New Year, New Me!

Here we go again. That dreaded New Years Resolution has reared its ugly head. As I reflect on the past 12 years since I quit working, I realized how far I have let myself go. I had a great opportunity in 2001 (when I had my hip replaced) to become the active person I always wanted to be. Instead, I used it for an excuse to do less. I have gained 110 pounds and become the person I didn't want to be. I was told at the age of 18 that I would end up in a wheelchair by the time I was 30. On my 30th birthday I celebrated the fact that I was still walking. But I continued to let myself go. For Christmas 2009, Chuck went and bought us a Nintendo Wii along with the Wii Fit and the Biggest Loser Workout. We stuck to that for a few months then when I didn't see any results, I gave up. Totally like me to give up when things get tough.

So the past few months I've done a lot of soul searching and realized I have the potential to do this. I've been through anxiety and depression (which leads to emotional eating and binge eating), unbearable arthritis pain (which leads to depression). It's an endless cycle that I need to break free from. I started going to church with my mom almost 2 years ago and have found my way back to the Lord. I needed to learn to trust Him and look to Him for guidance. Here is what I found: I need to remove all the stresses from my life. I have been slowly elimated clutter from my home that has caused me stress. I began making weekly menu dinner plans so my shopping time and spending are cut in half. No more nights of staring in the freezer wondering what to make for dinner. It's all planned out two weeks in advance. I've started a new workout on the Wii with the EA Sports Active 2. It's absolutely kicking my butt and I love it! I lost 7 pounds in 4 weeks and feel so much better about myself. I feel alive. I am already noticing less pain and more mobility.

Here's to a New Year and a New Me! I hope to continue posting my ups and downs here. I will help me own up to my failures and allow me to celebrate my milestones. Wish me luck!

~DaniLynn