Looking for Less Stress?

One of my friends posted a link to a blog about 100 days to get organized.  It really rang my bell!  I am so into small steps.  Incrementally, I can get many things accomplished.  When I look at projects such as getting organized, or losing weight, or writing on my book, I get overwhelmed. but, if I grab little chunks and deal with them, before I know what has happened, I arrive at my destination!

In my last post, I shared about cutting the cream in my coffee.  I am already seeing some weight loss, just from eliminating that one thing in my diet.  Yesterday, I heard the Lord say to me at breakfast,

"Just one piece of Ezekiel toast is enough."

I totaled the approximate calories saved from giving up that second piece, and in a year I could be between four to six pounds lighter than I am now (plus the weight loss from giving up the cream) and never feel the pain!

I have been approaching exercise the same way.  When the temptation to sit instead of walk hits me between the eyes, I remember I can burn at least 100 calories by walking really slowly as opposed to just sitting. Another 4-6 pounds gone in a year!  (And that is not counting the increased muscle mass, which burns more calories, when I am sitting!)

How simple can this be?  

I decided to approach my home organization the same way, bit by bit.  I pick jut one small task that needs to be organized and do it.  For example, today, I thought I might get some Christmas decorations up.  The thought of doing all of it was just too much!  So I decided to change the placemats on the table, and the potholders and towels in the kitchen. (Don't laugh!)

Changing theses few items did not make me feel overwhelmed. I actually got excited! And truth be told, I got so into it, I did a whole lot more! :)

I am coming to the realization that I am being slowly healed of the "all or nothing" attitude I have suffered with throughout my life.  It is exhilerating!  I never even realized how much I suffered with this handicap.

Taking life in bits is giving me a whole lot less adrenaline rush, and I am feeling so calm.  Hallelujah!

Tonight, I am going to sit down and figure out how many words I have to write each day to finish my book.  I can't wait!

Weight loss, less stress, and a completed book!  Eureka!

Blessings, Anna Marie

Exercise Your Brain!

You know the old expression, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  This popped in my brain today as I was once again struggling with my health challenge.  In the world of Anna Marie, momma is my brain.  Exercising my brain in new ways has been restoring the rest of me as well. It is astounding how working on new brain connections has made me more eager to move the old bod as well!

Today I was reminded of "the Mozart effect."  There was a study in 1993 that demonstrated how listening to Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K448," temporarily boosted the IQ's of 36 student volunteers by about 9 points!

I have decided to break down and get an i-pod.  Just think! Exercise, fresh air, sunshine vitamin and Mozart!  I'll be getting smart!! For your listening pleasure and brain boost:
http://youtu.be/v58mf-PB8as

Hope you are working your plan!  Remember, some is better than none!! 

Fast Food is More Fun if You Eat it Slowly!

Okay, I confess!!! I had a fast-food, patty melt today from What a Burger! Man, it was great!
But! (Here comes the rationalization..) I did climb up and down the stairs several times, at our healing center today...does that count?? 

Seriously, I feel absolutely no guilt! This is a huge break-through!  I am convinced, if I can learn to enjoy what I eat, I will eat less, and more slowly, and savor every bite!  What I have discovered, as I am re-learning to have a normal relationship with food, is that I am eating less, and enjoying it more.

Last weekend, I was enjoying a meal with my grandson, and he asked me, "Grandma, why do you keep putting your fork down?"  I had to try hard not to laugh.  I told him how it was helping me to slow down, and enjoy my meals more. He had a very thoughtful look on his face.

Looking forward to my workout tomorrow.  Hope your health plan is going well for you!
Blessings!

Walking With Friends!

Today, I was happy to walk with two great friends, and we not only got our exercise, but we shared our hearts.
Walking has never been my exercise of choice, but when I walk with a friend, it becomes a joy; more than that, it doesn't feel like exercise!

If you are having a hard time getting going with an exercise program, consider walking with friends, or joining a class.  It definitely helps to have someone to be accountable to. Today, if I had been alone, I would have gone home to rest on the couch. I was so sleepy.  But having committed to my friends, I went out and we walked about 40 minutes at a nice clip.

Tonight, I am not only happy because I had a good work out, but my heart is happy because I connected with two lovely young women.  We were made for companionship.

I am praying for you if you are reading this blog.  I pray you not only get healthy, but that you make a new friend this month.

Five Great Reasons to Exercise Today!

Here are just a few good reasons to get out and move today:

Exercise helps stabilize blood pressure.

Exercise helps release endorphins, which make you happy.

Exercise stimulates your immune system.

Exercise builds muscle and strengthens your bones.

Exercise can help you sleep better and improves your brain.

Think on these things today, and let yourself look forward to getting active.

Okay, Anna Marie, hit the ground and give me twenty!!

Day 50! Take it Up a Notch!

As I am sitting here this morning, I am thinking of the trip to Africa that is looming.  These past 50 days have been filled with hope.  Everyday, I feel stronger and healthier, even though I cannot say I look any better.  The week we spent in San Diego was awesome.  Physically, I was thrilled to discover that every day, the stairs became less and less of a challenge and more and more of a lark.  I actually ran up and down them the last two days!  But as I think of our overseas trip, I am daunted.  Today, I am going to add weight training.  I have a gym membership that has been going to waste. That changes today!

I am targeting my back this week. I found a great series of back exercises from the Mayo Clinic. Click here to view slides!  They recommend these to be done twice a day.  In thinking of my back, I am reminded of Jesus compelling us to take His yoke upon us.  He said that His yoke is easy and His burden light.  Today, I am going to intentionally meditate upon that as I work to strengthen my back.  I lay all of my burdens at His feet, especially the burden I sometimes carry for getting healthy and losing weight.  He knows me, He made me and He knows how to fix me.

I would love to hear from all of you.  How is your plan coming along?  What improvements have you noticed?
Comments?
I am praying for you. Blessings, Anna Marie

PS I don't know how much access I will have to the internet while we are gone, but don't quit! I will blog as I am able.  Also, you may be interested in reading my husband's books, or the books of our dear friend Bitsy.
Visit our online store! Click here!

Day 36! Feeling Free!

All I can say is, "I am so glad I have been working out!"  I have had two of my precious grand-kids here this week and I am still alive!  Wow, I forgot how much energy they have!  This week my exercise has been to keep up with them.  Yesterday, my grandson challenged me to a sit-up face off.  He won.  But I was not doing to shabbily!

The kids and I are attending VBS at Alamo Heights UMC.  It has really been a workout!  I love all the activity.  It has been at least 25 years since I have participated to this extent.  It is especially sweet because of the improvement I have felt in my physical strength.  The challenge is paying off.  I know even two weeks ago this week would have been overwhelming.  But I am having a blast and feeling a lot more like my old self!

Hope it is helping you as well.  Stay the course.  We are getting stronger everyday!!

If you are new to the challenge, join by becoming a follower and share the link on Facebook or by e-mail.  Let me know by adding a comment and your name will go into a drawing we are having at the end of the 60 days, for a book and a bracelet!

Blessings!