Happy New Year !!
What a great time of the year. There's so much to look
forward to and anticipate. For many, this will be a time to embark on lifestyle
changes, whether it’s decision to go back to school, a career change, weight
loss, achieve a certain fitness level and many more.
Last January I had a resolution to shed some
weight. It was one of those things I knew I needed to do but when the doctor
told me I was borderline overweight for my height and age I knew I needed to do
something. I knew a gym membership was out of the question because I don't
enjoy the gym environment at all. To me attending a gym is like a punishment so
I know I would enroll for membership but wouldn't push through with it. I also
knew diets were out of the question. I love food way too much!
So I decided to do what I love which is dancing. I purchased
some Zumba DVDs and started doing Zumba for 30 minutes about 4 days a week. I
also stopped junking and started eating healthy homemade meals. I didn't change
my portion sizes because I didn't think it was necessary and I didn't weigh
myself until I started feeling like my clothes were getting loose. When I next
stepped on a scale I was down 7 kilos. That was after 3 months. I was really
excited and felt better in terms of energy levels. Then I enrolled in a weekly one-hour
kettle bell class to help with muscle toning. By the summer I had achieved my weight
goal and was happy to maintain it.
While I was happy and felt great some people felt
that I had lost too much weight :-). Some people felt I looked better when I was
according to the doctor borderline overweight. That was so discouraging
especially when it came from people who are family.
This is the reason I decided to write this note as
we start the year. Whatever lifestyle change you choose to make will not make
everyone happy. Actually some people will take it upon themselves to criticize
it and tell you that it’s a mistake. However if you are happy and you know it’s
the right thing for you by all means go ahead. Whatever your goal is, don't
make it complicated, remember it’s not military training, try and keep it
simple and sweet. Enjoy the process as you anticipate the change. Work at it
with the end in mind and don't let the voices that are trying to talk you out
of it win.
Wishing you the vestry best in 2015, many blessings
and many beautiful memories.
With Love
Kate.
