Well looking back I see it's been about 5 months since my last blog... a lot has happened in that 5 months for sure... it's been quite a ride as I continue with my new "lifestyle" I am feeling so good. Changes are taking place in me that have totally amazed and quite honestly shocked me. I am continuing to lose weight, but more than that I have started exercising again. That is something I hadn't been able to do for more than a year. It was a challenge to get started, and really pathetic actually. I had become so weak from doing nothing for so long, that my body forgot how to react to exercise. It really was saying NOOOO.... and I was saying YEEESSS... and I won. :) I started doing push-ups because of a challenge that my son-by-heart was doing... if he can do it, I can do it... that was my attitude... and I did it. 22 push-ups a day for 22 days. And I have not stopped doing them after the 22 days. It felt good, and there are days that I continue on to 40 push-ups.
I needed to get moving again, I needed to gain some strength back. So, the push-ups continued, I began with 2 lb. hand weights and started doing some arm strengthening exercises... I have moved to the 5 lb. hand weights, and am looking forward to adding more weight in a month or so. Wow!!! it feels so good to be moving. I knew that I was needing to add the leg exercises in there, and found a stationary bike on the side of the road FREE and in near perfect condition and brought that home. I was riding a couple of miles a day, and then the inevitable happened. I fell and injured my hip about 9 weeks ago... WHAT??? Last week I decided that I needed to give the bike another try... so gritting the teeth and starting over, I have been able to ride 1/2 mile almost every day... there are days that I can't stand the pain, and stay away from that corner of the living room... So that has slowed me down on the bike, But it is not slowing down the push-ups, weights, and now I have added some planks. I need to move, and even though it isn't much, I am very pleased with what I can do... after all, I am a "gray haired grammie".
So here are my newest accomplishments with this new lifestyle in numbers. Not only have I gotten rid of my diabetic medication, but my blood pressure medication has been cut in half and maybe the next visit I can get rid of it altogether. My cholesterol is staying at 170. I have lost to date 53 pounds, and have had to buy new clothes for a second time. I actually weigh less now than I did when we got married. David is not so sure about the shopping part of it, but he has been very encouraging and helpful through this whole thing.
I am feeling really good about my accomplishments. I still have a ways to go... and it is definitely going to be a "lifestyle" that I am planning on staying with for the rest of my earthly life.
And a great big thank you to all of you for encouraging and loving me over this past year... Especially Kristin for asking me to be involved in the RENEW-Summer Strong and FALL into Routine groups, and Sharon for being my accountability partner even though we are 1500 miles apart, and Pam with your private facebook messages of encouragement, and Alan for your messages that simply said "I love you!" And lastly a great big thank you to the love of my life and our two precious daughters... because of you I am healthier... you have been my life support system. Someone to vent to, to be me with, you have loved me through a very hard and difficult time in my life... you prayed for me, you encouraged me. If you had not been there... I don't think I would be here. I love you so very much, and I am determined to be around for a very long time. Healthier and stronger.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
James 1:2-4 "2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
