Today is January 1, 2022. I slept awful last night because over the past 2 weeks I have indulged in foods and amounts that I have not in quite some time. My body let me know that last night. There is deprivation and there is indulgence. And there is what I have striven for for the past 12 months: balance. Balance I have not lately. Overall, I was OK with this indulgence because my mindset has shifted so much this past year that nothing about my behavior signified to me I was “falling off the wagon” or “failing” in any way. After all, there are no such things as failures, only learning opportunities. This mindset shift has served me well thus far in my journey. I indulged and although I enjoyed myself, I remembered just how much better I feel when I fuel my body properly and treat it with the respect it deserves. So, yesterday to end 2021 I started my day with a 3.1 mile run on the beach followed by a 2 mile walk. Today, I started off miserable and tired. Feelings I need to remember when I am making choices moving forward. Choices have consequences. When those choices are in line with the values I want to live by, those consequences are filled with energy and joy. Thankfully, my body eventually forgave me and I was able to enjoy the last few precious hours I had with my brother and sister in law and beautiful niece from Virginia before they headed home. Adam and I, along with his mom, dad, and sister won’t be leaving until tomorrow.
As with every moment, I had a choice. I could choose to beat myself up and chastise myself and continue to make poor choices in my misery or I could be present and make better choices today. My journey thus far led me to the values driven choice. After saying goodbye to the Virginia family, Adam and I went on a bike ride to start the day. I then chose to forgo the ham, egg, and cheese omelet breakfast everyone else was having, and had a gluten free bagel instead. Not something I typically eat when not on vacation, but still a better choice that the omelet. Good, better, best. What can I do today to be better? I then got beach ready and Adam and I took a 2 mile walk on the beach before sitting down to read and relax for our final day of sunshine and crashing waves.
My goal is to document another year of health in hopes it may inspire/help at least one other person. I value my health and I value helping others. I am grateful I am able to share my journey with you, whomever you may be! I do not have my scale here or my Renpho body measurement tracker so my official 2022 starting stats will be documented when I return home. Until then, value the journey!
