Goals! Attainable Goals, realistic goals. What does it take to accomplish your goals?

Goals, everywhere in the world people set goals for themselves. If you could make two categories which one would you fit in? How do you move from one category that is dissatisfied to one whom is thrilled by his success of accomplishment?

Two categories really? Yes, each category has their own identity. I know which one I am, you decide which one you are. I will only number each one, yet later I will name them .

Group #1. Usually hard working, positive to be around, their home and cars are spotless, they have time to go on trips and can afford it, they read books, they go running or biking most days, their family life seems happy, they can afford what ever they do yet seem a bit frugal. Whatever projects this person has they have no problem seeing it thru almost effortlessly and they are happy.

Group #2. Their brain is hopping, no end to the great ideas they come up with. If you could harness some of what they come up with we would all be rich. They are definately on to new horizons with this weeks ideas. The ones from last week have evaporated, it doesn’t matter they already purchased the supplies for the project because this stuff is pushed to the corner because something new, different, exciting is occupying their mind now. Drawings, lists, and numbers written down, this is a thrill, the best thing they have come up with, everyone gets excited, it looks like a real Go, they buy all they need,then suddenly it all comes to a Stop!. The depression hits, no money for bills, the house and garage are a mess. It is over, time to recover a bit. The money gone, the disappointment, the clutter and the half-dones. In a couple weeks a new charge of energy, sketches, lists, numbers and we are on a new wave. Do not touch my stuff for my other projects, I know what they are and I know where they are and someday I will do them.

Both types of people are fun to be around. You likely know both types. If your a little of both or a lot of one and a little of the other you can imagine the internal struggle it can be.

The Group #1, wins the prize, is #1!! The Doers. Satisfaction guaranteed. They know whom they are, they know what they want, they know how much money they have, they stick to budgets, they know how much time they have.
To be in group one you know it takes consistency to attain all your desires. To be fit you must be consistent w your exercise routine. To have a clean home we must pick up after selves, put things away, wipe surfaces daily, sweep and Vaccume regularly. If we want our car kept nice we cannot keep leaving stuff in the car, keep the car empty and tidy. Do a weekly clean an wash of car, I am working on this.
And if we want money then we don’t just keep buying or keep getting credit. We have a budget and mind our budget. If we want to take trips maybe we don’t eat out for a few months an save money for our trip. (This savings includes not just the travel, food, sights, hotel etc. it includes the amount of lost week of work, plus the amount for bills that would be due for the first couple weeks on return, this way you won’t be knocking on someone’s door because you cannot afford your rent or buy groceries. Keep yourself covered w proper planning).

Group #1 is a group of doers, they consider a project, set up their space, purchase their supplies and have their time planned out to work on the project and if they can work on it a few hours a couple nights a week until done that is how it gets done. Our friend Bob wanted to make a cutting board for his wife using many types of wood. It came out nice. It took a bit. He and his wife loved the finished project.

Group #2, are definately the Dreamers. If they could hire a full time staff to follow the dreamer about to pick up after them, to assist in the projects to finish the projects, to support the dreams it would be a wonderful world. Unless your rich already, we have to stop, focus, plan and be committed to see a project thru. It is a wonderful way to earn self respect by working thru the steps. It is challenging especially when the excitement is gone it is time to exercize commitment, loyalty, and continue even if almost bored. If our minds have already started a new project then we can invest in a project planner an give ourselves a half hour a day to develop our projects yet this does not interfere with our completion of projects we are already on board with. The dedication, follow thru, and daily doing what is required to accomplish the goal. These are qualities like skills that are rewarding. It can get boring, I am working on a tiny necklate scarf. It is boring I want to be working on this an that. Yet each night before bed I do a couple rows, each morning if possible I do a couple rows. Of course I started it with excitement believing it would be wonderful and beautiful. The fact that my mind wants to be knitting a sweater or socks is just normal. I will be so happy when the necklate is done then I can start the sweater knowing at some point I will be perfectly bored ready to be knitting something else. You see, I know this about myself, and I know I have given in to these treacherous feelings before. We know feelings can be misleading. By practicing commitment to our obligations we will be happier in life. If we practice followthru we will have satisfaction from achieving our goals.

For us dreamers, living within our means and not freely purchasing will give us peace of mind and a manageable budget.

It is a good practice to look at half starts of projects, work on them and finish. It makes you feel good and accomplished. It clears clutter and shows self respect.

It takes faith to finish what you start, if your mind is leaping about and leaving a path of half starts how can others take you serious and how can you take yourself serious. I understand, this has been me my whole life. Throughout my life I have started many, discarded many, and it brings grief. Do not allow your children to do this. They need expectations that where if reasonable without pain or degradation that they are encouraged to finish what they start. It builds qualities that will help them their whole life.
There are many projects I started and finished over the years that I was rewarded with joy and satisfaction because it was a worthy project.

By seeing the worth of our project, respecting the investment of time, money, and optimism we initially had we can go from being Just a Dreamer to a Doer! Keep doing, and fulfillment will be your reward! Plan it! Do it! Finish it!

Covid-20

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20 May be a new epidemic. This year of 2020 has seen more isolation, social distancing, stress, anxiety, loneliness and economic pressure than previously experienced world wide.

The news daily giving daunting details of an illness most do not understand. The dangers that affect all countries, people, and ethnic backgrounds. This virus is bringing about such dread and fear that people are experiencing a stress. Comfort sought sometimes in unhealthy ways.

Some people are gaining weight due to stress and isolation. Being home is new for many, the stress is compounded by boredom. Due to the need for comfort some are eating more, unaware of grazing-like activities. They nervously grab a handful of cereal, some candy, some chips. Never quite satisfied wanting more, eating more. Continually, greedily, stressfully looking for more to eat. Feeling so stressed searching for something as the hand meets the mouth with longed for comfort that eludes… .
The Covid-20 may not be everyone’s reality. Yet, it will affect many, only time will reveal how mankind has been affected by this epidemic.
Gaining weight is unhealthy for most. It should be noted once the habits that contribute to weight gain go on blindly practiced it just compounds an already unhealthy situation.
Good News! I am aware of many that are still mindful of making healthy food choices. People whom are still taking walks or going for bike rides. Are these people the same ones whom have maintained healthy diet and exercise routines for years? I am not sure, yet, there are many I know that do not want to gain weight whom do strive to eat a healthful diet and they make an effort to exercise most days.

With many children and young people being restricted from normal activities they may be potential candidates for weight gain. As parents we have the responsibility to find ways to get our children out in the fresh air and to get exercise. For growth, brain health and immunity children need sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and stimulating challenges. This also helps maintain a healthy esteem despite all the world’s present dangers and circumstances.
Parents, Adults and caregivers with responsibilities are under an inhumane amount of duress. There is very little time to care for personal needs. Their situation merits much compassion. Small choices add up to big dividends. Making good food choices for self, healthy portion sizes and making time for exercize may help maintain a degree of sanity. As many depend on you a parent or caregiver your not expendable. Involve others in your exercise and healthy eating.
One trick that helps me in two ways is when I am almost done with my meal I set the timer on my phone for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

1. This helps me to finish my meal w satisfaction and know that I am done eating. Yes, done eating.

2. The second way it helps is that my sugar is not apt to go too low by then. Therefore I can have a healthy snack and reset the timer for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Breakfast 2:25 min a snack 2:25 min lunch 2:25 min afternoon snack 2:25 min supper and if you choose another 2:25 min a light snack in evening. Amazingly this trick let’s me know I will not starve to death. No nervous grazing like a cow. No nibbling out of boredom, I have things I need to do. Food should not be an obsession or a compulsion. This timer method I use helps me not think of food. It is very freeing. By the way, I am losing weight and I have a lot of weight to lose.
Remember: There was a time when hobbies,…clean hands keep the puzzles clean while we could be putting Them together. Clean hands keep our knitting, crochet, or sewing projects respectfully clean. Go ahead, make a rug or a quilt or do a woodworking project.
Children thrive with projects to work on why not make some time to get them busy. Remember coloring books, word find books and crossword puzzles? The workbooks of a child’s grade curriculum are great to have them do a couple pages each morning. It keeps their mind sharp and ready for school. I would get these workbooks at a bookstore and sometimes at wal mart. Every summer my sons had these workbooks to do.
We live in historic times, let us not respond like victims. We can be survivors by making healthful choices.
Previously people did not have time to pursue hobbies. During these uncertain times make time for hobbies. They can keep our minds and bodies healthy.
A few things I am exploring is of course developing spiritual interests as Mathew 5:3 says Happy are those aware of their spiritual needs. I read the Bible and look at the jw.org website which is always encouraging. Another thing I am trying is a new Domestic routine. Looking at small maintenance things that need done while I try to spring clean a room each month. I want to make a dress and finish a few small projects. My challenge is always health, energy and stamina. We all have challenges of sorts. That is why it is imperative that we have interests and goals we strive to practice and achieve. All this is stimulating and satisfying. Why not see what you can accomplish with joy!

Disclaimer: Some people will succumb to Covid 19 and this is a very sad loss. I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner.
Please consider your own situation because only you know your situation and I hesitate to advise. Please talk to your physician or other responsible person before you change your situation. This article is meant for healthful consideration. May you and yours be safe and healthy.
I, Gina Rydin decided to title the article Covid 20 as we are living in 2020 and 20 may be an unhealthful weightgain for most. It may be a reality for some. Let’s work together to be healthful with good choices.

How do you keep your mind positive to deal with life’s realities?

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Life continues in a routine then something happens…the other shoe you anticipate in the back of your mind. You never know what and you strive not to be a pessimist. Whom wants to be in expectation of gloom?.

Can we be in expectation of good? How can we be recipients of good?

Imagine if you did not plant your garden because you believe a hurricane might come this year and wipe out your hard work. Denying ourselves the joy of gardening is a crime isn’t it. I believe Jehovah told Adam to tend the garden.

Not only would you miss out on the joy of planning your garden, the joy of working it, and the joy of the harvest Through out the season. Pessimism is the weed like effect in your garden of life.

We must root out the pessimism in our life. There may be reasons we base our pessimism as if it were fact.

Disappointments, hardships, and life’s realities could cause us to feel we are protecting our heart and mind by not having false hopes.

When we have belief systems in place because of prior experience or propoganda. This is an infringement that does not leave us open. For instance: I was born blond and have always been blond. However, I noticed those with deeper darker hair colors had others respect or confidence almost immediately. I dyed my hair a deep brown. Not only did I feel more confident, I noticed I was treated differently by the same people. Suddenly, competent! I am at my own hair color and happy about it. Yet, I learned a lot about people’s preconcieved notions.

Another attitude is about overweight people. Having experienced the stress of my own obesity after prolonged medical problems and medications, I understand all overweight people are not that way because of excessive food or lack of exercise. Some people are heavy because of medical problems and medications. Some people are heavy because of overeating and a lack of exercize. Do we really lose all our good qualities just because of a few extra pounds?.

If we believe “I will never be loved.” We are telling ourselves a lie. Maybe those whom were responsible to love an protect us have emotional damage themselves and they were not capable of love and approval. We could not be more loveable if the person does not know how to love. I felt unwanted and not loved as a child. It does not mean I was not loved. I have enjoyed loving and being loved. Jehovah has taught me how.

“I am unorganized” is another belief. Maybe you are unorganized! I am also unorganized. Good News! We can be more organized by practicing principles of time management and of personal habits. I am working this month to have an industrious morning routine. The fact is, I am cluttered, unorganized, and still completely optimistic of all I ever intend to do.

We watched the movie “Pollyanna”, Haley Mills, what a love, you feel she must be a fun lovable person in real life. I liked when she an orphan of a minister, was talking to the preacher, played by Karl Mauldin. She quoted from Abraham Lincoln, “if you always look for the bad in others, you will find it!”

I thought about this bad habit, if our habit is to look at ourself or a family member always seeing the bad, we will never see the good.

People are so bias, people like whom they like and will always recognize the good in them. And when a person does not like you, they will always see everything you say and do in a negative light. People are blind.

According to Jehovah all of us rank the same, we are all equally flawed with sin. If we want Jehovah to see the good in us, we need to see it in others. If our dislike for another blinds us, we need to ask Jehovah to open our eyes and help us to recognize what he sees in them, so we can be free to love them too. This includes, seeing ourselves more clearly. If we view only the good we are blind, if we view only the bad we are blind and crippled.

It is frustrating, sometimes, we want to change all at once, it is quite a hopeless helpless state. I have to beg Jehovah to help me see more accurately at times.

The end of this article is here, in conclusion, each day we are privileged to live, realistic expectations of ourselves and others makes for a joyful existence. It is time to plant the seeds entrusted to us as we hope for a most beautiful bounty.

This article is Dedicated to all my Dear friends whom continue to encourage me. And all whom read the articles, may your life be blessed with Joy and Optimism.

ENDORPHIN THERAPY 101.

Runners and walkers alike enjoy great weather and the endorphine benefits of exercize. Gina the Author when I was young.

As I practice endorphin therapy for natural anti depression and reasonable relief of pain I am learning the difference between healthful endorphin releases and nonhealthful endorphin release.

There is no pain erradication therapy for me through this therapy or medications. At this point, I do not know a moment without physical an sometimes emotional pain. Please note that I am not talking about mental illness, clinical depressions, or emotional imbalances. I do feel empathy for those whom suffer such. It is my belief that endorphin therapy practiced with purposeful healthful control can be beneficial for all.

When addictions are considered, the effects of endorphins make change so difficult. I have no specific knowledge or experience as I am not a physician or psychiatrist. The experience I personally refer to is that “FEEL GOOD” part of the brain. Growing up my mother made the best chocolate chip cookies and they were a real happy treat. When we would take a long walk to the icecream bar in the grocery store we were estatic. She knew how to get us to look forward to things and the realization of it was deeply felt. We encountered alot of loss, devastation, and physical pain. The good things were very good, exceedingly good thus setting me up with my own unhealthful forms of endorphin release learned at a very young age.

As I have been practicing this Endorphin Therapy, I am prayerfully considering all things big and small in my life.

Decades ago people were sent to sanitariums and the routine with patient activities provoked healthy endorphin release.

One important aspect to my investigation as to endorphins is to determine healthy and unhealthy. Not all endorphin activities are healthful.

Healthy activites lead to longterm good feelings, and are beneficial to longterm emotional and mental health.

Unhealthy activities are short term with glee that later brings feelings of guilt, depression or sadness. One example, a close relative of mine went out with men and had relations with any and all that seemed interested in her. Yet, she had to visit a psychiatrist regularily to cope with depression over her conscious accusing her because she considered herself a christian and knew God did not like her activities. She was addicted to her search for love in this wrong way. She smoked in order to calm her nerves. She felt empty and she drank heavily to deal with her emotions. Her drinking and feelings created rage which caused her to be very violent. The cycle for good feelings resulted in great sadness and emotional pain for her and all of us. She died lonely at 61 from a heart attack.

Other negative short termed emotional highs are spending money excessively. People do this alot during the holidays and then panic sets in six weeks later when there is no money for the power bill or rent. The food banks are busy then. Post Holiday Blues, what should have been good turns out desperately sad.

Drug, alcohol, or any substance abuse are known to peak endorphines, yet, you lose your moral integrity and esteem.

Malfunctioning and mispurposeful use of the power of free will, can pervert the function and purpose of endorphins.

Responsible use of our power for use of Free Will can bring longlasting joy as endorphin releasing activities are being utilized as intended by our Grand Creator.

25 healthy activities TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF ENDORphin release:

Pray each morning for guidance, and Thank our Creator Jehovah for his son and the good in our life.
Eat a healthy meal to start day.
Hug a family member, hold the embrace, express words of endearment and appreciation.
A massage, give one or get one.
Help someone clean their home or yard. Helping feels good.
Eat an apple or some nuts
Change the decor of one room.
Plan a detailed meal, set the table nice. Enjoy preparing with good music playing. Do this even if just for yourself.
Take a walk alone or with a friend, or take a zumba class, or do aerobics. Dance, Dance.
Listen to opera music or rock.
Plant a garden or have houseplants to care for.
A pet or a farm either one helps us to care for something besides ourself.
A day trip each month to a museum, zoo, or festival.
Go horseback riding or plan a vacation to a dude ranch.
Go to bed early, do a little reading.
Enjoy a nature walk.
Send cards once a week, make a list each week of upcoming anniversaries, a graduation, or thinking of you cards. Send cards if you hear of anyone in your area that has suffered a loss. Compassion and personal interest in others without expectation of returned kindness is restorative.
Spending time with family and friends can bring about good feelings. Plan a picnic.
Coffee, or a couple pieces of dark chocolate or a glass of wine.
Sitting in the sun and enjoying nature. Watching birds and butterflies. Or a body of water, waves, boats, or kayaking.
Swimming, bowling, playing pool, a trip to library, basket ball games, playing an instrument or golfing each week so as to have this to look forward to.
Read the Books of Psalm and Proverbs
Buy yourself or someone else flowers.
Cleaning the house or yard and enjoying the experience, feeling pleased with the efforts.
Do the craft or hobbie you always wanted to do. Make time an space for it. Feel good when each step is accomplished.

Feel exceedingly good about the small simple delights in life. Endorphins will no longer be shy to come out. They will make your day and life more Joyful.

Written By: Gina Rydin at

When a size Large is too small…

Five Things I can Do to reach my weight loss goal.

Doesn’t life seem that way sometimes?.. Everything is off, nothing seems to work right, and nothing fits. Efforts seem futile, like today I was putting the onions in the ground to grown when I was done, I looked at my nice small shallow rows with the onions planted, when suddenly J.J. my Sylvester cat decides to jump in, lay there, pull and chew on them. I urged him to leave the patch and he dug a hole as if that would be the perfect spot to do his evacuation. I turned the hose on sprinkle mode and he left out of the area quite quickly.

I love the clothes in the Robert Redford line of Sundance. His catalog features such beautiful clothes and goods, superior quality, and the price to match. Sadly, I just cannot afford these wonderful items. I came across one linen blouse, just gorgeous, and a size large. Last year I wore a medium. For less than $20.00, I received this lovely blouse. You can imagine my feeling’s when I discovered it is just a tight fit, is it the companies fault?

Last week, I was attempting to try on a dress when my husband was standing there looking at me. I said to him, “I am going to try this on…” trying to give him a hint it is a good time for him to move on to other rooms and activities. He stood there, still, and then he said, “From the looks of it, it might be a tight fit!”. I told him to just get on the move. I put the dress on, and I could not button it. Sadly, the stinker was right.

It is no fault of any clothing company, it is, just what it is, OBESITY. How did I get here, and why. When I was young, I was too skinny and I could not gain a pound. Now, I patrol all I put in my mouth and it is an accruing situation.

At 215 pounds, it seems to be a losing battle, as I steadily gain. Now, off the antibiotics, I feel I can lose some. A friend said, “How do you go about losing 90 LBS?”. My response, “How else, a pound at a time”. She is sweet and very encouraging about anything I want to do. She respects my needs for projects and is always interested. So, losing this 90 lbs is my newest project.

Filet, Sweet Potatoes, an Asperagus

What is a project without a plan?….How soon can I realistically achieve my goal? What can I do today that is simple or small that will help me be equipped to reach the goal?

Faith: Have Faith and conviction that the idea, goal or project is worthy to accomplish.
Acknowledge: Acknowledge the Healthy habits and routines that are already practiced as beneficial. Feel Good about what we already have right!
Implement: When the most beneficial plan of action is decided upon, get to it.
Tenaciousness: A friend of mine whom is slender is very tenacious about her diet. She is sensitive as to how different foods affect her. She does not let social gatherings affect her feelings about the importance of sticking with her eating plan. I am a person swayed too easily by my emotions. I forget my diet if a lovely dessert appears in my mind. It is time to pull out my “Instead Of:” list. (I previously wrote about the power of Instead Of) Instead of the banana split, I will work on a painting. Or take a walk . Being Tenacious with our goal is protecting our investment of heart, effort, etc. Aggressively seeing it thru to the finish is what is required to have a successful outcome in the shortest time possible.
Hum: People whom hum often times do so because of a happy tune or a happy heart. Feel good about all the baby steps we stick to. If, we think about how far we have to go, we may give up. If we feel good about following our small achievements. We will be successful in achieving our goals.

What goal do you want to achieve?

We need to write the goal at the top of a nice piece of cardstock.
Break down three categories titled of types of actions needed to accomplish goal. For example: Weight loss of 90 lbs. The four categories for this are 1: Diet, 2: Exercise, 3: Weekly Positive affirmations, 4: Attitude check and Progress.
As I look at the first category, I will write down just three things I want to do for my diet, whether it is Lower my carbs to 25 per meal, or have two cups of vegetables each day, or have 350 calories for breakfast as well as lunch, then 450 calories for dinner with just 100 calories for a snack. Be specific. Whereas, the Exercise category may be cardio for 35 minutes every other day, with biometrics on the other days. The Category of Weekly Positive Affirmations are statements that give a person courage, truthful statements that are considered several times a day, whether a reminder put on cell phone or written on a paper or something included in prayer. A positive weight loss affirmation for me is: I do not need to be heavy to be strong, I do not need this fat as a protection. I am strong and safe anytime. (with Jehovah’s help). or another is: I like caring for myself with the best food possible. Each person knows their own insecurities. One of mine was, If I was heavy, I would not have to deal with unwanted attention. Turned out, even while heavy, I still get bothered. A lot of people have this problem, either they bother others or they are getting bothered. I am learning to put my hand up in a strong manner when I do not like what is coming my way. This is difficult for me, but it is becoming my manner. And the last category is Attitude Check and Progress. Write down the weight each week, what is my attitude that week gone by, and what good thing I can say to myself to keep motivated. If I gained three pounds, checking my attitude like: I have been in the dumps so I ate cookies and skipped my workout all week. Then my new Affirmations will be born out of that. Example: After a healthy early dinner and walk, I am going to the bookstore and checking in the bargain section for a craft book. Or, I am going to arrange to meet a couple of friends to go on a walk with me on some local trails. Affirmation: I am not waiting for good to happen in my life, I am inviting happy activities into my life each day.

It is time to practice FAITH in our daily life. We must keep having Faith and Conviction in the beneficial outcome of our project. We have to Acknowledge the good things we already do right,

in order to have a healthy mind frame. Implementing our plan of action gives us the power and action through habits and routines. After we come up with our plan of action we must keep it visible in order to implement our new plan. The Tenacity we exercise because we see how worthy our goal is, we must be Tenacious in sticking to our plan of action. We can Hum because we know we are right now fulfilling our goal.

The Last Quarter. We can make meaningful changes in our life.

Chili with Cheddar Chive Scones by Gina at fatfitanfab.com

October, is the start of our last quarter as we are near the end of another year. Sometimes we can feel time is running out, what can we do with the time left?

People can get so wrapped up in exterior activities whether extracurricular activities for their kids, holidays, politics, that just living life has lost it’s meaning. Being overly committed and obligated can cause us to be well-spent emotionally, financially, and with our time.

Routines are a practice that may not always be honestly rewarding. If it is our practice to watch television for three or four hours before bed so as to relax it is a choice. Is there a more rewarding choice? My husband bought a lathe for woodworking at a yard sale. Brock, 23, after work has been coming home from work making beautiful cups and bowls. He is enjoying it and it is rewarding. Is there an activity whether creative or purposeful that would be beneficial to do a night or two each week?

I am naturally a clutter bug, yet, my floors are clean. Piles, piles still occupy the perimeter of many spaces in our home. How they get there, where they come from, I can never see it happening, yet, I am the culprit. As I am practicing better habits, not adding to the problem, it still happens. I have been working on an area outside my painting area or artist corner. It seems my creative forces has emerged from the room and congested beyond the room. Is there an excuse? I have an empty cabinet in there, and drawers half full, and the books put up on top of the cabinet. These are all holdups and blocks to my creativity.

In the evening I have been putting on good music and working in there a few minutes, turning it into a real artists retreat. Privately, I am a bit turned off by the junky furniture. It is all like new, it is just pressed board stuff you could get cheap. I love good wood. If it was made the same of walnut, or cherry, as you can see, I am a brat.

I feel so much appreciation for this area I have, when there have been times in my life where I did not have an artists den. So, I want to occupy the space since my secret is out about the furniture which looks new. I am ashamed of myself for such notions. That represents life too, maybe we have notions that hold us up.

“If only I were thin I would” do this or wear that; If only I had an exercize machine or a membership; if only someone loved me I would do this; if only my home was like this I would invite people over; if only my mate would buy me flowers or be more romantic. “If Only”!!!. We can be set back with thinking like this.

An exaggerated answer to the “If Onlies.” My son says this is an oxymoron. There is no plural to the concept of only. He could be correct, but for purposes he may be slow to understand, he still says we have a ton of “if only” in our life. It is plural no matter how you put it. John says, “If only the dog didn’t stop to crap in the road I would not be late to work.” As we debate on proper or improper use. I would still like to make a long awaited for point.

If only I were thin I would wear more chic outfits. When I was in my low 130’s I fretted because I was not in my low 120’s, then prednisone gave me an extra 45lbs that compounded the problem, ashamed I wore thrift store duds. I wouldn’t buy the close I really liked because I did not deserve it til I lost some weight. Now, at 205 lbs and on antiobotics and other meds my weight is still going up despite my efforts. I am buying and have been buying new garments that are tasteful and comfortable. I feel better no longer stressing over this “If Only” business causes years to go by wasted.

If only, is a matter of procrastination. It makes our excuse sound valid. Invite friends to your home even though it is not perfect. It they are your friend they will pitch in an help with no judgement or just have a good time.

Do not wait for a bouquet of flowers and romance. Buy the flowers yourself, and buy a new tie or dress socks for your man, and give a card expressing appreciation for all his hardwork and love. Gifts are gifts, not a matter of exchange. Do not wait for romance, create it. If they miss the point of our ovature at least they know we love them. They likely need us to romance them more than we need them to. Just remember, when our mate works long days, their minds may not be thinking about romance, their romance is their sacrifice going out working to put the roof over our head and food on the table. It is a valid gift that is not appreciated often enough. It can be more stressful or even degrading then we realize for them at work. Let them come home to a big smile, a warm hug, with respect and appreciation. We may be the only thing that puts joy an motivation in our mates life. Women whom work like this benefit the same as men do by the unexpected gifts, or words of appreciation.

So, instead of over extending ourselves needlessly, let us look at our life.. can we see what routines or habits can be modified so as to bring greater joy and accomplishment in our life. By switching things up a couple nights a week. Whether by inviting others over, doing extra cleaning, getting ahead on our taxes, going for early evening walk, doing a craft or hobby we enjoy. We can examine our life by finding ways to destress, and declutter.

We have someone come in an clean once a week doing things that are hard for me. It is a necessity. And it helps me to get more done.

How about a trip to the zoo before it gets too cold, or the museums, or the library. Let us make use of this month to get a few things back on track. We will have pride an joy instead of depression.

This is a very stressful quarter for many. Slow down, save your money, enjoy the great outdoors. End the year doing the things you promised yourself you would be doing when the year started.

June is running by ….July approaches …

June is running by, and half the year is now behind us. What do we still have to do? Is there anything we wanted to accomplish this year?

It is a good time to refer back to our Goal List for the year. Three areas I like to consider

Health and Fitness Goals.
Relationships
Domestic

1. Health and Fitness Goals: Let us expound on the most typical goal for the year, Health and Fitness. Each year we get older and even young people are experiencing health problems. We will not even discuss the newfound issues with healthcare and insurance costs. The high monthly costs of mandatory insurance is causing many to avoid visits to the doctor because of high copays and deductibles. If there was not a good enough basis for a healthy diet and regular exercise, there is more motivation now.

We have one body, and our health we must seek to protect it. Wise choices, no extremes are necessary. Fruits and vegetables never go out of fashion and are readily available in most markets. It only takes moments to use a regular blender to make a nutritious cool drink. Would you like to know my recipe for a quick tasty fruit smoothie?

One I have been using for literally decades is, I will call it:

Fruit Frapp by Gina @ fatfitanfab.com

one serving recipe: 6 oz orange juice, (not from concentrate), or 6 oz of water. a banana, a peeled apple, and one cup of frozen berries. Put in the blender, put on for 40 seconds to a minute an a half. If you do not want to use a bannana, you can substitute a cup of fresh-cut papaya.

The banana or papaya give the drink a smoothness like a shake. The frozen fruits may have raspberries in which do have seeds. They remain like seeds. I just swallow them. If a person has digestive issues like diverticulitis the seeds may bother them so you may choose just a strawberry/blueberry mix.

Be careful if you have diabetes or blood sugar problems. Only you know if you can have citrus, some medications are a problem. As I am not a doctor or nutritionist, I am only sharing a recipe which helps me to get my vitamin C, other vitamins, and natural fiber.

I like to make vegetable smoothies in the late afternoon before I start making dinner, that I can sip which can get the edge off hunger and be quite satisfying. My cardiologist did recommend simply having a V8 each day. I do not have a great tasting vegtable smoothie that is quick to make. I do like spinach, a clove of garlic, a handful of fresh parsley, two carrots, and a celery stalk with the leaves. I do use a pinch of salt because I naturally have low blood pressure. Then I blend in my regular blender.

Responsible self-care involves regular exercise. With all the responsibilities people have in their life it can be a real challenge to cull out the time to take a walk, or take a bike ride, or use an exercize machine. Yet, it is relaxing, destressing, and exhilarating. Not only can it help us to maintain our weight, it can help prevent us from gaining more weight if that is our objective. If our objective is to lose weight, than exercising daily with a plan can help us reach our goals. I had ankle surgery on my right ankle in the beginning of February. It all seems so slow to heal. Both ankles have each had two surgeries. As much as I want to take off and go for a run, or go for a walk it is just not reasonable at this point. I purchased a bike and I have been striving to go for a ride a few times a week. The heat is unbearable for daily rides and I am unfit. Should I call myself unfit? Maybe that is harsh to label myself as unfit since I do regularly do daily stretching and isometric exercises in my home. OK, I will accept the congrats! for maintaining my regular stretching and isometric exercize program for decades. The exercizes I do help me to deal with chronic pain associated with lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. I have a lot of muscle spasms and nerve pain. The exercize helps me to feel that I am taking responsibility for what I can control. The exercize benefits me also because I like to have a scoop of ice cream, and I have diabetes, therefore, exercize keeps the sugar manageable.

Each health situation is different, but so many suffer. If we take some time to consider our own situation, and start right away to manage our health before more serious problems develop. Not only can we keep our healthcare costs down, we may feel better.

2. Relationships: Relationships affect our peace of mind. The relationship we have with our creator, with ourself, with our loved ones and if we are employed than we have our social relationships. Can we improve all these relationships?

The relationship a person has with their creator can affect how they also feel about themselves and how they live their life and the consequences etc. I have no more to say on that subject. It is worth considering privately.

The relationship we have with ourself is very complicated indeed. So much of how we feel about our-self is deeply rooted from our conception, our upbringing, the family situation, the make up of the family dynamics. Some come from secure family situations, that is very rare these days. Some of us are very wounded from broken homes, lack of security, an absent parent, and some experience abuse. All these factors shape us. Yet, we do not have to be defined permanently by any of these situations.

Earning a healthy esteem is a very valid concept that I have lived by for decades. We may remain sensitive or fragile. Yet, I think of a flower that appears to be fragile, sure, someone may be cruel and pull some petals off. If the flower is left alone, it can even go thru a thunderstorm with high winds and still remain beautiful. Someone may pull our petals off, but we must remain rooted in what we know and what we can do. We can bloom again and if necessary, we can be the seed that blows in the wind, and be rooted elsewhere. The sun, the rain, will come again. A positive attitude and hope are fortifying.

When I went thru some health dilemmas this last year, the effect had a stifling effect on me. I felt incapable and unable. I quit writing, painting, making bread, and sewing became a rarity. Cleaning the bathroom mirror I wondered if it was done right. No one was doing this to me, and I cannot blame anyone. The doctor whom helps me with my life management skills regarding my attention deficit, he helped me to realize that something was rooted in my youth. He said, “OK, you do not want to blame anyone, you do not want to blame it on something in your youth, mistreatment you endured. Yet, you do acknowledge you were not in ideal circumstances to grow a healthy esteem, you did not feel safe, and your accomplishments were met with disfavor by those whom should have been proud of you. If you can accept this, you can move on. You can find a new way to respond to your accomplishments.” Of course, I did not have a tape recorder and it may not be a perfect word for word account. That was the basic jist of it.

To get thru all of this, I kept the habit of making my Master List for the month and the week. I referred to them often. A book from the Library on Productivity that I referred to in one of my previous published articles suggested that when I make my TO DO List that I leave room between each to put a couple of actions that are logically needed to accomplish the task. This really helped me to get more done. Feel Good Feeling! My friend Mattie has an infectious cheer about her and giggle. She is all about giving yourself a cheer when you complete something. I am trying it, and it feels good. My husband John likes to stand back and look at what he has done, you can see his pride well up even with the smallest of accomplishments. I use to look at him in wonder when I would walk up and find him doing so, in fact, because I did not understand it, I thought it was downright silly and it made me a bit uncomfortable. Over the years, I have slowly come to understand this gift.

Did you know that at the end of each day of creation, our Great Creator would say “It is Good!”. We are made in his image. So if we know we worked hard, and we did our best, I believe it is healthy to feel “it is good”! My relationship with myself is greatly improved, and I am sewing again. If we can possibly have a healthy esteem, we can then be healthy to be in a relationship with. Our relationship with our mate, family, children, and work mates can be healthier if we are more positive to be around. By having a healthier diet and exercise program, a healthy attitude, we can have healthier expectations of others too. Nurture those relationships respectfully. Each person is subject to the law, and each person is protected by the law. If that is remembered, then abuse would be uncommon.

Last night I saw true love. A couple with their toddler entered the diner where we were enjoying a meal. The man was lovingly affectionate and obviously proud of his lady and the child. He was quite handsome. She was quite obese and unkempt. It likely had been a hard day for her. Yet, this man loved this woman, and she knew it. I was greatly touched.

3. Domestic, no I am not talking about domestic beer. It is where we live, what we drive, and where we spend our time, and how we manage it all. Half the year is gone, there is some warm weather maintenance we can do on our home, car, and property. Have you made your punch list? I want to get into the car and do some deep cleaning, and it is not just because I turned a to-go container of spaghetti upside down in the back seat of the car yesterday. I was already planning on a thorough detail clean of the interior of the car, now it just seems more immediate to do. Thankfully, my caring husband got the spaghetti spill cleaned up, but I do feel I need to do that thorough cleaning in the next day or so. Light colored car, little spots could be anywhere. This time of year is a great time to clean the garage, and have a garage sale or donate your goods. Fix your bicycles and use them. Plan a trip to the zoo, or keep cool in a museum, visit family, or go away for a long weekend.

John got some weatherstripping done on all the doors last week. Our lovely old yellow cat, PUFF, has already scratched up the new weatherstrip on the front door. I am going to do a smelly hairspray on the lower door frames after I rub a little essential oils on the weatherstrip. We still need to get some exterior painting done. There is a list. I am eager to get the windows clean. As I am zeroing in on a room at a time with the deep cleaning, the last thing I do in the room, the final touch is cleaning all the glass, which includes the windows. Doesn’t it make everything look good.?

Attention to these three areas can give pretty quick improvement in many areas of our life. We can already feel better about this year and all we hoped to achieve. We live in a very demanding and often insecure world. Gently, yet, effectivly gaining more control over our health, relationships, and domestic situation can give us a sense of accomplishment resulting in a healthier esteem. June may be gone by,…we still have a half year to fulfill our goals.

February, Is this Leap Year? I am a day late. We have eleven Months to live fabulously.

We are already in the second month of 2016, and we have eleven months to get into the practice of living Fabulously despite.

The sad fact is all endure something. Employment, family, friendships, health, fitness, financial, are all things that affect our attitude and outlook. Things occur that we have no control over, tragedies can happen to anyone and do. Thankfully, some or most of these things can be short in duration in comparison to our whole life. Yet, this does not cure the present devastation or to minimize overall long-term loss. I am sad for anyone that is suffering. May your prayers be answered and that you receive comfort.

The Good News is that there is much we can control. As you realize, this blog is named fatfitanfab.com. Sometimes, we cannot control being fat, or other things. We are in control of more than we realize. We can be mentally and physically fit as we practice routines and habits that will result in us being fab.

This year, we will consider and practice many things that will add joy to our lives and to those around us. Check back to fatfitanfab.com often to learn along with me.

I have been working on my goal of walking at least five times a week. As I have been dealing with a serious infection and inflammation of my left calf and lower leg for a few weeks, I do not feel well. Yet, although last week I went five days without a walk, I am on track again. I have gone for a walk the last three days. At this time, I am only cooking, doing laundry, and picking up after my self. This infection has to do with the lupus and rheumatoid I endure. The fevers are grueling and the antibiotics cause me to feel I must stay close to home. It is a surprise I am not knitting as I am sitting, elevating the legs. Just do not feel like it when everything hurts. I loved the movie about Toni Braxton whom also suffers Lupus. Seeing that really helped me to understand how I am at times, and now I will not feel so ashamed of feeling that way.

Friends have been a source of encouragement. I appreciate the visitors whom share such uplifting things. Friends stopped by this morning and it was great visiting with them.

What are you looking forward to? I am looking forward to my flowers coming up and I am planning my garden. My friends do sewing challenges with me. You would think I like to sew. It is exciting picking the fabric, style, and making it. I am not adept with most things, and if you remember one of my first articles “Toil, Toil, and it has all gone to Pots”. I still have all kinds of discouraging mishaps that I call ‘Hold Ups’.

How come I feel Fabulous despite all this going on? I must tell you the truth, I get down about things I cannot change. There are times I am overwhelmed and feel I will never get a mastery of My Life Management Skills. I am happy and I feel fabulous because I am learning the practice of a rewarding life. Routines and Habits make a difference. This year I have already lost ten pounds, and 15 since October of 2015. Now that I am on thyroid medicine it seems a bit easier to lose. That is something to celebrate. I finally sewed the buttonholes on my Suit Jacket I made for the convention last month. A sewing machine my friend loaned me worked. Yae! The meals have been delicious. Do you like to cook? Think about, Are there new aspects to cooking you would like to incorporate, like making salads a few times a week to go with your meals? I feel fabulous because as long as we can plan, we live to plan and we plan to live. While we live, we must plan. A friend said to me a couple weeks ago, What projects are you working on now? As long as I have known you, you have had projects going on. She is right. I likely crossed my eyes at her because I could not help but think of all the projects I did not complete. I will not think about that, because I have been practicing finishing projects and I have finished so many it just feels Fab.

One goal I have for Feb is Food Conservation. That will be in my next article. What goals do you have? A positive attitude is another goal. My friend Mattie said to me on Monday to give yourself a little cheer after you complete something, a real feel good event. So after I washed a load of laundry and put away, I said, Good Job! Well done! After my walk I did another Cheer. My friend Mattie is a super influence on me. Whom says cheering is only for a football game. Let us cheer each other on and ourselves.

Challenge, Make life more rewarding An get a new ATTITUDE

Take a moment and look in the dictionary, like I looked in the Merriam-Webster, The word, Challenge. I just never thought of all the definitions for this one word.

Challenge, such as, prove your point. Or, As in a dual, or other forms of defending yourself or a cause, or a decision.

I like the application they made in their dictionary on-line that helps make the point of my article. I have my article lined up and I love to look up a word occasionally. To use the dictionary reaffirms what I believe it to mean, or it rounds out the meaning of the word and all the uses and applications, thus making it so I can be completely confident. Can you make use of the dictionary more often?

The application that the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary said ” It’s a game that will challenge a child’s imagination.” , and the second was “The work doesn’t challenge him anymore, and he’s often bored.”

In life, there are times that a person goes through the motions of living almost habitually. Almost with dread approaching the same routine, and stagnation has set in. Where is the optimism and joy? Motivation, what is motivation? As a person commented on my blog, they feel they hesitate too much and too long before attending to something. I will have to talk about that later, as I am often guilty of the same. Missed opportunities is all I will say about that at the moment.

Motivation, look it up in the dictionary please! When life is not stimulating and your caught up in the same old worries and pressures it is time for a challenge.

When we were children, remember when we would do the Library Summer Reading Program? We had to read so many books during the summer and that was the challenge, not only did it keep us out of our parents hair, it was truly beneficial. It kept us busy and hopefully out of trouble as our minds were lost in the plot of the story. We worked at reading our books and we were proud of ourselves as we achieved and fulfilled the challenge. Challenges can be healthful and enjoyable.

Think of things that you previously enjoyed and let go of because of the responsibilities in life. Years just continue going by. Is there something you have been interested in and just have not pursued? Here is a brief list: gardening, painting, reading, spiritual interests, exercise, dance, education, golfing, community events, operas, orchestras and live bands. There is also crocheting, knitting, writing, woodwork, weightloss, personal organization, improving your finances, container gardening, visiting museums, bowling, spring cleaning, better posture, remodeling, cleaning the basement, attic or garage. There are life changing challenges such as improving your image, updating your appearance, improving your marriage, enjoying your family life. The list goes on and on, and maybe you can make yourself a list.

Have a wall calendar or a personal calendar just for your challenges and keeping track of yourself.

Steps to successful challenges.

1. Time period for your challenge must be established. Will it be a 14 day, 30 day, six week, eight week or a 90 day challenge? What day or evening each week can you devote to achieving your challenge? If it is a physical fitness goal, is there three to five days a week you can devote to this new routine? Once the time period and days are established then what can you do to feel the rewards of working on your new challenge?

2. Preparation, if you want to get in shape but you have been putting off getting the membership, get signed up. If you want to paint, then set up a corner or room with all your supplies. If you need supplies you can contact the local senior citizens center in your area and sometimes supplies are left there by ones that are no longer interested and they may give them to you, and they may let you join them for the classes to get you going with your artwork. Put things in motion now. Get out all your supplies, go buy what you need, and set a time aside for when you can work on it. My friend Diana, she has special needs children she adopted, and on Tuesday, one day she is alone at home, she paints pictures, it is relaxing and satisfying for her. I am proud of her for doing this, it is a sanity keeper.

If you cannot afford supplies, check craigslist, or post in the wanted section what you are looking for. Please,’ hoarders’, do not bother, leave it for those truly interested in doing something with now. Did I step on your toes, I am sorry, I do not want to add to your accumulation. You can check the wanted section and if someone has a need and you have in your stash what will help them, then generosity is rewarding in itself to share.

If gardening is your interest, dig up some pots and fill up with new gardeners soil and plant some seeds. It takes a couple months to get some good size plants to put in your garden. PBS has some great gardening shows, and the Gardening section at the library has a lot of books on gardening. Whether it is flowers or vegetables, get them started. I bought some bulbs a couple months ago at Walmart and I wanted a monochromatic garden. A four foot by 12′ section of Johnson grass and weeds were an eyesore and we have planted and deweeded there for years. If you know anything about Johnson grass, it grow deep, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. My husband tilled deep and we believe we got most of it out. Several days of raking and hoeing to be sure. The bulbs come in a variety of heights from some being 8″ up to others being 42″. I wanted the rear 2′ x 12′ to be a light pink monochromatic but the front two to be pastels including the same hue of pink with all the other colors.

3. Purchase a magazine or book of your interest. Then make your challenge.

One obvious challenge was The Skirt a Day Sewing book by Nicole Smith. A couple years ago when I was in the hospital for five days having surgery and facing more threatening surgery, my husband kindly went and bought this book for me. I read it cover to cover and it kept my head out of my depressing and distressing circumstances. Endorphin Therapy, I love it. I have yet to do the 28 skirts and I have reread her book a couple times. A delightful light read, very instructive. In fact I contacted her on her webpage once and she replied and was so very helpful about a fitting problem I deal with when making skirts and pants. When I get some of these other projects done, I look forward to doing this challenge. I am a bit of a slow worker likely I would have to give myself six weeks to do this challenge. Of course this is an example of a challenge.

The most recent challenge I was involved with was with my Friend Mattie, she is a great sewer and I love to sew. We picked a pattern she had and being that we had a convention we were going to see each other at in a couple weeks we decided to make the outfit for the convention. She did an amazing job on hers and she looked very elegant with her lovely brown skirt and Jacket. I did not have the same pattern so I used a blouse pattern and modified it. The Jacket had the front angled from the center at the bottom to your left upper chest with the buttons going up at the angle. Having a lot of fitting issues and having to draft up my pattern, for instance, I have very small narrow shoulders, therefore, I had to take four inches, yes, four inches off the shoulders and make the armhole adjustment. It was such an exciting project. My biggest challenge was my sewing machines broke down. My daughter-in-law Lindsea is so kindly letting me use her machine for a bit, I received it the other night. Mattie and I attended this large convention we attend three times a year every year and she had on her new outfit with a cute little hat. I had on my jacket and the color was spice, and the texture not quite tencel or suede. And although I did not get to make the skirt in time, the jacket matched a skirt I had very well. We both received a lot of complements and the challenge was rewarding. As sewing buddies, we have this two week challenge to just clean up our sewing rooms and finish a couple of projects and get them out of the way. She gets to decide on our next challenge. I cannot wait.

The cookbook challenge, take a cookbook you own and scan the chapters or sections. Pick a section and work it for the month. Such as one chapter a month. Or, let this be Sauces Month. Learn how to make alfredo, and gravies, etc. Or do a crock pot recipe once a week.

I make notes in my books and magazines when I accomplish the project and I put the date on it too.

A magazine on woodworking, you can do the project. Make notes, and show time spent on each step. Make the notes in the magazine and take pictures.

Some want to make Bible reading their challenge or goal, yet it can be daunting. Keep it inspiring especially if you have not been successful with daily reading in the past. Would you want to break it down into Bible characters and read the chapters regarding them, Like the book of Ruth, or about Abraham, then do that and really think about what you are reading and how some of their qualities can enrich your life. Or, Would you want to read the gospels? I love to read the book of Psalm and the book of Proverbs. It is not about how many chapters you read each day, it is just that you devote time each day to prayerfully do it. I love the Imitate Their Faith series and book on jw.org .

Make a list of your interests, masterlist and a timeframe. A lot of our cellphones have reminders, and to-do lists where we can enter information to help us stay on track with our goals and challenges. Make use of them.

4. Have a buddy or an interest group that you are involved with regarding your interest. It will keep you going and encouraged.

Time is difficult to manage especially with the obligations people face. Some people come home and fall on the couch and turn on the television or computer for some mindless activites that fein relaxation. It is ok, but the reward is to trade up the time for more personal achievements. Now you will no longer be stagnating and you will have something to look forward to.

Tempted but not defeated.

Today, in the Dollar General store I was picking up snacks to put in my young sons snack pack. He is thin and very active. Still doing my low carbohydrate diet, I feel pretty good being on it for a few days. This snack isle made my pupils dilate. These foods are like a drug. Just the smell was intoxicating.

A couple times I almost bought something delightful, and what stopped me is how wonderful I feel when I see on the urine test strip for ketosis, that I am in a light ketosis. I just do not want to ruin it with a temptation or impulse. It is a good feeling when you can stop, arrest the temptation, and go the other direction.

The scale is going down, I look forward to Tuesdays official weigh in, then it will have been seven days. It is my goal to do 21 days, and possibly six weeks.

I would probably be in an higher degree of fat loss if I did not have the shell with the taco, or the refried beans mixed in with the taco meat. Home made tacos. The fiber does a person good though especially when on a high protein diet. We do eat a lot of vegetables. The diet is working very well, and although I could lose more, faster, I felt I needed to have my dinner that way.

Determination pays off as we continue to imagine our goal realized.

In summary, do not let a meal, or a momentary temptation ruin all your hard work. It is like a good marriage, it stays good because we have invested in our love and the relationship. Temptations are not to be considered.

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