An interesting article, and realizations of current and past friendships.

As I prepare to start a new chapter in my life much like the woman in this article below, I am perplexed as to why her best friends would leave her in her time of glory. Aren't friends, best friends at that, supposed to be the ones who support you the most? But, then again I can understand why this would happen.

I realize relationships will change and people will always come and go from our lives, and I believe if the friendships were tight to begin with, those friendships would not have lasted regardless. This is hard for some people to understand, and I too struggle with the loss of friendship. Those who matter have weathered the changes in our lives, and always have my back no matter where life takes me. Those people, who don't stick around, just don’t fit in to the bigger picture of the lives we now live. This doesn't mean they aren't proud of me and I am not proud of them. I am not going to lie though, it does hurt to lose a friendship and start the process of fitting in to new social groups.

I've been humbled by the people who have come and gone in my life, and I treasure all experiences with each person. As we grow older, we “grow up” and what was once important isn't so much anymore. I really don’t drink as much as I once did, and because of that I've have had some friendship struggles, but I believe the friends who stick around for your life changes, are in it to win it…you’re friendship means something to them and that is what keeps me optimistic in life.

In September, I will run my first 5K, and I hope when I cross the finish line, my friends will be proud of my accomplishments and not stray from me and my journey to being healthy and fit.  In a world of chaos, we need each other...need the support, and love.  I will support and love you, if you do the same for me.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/12/health/fit-nation-annette-relationships/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

The hardest part is listening to your body.

After seeing my doctor on Friday, I became discouraged especially since the GI Specialist doesn't accept my insurance. My drive home was filled with frustration, and emotions but also clarity. I say clarity because as I was stuck in lunch time traffic, I began to consider the following:

1. I don't need a GI Specialist
2. I need a Naurapath who will understand my need to keep food healthy, and who is also a specialist when it comes to stomach issues.
3. I need to listen to what my body needs.
4. I need to fuel my body with foods that are not processed. We weren't meant to eat that crap even though it tastes good...it's not even real food.
5. I need to psych myself up for this. I am my best supporter.

My problem:

1. After most of everything I eat, I feel bloated and have a tummy ache.
2. I get depressed over my inability to lose weight even though I exercise and aside from a few unhealthy snacks, I eat good stuff.
3. Frustrated with my sleep pattern.
4. I am tired of having to let my gut re-heal (barely consume food for a day or two) after an episode.

Why Paleo Diet?  Our bodies weren't meant to eat all the carbs and genetically modified foods and it hurts my tummy and it probably hurts yours or your children's stomach too. I've been pretty much GF for almost a month, and I have seen differences. It has been almost 4 weeks since my last GI issue.
http://chriskresser.com/paleo-diet-challenges-solutions-ii-its-all-about-the-gut

What do you think low fat and fat free foods are made of, and why do you eat this?  http://diaryofahollywoodstreetking.com/are-you-still-eating-fat-free-and-low-fat-foods/

Do you drink milk? I was never a avid milk drinker, and when I did it was fat free...well no more and GROSS!   http://butterbeliever.com/fat-free-dairy-skim-milk-secrets/

So, as I start this journey I hope to learn more about the properties of food, and start to feel good. Darn it, I just want to feel good. I hope I can network with friends who are sharing in the same struggle...to get healthier. I listened to my body which is why I am at this point in my life...changing my lifestyle to incorporate health.

Have you listened to yours today?

Dear Motivation, where have you been?

Dear Motivation, where have you been?

Over the last 15 years, I’ve struggled to find peace within myself, and find that inner balance where I can once again feel motivated by life, and my health. So far, 2013 has been a good year in regards to exercise. This whole finding peace isn’t as easy as you may think, but I am motivated to move forward.

Exercise and motivation – Color Run, walking and jump rope

I walk a min of 40 minutes a day 5 days a week, and tomorrow I will start my ‘Couch to 5K” training on top of my daily walking 3 times a week. My goal this year is to participate in the Color Run. The Color Run is on September 7^th of this year at Portland International Raceway, and is a 5K. I chose this run because there was no segregation of skill level.  I have a lot of excuses when it comes to exercise, and I own my short comings, however; I’m determined to do this run.  http://thecolorrun.com/portland/

This evening I plan on starting my jump rope challenge. I will start out with a goal of jump roping to three songs, gradually increasing a song weekly. I am doing this in order to tone my arms and strengthen my core. I will be doing this opposite the days I am training for The Color Run. I will also continue to keep walking.

My health

My health is a big concern for me right now, and I am trying to stay positive but it is hard when you become sick for no apparent reason, and that sickness seems to last for a few days. I feel as though I am at war with food, and I am losing.

This past week was a good week because I didn’t get ill from eating something my body decided it didn’t want to process. I’ve excluded dairy from my diet, and learned I have some possible allergies to certain types of dairy which will be explored at a later time. Right now, I am not eating Gluten.  Gluten seems to be A culprit and it helps that Robin is also Gluten free so eating doesn’t have to be so convoluted.  

Food has become a challenge for me…what do I eat? I think I have a bad Gallbladder, but explaining to doctors what my body is doing isn’t all that simple.  I want the Gallbladder out, but I am also scared that it may not be my direct issue. There is a lot of uncertainty at this point.

Injuries

My right ankle isn’t a big supporter of getting in to shape. I had physical therapy for a year, and avoided surgery, however; after a week of pumped up activity it aches me.  This makes me sad because if I am not careful, there will be no Color Run…jump rope and walking for me.

***

All I know for certain is, I am more motivated now than I have ever been and I just wish the rest of me was on board. I just want to be healthy and lose some weight. I should be losing weight and I am not and it’s really frustrating.

So, I will continue to truck a long..wishing for a more healthy body, mind and spirit. I am hoping I can meet my challenges head on and come out on top.