It normally is gradual and takes time for you realize that there are changes that need to be made. For me this is the story of a few years ago when I started to realize that things needed to change...
Too Much Social Media:
Too many times people put so much value in what other people think of them. There are people who are out there to break others down because they do not have a value of self worth themselves. I looked at my life one day and thought about all the time that I was wasting on social media. I mean I spent most of my mornings thinking of something witty to say, and then spent the rest of the day checking to see who liked it or if anyone commented or thought it was worth sharing... and honestly I was putting so much effort in getting "likes" that I stopped liking myself. Why do we do this? Why do we put so much effort in making an image that others are happy with. BREAKING NEWS... You can't make other people happy. Someone might like a comment, picture, post, tweet, or whatever... but them liking that particular thing should have nothing to do with YOUR happiness. I took a look at my productivity... not just at work but at home and with friends and I just was so disconnected. I was so disconnected from life because of how connected I was on social media.
So I disconnected my Facebook. At that time I did not have a twitter or an instagram... which I have all of those things now, but I took a long break... It was an important time that I learned a lot from.
What I learned:
During this time of "logging off" I learned who my friends were. Not from them wondering why I disappeared, or what "drama" had happened to make me delete my account. But the ones who I had real connections with. Instead of wishing people happy birthday or anniversary on facebook I did it in person. I would meet my friends for coffee... actually sit face to face with them. I would go and visit my family... I have driven to visit my friends who do not live close... How precious are the memories that I have been able to make spending time with those that I care about - I took a look at things and thought to myself, which would I remember more... the time that I have spent with the people I love in my life, or the amount of likes I got for the picture of my dog... And I have some pretty good memories.
Things I Changed:
I quit my job... I am not a creature of change for the most part. I was unhappy. I was not being productive, and I had become really really unhappy. My family suffered because of my unhappiness. There were a lot of things that were making me unhappy. Like the fact that I had 2 miscarriages in less than 12 months, I was not living up to the standards that my employer had set out for me, I was at my heaviest weight, I had lost some people who I was so close too... so I had an opportunity to change... and I did. I asked the guidance of my sweet husband (again not liking the change) and what I should do... he told me to turn in my notice... it was time for me to leave my job I had been at for 9 years - of which the last 4 (at least) I was miserable. I tried to leave in the best way possible, but it did not work well... It is what it is, and I am happy I made the decision I did. It was beyond time...
Start of Something New:
I decided to start taking my health in my hands and start to be better about what I was eating. It is a constant battle. I don't come from the healthiest background (if you are my family and reading this - please do not take offense) My immediate family have diabetes ... and as of now, I am the only member that is not one. So I have to make a choice... now I do realize that no matter what - I may have diabetes in the future... but if I can help it, I will do what I can to lessen my chances of getting it... so no more processed sugar... less starch and overall better eating. More lean and green, Less meat and sweet...
Journey to a Better Me:
I started a new work out plan at the gym. This week I have been to the gym twice (so far) and I will be going back tomorrow. I recently saw a post from a friend who I have been disconnected from, partly because this person lives so far away - like a really long ways away from me... but this person looks great. Really took their health into their own hands and it is such a motivation. Now I am not going to be a person who is doing it to compete or anything like that - but it is more of a personal goal...
LET ME BE CLEAR! This is not for anyone else but myself... to feel better in my own skin... Not only am I looking to be better health wise as in weight - but also my skin... I had a biopsy done a couple of weeks ago (it was benign) but that alone was a wake up call. I am trying a medication for my skin to try and clear up some cystic acne (I KNOW I know I am making myself sound like a real princess here). I love the sun but am making sure to keep myself covered in sun screen when in the sun (I use sunless tanning) I am looking for products that make my skin better... suggestions welcome, and I may review some of the products that I use from time to time. I am taking vitamins daily (Advocare MNS3) they have helped so much with my focus (not so much with my OCD lol). I am still trying with make-up... I have never been one to be a girly girl... I would really like my skin to look great without make-up - however I also realize that I am now 32 (Paul had to tell me - because I don't keep up) and I am not getting any younger. I drink water during the day - cut out all of the sodas. Drink only one cup of coffee (black) in the morning (sometimes one pack of stevia in the raw). And I am in the gym by 5 AM at least 4 days a week (I am starting this at least). I have some that keep me accountable and I love that they do... I am concentrating on the good in life and the things that I enjoy that are not food related. I love to cook... however we recently sold our house (we are building a new one) and we are living with my parents and my resources are limited. And being that they are both retired, they eat a lot earlier that my husband and I do. But I have told them that in light of recent events (me being the only one without Diabetes) I am not going to eat the junk...
