Sometimes You Need a Break

Spring semester was hard. I struggled with school, sleep, insurance issues, my rheumatoid arthritis, ending a negative friendship, I got my heart broken, and I gained weight. On top of that, I turned 30. The stress of everything had me feeling ill on a continual basis. I was nauseous every morning for months. I was tired of feeling awful. As soon as the semester ended, I hopped a plane for Ireland. In Ireland, from day 1, I felt amazing. My nausea went away. In Ireland, I felt like a brand-new me. My complexion cleared up and my hair looked amazing. With sights like these and wonderful fresh air; how could I not feel better?




I got home from my trip and after months of not being able to lose any weight; I lost 8 pounds in June! Let me be clear, the weight didn't just fall off. I watched my diet and worked incredibly hard; increasing my time in the gym. I mainly did cardio (zumba, rowing, and the elliptical) and ab class. In July, I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO and Lake of the Ozarks, MO. So, I definitely didn't lose any weight in July. :) In August, I lost 3 pounds. Though my battle with my weight will be a life-long one; I'll continue to work hard and try to stay healthy.

To brighten your day; how can one not smile when watching golden retriever puppies?! Yes, I have puppy fever! Can't have one at my apartment. :(

Resolutions

Every year, we make resolutions. Some we keep for a bit before slipping back into real life. Sometimes, they're changes we really need to make anyway and it being a new year just makes it easier to make a fresh start.

Here's what I've resolved:

-I've decided to let go of some friendships. I've realized that I have several one-way friendships I'm not taking those into the new year. I'm making room in my life for better friendships.
-Lose 1 pound per week. I'm upping my cardio and intensity. As I get older, I find this goal harder, but it still leads to a healthier me, so it's worth pursuing.
-Try new things
-Travel whenever possible
-Soak in and embrace each moment. Time is fleeting.
-Make healthy eating choices
-Do some form of excercise every day
-Read for fun whenever possible
-I realize that I've finally found my voice and I intend to use it. I plan to speak up for myself. In the past, I generally didn't tell people when they'd hurt me, instead I carried it. I've decided to tell people when they hurt me. They can't fix something they don't know about. I'm hoping it helps strengthen my relationships.
-Strive to be closer to God and strengthen my relationship with him

Has anyone made any resolutions? Do we actually ever achieve our resolutions? Here's to good intentions! :)