January 30, 2013

My New Normal Week 3

Two weeks ago I posted about my New Normal. I am in the third week of learning to think, act and believe in my New Normal. I am amazed at how when we set our minds to doing something it can become a reality. I feel as if I am having to hit a reset button deep inside of me. This is harder than I imagined. As many have posted we have to discover the deep root of why we crave what we crave. Then we have to retrain ourselves to crave what is right and better for us. Exercise has never been a problem for me to crave, however in my New Normal it is what can derail me the fastest. I am discovering so much of who I have identified myself with is what I am able to do physically.

So as I mentioned in my last post my goal is really not to gain any weight and to get strong and healthy. I have learned from my surgeon that I do not have any new nerves being compressed in my lower back, PTL! However, the physical therapist told me to think of it this way, "You have had a grand piano sitting on a plush carpet for many years. The piano has just been removed, however the imprint is still left on the carpet." So my New Normal is learning to stretch my nerves and undo all the tightness which has developed in my right leg and foot. As I mentioned earlier this has been the hardest part for me. I just want to go and walk 3 miles with Sadie and not hurt. However, I can only walk 3.3 pace on treadmill and at most 1 mile.

So I am learning to retrain my physical craving with new healthy foods, finding the joy around me each day, being thankful I am on a journey to being strong and not giving up. I so appreciate Weigh In Wednesday because I get new ideas and challenges I can modify to keep me motivated. If you need to lose a few pounds or are like me and want to get strong this is the right place to start.

I loved that this week I drank more water than I ever have and craved some of my unhealthy choices less because I was so full from the water. I love how Kathryn timed me doing planks this week and encouraged me. Here are a few of the moments that keep me going in my New Normal and the foods...
 After a particularly long day of taking Kathryn to Orthopedic and preparing to teach bible study
Mark surprised me with these flowers to say, "Thank you for all you do,"
 

I love RIBBON! I love how it cheers everything up, even
a hard study on Fear of Man. These are the verse holders
I made all the ladies in our bible study.

 
"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me,
and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from
me you can do nothing." John 15:5

These are the flowers I carried on my wedding day. Emma took this beautiful picture.
 They smell so good and bring such JOY!

Do you think she knows how cute she is and how much JOY she brings me?
 I love that I found this pictures on my camera today.

This is one my new favorite lunches. I love smoked salmon and this is a healthy way to eat it!

I also love POLKA DOTS! Yummy lunch!

I would love to hear about your journey to being a healthier you. Thank you for stopping by to see how we are Spreading Joy,
 
Shari 


5 comments:

  1. Your post just brought JOY into my day! Those flowers and that lunch would make this girl happy too! xo

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    1. Thank you Jenni. I love lilies. I have so enjoyed your realness on your blog.

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  2. Love this post! Thanks for linking up. The ribbon with the verses is so cute!!! And love hearing and seeing about your sweet family!!!

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  3. Oh this post is so happy and joyful, and I LOVE the verse holders you made! What a wonderful gift! (I must confess, I forsee myself using that idea someday in my future ^_^ ) It's very encouraging to see how you are seeking out joy during this part of your journey, and a wonderful reminder to me that sometimes I need to seek out Joy as well. I look forward to following your journey though the WIW link up. :)

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  4. I love how you are viewing this as your new normal. That is what it needs to be for it to become a life long commitment to health. I'm so glad we are in the Facebook group together. It is so helpful to have group support, encouragement and accountability. And you've given me a great idea for lunches. I love smoked salmon!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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