Thursday, December 31, 2015

Word for 2016

Happy last day of 2015! As I said yesterday, I can't believe the year is over. I am one of those people who likes the idea of a new start with the changing of the calendar. The new year seems like the perfect opportunity to "start new" and to make changes to necessary to our lives.

The last couple of years, thanks to social media, I haven't so much made resolutions but chose a word/theme for the year and set up goals for myself. 2014 was PEACE - I was coming out of a very hard year and needed peace all the way around. 2015 was HEALTH. As I reflect on the last two years, I can see that these words/themes have rung true and helped keep me focused and grounded through the year.

The word I've chosen for 2016 is INTENTIONAL. I want to live intentionally in all aspects of my life. I want to plan and make choices that I stick to. I want to plan for the future. I want to prayerfully choose to be filled with peace and healthy. Just because it is a new year, it doesn't mean those words slip away - I plan to intentionally add them into my daily life.

Do you make resolutions? Goals? Do you have a word for 2016? Share with me! I'd love to hear what you are planning for 2016.


For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

End of 2015

Tomorrow is the last day of 2015. Wow - where has this year gone? It seems like it has flown by. I think back to when I heard adults say this when I was a kid and wondered why they thought that -- now, I feel like I blink and another year passes.

This time last year, I was still trying to get back on my feet after having the wind knocked out of me and my life turned upside down. I was better than the year before, but still not good. {Am I good now??} I was miserable all the time - I hated the way I looked - I couldn't keep up with Monster. Heck, I could barely get up and down the steps of the basement to do laundry. I was 85 pounds heavier than I am right now. EIGHTY FIVE. That's more than what Monster weighs and he is almost too heavy for me to lift. This time last year, I had just re-joined the YMCA and was slowly adding in a couple of classes. I had no idea I would walk into an Aqua Zumba class on New Years Eve last year and have it completely change my life. The class was fun. The instructor - HILARIOUS, encouraging, fun and good at her job! I was alone, with no plans for NYE, and that choice was exactly what I needed to make the changes I needed.

I added more water fitness classes to my schedule and quickly falling in love with this form of cardio. I think I've said this before, but these classes are not like the gereatric classes that you may think of - the instructors I go to are motivating, encouraging, and have been instrumental in helping me get this far. In addition to my water classes, I've added in a muscle definition class for strength training and the occasional Pound class

While I didn't hit a goal I had made a couple of months ago - to lose 100 pounds by now, I am pretty proud of how far I've come. I am a little frustrated with myself - I had not set any goals at the beginning - was just happy to see weekly progress. I feel like when I set actual goals I did a little self-sabatoging. So, as I sit here with one day left in 2015, I am reflecting on this year and thinking forward to 2016.

Year to Date Progress: 

  • Weight: lost 85.2 
  • Inches: 23 inches total (arm, bust, waist, hips, thigh, and neck)
  • Completed my first official 5k 
  • Walked Five miles in one walk


Christmas '14 and '15.
Please note I'm not a fan of seeing my baby get bigger!!  
I have not only lost weight and inches from my body, but I have gained some confidence, stamina, and a lot more strength. Some days I still don't see progress because I have a long way to go -- I'm guessing around 115 pounds will put me to my goal weight. Honestly, I'm not sold on an exact number - I feel like I will find my weight range when I get there. Mainly, my goal is to be healthy - body, mind, and spirit. But, I take look at photos and can see a big difference.


December '14 and '15
As I wrap up 2015, I can't help but be grateful to all of you who have said kind words to me, supported, encouraged, and held my hands - in real life or virtually - as I work towards a happy, healthy me. And as cliche as it is, I am looking forward to a new me. I can't wait to look back over the year next year and be even happier. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wishing you all the happiest of new years!