Stumbling block

I was in Jamaica last week for my cousin's wedding, read Shannon Sez So for information on that event, and I did "okay" on my calorie consumption. The food wasn't the problem, it was the rum punch, Bob Marleys and Blue Moons that caused the hiccup (literally & figuratively).

All-inclusive resorts are similar to cruises, food and beverages flowing close to 24/7. I did pretty well on the food side. I ate my Cinch meal replacement bars for breakfast, had healthy lunches and dinners, paying attention to eat vegetables foods full of color and lean meat or seafood. The sun was beaming its warmth on the beach, the tropical breezes were blowing and the drinks were just so darn pretty and tasty. However, I did drink A LOT of water because I've learned the hard way that alcohol, sun and sugar (punch, grenadine, etc.) don't make for a fun vacation.

I did find a new way to enjoy my workouts, the Cupid Shuffle. It's a line dance, similar to the Electric Slide, only to a much better beat, better moves and all-n-all, more fun to do. While I seem to be coming into the knowledge of the CS after everyone else, no worries mon. I have it now and I'm gonna shuffle my way to a healthy me.

Back on the wagon

So, while attending a conference in Palm Springs, I kinda fell off the wagon. I did okay with my eating, thanks in part to the resorts horrific cooking. I kept up with my daily vitamins and learned from this experience to keep my Cinch bars and meal bars nearby at all times. And I'm extremely proud of myself for some of the hurdles I leaped while there. I didn't have any of the complementary Frito-Lay snacks that were offered; I drank lots and lots and lots of water; and I didn't eat all of any of my desserts. Small steps, yet steps forward all the same.

On another note, I some interesting and insightful conversations with some women. One of the things I'm pondering is a question and realization that came to me after Reverend Dr. JoAnn Browning spoke on "Finding Your Purpose." If slave traders stole the best and brightest from the shores of Africa, then are we to be surprised by the chaos, confusion and inhumane activities of those left on the continent? Moreover, now that I have that consciousness, what am I supposed to do with it? How does this enlightenment help me get to my authentic self? How and/or is my authentic self tied to the continent?

I've been planning my trip to Africa for over 2 years and it has been a source of excitement, motivation and anticipation. For as many positive feelings I have about my trip, I have just as much trepidation. My brothers on the continent kill, maim and rape for seemingly no reason. My sisters are surviving, trying to thrive and have families in the midst of an unyielding hell.

Everyone I know, who has been to Africa, has been changed in some way. Some have changed in obvious outward ways, others in a less public fashion. How will my trip, my sojourn there change me? I'm open to the change, to the growth of my spirit and the revelations God has for me at the cradle of humanity.

One Day at a Time

While it was a good show, right now it is more relevant to me as a daily slogan. I remember that the race is won by taking one step at a time and that even baby steps move forward. So, I'm moving forward, step by step, some strides are longer than others.

I did pretty good this weekend. I ate the right things and got exercise on Saturday. And on Sunday, I went out to brunch and had a crab & tomato omelet with a side of fruit and potatoes, which were baked, instead of being fried. The breakfast was delicious and my ONE mimosa was the perfect compliment. For dinner I had my Cinch, an apple and some baby carrots. I also took my vitamins and drank plenty of water. Those were good days.

Today was decent as well. I had my Cinch for breakfast and dinner and took my vitamins; it was lunch that was not my best effort. I had a half of tuna sandwich, but I ate it open face as to only eat 1 slice of bread, and I had a half of ham sandwich, this time I ate the meat sans all of the bread. These were not bad in themselves, (drum roll) it was the 10 bar-be-cue chips I had that did me in for the meal. I'm not going to beat myself up about the chips because I had worked-out
this evening and 1 divergence isn't going to deter my efforts or distract me.

It happened, it's over and I've moved on...to my next step, tomorrow.

Getting Started

I have a lot to do this morning. I'm going to Reveal for a treatment, then I have a dance lesson, go to the hairdresser and finally, I have to pick up the temp who is helping me get organized. It isn't the most hectic day in the world, but it is busy. These are the kinds of days that make it difficult to be healthy. Running around usually equates to driving through or picking up, neither of which is good for my waistline.

So take some time, breath and make a plan:
1. Weigh myself - it sucks and I have to do it
2. Have a Cinch shake for breakfast, take my Shaklee vitamins and drink 1 glass of water
3. Have a cup of Cinch tea and an apple for morning snack
4. Plan on Chicken Out for lunch - a grilled chick salad & 2 glasses of water will do
5. Take a Cinch bar and 2 glasses of water for a mid-day snack
6. Have a Cinch meal replacement bar for dinner - gives my jaw something to do
7. Dance class will serve as my exercise for today.

Okay, this plan is reasonable, healthy and possible. I'll let you know how it goes.

Getting Ready

Thus begins a journey back to my authentic self as I prepare for my 40th birthday in exactly 9 months. On my way, I hope and pray to discover the wonderful woman that is Shannon. I want to get to know her inside and out. What is she like in the privacy of her home; how does she portray herself in public, at work, with her family and friends?

It's a bit weird talking about myself in the 3rd person, but I feel I almost have to in order to distance myself enough to do the kind of reflection I want to do. As you can read from the my blog title, part of my discovery has a bit to do with weight loss. This is as much a part of me becoming as any meditation, reading or praying I could do.

So, I begin (yet again) to lose weight and like most of us. I've "set myself up to succeed" with the right foods in the house, a motivational photo of me at my goal weight and an outfit I want to get into by my birthday. The difference this time is that I have you all along for the ride with me. I have no idea where this is going to take me. I only know that the journey is far, far more important than the destination.

It's gonna be a fantastic ride...hold on tight.