Dec. 27th - Sat

Christmas was amazing this year!!  I just love spending time with family and friends.  I love the look on my kids faces when they open up their presents and got what they asked for.  The food this year was awesome.  We had ham, dressing, sweets and we even tried cooking Duck for the first time.  It was really good.  I can't wait to cook another one. 

As Christmas time comes to a close and the New Year is right around the corner.  It is a time I like to reflect on the past year and what the new year will hold.   I have been doing just this the past couple of days.  I have been working on my goals for 2015.  I haven't wrote them down yet, still working on tweaking them.  I am excited about each one of them. 

As I reflect back through 2014 - I am overwhelmed.  It has been a hard year in some ways.  I have been through a lot but I have come through it all and a stronger person because of it.  I have lost people in my life that I thought at the time were my friends.  I have been talked about, behind my back, called so many different names and told things on me that were not true.  I have been hurt more than I thought that I could ever be hurt.  One of them, I am still working on getting over and moving onward. 

Through all of these let downs by other people, I have learned so much about myself.  I have learned that I am stronger than I thought that I was at the time.  I have learned that I can get through anything - as long as I have the Lord on my side.  I have learned that even when people say they are your friends it doesn't mean they truly are your friends.  The best thing is ... I have learned that my family has my back.  They are always there for me, especially when I am at my lowest. 

I am learning to move on .... to leave these people behind.  God will have other friends, better friends, out there for me.  There are lessons to be learned with each one.  Some I may know now and some I may not know until later and that is ok.  God will bring me through all of this and make me a bigger and stronger person for it. 

I had some good things happen through last year.  I was treasurer of our recreation department and I took over as President this year.  I did a lot of praying and seeking God before I took over and I have peace that this is the direction he is taking me.  I am not honest if I didn't tell you I was a little nervous but I am sure I will be able to handle it.  I just want to take care of these kids.  This is a passion of mine - to make sure these kids have a place to play sports.  Another journey .....

There are things in my life I want to change in 2015.  I want to be healthier .... and in the process finally lose this weight.  I want to be more organized - with my business, personal and my home.  I want to get closer with God and have more quiet time.  I want to have time to read, work a puzzle or just have some 'me' time.   Be better with money - save more, keep working on getting out of debt and give more.  These are on my goals list for the new year.  Now, I just have to make a plan to make sure I can work on each one of them.  I am so excited to let 2014 go and bring in a new year. 

Here I come ... 2015!!!

Dec. 10

I had surgery almost three weeks ago.  The doctor took out both of my ovaries and a big mass of scare tissue that was attached to my colon.  The doctor told my husband that he understood why I was in so much pain and that he got it all.  I am so so thankful that I made the decision to go to another doctor.  I would probably be in the same situation I was before I changed doctors.  I would probably still be in pain and strung out on pain meds.  I realized now - that I was not really functioning too well.  I was in more pain than I thought at the time.

That is all behind me now.  Another journey that I have gone down and I am coming out on the other side.  I have so much to be thankful for during this journey and so many things I have learned.  I have learned that it is ok to ask for help.  We really don't have to do everything ourselves and as a woman, wife and mother - I am so use to doing it all myself.   I also learned that when God brings us to something He will give us what we need to make it through.

I am reminded of all that I have been through and I have been through a lot.  Not as much as some people and I am grateful because it could be always be worse.  I guess the worse time was when I had my thyroid removed and found out I had cancer.  That was the longest 6 months of my life and the hardest.  I had to go through two surgeries, radiation iodine (which meant 3 days of isolation), then the many tests to make sure they got all my thyroid out and that I didn't have any more cancer cells and all this time without taking my thyroid medication.  If you don't have thyroid issues you really can't understand what being hypothyroid is like.  It is so hard on people and hard to explain.  I remember one time trying to fold a load of clothes and I was so out of breathe and it wiped me out.  I had 3 small kids at the time.  They were wonderful through the whole process, but I would sit and cry because that summer they just had to stay at home and take care of their mom.

Even as bad as my worse day that year, I still got through it.  I came out ok and my kids survived.  This is just one of the many stories that I have of going through a journey.  I have had seven surgeries since the first thyroid removal surgery.  And I have come through them all ..... and I will come through the next one too.  I know that as long as I have God with me I can make it through anything.

Thank you God for being with me and my many journeys and for getting me through each and everyone of them.  Most of all .. for making me stronger in the process.  I am truly blessed!!!

Friday Nov 21

My surgery was yesterday.  The doctor removed both of my ovaries and a lot of scar tissue.  Not sure how but there was some scare tissue on the end of my colon.  Can't wait to see what doctor says about that scare tissue.  He told my husband after the surgery that was done, that he understands why I was in so much pain.  I am glad that it is over with, except for the healing from the surgery. 

I am doing really good.  The pain from the surgery isn't too bad, I have had worse.  I am looking forward to the speedy recovering and getting back on my feet.  Seven weeks of pain was not any fun and the to have surgery on top of it. 

I thought about it last night and I have had seven surgeries since 2001.  That was the year that I  had my thyroid removed and found out it contained cancer; which then I had to turn around and have the rest of it removed - two thyroid surgeries within a month.  Then all the testing and killing the small piece of thyroid that somehow got left in my body.  That was an eventful 8 months - I will never forget.  Then there was the two surgeries for the kidney stones I had and gallbladder removed, partial hysterectomy and then yesterday the ovaries removed.  All their own stories. 

I have learned a lot from this event I have been through.  I have had 7 weeks to ponder and do some thinking.  I have learned that I am stronger than I think that I am.  But I have also come to the conclusion that I have to get myself in order.  I know that the past surgeries I could not have prevented but I want to be healthy.  I want my next 50 years to be the healthiest of my life.  I want to have the most energy and feel the best I have ever felt.  So, how do I get there? 

First I have to come to terms with the choices that I have made over my life.  My bad food choices and not wanting to exercise.  I have got to start making the right choices.  I have been trying to eat better, but if I am totally honest, I can do so much better.  I know that I need to cut out so many
things.  So, for the next few weeks, while I am recouping, I am going to be digging into the best plan for me.  I know from the past that I have got to eat a lower carb diet.  I have to find a happy medium that I can be happy with and live with for the rest of my life.  This just isn't a diet for me, it is a lifestyle change.  Can't wait to see what I find ...

Then there is the exercise component.  This is something that I definitely need to do and find something that I will stick to.  Not just do a few weeks or months and quit.  There again I want to find something that I will enjoy and want to keep doing.  One step at a time .....

This can all be overwhelming but I am going to take one step at a time.  I am excited to be starting again on this journey. I think this time I am going to get it right and not quit!!  But I guess that is what this journey is all about .... taking one step at a time and then another step and another step.  When your time is right it will all just click into place.  

Thursday, Nov 6th

I wonder why sometimes we go through the things that we do.  Why do people get sick, lose their jobs, have love ones die and the list goes on and on.  Why do things happen to some people but don't seem to happen to others?  Why are some people stronger than others?

Since I have been under the weather the past four weeks, I have been thinking these things.  I am so use to being able to go and do and this past four weeks I haven't been able to these things.  I have been in pain but the weakness has been worse.  I just haven't had a lot of energy.  Thank goodness for my spark and Advocare products because I am sure they have helped me keep some energy.

This time has made me think about why God does this to me every so often.  Is it to slow me down? To make me take time to rest?  I am sure that has something to do with it.  My husband thinks it is so I will have to depend on other people.  I have had to get my husband to go grocery shopping for me and do things around the house.  I have been able to wash clothes and do some light housework but it is only when I feel like it.  I am learning through all of this that I cant' keep doing everything.  I need to start letting others do things.

I have also been thankful that even though I have felt really bad, there is always someone out there that feels worse than I do.  I am too thankful that my family has been there for me.  And the friends that have been awesome.  I have been overwhelmed with the ones that have called, text or private message.  It has truly blessed my heart.

I do pray for those that we going through health issues, for family members that are having health issues, for those that have lost loved ones and those that are having financial troubles.  No matter how big or small or problems ... God is always there for us.  That I can never be thankful enough for .....

Oct 21st

Man, what a week I have had.  I have been in a lot of pain for over a week.  Went to Urgent Care on Saturday and after doing x-ray they said it was kidney stones.  So, I followed up with my Urologist and she ended up saying that I had stones in my kidney but they were ok and they wouldn't be making me have all this pain.  So, I ended up after a week, calling my female doctor.  He found two cyst on my ovary.   I guess that is a good thing - at least I know for sure what it is.

Now, I am not quite sure that the cysts were causes this horrible pain.  I honestly believe that I had stones and that on this past Saturday, when the pain was the worse, I passed the ones that I had.  Since this past Saturday the pain hasn't been as bad.  I can handle it with just some Tylenol instead of pain pills. I guess I will never know though ...

In this down time, I have realized a few things.

1) I don't like when people have to do things for me.  I like being in control and I like doing things for myself.  I don't like having to depend on people.
2 ) That I need to take control of my health.  Whether I can prevent cysts from coming back or not (these aren't my first ones) I want to be healthy.  I want to be healthy.
3) You really find out who your friends are when you are sick.  I had people check on me that I didn't think would and then some that didn't even call that I thought would.  I am so thankful for the people that are in my life and that I know will be there for me. It makes me think about being there for others when they need me.  Am I there for others?  This too needs to change.

So, what changes do I need to make to be healthier?  Boy, that is a big question and where do I get started.  Drinking more water - making sure I get some exercise in - and making sure I eat healthier!!  I just need to take the first step and get started.  I know the main thing is just getting started and NOT quitting.  I have already started making some changes but I know that I can do so much better. So here we go ..... step after step

Mon, Oct 13th

What a crazy weekend and day.  I had to go to an urgent care on Saturday and found out that I have kidney stones.  I don't like having kidney stones.  They are NOT fun. 

So while I am having some down time I am trying to get some things done.  Thank goodness I have a new book to read.  I would really go crazy if I didn't have one to read.  Got some small projects I have been putting off that I have time to work on now. 

I figured I have two choices:  I can either sit here and grip and complain because I can't do what I had planned or I can enjoy this down time and find something that I can do.  It doesn't help to whine and complain - in fact, it just makes the time worse.  I do believe that everything happens for reason.  Sometimes we just need some down time. 

Off to do some reading ..... I do hope these stones pass quickly though. 

Monday Oct 6th

I have been thinking a lot the past couple of days about goals.  I haven't ever been one to set goals.  In the past, I just haven't been good at hitting whatever goal that I set.  I guess I would set them and do nothing; then wonder why I didn't hit it. 

In the new book that I am reading - Act like a Success - Think like a Success by Steve Harvey.  In the chapters that I read this weekend really emphasized setting goals.  That is really is important.  This is what he says in the book:

Goals are essential because they give you realistic, measurable, and specific targets.  They are necessary benchmarks that give you the energy, confidence and assurance to keep moving in the right direction toward your dreams.  They can also serve as a handy map for attaining your dreams.

So, I am going to sit down and write out me some goals.  I do have several areas of my life that I am working towards a specific thing.  One of the things I am working on is losing weight.  This is a journey I have been on for awhile.   But something that I really want - really bad.  So, goals I will set.  In this area, I am going to set small goals so that I can use them as stepping stones to keep going. 

I do have other areas, but I think I will concentrate on this one at the moment.  I can do this ....

The goals shapes the plan - The plan shapes the action - The action achieves the results and The results brings success.

From Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell

Now to get busy .... to be continued

Sept 28th

I know I have asked or said this more than once, but where does the time go?  It is hard for me to believe it has been over a month since I have posted a post.  I know I have been extremely busy the past couple of months.  

For one, school started back and it is always crazy the first few weeks of school.  The hardest part is getting back into a routine.  During the summer months I am so use to sleeping in some and then I have to get use to getting up early.  Plus all the meetings that we having right before school starts and during the first few weeks.  I guess I am back into the swing of things.  I did miss some of my kids over the summer months.  

Second, I took over as President of our local Recreation Association.  I have been treasure for many years, bookkeeper and concession stand manager.  It was election time and I had several people ask me to run for President.  At first I really didn't want to because I thought my calling was being the treasurer.  So, I told them I would pray and think about it.  I did and the Lord gave me peace for taking this one position.  I am firm believer that when it is your purpose and it is God's will ... well all the pieces will fall right into place and they have for me.  I am doing things that I never thought I would be able to handle.  I am saying things that I am not sure where those words came from - but I know exactly where they came from.  

Even though I have been overwhelmed with taking over as President and then school starting, I have found time to read.  I have read some amazing books in the last few months.  One, is called "God's Healthy way to Live" - which is helping me so much see where I need to make changes in my life so that I can live for God and be healthy.  I am changing my eating habits.  I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies.  Get more exercise.  Drink more water.  Get lots of rest and less stress.  I know that the changes will come and even though I may fail some days, I am just getting back up and starting again.  I am proud of the changes that I have made so far.   Shoot the biggest thing right now, is keeping my stress level down.  Each day for me is filled with stress - I drive a school bus - I am President at a Recreation and plus all my family duties.  I continue to pray each day that the Lord will take over in the areas that He isn't and to help me with my stress.  

This journey is still amazing.  I love what I do and I am so thankful that God has given me the ability to do what He is having me do.  I pray that God will use me to do His work and reach others.   

Tues Aug 5th

I am trying a different approach to my blog. I always think I have to be a fancy writer and I really am not.  I hate feeling like I have to come up with a title and something good to write about to do a post.  So, I am just going to write about my life and my day.  The date will be my title.  I think this will be easier for me and I will want to post more. 

Here goes my first one ....  Tues Aug 5th

The past couple of days have been awesome.  Yesterday was the best.  I love the days that I have the most energy and I get the most done.  That was yesterday.  I got up and started my day off with reading the Bible and of course, drinking my spark.  

After breakfast, I got a few things done in my office while I waited on my daughter to get ready to go run errands with me.  Off we went - chiropractor, post office, county office, to the bank and then to lunch.  I enjoy when I get to eat lunch with one of my kids.  When we got home it was into the office for a couple of hours.  Man, at the work that I got done.  Even washed, dried, and folded a couple of loads of clothes through out the day.  Dusted and picked up too - all before supper.  Someone with hypothyroid, this is an amazing day. 

I cooked a big supper, pork tenderloin, mac & chs, green beans, broccoli and corn.  My oldest son and my grandbaby came over for dinner.  Lisa was out of town with the softball team.  I love it when they come over, especially my Mary Grace.  Love being a grandma. 

I have learned over the years to enjoy days like yesterday when they come around.  They use to only come around every once and awhile.  However since I started taking the Thermoplus, I think it is really helping.  I have been having some pretty good days the past couple of weeks. 

Having a good day today.  Actually took some time to rest.  Hope you are having a great day ... enjoy!!!

#thyroid #energy #Advocare

Vacation

My family has just gotten back from a much needed family vacation.  It has been 14 years since we have went on a true family vacation.   All the other times, our vacation was centered around baseball. 

We decided, as a family, to go on a cruise this year.  I have always wanted to go on one, but had some doubts about going.  I was always concerned about getting sea sick because I have a time with my inner ear.  Also, I was afraid I have trouble with the small rooms.  None on these things happened. 

It was the most incredible vacation we have taken.  I so loved the cruise.  People have asked me what the favorite part was for me.  There are so many things, the wonderful food, entertainment, the being waited on, and the list goes on and on.  However, the most amazing part to me was NOT having use of our cell phones - no texting, no facebook and no talking on the phone.  This was not only hard for my kids but for me as well.  The amazing part was we had conversations with ourselves!!  Especially at meal times - NO PHONES!!  I think this is something we will have to carry out at home - during meal times. 

The cruise was so relaxing.  If you need to get away from things, a cruise is the way to go.  You are so cut off from the world.  It is great!!  I highly recommend taking one. 

Now ... back to reality and back to work.  I am so thankful that God worked it out that we got the chance to take the cruise and I got to relax - even if it was for just a week.  I am truly blessed!!

One day at a time ....

I try so hard to be positive and not be negative.  However, there are times when I just want to cry and yell out that I don't feel well. 

I cant' do it anymore.  I think people deserve to know what a person with thyroid issues really deals with in a day.  It isn't easy.  Some days are so hard to just function and then other days it is easy. 

I know I had said before that I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism over 25 yrs ago.  To be honest, I can't remember when it was - I just know it was before my oldest son was born and he just turned 26.  I had  my thyroid removed in 2001 and it was cancerous. 

My family is the only one that knows what I go through on a day to day basis and there are times I even hide it from them.  There are days I just don't want to get out of bed.  I have a hard time focusing on getting anything done.  If I read or watch TV - most of the time I dont' even know what is going on.  I will have to re-read pages so it will sink in.  I make myself on those days do the lest amount that I can do. 

Then there are days that my legs, hips and back hurt so bad it is hard to walk.  I just want to sit and cry.  But I get up and do anyway.  I feel like an old woman on these days. 

I know one thing for sure.  I am so thankful for Advocare and their products.  (**) I know what I was like before drinking my first spark.  I was a total mess.  Instead of having a day here or there it was every single day.  I know with these products I am having more energy, my brain fog is gone, and my joint pains are not as bad. 

So, even though I still have some not so good days, with my Advocare products they are not as bad as they could be without the products.  I wont' be without my products.  I don't want to go back to the way it use to be.


(**The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

Strength

I found strength that I didn't realize I had .... but I realized I have had it all along.

For months now, I have been going through some trials.  I was being accused of something that I wasn't doing or nor I have ever done it.  One of the bad things about this one was a friend of mine told me they were checking things out behind my back.  They were trying to find something.  Not once did they ask me and still haven't asked me.

Just when I think maybe things are calming down something else happens and it totally throws me.  Different group of people but once again being accused of doing something that I didn't do.  I am being accused of doing something to hurt someone else.  They are saying that I did it intentially to take something from them.  This hurts me to the core.  This is suppose to be a friend of mine or at least I thought.

The past few months has really broken me and taken me down.  It has really showed me that we can only put our trust in God.  People will lie to your face and pretend that they are your friend.  I think that is what has hurt me the worse is thinking someone is your friend.  Then I realized that money was more important to them than our friendship.

At my lowest this week, I cried out to God - that I couldn't take it anymore.  That I was at the end of my rope and I was barely hanging on.  That is when I felt things change.  I knew God was right there with me and that whatever someone threw my way I could make it through.  He reassured me that I had done nothing wrong in either situation and that he would take care of things.

I have always known that things that happen in our lives happens for a reason.  I kept wondering why I was going through all that I was going through ...  So, I asked God what was I suppose to learn out of all this ... "Strength"  was the one word that I kept hearing.  That I was strong enough to get through this .. .that I was strong enough to keep going.

We are strong enough. When we put our lives in God's hands.  No matter what the trial we are facing God will give us the strength to overcome.  I am living proof of this ...

I am truly GRATEFUL for God's grace, mercy and faithfulness.  Thank You God!!  I truly could not have made it through the past couple of months without you right there with me. 

Summertime - June

It is hard to believe that today is the first of June.  Time is going by way too quickly.  However, with June comes so many fun things and summertime.  What all do you do in the month of June?

For my household it means so many different things.  My daughter that is in high school has basketball all month of June, from camps to fundamental skills time.  My sweet granddaughter's 1st birthday is in June.  Hard to believe she is already turning a year old.  She is so sweet & adorable.

June also includes my sisters birthday.  My oldest sons 26th birthday.  Can I please say it again?  Seriously, where has the time gone?  I really remember the day that he was born.  I cherish everyday with my kids and they do grow up way too quickly.  Also, the month of June is my anniversary.  It will be number 29 for us.  They have been some good years but we have been through our rough times too, but we never gave up.

Even with all that we have going on in the month of June, I love the lazy days of summer.  I love finding a pool for us to go to.  My dream is to have my own one day.  I love grilling out - hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks and the list goes on and on.  I love making a fire in the backyard at night.  Making smore's is the best.

Got to say that Fall is actually my favorite time of year, but summer is fun.  I hope that you and your family will take advantage of these long lazy days of summer to enjoy each other.  Get outside and enjoy the weather.

Would love to hear to somethings that your family loves to do special in the month of June and even summer.  Can't wait to hear .....

One of my passions

I discovered my new passion the other day while surfing on facebook.  I found a page that is called "Hypothyroid Mom" - this page is great.  It is a mom that is wanting to help reach any and all people with thyroid issues.  I have read so many of the posts on there and my heart just goes out to each of them.  I want to help ALL of them. 

I suffered for so many years with no energy.  I truly know how they feel.  People that don't have thyroid issues just don't understand.  I know they try to but how can they really get it?  People think we are lazy because it is hard to get up off the sofa or out of bed.  We find it extremely hard to exercise, we want to, but we just don't seem to have the energy to get up and get moving.  People say, "If you would exercise you would have more energy."  Well, not necessarily the case ....

Then there is the issue with losing weight.  We can eat the right things but for some reason the weight just don't want to come off.  I have found for me the best lifestyle is the lower carbs.  I found for me this is best and has helped me lose weight.

The spark is the number one product for me.  It has 21 vitamins and minerals in it - including B12 & B6.  I use to get B12 shots and they never worked for me, but the spark drink does work.  I can NOT make it through my day without my spark, in fact, I have one in the morning and then another mixed with Rehydrate in the afternoon.  I believe in this product so much.

I do use other Advocare products and here is my list:  Spark drink, Bio-charge, MNS 3, Joint Promotion, Formula W, OmegaPlex, Rehydrate, and Slims.  
You can visit my Advocare site to find out more information about the wonderful products - www.advocare.com/120323051 or contact me for more information.  I would love to share what Advocare has done for me and my family. 

I loved my devotion for today.  It really hits me because of so much stuff that I have been going through over the past couple of weeks and even month.  It was fitting and so hit the spot.

I have had to make decisions that were not easy ones to make.  In doing so I have come under personal attack.  I have been offended and hurt by people. We have to take a stand when things aren't right, even if it means we are blamed for other people's down fall. 

 Here is my devotion today ... Joyce Meyer

Go to God First

One time a member of my extended family did something that really hurt me, and I felt rejected as a result.  After it happened, I was sitting in the car in a lot of emotional pain and I said, "God I need you to comfort me.  I don't want to feel like this.  I don't want to get bitter or develop resentment.  I've experienced this same kind of pain from this person before and I don't want my day to be ruined by it.  But I'm having trouble handling it and I have to have your help."

Do you know what happened?  God took the pain and all my bad feelings went away!  But how many times, instead of running to Him in prayer, do we turn to other people, mistakenly thinking that telling them all about what happened will comfort us, but it doesn't.  The truth is that talking about something that hurt us only stirs up the pain in our emotions more and makes it more difficult to overcome.  We tend to do everything we can think of before turning to God, and nothing ever changes the situation.  We would be so much better off if our first response to every emergency and every kind of emotional pain were to pray.  If we will depend totally on God, letting Him know that we need Him more than anyone or anything, we will experience major breakthroughs in our lives.

I so believe this.  This is something that God is showing me, right this minute.  These words just jump right out me.  Especially where it says that it makes it more difficult to overcome - that those words have meaning to me and are shouting at me. 

So, this morning I have been praying for the people who have offended me and/or hurt me in any way.  I pray that God will give me comfort and allow me to forgive them.  I am letting God take this pain and give me peace. 

 

Making Changes ....

I have been thinking for the past couple of days the word "Change" and what does it really mean.  I also asked myself what changes in my life do I want to make. 

In order to make a change you have to find an area in your life that you want to change.  For me, there are many areas that I would like to make changes.  Some smaller than other but none the less - changes. 

Of course, the first one being losing weight.  I have been on this journey for a couple of years.  Yes, I have lost weight but there is still more to go.  So there in lies one of my questions to myself - "What changes can I make to lose more weight?"  "Am I eating the best and healthiest that I can eat?"  "Am I taking my Advocare products like I should, every single day?"  My answers are yes and no.  These are areas that I do need to make changes in ...

Another area is my finances.  Yes, we are getting out of debt - and that I am so thankful for the bills we have paid off.  I am also so thankful for the jobs that we both have - and for my Advocare business to be able to pay extra on our debt.  However,  there are some spending changes that I am sure that me and my family can do. 

I am sure some other changes that I could make ... my house cleaning duties, trying to keep a balance in my jobs and making more time for quiet time with God. 

In taking a look at things that you need to change - don't be too hard on yourself.  Be thankful for the changes that you have made over time. 

One small change at a time ... One small step at a time!!

Super Bowl

I am a huge football fan.   I do like college football more than pros, but I love to watch the Super Bowl.  This year is no exception. 

I am a big Peyton Manning fan.  I have been one since he was quarterback for TN Vols. 

 

So I guess you know who I am rooting for during this Super Bowl - Broncos vs. Seahawks?  Your right - Broncos. 

 

 

Who are you cheering for -  Broncos or Seahawks?

 

 









On my facebook page, www.facebook.com/sparked4life.   I will be doing some giveaways during the Super Bowl game on Sunday Feb. 2nd.  So, go to my page - vote for your team and share to be entered to win.  

If you haven't liked my page - please show me some love and hit like!!  You will have more changes to win the giveaways!! 

I can't wait to see who wins the Super Bowl and who all wins some giveaways!!! 

changes

On a journey, especially one losing weight, it is hard to not get bogged down with how much we still need to lose or the changes that we still need to make, but we have to look at things differently. 

We need to see the changes that we have already made, whether big or small.   I have a hard time with this one because I get so mad at myself for not making the best or right choice for a meal.  Just like the other night, I ate a very small piece of pizza.  Now for some of you that isn't that big of deal, but for me it is a big deal.  I knew that the pizza, no matter the size, would give me a headache from the carbs, but I choose to eat it anyway.  And yes, I ended up with a big headache. 

Instead of looking at that moment of failure, I have to learn to see it differently.  At one time in my life I would have eaten more than that very small piece and not thought twice about it.  I would have eaten 3 or 4 pieces and paid the price later.

Or my addition to Dr. Peppers that I had at one time.  I was drinking 6 to 8 per day, and some days it was more.  However, 4 years ago, I walked away from them - cold turkey.  (not sure that was the best choice, but I did it and made it though the withdrawals) I haven't had one since that day. 

Other milestones, I have cut my carb intake way down, even though I still have my  moments I do really good with keeping my carbs down.  I don't think this is for everyone but I have found this is for me.  My body just can't handle all the carbs.  Find what works best of you and your body.  And as always, please consult your doctor before starting a diet plan. 

It is all about the small changes that we make ..... one step forward ....

Small Goals

As I was reading my daily devotion today out of "Made to Crave, Devotions", it was talking about setting smaller goals.  I got to thinking about this point of view and it does seem to make since and makes you feel better. 

I can't control my circumstances, but I can control my choices.  Setting mini goals - physically and spiritually - positions me for victory.  Set mini-goals.  Faraway goals are hard to hang onto when life drains us. 

So I set out today to see just how many mini-goals I could set for myself and how many I could accomplish.  I am quiet pleased with myself.  With each small goal that I did I count that as a victory, before you know it you have a whole day of victories.  That is an awesome feeling!!  Too, it doesn't seem so bad when I don't meet one of the goals or I forget it - it isn't as big - so you don't feel like such a failure. 

One of my big accomplishments today was - not eating anything from the vending machine at the middle school.  Not that I eat from it everyday but today was big for me.  Two other driver's bought and ate the cupcakes from the machine.  They looked so yummy while they were eating them until I read the package - for both 400 calories & 70 gr of carbohydrates.  That is not good at all!!!  It really didn't look as good to me after that.  Victory for me!!! 

So, with making mini goals each day or each week we can be victorious even when the distance between your present reality and your desired goal seems so far apart. 

Setting Goals

I am working on setting my goals for 2014.  Let me be honest, I have not been good at setting goals.  I just have never really done them before.  I say them in my head but writing them down has never happened. 

So I ask myself, "Why?"  Why have I never been more serious about writing them down.  I guess that way if they don't happen then no one will really know or I can change it from my original goal. 

Not only would I not write them down ... I would never ever tell anyone about my goals.  Oh my gosh ... NO!!  Now, that would have been horrible if someone had heard me say my goals, but if they had seen them wrote down .. the world might have stopped. 

So I guess one of my top goals for this new year, 2014, should be to actually write down my goals.  Baby steps .... one step at a time.  I will work on writing them down this week.  I might even bring myself to posting them .... ok .. one step at a time.