Category: This positive life

That darn algorithm! NOT!

Most of the time, I despise how social media uses its algorithms to send targeted posts and ads to your feed. However, over the past two weeks, the algorithm has been sending me info that is not only relevant but also inspiring.

CRAFTING GET-TOGETHERS!!

I have received ads for funny flower pot painting, paper crafting, painting, crochet-alongs, and more. For the first time in a while my crafting juices are flowing. I feel inspired.

Today, I went to a local coffee shop to paint air fresheners. I know that sounds weird but it was really fun. The SALTY one with the turtle and starfish is black raspberry vanilla scented. The butterfly is champagne-apple and honey scented. They are strong scents but I like them.

The ad said the craft even would be from 4 – 7 PM. The coffee shop was already crowded when I got there at 3:50 PM. I was the only solo participant. I was also the only one without children. Everyone shared the paint and glitter. Everyone complimented each other on their freshie.

It took me about an hour to paint and glitter my two freshies. I had a lovely cold brew coffee while I was there.

Sometimes the simplest of activities can refresh your soul. Today it was painting airfresheners.

Thanks for reading.

My 5-Month GLP-1 Update: 25.6 Pounds Down and 20.4 Inches Lost

Five months ago, I started my GLP-1 journey hoping to improve my health and finally find something that would help me build sustainable habits. Today, I’m celebrating a milestone that feels about so much more than weight loss: I’m down 25.6 pounds and have lost a total of 20.4 inches from my body.

While I’m proud of those numbers, some of my biggest victories can’t be measured on a scale.

The Progress So Far

The weight loss has been exciting, but tracking my measurements has shown me just how much my body is changing. There have been weeks when the scale barely moved, and in the past, that would have completely discouraged me.

Now I know better.

Even during those slower weeks, my body has continued to change. The inches I’ve lost tell a much bigger story than the scale alone ever could.

My Favorite Non-Scale Victories

Some of the moments that have made me stop and smile over the past five months include:

  • Being able to bend down and touch the floor more easily.
  • Reaching my arms behind my back and actually being able to hold my hands together.
  • Walking up stairs without feeling as winded or exhausted.
  • Having energy left after work instead of feeling completely drained.
  • Joining a gym and actually going consistently.
  • Tracking my workouts and seeing my strength and endurance improve over time.
  • Watching my clothes fit differently, even when the scale isn’t moving much.

These are the kinds of changes that remind me this journey is about improving my quality of life, not just chasing a number.

Building New Habits

One of the things I’m most proud of is the consistency I’ve developed.

Instead of constantly starting over, I’ve been showing up for myself. Joining a gym felt intimidating at first, but now it’s become part of my routine. Tracking my workouts has helped me stay motivated because I can see tangible progress in what my body is capable of doing.

I’ve also noticed that healthy choices don’t feel like such a battle anymore. The constant food noise has quieted down, making it easier to focus on fueling my body rather than fighting cravings all day. Even during stressful times, I haven’t wanted to stress eat, and THAT is a miracle.

The Reality of the Journey

This hasn’t been a perfect five months.

There have been plateaus. There have been weeks when I expected the scale to move and it didn’t. There have been moments of frustration and impatience.

But I’ve learned that progress isn’t always reflected by a lower number on weigh-in day.

Sometimes progress looks like another inch lost.
Sometimes it looks like lifting a heavier weight.
Sometimes it looks like climbing stairs without needing a break.
Sometimes it looks like having enough energy to enjoy life after work.

Those wins matter too.

What I’ve Learned After Five Months

If these five months have taught me anything, it’s that success isn’t just about weight loss.

It’s about moving better.
Feeling stronger.
Having more energy.
Building confidence.
Creating habits that I can actually maintain long-term.

The scale is one measurement of progress, but it isn’t the only one.

Looking Ahead

Five months in, I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come. Losing 25.6 pounds and 20.4 inches is something worth celebrating, but what excites me most is how much better I feel physically and mentally.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m building a healthier lifestyle that I can sustain.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the next five months bring, and I’ll continue celebrating every victory—both on and off the scale.

Twenty-five pounds down is exciting. Being able to touch the floor, climb stairs without struggling, and still have energy after work? Those are the victories that have truly changed my life.

Clearing the Garden

My mind is a garden, tender and wide,
where bright blooms flourish when given the sky.
But shadows creep in, with thorn and with weed,
draining the roots of the light that I need.

I’ve learned to be gentle, yet firm with my ground,
to pull up the voices that drag spirits down.
The ones who bring poison, resentment, and spite,
I lay at the gate, and I turn toward the light.

For peace is a harvest, not gathered by chance,
but grown when we guard what deserves to advance.
In silence and sunlight, the soul can repair—
once freed from the weight of a toxic despair.

So I tend to my garden with patience and care,
inviting in kindness, refusing what tears.
For preserving my spirit means learning to see:
Not all who approach are meant to grow with me.

*** I haven’t been online much, unless I’ve been working on things. I haven’t been in the mood or in the correct space to share my thoughts and feelings. The past 4 months have been a challenge and continue to wear me down. However, I have decided to weed my garden of negativity and poison, and plant beauty, kindness, and love in their place.

Grief sucks. Grief brings out the best and the worst in us. I choose to turn my grief into positive memories. It will take a while, but I’m determined to remember to be kind and not let other’s actions and words ruin my happy memories.

Miss you Mom and Dad.

My Lingo CGM is bossy!

Today, after indulging in some candy to see how it would affect my glucose count, my CGM (I shall call her Lingy) got bossy and told me I had to do 20 squats! What a bossy pants. I moved into a corner near my desk and completed all 20 squats. Kind of proud of myself!

The harpooned whale

So, my Lingo CGM (continuous glucose monitor) arrived. I prepped my arm and placed the sensor. It did not hurt at all. I did, however, bleed like a harpooned whale.

So far, my levels have been between 76 and 110. I can’t wait to see how it goes tomorrow. Here is a photo of the sensor showing the needle.

It’s been a while.

I can’t believe it has been almost 8 months since I last posted. Where have I been? To be honest, no where. I’ve been in quite a funk lately – mentally and physically. I recently decided I needed to do something about that.

First, I started reflecting on my mental health. What is keeping me stressed and depressed and what can I do about it?

With the current state of the world, it has been hard to think positive about the future. It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on. I have friends and family from all walks of life and I love them all no matter what. What I don’t like is the amount of hatred that is out there. I’ve decided that I am going to spread positivity. It is amazing how people react to an unexpected smile or a kind gesture from a stranger.

I’ve been dealing with family health issues on both my side and my husband’s side of the family. I find myself stressing. We are so far away from both sides of the family. Sadly, there is nothing I can do. So, I just pray. God must be up there thinking. “Oh no, not her again” LOL. Not really, He has been good to me.

I’ve also started to invest in my physical health. I looked into vitamin B12 shots and, after extensive research, started getting weekly shots. Well, it’s only been 2 shots so far, but it seems to have made a difference. Both my brain fog and severe exhaustion have lessened. If you ask my husband, he will say my energy has exploded. (I haven’t been caught singing and dancing in the passenger seat of the car in years. Today, I had a ball).

I’ve also been interested in how my body reacts to different foods and activity. I am awaiting my first CGM (continuous glucose monitor) delivery. They should be here on Monday. I plan to wear one for the next month and track how different foods affect my glucose. This will help me choose foods that are less likely to spike my blood sugar. More on that journey in a future blog.

I am feeling better and have more energy. I am hoping to share some insight and tips with anyone interested.

Please share any tips that have helped you.

Thanks for reading!

I am ready for change!

I’ve been working on eating healthy and moving more. I am currently having physical therapy once a week to help with my lower back arthritis.

I have been so frustrated with my goal of getting healthier and moving better. I often feel like the rusty tin man. My joints don’t want to unlock. I’m tired of feeling this way and I am working on a plan for change.

Besides physical therapy, I have been getting massages again. Not the nice, relaxing massages. These massages have improved my flexibility so much. My therapist, Wendy, has found a way to unlock my knees. It hurts like hell while she is doing it and for two days after, but it is working.

I will be meeting with a nutritionist tomorrow after work to get some assistance. I will share what I learn and give updates on my progress.

Thanks for reading.