Change Your Thinking, Change Your World!!!!
I firmly believe this: "CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR WORLD"!!!! We have to constantly work on changing ourselves from the inside out. If we do not change how we think we will not be able to change our behaviors and our lives forever. If we think and the what we have always thought and done, we will get what we have always gotten. Therefore, it is very important to change the way you think so that you can change your behaviors and your life forever. This is a lifetime journey. We need to stop thinking of this as a diet and realize that it is a lifestyle change one that we will be working on forever. It is a journey of a lifetime, a good one, one that will continue to make us happy and healthy.
I found what is printed below by Ruby which confirmed what I have always believed. What she has written is wonderful, I have read it twice already.
BY CHANGING YOUR WAY OF THINKING AND BELIEVING CAN CHANGE YOU AND THE WORLD:
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,
“Well, I made a difference to that one!”
The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. - adapted from the Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS!
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU OR ANYONE!
FIGHT WITH ME, FIGHT YOUR ADDICTION, FIGHT FOR YOUR DREAMS!
START TODAY AND MAKE THAT DECISION IN YOUR LIFE TO BE THE BEST YOU!
BEFORE YOU ALLOW IT TO ENTER YOUR MIND REMEMBER
If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance.”
“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.”
“Verbalize your faith and trust, not your doubts and worries. Your mind believes what you tell it.”
I love the above quote that Ruby added here, it is so, so true. We have to have faith, trust and believe in ourselves. Our minds believe what we tell it. Seems simply, right? Sometimes it is not so simple to believe in ourselves when we have gone through so much throughout our lives with other people, even strangers, judging us and putting us down because of our weight. This is an ongoing process, a process that we have to work on every day. If firmly believe in positive affirmations and quotes and read them daily. They help put us in the right frame of mind so that we can change the way we think on a daily basis. Today, I believe in myself, I believe in all of you. I know I can reach a healthy goal weight and maintain for life and I know each and everyone of you can do the same. There are so many wonderfully supportive, successful, and inspirational people here. We can all learn from one another and every day on plan is a day of success.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AS I BELIEVE IN YOU!!! YOU CAN DO THIS AND WE WILL DO IT TOGETHER!!!!!
Today, I believe I can continue this journey, reach a healthy weight, and maintain for life. I tell myself this every day and reaffirm it with positive quotes and affirmations daily.
Make your list of positive affirmations today and read them many times throughout the day and before you know it you, too, will be CHANGING YOUR THINKING AND CHANGING YOUR WORLD!!!!
Mary
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
SEVEN STEPS TO ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM!!!!
By Chris Widener with additional notes by myself.
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out the mundane." -- Chris Widener
Can achievement be broken down into steps? Well, it isn't always that clean and easy, but I do know that those who achieve great things usually go through much of the same process, with many of the items listed below as part of that process. So if you have been struggling with achievement, look through the following and internalize the thoughts presented. Then begin to apply them. You will be on the road to achieving your dream just like I have with following the Medifast/Take Shape for Life program, loseing 348 pounds, and saving my life which I continue to do on a daily basis with my new healthier lifestyle.
1. Dream it - Everything begins in the heart and mind. Every great achievement began in the mind of one person. They dared to dream, to believe that it was possible. Take some time to allow yourself to ask "What if?" Think big. Don't let negative thinking discourage you. You want to be a "dreamer." Dream of the possibilities for yourself, your family, and for others. If you had a dream that you let grow cold, re-ignite the dream! Fan the flames. Life is too short to let it go. I have always dreamed of being thinner and healthier, freeing myself from the prison I was in within my own body. I dreamed of being able to do things with any limitations due to my weight. I continue to dream these dreams, some have come true and the rest will follow as long as I continue to dream and continue my journey to optimal health.
2. Believe it - Yes, your dream needs to be big. It needs to be something that is seemingly beyond your capabilities. But it also must be believable. You must be able to say that if certain things take place, if others help, if you work hard enough, though it is a big dream, it can still be done. Good example: A person with no college education can dream that he will build a 50 million-dollar a year company. That is big, but believable. Bad example: That a 90 year-old woman with arthritis will someday run a marathon in under 3 hours. It is big alright, but also impossible. She should instead focus on building a 50 million-dollar a year business! And she better get a move on! My dream is big---SAVING MY LIFE IS A BIG DREAM AND HELPING OTHERS DO THE SAME AND IT IS DEFINITELY ACHIEVABLE. I have already saved my life through the Grace of God and with the help and support of family, friends and so many wonderful people here. I thank you all. I am continuing to save my life each and every day.
3. See it - The great achievers have a habit. They "see" things. They picture themselves walking around their CEO office in their new 25 million-dollar corporate headquarters, even while they are sitting on a folding chair in their garage "headquarters." Great free-throw shooters in the NBA picture the ball going through the basket. PGA golfers picture the ball going straight down the fairway. World-class speakers picture themselves speaking with energy and emotion. All of this grooms the mind to control the body to carry out the dream. I picture myself at a healthy weight, doing many things without any limitations and working with others to lose weight and get healthy. I work on this each and every day.
4. Tell it - One reason many dreams never go anywhere is because the dreamer keeps it all to himself. It is a quiet dream that only lives inside of his mind. The one who wants to achieve their dream must tell that dream to many people. One reason: As we continually say it, we begin to believe it more and more. If we are talking about it then it must be possible. Another reason: It holds us accountable. When we have told others, it spurs us on to actually do it so we don't look foolish. I tell anyone who will listen and I share with others everywhere that I can about my successful weight loss and this wonderful program that can help them too. I am very passionate about this program and am willing to talk, share, help anyone who wants help. I am very proud of my success and proud of this program.
5. Plan it - Every dream must take the form of a plan. The old saying that you "get what you plan for" is so true. Your dream won't just happen. You need to sit down, on a regular basis, and plan out your strategy for achieving the dream. Think through all of the details. Break the whole plan down into small, workable parts. Then set a time frame for accomplishing each task on your "dream plan." I plan and prepare every day to be successful with staying on plan, getting in all my MF meals and drinking plenty of water. I am working on adding more exercise to my daily regimen and I plan and prepare every day to support others on this journey to optimal healthy and provider helpful, motivational, and inspiring information daily.
6. Work it - Boy, wouldn't life be grand if we could quit before this one! Unfortunately the successful are usually the hardest workers. While the rest of the world is sitting on their couch watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island, achievers are working on their goal - achieving their dream. I have an equation that I work with: Your short-term tasks, multiplied by time, equal your long-term accomplishments. If you work on it each day, eventually you will achieve your dream. War and Peace was written, in longhand, page by page. I work the plan every day and at work at taking care of me by changing the way that I think so that I can change my behaviors and my life forever. I am a work in progress and will continue to work daily and I know that everything I do no matter how small is a step in the right direction towards a thinner, healthier me. I believe that every day on plan is a day of success.
7. Enjoy it - When you have reached your goal and you are living your dream, be sure to enjoy it. In fact, enjoy the trip too. Give yourself some rewards along the way. Give yourself a huge reward when you get there. Help others enjoy it. Be gracious and generous. Use your dream to better others. Then go back to number 1. And dream a little bigger this time! Although this journey can be tough at times, I enjoy working at taking care of me. I finally realize how important my life is and how important it is for me to put me first. I am enjoying my journey even when I hit bumps along the way, I work to get past and am proud of all I have accomplished in changing me from the inside out and I will continue this journey for life. Along the way I am helping others do the same and will always be there to help and pay it forward. My passion drives me to do better and better each day and to help as many people as I possible can through my experience and success. I have alsow rewarded myself in nonfood ways along the journey. I AM WORTH IT!!! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!! LET US ALL CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GET HEALTHY ONE DAY, ONE MEAL, AND ONE THOUGHT AT A TIME!!!!
Mary
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out the mundane." -- Chris Widener
Can achievement be broken down into steps? Well, it isn't always that clean and easy, but I do know that those who achieve great things usually go through much of the same process, with many of the items listed below as part of that process. So if you have been struggling with achievement, look through the following and internalize the thoughts presented. Then begin to apply them. You will be on the road to achieving your dream just like I have with following the Medifast/Take Shape for Life program, loseing 348 pounds, and saving my life which I continue to do on a daily basis with my new healthier lifestyle.
1. Dream it - Everything begins in the heart and mind. Every great achievement began in the mind of one person. They dared to dream, to believe that it was possible. Take some time to allow yourself to ask "What if?" Think big. Don't let negative thinking discourage you. You want to be a "dreamer." Dream of the possibilities for yourself, your family, and for others. If you had a dream that you let grow cold, re-ignite the dream! Fan the flames. Life is too short to let it go. I have always dreamed of being thinner and healthier, freeing myself from the prison I was in within my own body. I dreamed of being able to do things with any limitations due to my weight. I continue to dream these dreams, some have come true and the rest will follow as long as I continue to dream and continue my journey to optimal health.
2. Believe it - Yes, your dream needs to be big. It needs to be something that is seemingly beyond your capabilities. But it also must be believable. You must be able to say that if certain things take place, if others help, if you work hard enough, though it is a big dream, it can still be done. Good example: A person with no college education can dream that he will build a 50 million-dollar a year company. That is big, but believable. Bad example: That a 90 year-old woman with arthritis will someday run a marathon in under 3 hours. It is big alright, but also impossible. She should instead focus on building a 50 million-dollar a year business! And she better get a move on! My dream is big---SAVING MY LIFE IS A BIG DREAM AND HELPING OTHERS DO THE SAME AND IT IS DEFINITELY ACHIEVABLE. I have already saved my life through the Grace of God and with the help and support of family, friends and so many wonderful people here. I thank you all. I am continuing to save my life each and every day.
3. See it - The great achievers have a habit. They "see" things. They picture themselves walking around their CEO office in their new 25 million-dollar corporate headquarters, even while they are sitting on a folding chair in their garage "headquarters." Great free-throw shooters in the NBA picture the ball going through the basket. PGA golfers picture the ball going straight down the fairway. World-class speakers picture themselves speaking with energy and emotion. All of this grooms the mind to control the body to carry out the dream. I picture myself at a healthy weight, doing many things without any limitations and working with others to lose weight and get healthy. I work on this each and every day.
4. Tell it - One reason many dreams never go anywhere is because the dreamer keeps it all to himself. It is a quiet dream that only lives inside of his mind. The one who wants to achieve their dream must tell that dream to many people. One reason: As we continually say it, we begin to believe it more and more. If we are talking about it then it must be possible. Another reason: It holds us accountable. When we have told others, it spurs us on to actually do it so we don't look foolish. I tell anyone who will listen and I share with others everywhere that I can about my successful weight loss and this wonderful program that can help them too. I am very passionate about this program and am willing to talk, share, help anyone who wants help. I am very proud of my success and proud of this program.
5. Plan it - Every dream must take the form of a plan. The old saying that you "get what you plan for" is so true. Your dream won't just happen. You need to sit down, on a regular basis, and plan out your strategy for achieving the dream. Think through all of the details. Break the whole plan down into small, workable parts. Then set a time frame for accomplishing each task on your "dream plan." I plan and prepare every day to be successful with staying on plan, getting in all my MF meals and drinking plenty of water. I am working on adding more exercise to my daily regimen and I plan and prepare every day to support others on this journey to optimal healthy and provider helpful, motivational, and inspiring information daily.
6. Work it - Boy, wouldn't life be grand if we could quit before this one! Unfortunately the successful are usually the hardest workers. While the rest of the world is sitting on their couch watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island, achievers are working on their goal - achieving their dream. I have an equation that I work with: Your short-term tasks, multiplied by time, equal your long-term accomplishments. If you work on it each day, eventually you will achieve your dream. War and Peace was written, in longhand, page by page. I work the plan every day and at work at taking care of me by changing the way that I think so that I can change my behaviors and my life forever. I am a work in progress and will continue to work daily and I know that everything I do no matter how small is a step in the right direction towards a thinner, healthier me. I believe that every day on plan is a day of success.
7. Enjoy it - When you have reached your goal and you are living your dream, be sure to enjoy it. In fact, enjoy the trip too. Give yourself some rewards along the way. Give yourself a huge reward when you get there. Help others enjoy it. Be gracious and generous. Use your dream to better others. Then go back to number 1. And dream a little bigger this time! Although this journey can be tough at times, I enjoy working at taking care of me. I finally realize how important my life is and how important it is for me to put me first. I am enjoying my journey even when I hit bumps along the way, I work to get past and am proud of all I have accomplished in changing me from the inside out and I will continue this journey for life. Along the way I am helping others do the same and will always be there to help and pay it forward. My passion drives me to do better and better each day and to help as many people as I possible can through my experience and success. I have alsow rewarded myself in nonfood ways along the journey. I AM WORTH IT!!! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!! LET US ALL CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GET HEALTHY ONE DAY, ONE MEAL, AND ONE THOUGHT AT A TIME!!!!
Mary
Monday, June 21, 2010
STRESS AND YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY!!!!
Stress can have an important impact on our weight loss journey if we let it. Late Friday afternoon I received some very stressful news and was very upset, not knowing what to do. It literally stopped me in my tracks from concentrating on my job and things that needed to be done. I talked with my husband and my best friend and all I could do after that was pray and sleep. So I spent every waking moment that evening praying and God answered my prayers. Saturday morning there was a resolution to my stressful news.
Over the years I and I am sure we all have experienced stressful situations. Prior to starting my Medifast/Take Shape for Life journey I have always turned to food for comfort which in turned always made me feel worse afterwards. This time I turned to loved ones, God, and prayer. A much better option than turning to food.
Stress is a part of life and we all need to learn how to deal with stress. We to need have a plan of action for when stressful situations arise so that we are not turning to food for what we think will relieve that stress although it does not ever relieve the stress, it creates more stress.
My plan of talking with loved ones, God and prayer worked for me and I will rely on this plan again and again. I also have been successful with journaling to help release the stress and/or any other emotions that I need to deal with without turning to food.
WHAT IS YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?
I have to work hard each and every day to change my thinking so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever and utilizing such plans helps tremendously. This is an ongoing process. It is a lifestyle change. Let us all continue to work on our plan of action for stressful/emotional times that arise in our lives. We can do it, it is a matter of choice, and what you want for yourself.
Write your plan of action today so you are prepared to deal with what stress/problems/emotions arise in your life.
Have a wonderful day!!!!
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
Over the years I and I am sure we all have experienced stressful situations. Prior to starting my Medifast/Take Shape for Life journey I have always turned to food for comfort which in turned always made me feel worse afterwards. This time I turned to loved ones, God, and prayer. A much better option than turning to food.
Stress is a part of life and we all need to learn how to deal with stress. We to need have a plan of action for when stressful situations arise so that we are not turning to food for what we think will relieve that stress although it does not ever relieve the stress, it creates more stress.
My plan of talking with loved ones, God and prayer worked for me and I will rely on this plan again and again. I also have been successful with journaling to help release the stress and/or any other emotions that I need to deal with without turning to food.
WHAT IS YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?
I have to work hard each and every day to change my thinking so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever and utilizing such plans helps tremendously. This is an ongoing process. It is a lifestyle change. Let us all continue to work on our plan of action for stressful/emotional times that arise in our lives. We can do it, it is a matter of choice, and what you want for yourself.
Write your plan of action today so you are prepared to deal with what stress/problems/emotions arise in your life.
Have a wonderful day!!!!
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
Do You Have The Right Attitude?
Attitude is everything!!!! There is is a quote, "If you think you can, you're right; if you think you can't, you're right," I cannot recall the author at this time although this is one quote that is always on my mind and it is so very true. Negative thinking can lead to failure, depression, hopelessness, lack of confidence and/or self worth, etc. I've spent a large portion of my life with negative thinking. Our attitude and our thoughts become our reality and my negative thinking lead me to self hate, worthlessness, hopelessness, and depression which lead to my bad behaviors in relationship to food. Food took over and controlled my life which in turn added up to 604 pounds and a very unhealthy person. I became a prisoner in my own body, praying daily to stay alive. I was not living, I merely existed and only did what absolutely needed to be done. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and through the Grace of God I ordered Medifast and began a life altering journey.
Once I began Medifast/Take Shape for Life, I started to feel better about myself because I was finally doing something for me and my attitude began to change. This did not happen overnight, life continued to be difficult for me, although with a more positive attitude I was able to turn things around and as I lost weight I became more confident, hopeful, and less depressed. Our thoughts become our behavior and with my positive attitude I started to believe in myself which helped me change my behaviors so that food no longer controlled me.
I work on being positive on a daily basis. I am a work in progress and will continue this journey of taking care of me so that I will reach a healthy weight and maintain for life. I know that I have to continue to work on changing my thinking so that my behaviors will continue to change and I will in turn change my life for the better forever.
Remember if you tell yourself you can, you're right and if you tell yourself you can't, your right-----so let's tell ourselves THAT WE CAN AND WE WILL!!!!!
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING AND OUR THOUGHTS BECOME OUR BEHAVIOR!!!!! Be positive and working on changing your thinking so that you can change your behaviors and your lives forever.
SO, DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE?
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
Once I began Medifast/Take Shape for Life, I started to feel better about myself because I was finally doing something for me and my attitude began to change. This did not happen overnight, life continued to be difficult for me, although with a more positive attitude I was able to turn things around and as I lost weight I became more confident, hopeful, and less depressed. Our thoughts become our behavior and with my positive attitude I started to believe in myself which helped me change my behaviors so that food no longer controlled me.
I work on being positive on a daily basis. I am a work in progress and will continue this journey of taking care of me so that I will reach a healthy weight and maintain for life. I know that I have to continue to work on changing my thinking so that my behaviors will continue to change and I will in turn change my life for the better forever.
Remember if you tell yourself you can, you're right and if you tell yourself you can't, your right-----so let's tell ourselves THAT WE CAN AND WE WILL!!!!!
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING AND OUR THOUGHTS BECOME OUR BEHAVIOR!!!!! Be positive and working on changing your thinking so that you can change your behaviors and your lives forever.
SO, DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE?
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What Are You Waiting For?
What are you waiting for? That is a question I have asked myself a million times before starting Medifast. The answer was always very similar----I'll start Monday or after so and so's birthday, or after the holidays, etc, etc. I think you all are very familiar with what I'm talking about and I'm sure many, if not all, of you have experienced this yourself.
There are times I get down on myself saying why did you wait so long, why did you let yourself get so out of control before you did something about it, why, why why? Well let me tell you, there is no benefit for you to question yourself, why. This will not change anything except to bring you down. You need to tell yourself, like I have, that you are doing it, you are taking care of you. This is your time and you will continue to take care of you, eat healthy, lose weight and get healthy. If you have not started yet, start today!!!! Like the old saying goes, there is no time like the present time, and this is so true. Do not wait any longer, you life depends on it.
There will always be something going on in your life, a birthday, a family get together, a holiday, a wedding, an office, party, stress, etc. You can not wait any longer, instead you need to focus on yourself, plan and prepare. It is very easy to stay on plan during any event and/or holiday as long as you plan and prepare for it.
I've survived many holidays, parties, social events, a wedding, baby showers, etc. and stayed on plan. I was able to do this because I planned and prepared for it. I made sure there were lean and green options available and if there were not I brought my own and/or brought my Medifast meals. I know now that I am important enought to take time for me and make sure I always have what I need to succeed and so are you.
Don't get me wrong I have not been perfect and have hit a bump in the road while traveling this journey, although I got right past the bump and got right back on plan at my very next meal and continued on the journey as I do today and every day. There is no race in losing weight and eating healthy. This is a journey to change our lifestyle so that we can reach our weight loss goals and maintain for life and we all can and will do just that.
I wish you all a wonderful journey and thank you for allowing me to share mine with all of you.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
There are times I get down on myself saying why did you wait so long, why did you let yourself get so out of control before you did something about it, why, why why? Well let me tell you, there is no benefit for you to question yourself, why. This will not change anything except to bring you down. You need to tell yourself, like I have, that you are doing it, you are taking care of you. This is your time and you will continue to take care of you, eat healthy, lose weight and get healthy. If you have not started yet, start today!!!! Like the old saying goes, there is no time like the present time, and this is so true. Do not wait any longer, you life depends on it.
There will always be something going on in your life, a birthday, a family get together, a holiday, a wedding, an office, party, stress, etc. You can not wait any longer, instead you need to focus on yourself, plan and prepare. It is very easy to stay on plan during any event and/or holiday as long as you plan and prepare for it.
I've survived many holidays, parties, social events, a wedding, baby showers, etc. and stayed on plan. I was able to do this because I planned and prepared for it. I made sure there were lean and green options available and if there were not I brought my own and/or brought my Medifast meals. I know now that I am important enought to take time for me and make sure I always have what I need to succeed and so are you.
Don't get me wrong I have not been perfect and have hit a bump in the road while traveling this journey, although I got right past the bump and got right back on plan at my very next meal and continued on the journey as I do today and every day. There is no race in losing weight and eating healthy. This is a journey to change our lifestyle so that we can reach our weight loss goals and maintain for life and we all can and will do just that.
I wish you all a wonderful journey and thank you for allowing me to share mine with all of you.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Mary
www.marydipalma.tsfl.com
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Realizing Your Success!!!
Realizing our success is something that many ignore and only look at how far they still have to go, this includes me at times.
I have lost 346 pounds to date, wow, that is a lot of weight, that could be 3 petite women. I know that is huge and I am very proud of my success and I thank God every day for saving my life with this wonderful program. Since I started at such a high weight of 604 pounds, I still consider myself huge as I still have over 100 pounds to lose to reach a healthy weight. I have to admit sometimes this gets me down. I lost a huge amount of weight and I am still big, still obese.
When this happens I have to quickly change my thinking and remind myself that had I not lost 346 pounds, I would not even be here today and my daughter would not have her mother. I have to talk to myself, which I admit, I do often. I have to tell myself to look at how far I have come, how much better I feel, how my life has changed, then I can continue on with my new healthier lifestyle.
The point I want to make here is no matter how much weight you have to lose, do not look at how far you have to go, instead look at what you have accomplished. I believe every day on plan is a day of success no matter what the scale says. As long as you are following the plan as written, drinking plenty of water, and getting in your exercise you are a success. The scale will show it when it's ready. We have no control over what the scale says. So please, realize your success not only by the scale, realize your success by your actions, by how you feel, by your measurements, and by how you have changed your thinking and changed your behaviors.
I know I still have a long way to go and I also know that I am on the right path. I am eating healthy on a daily basis, riding my bike daily (I do need to increase my exercise), I am drinking plenty of water, I am constantly working on changing my thinking so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever, so that I can live this wonderful healthier lifestyle that I was meant live. This is not a race, it is a journey, a wonderful journey to optimal health physically, mentally and spiritually.
So please, Realize Your Success today and the path you are on and you will continue to succeed to meet all the goals you have set for yourself and live a healthier lifestyle.
"Every day on plan will lead you to your goal and healthier lifestyle." Mary
I have lost 346 pounds to date, wow, that is a lot of weight, that could be 3 petite women. I know that is huge and I am very proud of my success and I thank God every day for saving my life with this wonderful program. Since I started at such a high weight of 604 pounds, I still consider myself huge as I still have over 100 pounds to lose to reach a healthy weight. I have to admit sometimes this gets me down. I lost a huge amount of weight and I am still big, still obese.
When this happens I have to quickly change my thinking and remind myself that had I not lost 346 pounds, I would not even be here today and my daughter would not have her mother. I have to talk to myself, which I admit, I do often. I have to tell myself to look at how far I have come, how much better I feel, how my life has changed, then I can continue on with my new healthier lifestyle.
The point I want to make here is no matter how much weight you have to lose, do not look at how far you have to go, instead look at what you have accomplished. I believe every day on plan is a day of success no matter what the scale says. As long as you are following the plan as written, drinking plenty of water, and getting in your exercise you are a success. The scale will show it when it's ready. We have no control over what the scale says. So please, realize your success not only by the scale, realize your success by your actions, by how you feel, by your measurements, and by how you have changed your thinking and changed your behaviors.
I know I still have a long way to go and I also know that I am on the right path. I am eating healthy on a daily basis, riding my bike daily (I do need to increase my exercise), I am drinking plenty of water, I am constantly working on changing my thinking so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever, so that I can live this wonderful healthier lifestyle that I was meant live. This is not a race, it is a journey, a wonderful journey to optimal health physically, mentally and spiritually.
So please, Realize Your Success today and the path you are on and you will continue to succeed to meet all the goals you have set for yourself and live a healthier lifestyle.
"Every day on plan will lead you to your goal and healthier lifestyle." Mary
Monday, June 14, 2010
My Driving Force
My driving force for beginning Medifast was and continues to be my daughter. At the time I began Medifast I was separated from my husband, a single mother of a then nearly 12yo girl. I remember going to bed every night praying that I would wake up the next more for my daughter's sake. As you know my mother passed away at the age of 42 in her sleep from a heart attack due to obesity. I was 12yo at the time. My daughter and I are the same age and the fear was with me 24/7 that I would die in the same way and leave my daughter without a mother. The thought of her waking up and finding me dead forced me to do something about it. At that time I was merely existing and doing only what needed to be done in order to take care of my daughter and this included working, driving her to and from school, preparing meals, etc. I was struggling financially so one payday I just used my pay to order a month's supply of Medifast. I didn't care about what bills needed to be paid, my life was more important and I know once I began this program I would be saving all the money I spend on fast food, take out, ordering, junk food, etc.
That was best thing I have ever done for myself. In reality I very rarely if at all did anything just for me. I was always taking care of everyone else and in the process I lost myself and nearly killed myself. I know all this sounds morbid and drastic, although this was my reality, this was my life.
Shortly after starting Medifast, I immediately began to feel better in many ways, mostly I began to feel better about myself realizing that I had self worth. I was a worthy person, worthy enough to do things just for me. Starting Medifast and continuing with the Medifast/Take Shape for Life Program was and still is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am getting healthier and healthier every day. I love my new healthier lifestyle and although I still have that fear of leaving my daughter without a mother at a young age, I know the risk of that happening decreases with every day that I stay on plan and live a healthier lifestyle. I constantly work on taking care of me, changing my thinking, so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever.
My daughter will always be my driving force for me taking care of me and saving my life. I am a much stronger person with everything I have been through and I will continue to take care of me from the inside out.
I am also happy to report that my husband and I have gotten back together and is very loving and supportive in all that I have done and continue to do.
What is your driving force? I urge everyone to really think about this and to start putting yourself first. As your take care of yourself you can better take care of your loved ones. I always had that backwards and felt I had to take care of everyone else force and myself last and then there was no time or energy to take care of me. Do do what I did or if you are, stop now and put yourself first, so that you can lose weight and get healthy. This is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for letting me get this out. I'm sure you can tell this is something that will always be with me, although it gets better each day that I am on plan and each day that I take care of me.
That was best thing I have ever done for myself. In reality I very rarely if at all did anything just for me. I was always taking care of everyone else and in the process I lost myself and nearly killed myself. I know all this sounds morbid and drastic, although this was my reality, this was my life.
Shortly after starting Medifast, I immediately began to feel better in many ways, mostly I began to feel better about myself realizing that I had self worth. I was a worthy person, worthy enough to do things just for me. Starting Medifast and continuing with the Medifast/Take Shape for Life Program was and still is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am getting healthier and healthier every day. I love my new healthier lifestyle and although I still have that fear of leaving my daughter without a mother at a young age, I know the risk of that happening decreases with every day that I stay on plan and live a healthier lifestyle. I constantly work on taking care of me, changing my thinking, so that I can continue to change my behaviors and my life forever.
My daughter will always be my driving force for me taking care of me and saving my life. I am a much stronger person with everything I have been through and I will continue to take care of me from the inside out.
I am also happy to report that my husband and I have gotten back together and is very loving and supportive in all that I have done and continue to do.
What is your driving force? I urge everyone to really think about this and to start putting yourself first. As your take care of yourself you can better take care of your loved ones. I always had that backwards and felt I had to take care of everyone else force and myself last and then there was no time or energy to take care of me. Do do what I did or if you are, stop now and put yourself first, so that you can lose weight and get healthy. This is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for letting me get this out. I'm sure you can tell this is something that will always be with me, although it gets better each day that I am on plan and each day that I take care of me.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
PERSEVERANCE!!!
I was not sure what I was going to write about today until I read the comment from Jennifer, thank you Jennifer, for your wonderful comment and for providing me with a topic for today's blog---PERSEVERANCE!!!!
First we have to remember that this is not just another diet, it is a lifestyle change and we need to make the necessary changes daily, even small changes will help us to persevere and continues this journey as we work hard to reach our goal weight and continue to work in transition and maintenance. I take it one day at a time. I used to be so overwhelmed, especially when I first started Medifast and said to myself, "I weigh 604 pounds, how in the world am I going to lose over 400 pounds to be at a healthy weight." WOW--those numbers and the thought of how much I needed to lose scared me. As I began the Medifast program, I followed the program by the book, as written, no recipes, no extras. I even gave up diet soda which was a big thing for me as I could drink anywhere from 6 to 12 cans a day and no water. I replaced the diet soda with water---one change that made a huge difference. As the weight started to come off, I started feeling better physically, mentally, and spiritually. I thanked God every day for leading me to MF.
About 6 months on plan I had lost about 150 pounds when I was admitted to the hospital for cellulitis and hematoma in my right calf. Had I not lost the weight I did, I would not have survived this illness. Again, thanking God for leading me to MF and saving my life. He finds a way to show me that I am moving in the right direction. As each day passes and I feel better and better my only choice is to continue, to PERSEVERE, no matter what each days brings, I must always be mindful of what I eat and with this comes a new way of thinking which changes my habits and my life forever.
I lost 218 pounds in one year, WOW, this just renewed my faith that God was with me each and every day guiding me and showing me what he wanted me to do. I kept going even when I hit a few bumps in the road and ate something off plan, I immediately got right back on plan as I knew that there was no going back. No going back to 604 pounds and being near death. One can only imagine how difficult life was at 604 pounds. Most things people take for granted, simple things, like walking, cleaning your house, getting groceries, get dressed, bathing, etc. All those things were extremely difficult for me and everything, I mean everything I did, I did in pain. I was in constant pain. Pain I will not ever forget and pain I am not willing to experience again. I told a friend, Sheila, whom I met shortly after starting MF, one who today is my best friend and who has always been there for me, that I used to look out my window and watch people walking and wish that I could do that with ease as they were doing. I was a prisoner in my own body, a prison that I did not know how to get released from. Due to all this and how far I have come on my journey I know I had to continue. Therefore, I have PERSEVERED and continued my journey and will continue my journey as this is a journey of a lifetime for me.
Until tomorrow, thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts, my fears, and my success with you all. Hugs and God Bless, Mary
First we have to remember that this is not just another diet, it is a lifestyle change and we need to make the necessary changes daily, even small changes will help us to persevere and continues this journey as we work hard to reach our goal weight and continue to work in transition and maintenance. I take it one day at a time. I used to be so overwhelmed, especially when I first started Medifast and said to myself, "I weigh 604 pounds, how in the world am I going to lose over 400 pounds to be at a healthy weight." WOW--those numbers and the thought of how much I needed to lose scared me. As I began the Medifast program, I followed the program by the book, as written, no recipes, no extras. I even gave up diet soda which was a big thing for me as I could drink anywhere from 6 to 12 cans a day and no water. I replaced the diet soda with water---one change that made a huge difference. As the weight started to come off, I started feeling better physically, mentally, and spiritually. I thanked God every day for leading me to MF.
About 6 months on plan I had lost about 150 pounds when I was admitted to the hospital for cellulitis and hematoma in my right calf. Had I not lost the weight I did, I would not have survived this illness. Again, thanking God for leading me to MF and saving my life. He finds a way to show me that I am moving in the right direction. As each day passes and I feel better and better my only choice is to continue, to PERSEVERE, no matter what each days brings, I must always be mindful of what I eat and with this comes a new way of thinking which changes my habits and my life forever.
I lost 218 pounds in one year, WOW, this just renewed my faith that God was with me each and every day guiding me and showing me what he wanted me to do. I kept going even when I hit a few bumps in the road and ate something off plan, I immediately got right back on plan as I knew that there was no going back. No going back to 604 pounds and being near death. One can only imagine how difficult life was at 604 pounds. Most things people take for granted, simple things, like walking, cleaning your house, getting groceries, get dressed, bathing, etc. All those things were extremely difficult for me and everything, I mean everything I did, I did in pain. I was in constant pain. Pain I will not ever forget and pain I am not willing to experience again. I told a friend, Sheila, whom I met shortly after starting MF, one who today is my best friend and who has always been there for me, that I used to look out my window and watch people walking and wish that I could do that with ease as they were doing. I was a prisoner in my own body, a prison that I did not know how to get released from. Due to all this and how far I have come on my journey I know I had to continue. Therefore, I have PERSEVERED and continued my journey and will continue my journey as this is a journey of a lifetime for me.
Until tomorrow, thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts, my fears, and my success with you all. Hugs and God Bless, Mary
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Medifast/Take Shape for Life Work in Progress
I have a weight problem, a big one, eating myself all the way up to 604 pounds. Through the Grace of God and support from many I began Medifast/Take Shape for Life on July 31, 2006, a day I will never forget. It has been a long journey, one that has literally saved my life and I am grateful and blessed and I thank God every day for my life and for the wonderful people I have met along this wonderful journey. As of today I have lost 348 pounds!!!! WOW!!!! Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself. I cannot believe I let myself go and was so out of control eating myself up to 604 pounds. I believe God had a purpose for me when He lead me to Medifast/Take Shape for life and saved my life. He is giving me my life back one day at a time and I could not be more grateful to Him!!!! I am releasing myself from the prison I have been held in within my own body.
What keeps me going on this journey is the simple fact that I chose life and I have a daughter who needs me and I want to be there to see her grow into the remarkable woman that I know she will be as she is already a remarkable young lady. I do not ever want to go back to where I started.
My mother died at the age of 42 from a heart attack in her sleep due to obesity. I was 12 at the time. My daughter and I are the same age range when I first started Medifast/Take Shape for Life. I could not let history repeat itself and leave my daughter without a mother.
So many people have inspired me to continue on this journey. I have chosen to become a Certified Health Advisor so that I can pay it forward and help others lose weight and get healthy as I have been help. This is the most rewarding job and it helps to keep my focused on my journey.
I really enjoy everyone I have met as they are all wonderful, they support, motivate, and inspire me to continue on my journey. What I want for and from others is continued growth, success, happiness, health, inspiration, fun and the chance to travel this journey together always being there for one another along the way as we work toward our goal and a healthier lifestyle.
“ONE DAY AT A TIME WILL BRING US TO OUR GOAL AND A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE” Mary
I hope to help and inspire others to lose weight and get healthy. Let me help you and someone you know!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my journey with you.
"Change Your Thinking, Change Your World!"
Mary
I have a weight problem, a big one, eating myself all the way up to 604 pounds. Through the Grace of God and support from many I began Medifast/Take Shape for Life on July 31, 2006, a day I will never forget. It has been a long journey, one that has literally saved my life and I am grateful and blessed and I thank God every day for my life and for the wonderful people I have met along this wonderful journey. As of today I have lost 348 pounds!!!! WOW!!!! Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself. I cannot believe I let myself go and was so out of control eating myself up to 604 pounds. I believe God had a purpose for me when He lead me to Medifast/Take Shape for life and saved my life. He is giving me my life back one day at a time and I could not be more grateful to Him!!!! I am releasing myself from the prison I have been held in within my own body.
What keeps me going on this journey is the simple fact that I chose life and I have a daughter who needs me and I want to be there to see her grow into the remarkable woman that I know she will be as she is already a remarkable young lady. I do not ever want to go back to where I started.
My mother died at the age of 42 from a heart attack in her sleep due to obesity. I was 12 at the time. My daughter and I are the same age range when I first started Medifast/Take Shape for Life. I could not let history repeat itself and leave my daughter without a mother.
So many people have inspired me to continue on this journey. I have chosen to become a Certified Health Advisor so that I can pay it forward and help others lose weight and get healthy as I have been help. This is the most rewarding job and it helps to keep my focused on my journey.
I really enjoy everyone I have met as they are all wonderful, they support, motivate, and inspire me to continue on my journey. What I want for and from others is continued growth, success, happiness, health, inspiration, fun and the chance to travel this journey together always being there for one another along the way as we work toward our goal and a healthier lifestyle.
“ONE DAY AT A TIME WILL BRING US TO OUR GOAL AND A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE” Mary
I hope to help and inspire others to lose weight and get healthy. Let me help you and someone you know!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my journey with you.
"Change Your Thinking, Change Your World!"
Mary
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