"Exercising" My Full Potential

This week at church, one of our campus pastor's preached in the absence of our lead pastor. Pastor Brey spoke on "Potential". One of the key points stated was, " Embrace your weaknesses to recognize your potential". So, I thought to myself,"What are my weaknesses?" I mean, I should know the answer to this question by now, after all, it is often one of the many questions asked when I have interviewed for different jobs. I remember as a teenager interviewing for a job, my stepdad gave me a different way to approach this question. Instead of starting off with "Well, some of my weaknesses are...", start off with, "I consider what would be deemed as "weaknesses" as areas for improvement that I am working on mastering daily...". At the time I did not think the phrase made much sense, but I believe this answer played a major part in me getting the job every time.

Rather then dwell on what I am not good at(i.e I am clearly not made for running), I am learning to try to improve in areas that I am the least confident in my abilities. So, I can't run a 5K. However, I can run 15 minutes straight without stopping now, which I hadn't been able to do at the beginning of this journey. I am not always good at meal planning, but I am learning to mentally count calories, and practice portion control. By recognizing areas in which I need improvement, I can formulate a plan of action. Many of us tend to dwell on the negativity of the "weakness" then trying to turn the weakness into a strength. In my past, the "dwelling" approach often caused discouragement, non-compliance with my weight program,self-pity, and eventually weight gain.

I truly want to end the negative cycle. I've realized I have been going at this for 5 months now. I'm tired. I'm hungry. But I am recognizing my potential through my efforts to rebuke carnal desires. The areas in my life that I thought were my weaknesses,lack of self control and self assurance, are slowly revolving into strengths which are reflected through my physical appearance. It is a wonderful thing when good health glows from the inside out.


WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 34 POUNDS! Yaay me!

Allow Me To Vent...

I guess some of you may have realized I did not post anything last week. It's been a bummer kinda week. I feel great, but I am down because I am stuck at the same three numbers. I did finally make an appointment with a dietician, whose first available appointment was not until my next day off next month. So yaaay me! Obviously, I am not doing something right. I have lost weight without exercise before. Yet, I have modified my diet and I am exercising, but nothing is working for me this week.

I totally broke down in front of my husband one night while I was exercising, stating "I hate this!!!" I hate that I can't be skinny mini, I hate that I can't eat what I want, I hate exercising! Well, I don't mind exercising, I just hate having to exercise in order to get the results I want. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I had to find an outfit for my husband's semi-formal family reunion. There is nothing more terrifying to me than trying on clothes. I hate the full length mirrors. I don't like being in between plus size and "regular" size. I don't like the fact that there are very few places that offer clothes that properly fit busty, short, small-waisted, thick thighed women. I finally settled on an outfit. To my disappointment I could not find a pretty little sun dress to hide my problem parts, but settled on a black and white shirt/pants set.

Just when I wanted to fold, just when I wanted to grab a large cheeseburger and some fries (which, if you know me well, I don't eat a lot of beef or fries for that matter), I saw the cover of this month's Ebony Magazine, featuring Jill Scott on the cover. While I did not get a chance to read her article in depth, I noticed how amazing she looked. I am a HUGE Jill Scott fan, anyway. I think she is beautiful, a trendsetter, creative, and uber talented. So, I skimmed through the article and read that she had lost 50 lbs! Amazing! I really don't know how long it took her to lose it, but as a long time follower, I know she has always been on the heavier side. Beautiful, nonetheless. I found myself wondering what was her breaking point? What was her inspiration? What's the name of her trainer?lol.  Then, I had an epiphany. I still lost over 30 pounds. I am still pretty darn cute. I can still do this!

So, as I embark on my first of two family reunions for the summer, I hope to stay strong amidst the yummy food and make health-conscience choices for my benefit. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!


WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: Still the same as the last entry :( But not any heavier :)