grow. . . and change. Remember, some of these sick roots can be very deep(from childhood) and can be very strong(lies or racket). How would you prune these unhealthy roots out? How would you find healthy seeds that would produce healthy roots? How can you nurture the new healthy seeds as they begin to take root in your life. These healthy roots will allow you to breathe. . . and grow. . .and change!
Hope to see you next week. Have a fun, safe and healthy weekend!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Individual Interview . . . and a little reminder
Hi everyone. Could it get any hotter?? Oh yeah, it's just the start of July so the answer to that question is YES!! I missed group on Tuesday, but it was for a good reason. I was hiking a very big mountain in 20 degree cooler temperature and enjoying the place I feel the best around these parts. There is something about the mountains that brings me back to an even place. It has been a difficult several months, so a mental health day was in order and boy did it help. The hike I did was rated extraneous, 5 miles of serious uphill hiking, and I completed it! With some of the challenges I've had lately, I was not positive I could really do the whole thing because it is a very physical hike. . . and hard! It's amazing what completing a challenge can do for the soul. A great feeling of accomplishment just settled over me, and it reminds me that I can overcome the challenges that the Lord allows in my life. I am refreshed and ready to go.
This month our interview is with Eilene Sheppard. Enjoy and I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July!
Eilene Sheppard
Who is your family and additional support system outside of H.O.P.E.?
My two daughters, Erin and Carol, and my son, Winston are on my support team, as well as many friends, one of whom has been my friend since 6th grade -- 38 years! I am so grateful for the many supportive friends, co-workers, partners in ministry, etc...that God has blessed me with.
How long have you been a H.O.P.E Participant?
I have been a regular H.O.P.E. participant at least 3 years, but did come sporadically the 1st year as I struggled to muster the courage to come into the room--sometimes just peering in from the lobby.
What is the most useful tool you have received in H.O.P.E. and why?
This is a tough question. How does one choose one most useful tool? The tool I believe I use the most is the tool of accepting and liking myself, just as I am, for the characteristics that God gave to me. Just today, I began to feel inadequate in a situation where I was moving slow. As I talked to myself, I was able to turn that whole thing around and ask why others were moving so fast!
What has been your greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. program?
My greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. program has been a deepened relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. Since I am divorced and my children are grown, I am alone much of the time and have to trust in HIM for my comfort. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 54:5 My maker is my husband. The Lord Almighty is his name.
I have also been able to come to the difficult place of realization that I needed to change my employment to one that is more healthy for me. I have done that as well.
What has been your greatest challenge on your journey of lifestyle change?
Time management by far has been my greatest challenge. Prioritizing and keeping myself and the care of myself in my time schedule has been very difficult. I have to block off time to devote to myself, as if I have an appointment, or it simply will not happen. That includes blocking off time for grocery shopping instead of fast food runs.
What does the H.O.P.E. program mean to you personally?
I often tell others that H.O.P.E. is the best kept secret in Charlotte. H.O.P.E. has been a place of belonging for me, when there was no other place that I felt like I could be accepted. There is so much communication that is unspoken among the H.O.P.E. participants. I feel like we have all been in many of the same places emotionally, at some time or another.
Can you share some words of wisdom with others who are just beginning their journey of lifestyle change?
Establish ROOTS! Without the strong roots needed, the storms of life may blow you over or destroy you. Dig DEEP, and do the work necessary to have a strong root base, and the sprouts will be outward signs of healthy lifestyle change that will continue to grow.
This month our interview is with Eilene Sheppard. Enjoy and I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July!
Individual Interview
Eilene Sheppard
Who is your family and additional support system outside of H.O.P.E.?
My two daughters, Erin and Carol, and my son, Winston are on my support team, as well as many friends, one of whom has been my friend since 6th grade -- 38 years! I am so grateful for the many supportive friends, co-workers, partners in ministry, etc...that God has blessed me with.
How long have you been a H.O.P.E Participant?
I have been a regular H.O.P.E. participant at least 3 years, but did come sporadically the 1st year as I struggled to muster the courage to come into the room--sometimes just peering in from the lobby.
What is the most useful tool you have received in H.O.P.E. and why?
This is a tough question. How does one choose one most useful tool? The tool I believe I use the most is the tool of accepting and liking myself, just as I am, for the characteristics that God gave to me. Just today, I began to feel inadequate in a situation where I was moving slow. As I talked to myself, I was able to turn that whole thing around and ask why others were moving so fast!
What has been your greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. program?
My greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. program has been a deepened relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. Since I am divorced and my children are grown, I am alone much of the time and have to trust in HIM for my comfort. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 54:5 My maker is my husband. The Lord Almighty is his name.
I have also been able to come to the difficult place of realization that I needed to change my employment to one that is more healthy for me. I have done that as well.
What has been your greatest challenge on your journey of lifestyle change?
Time management by far has been my greatest challenge. Prioritizing and keeping myself and the care of myself in my time schedule has been very difficult. I have to block off time to devote to myself, as if I have an appointment, or it simply will not happen. That includes blocking off time for grocery shopping instead of fast food runs.
What does the H.O.P.E. program mean to you personally?
I often tell others that H.O.P.E. is the best kept secret in Charlotte. H.O.P.E. has been a place of belonging for me, when there was no other place that I felt like I could be accepted. There is so much communication that is unspoken among the H.O.P.E. participants. I feel like we have all been in many of the same places emotionally, at some time or another.
Can you share some words of wisdom with others who are just beginning their journey of lifestyle change?
Establish ROOTS! Without the strong roots needed, the storms of life may blow you over or destroy you. Dig DEEP, and do the work necessary to have a strong root base, and the sprouts will be outward signs of healthy lifestyle change that will continue to grow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
