My Body Pledge of Allegiance

Friday, March 29, 2013

My Body Pledge of Allegiance:

Today, I vow to start loving my body � no matter how I am feeling, how I look, and wherever I am in my journey.

I promise to stop the self- criticism, negative self talk, and to be present in each moment to stop and acknowledge my negative thoughts, and how I am feeling. This will help me realize that almost everything my inner critic says is not true, and to change my beliefs.

I pledge to never again to participate in a barrage of bashing of myself. This includes picking myself apart when I make an error in judgment or a mistake � no matter how big or small.

I promise to begin treating my body with respect by feeding it what it needs, and taking care of it so it can function as efficiently as it can - no matter what my age.

I promise to recognize that I can only ask so much of my body, and that it deserves to sleep and rest in order to prepare for the next day, and I will honor by giving it at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

I promise not to consciously or unconsciously compare my body to others.

I promise not to be influenced by the media, or the fashion industry in what makes a woman beautiful, or the right size. I know that the media does not set the standards for beauty or my self esteem, and is there only to further their own agendas, and line their pocketbooks.

I vow that I will no longer let the scale or a certain size define me.

I promise to recognize that all body types can be beautiful - including mine.

I pledge to recognize my strengths, achievements, and attractiveness. I will affirm to myself every day that I am wonderful just as I am in that moment.

I promise not to criticize myself, punish myself, or feel guilty when I make a mistake. I am human, not perfect; I know that my mistakes are a way to help me learn, which then helps me become stronger.

I pledge to be true to myself and others because it is who I wish to be.

I promise to stand up, and speak up for myself and others when I hear something harmful or emotionally demeaning said. We all deserve the respect and love of others.

I vow that I will remember that I deserve to love myself right here and right now � in every moment.

Today, and every day from here forward, these are my choices!

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It has been a while.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

December, January and February were not Nola Friendly months. I developed so much pain in so many places that movement was accompanied with severe pain. We discovered knee cap osteoarthritis and S joint osteoarthritis to add to all of the other things I have been dealing with. The Dr.s were even telling me avoid extra exercise until we could get the pain under control.
I had to leave my wonderful A team and the 5% challenge due to so much pain and other health issues. I am learning to deal with the Gastroparesis better and what I can and cannot eat. I admit that I was very depressed knowing that I had no control over what I could eat. GP patients follow a very rigid diet especially if they are unable to use the medications available which I am not. I consume a lot of juice as I am unable to have any fresh fruits and veggies and so many are off limits. No whole grains and very limit amounts of protein and fiber.
I have a new primary physician and think that will be better for me to have someone I feel who is there for me. I saw a Neurosurgeon last week and he stated that back surgery would not be advantageous for me as my degeneration is caused by Osteoarthritis and there are no ways to replace the spine issues. I will be receiving spine injections and later ablation of some nerves that they hope will help with the pain.
I have started to try some very limited ST and Stretching movements again and am trying to take some very short walks again. I look forward to Spring and some warmer temps to ease the breathing and joint issues.
That about catches up with me. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. You are the best!

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MIA in December

Thursday, December 27, 2012

I just wanted to take the chance to say how sorry I am to my teams and friends that I have not been active this month. I and enjoy my time here visiting and supporting the site and Friends. I have not had a very good month health wise and as I find answers to one problem it seems to trigger another issue.
I know that you all have these times also but this is such a wonderful time of the year that it seems to make it extra hard to not be able to stop in for a chat. Please don't worry about me, it is just taking time to feel better.
I may not be here much until I can find some control over the health issues. I am looking forward to being able to exercise again and join in all the fun we have here. I am thinking of all of you and know that you are never far from my
I will be back when I can and respond and join in on all the fun.
Gentle and you are deep in my thoughts. Nola

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What I have learned in 2012.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

This has been another interesting health year for me. I spent the summer months having vein procedures for my legs. The clinic came to the conclusion that they had never had anyone who was as sensitive to medications as I was. Medications and I do not work well together. The procedures were completed in August and they were successful as I do not have the heaviness in my legs that I have had for years.
In October I was diagnosed with Gastoparesis. I am a mild case and am controlling it with diet and lifestyle changes. I feel I was able to cope with the changes better because of many of the changes I have made in my life due to my years at Spark People. I eat or rather graze through the day. I have very little reflux now and my breathing and swallowing are voice are better than any November in the last three years.
I have found that I have a tendency to overdo for my health issues. BIG SURPRISE! Anyone who knows me well knows that I push myself as far as I can. Some of this is due to low self esteem and needing to prove myself to myself, some of it is just a state of denial that the health issues are in control.
I completed the Jingle Bell Walk for the Arthritis Foundation on December 1st. I met AWESOMECAROL and members of the Spark Wichita Team who me on. This was one of the highlights of my year. I look forward to completing the walk again next year.
I love challenges but in being realistic I am having to become more selective. I cannot be in them all. I will remain with the 5% challenge and some of my individual team challenges. Christmas Melt is one that I will defiantly continue. I have few new teams that I am enjoying the daily challenges. I am having to plan now more Day to Day and take some of the pressure off that I put on myself.
I do feel that in many ways I am healthier than I was before I found Spark People. I have learned ways to exercise that I can do with my health issues. I can eat correctly for my tummy issues and I have new and wonderful friends who help motivate and support me through all the ups and downs.
Thank you to Spark People and the staff for all of the work you do to educate us. Thank you to all of the team and team leaders who challenge us and support us and keep us looking forward. Thank you to all of the Spark Friends who are there for you no matter how low you feel, who lift you up and help you fly when all you want to do is crawl.
I don't know that I could have made this journey without you. You are

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Catching Up!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

It has been a while since I wrote a blog so I thought I would catch up with everyone. I am having fun with my challenges, 5% A team is flying right along. My BL Tangerine team had been doing and the Christmas Melt of 2012 is unbelievably fun. I also just completed the Red Hot Heartbreakers Challenge with the Done Girls and am beginning a new challenge with my 60+ Team! Wow, these teams keep me on my toes. I push as much as I can and never compare myself to anyone else on the team but do my best to help out where I can with encouragement and support. My miles and points and minutes will never be the highest but I am giving you all my !
I finally completed all of the vein procedures on my legs, 5 throughout the summer and am glad for the relief it has brought me. I can walk easier and have less pain in my legs.
We are now off to find out what some other medical issues are and try to fix some of those. Next week I will be tested for Gastroparesis or Lazy Stomach. The winter is coming with lower temps and breathing issues. My arthritis is trying to kick up a notch and I am determined to keep on keeping on through it all. I am a little wiser how far I can push myself with my health issues each year and have learned to rest when I need and when I can.
I have finally entered the Facebook age and am able to keep in touch with my kids better. They haven't really figured out the writing letter thing so I will come to them through their medium.
My biggest dream right now would be to attend the Jingle Bell Walk/Run for the Arthritis Foundation in Wichita, Kansas on December 1. It is being held at Exploration Place where my 2nd son works and I would love to meet some of my Spark Buddies if they are there. I dream but then think about the cold and the difficulty breathing and walking and the transportation there. I am going to plan and try to do the walk even if I can't get the event itself. It will be a very hard goal to reach as I must rest about every 15 minutes of walking but we should all dream!
to one and all and have a Spook tackular month!

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