Excuses

Oh, I've got plenty of them. 

Today, my back is so stiff and painful I can barely move. I haven't left the house. 

I can eat healthy, though. I can do some stretching and yoga. 

I have legit diagnoses - bulging discs, degenerative discs, arthritis. 

I could sit and decide to be on disability but no thanks. 

I choose alternative treatments such as essential oils. Chiropractitioner care and acupuncture. 

Determination. 

I could be diagnosed with fibro - but I won't go there. When my whole body hurts and trigger points are agony, I drink lots of water. Tea with honey. Exercise through it. 

Every day my body rebels. 

Every day I have a choice - excuses or excellence. 

I have a goal of having the best health I can. 

Some days, like today, are tougher than others. 

I'm in pain. 

I do what I can do to strengthen my core and wait to begin again tomorrow. 

Victim or victorious. 

The choice is yours. 

(Pic courtesy of Dr Henry Cloud Twitter)

e b e r

Half Birthday Motivation

YIt is my half birthday. In other words, six months from today my "big" birthday happens. 

I need another kick in the pants to get back on track. I exercise...irregularly. I eat well...mostly. 

It's time to get back on track. 

I want to be down the last 20lbs by my birthday - but the number is not as important as my goal of being fit and lean. 

One day at a time - I plan on setting realistic, daily goals. Eating clean. Loving myself into my best health!

I'm looking forward to getting my diabetes numbers better - the stories I am reading about my new diet encourage me. I'm building a support system of like minded healthy eaters. 

I've already got my Fitbit family - it's such a motivator!  It is a great help. 

So today I set out to be the best me, by taking care of me. Thinking about how I'm nourishing myself. Doing better. 

One step at a time! 

e b e r

Type 2 Diabetes: 6 Years Later

Five years ago this month, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

I remember the day well - I cried all the way home. As a nurse, I knew my life had changed. Forever. 

And it has. 

On the plus side, I eat a LOT healthier than I used to. I also exercise - I was a couch potato, former P.E. Hater. I started walking daily, as as of today, I have run 16 half marathons, several 10k's, a 15k, and lots of 5k's. 

I'm glad for the awareness of my health. I'm grateful that being a good steward of the body I inhabit has become a priority. I'm grateful that I've lost 30lbs and kept it off. 

I just wish it didn't come with an illness.  

My initial lifestyle changes brought my diabetic numbers into normal range - from a laboratory standpoint, I had non- diabetic results. It was invigorating. 

Five years later, the disease progresses. I just had my worst lab work. 

I get discouraged sometimes. I eat things I know I shouldn't - 4 decades of emotional eating is a huge hurdle to overcome. The higher my blood sugars, the more I crave carbs. It's a wicked catch 22. 

So I make adjustments. I'm learning my body, what works best for me. 

I'm on insulin now and I hate that. I'm changing my diet and increasing my activity with hopes of less insulin use...or not having to use it at all. 

It makes me acutely aware of diabetes daily...and my type 1 friends and family who are affected by this disease. My type 2 friends who struggle. 

My word of advice? Stay healthy. Eat whole foods...avoid processed foods. Exercise. Stay in a healthy weight - obesity kills. Read labels. 

Health is a journey...and daily, I make a decision with every choice I make that affects my health - today, and in the long run. 

Choose health. 

e b e r