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.
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.
Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey into the Heart of Motivation
Motivation – it’s that elusive force that propels us forward, that inner drive which pushes us beyond our limits, and the beacon that illuminates our path to success. Whether we’re striving towards personal goals, professional aspirations, or simply trying to navigate the complexities of daily life, motivation is often the key ingredient that determines our level of achievement and fulfillment.
But what exactly is motivation? Is it a fleeting burst of enthusiasm, or a sustained flame that burns bright through adversity? As I delve into this topic, I find myself reflecting on both the universal and deeply personal nature of motivation.
At its core, motivation is the spark that ignites action. It’s the catalyst that transforms dreams into reality and transforms obstacles into opportunities. For some, it’s the promise of a better future or the desire to make a difference in the world. For others, it’s the pursuit of personal growth and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.
Psychologists have long studied the intricacies of motivation, exploring its various forms and the factors that influence it. From intrinsic motivations driven by personal passion and interest, to extrinsic motivations fueled by external rewards and recognition, the landscape of motivation is as diverse as the individuals who experience it.
Yet, despite its importance, motivation can be a fickle companion. We’ve all experienced moments of wavering commitment and self-doubt, where our once-clear objectives seem obscured by obstacles or distractions. During these times, nurturing and sustaining motivation becomes paramount.
So, how do we harness the power of motivation and keep it burning brightly? Here are a few strategies that can help:
1. Clarify Your Goals: Clearly defining what you want to achieve provides a roadmap for your motivation. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain momentum and track progress.
2. Find Your Why: Understanding the reasons behind your goals strengthens your motivation. Whether it’s personal fulfillment, financial security, or a desire to help others, connecting emotionally to your objectives keeps you driven.
3. Cultivate Positive Habits: Consistent habits create a supportive environment for motivation to thrive. Whether it’s a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day or regular exercise to boost energy levels, nurturing your physical and mental well-being enhances your overall motivation.
4. Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with sources of inspiration – whether it’s through books, podcasts, mentors, or supportive communities. Learning from others’ successes and challenges can fuel your own determination.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Setbacks are an inevitable part of any journey. Instead of letting them derail your motivation, view them as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and resilience.
6. Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone along the way. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces your motivation and reinforces your commitment to your goals.
Ultimately, motivation is a deeply personal and dynamic force that evolves as we grow and change. It requires self-awareness, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to challenges. By nurturing and harnessing our motivation, we unlock our true potential and pave the way for a more fulfilling and successful life.
As I conclude this exploration into motivation, I am reminded of its transformative power – how it empowers us to overcome adversity, pursue our passions, and create meaningful change. So, whatever your aspirations may be, remember: the journey begins with a single step fueled by the unwavering belief in your ability to achieve greatness.
My Monday blogs will be about motivation – book reviews, memes, and personal stories. I hope you will join me.
As I continue with my journey to get healthier and lose weight, I have been trying different food and different strategies and sharing them here. My newest strategy is practicing mindful eating.
What is mindful eating? Mindful eating is paying attention to the food you eat and using all of your senses when doing so. The opposite of mindful eating is mindless eating. We’ve all done that, right? Rough day at work. Start cooking dinner and sit down to watch TV…with a bag of chips or box of cookies. The next thing you know, you have eaten the entire box or bag. You don’t even remember tasting the food. Yeah, that’s really mindless.
So, how do you practice mindful eating? Here’s what I’ve been doing. I choose one meal a day to practice this. Today I chose to practice at lunch. The steps I followed:
That is how I practiced today. Have you tried anything similar? If you have, how has mindful eating helped you to eat healthier, enjoy your food more, and helped you lose weight? Do you have any tips or tricks you would like to share regarding mindful eating? Please comment below.
Thanks for reading.
Today was a “rest” day. I did not go to the fitness center. Instead, I did several short cardio and strength exercise videos from the Wakeout app.
Wakeout helps me to work out the stiffness that occurs when you work a desk job. It gives stretches and exercises to get you moving during the work day. It will even let you schedule reminders to move.
My food choices today were excellent. Special K cinnamon pecan cereal with blueberries for breakfast. No sugar in my coffee and i even measured my sugar free creamer!
For my morning snack I had a cup of unsweetened tea and a Sargento balanced break. For my afternoon snack, I had a clementine. Delicious.
Lunch was shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, Kalamata olives over orzo with a squeeze of lemon. Yum!!
Dinner was two tacos loaded with lettuce and tomato with 2 oz of lean taco meat. Just a sprinkling of cheese to top them off. Yum.
I drank lots of water and had no sugary drinks.
It was a good day and I am proud of myself.
Have any good healthy recipes or tips you would like to share? What is your go to trick to keep yourself on track?
I’ve tried most “diets”. From WW to Jenny Craig and more in between. It wasn’t until I started listening to The Chris Terrell Podcast that I started having success in losing weight.
During his weight loss journey, Chris followed the CICO diet. CICO stands for Calories In, Calories Out. He has lost 125 pounds! Amazing! When I am looking for some motivation, I listen to Chris’ practical advice on his podcast. Check it out here: Chris Terrell Podcast.
An explanation of CICO – For each pound you want to loose, you have to cut 3500 calories – either by eating less or by burning more calories through exercise. If you eat 500 calories less or burn 500 calories more each day for a week, you should lose 1 pound. Does that make sense. If you eat 500 calories less AND burn 500 calories more each day for a week, you should lose 2 pounds.
If you want to see how many calories you should be consuming each day, go to the Calorie Calculator.
Chris also offers coaching on his website Chris Terrell Coaching.
Give Chris a listen and spread the word!
Let me know if you have a favorite health, weight loss, and/or exercise podcast in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
This {_______} life 