It Ain't Easy

It is coming up on a year since I recommitted to myself to get as healthy as I possibly can. Have I succeeded in all areas? No. Have I had anything like perfect logging and food choices? No. Have I exercised to the best of my abilities every day? No. What I have done is try my best and that has been enough for me.

One year and 2 months ago when the Doc said I had a blocked artery in my leg from an undiagnosed blood clot he told me to start walking 30 minutes per day which I did sporadically. However, I did do some form of exercise every day for 30 minutes be it dancing, aerobics, strength training walking etc. I even managed to climb Shadow Mountain which even a 5 year old could do but for me it was a major accomplishment.

I now have muscle in my left leg which was severely atrophied a year ago. I now have nice large muscles (deltoids) in my arms but still working on the triceps (bat wings). My hand strength is much better and I don’t need help often to scoop my ice cream or open a jar. I can buy a larger size laundry detergent without having someone pour it into smaller containers because I can lift it now.

I still have many challenges and some days are better than others but I feel more like an active 60 than an inactive 80!

Some things I have learned along the way:

Smoking, drinking, self medicating (including energy drinks), self pity, anger, disrespect are of no use to me

Take your measurements every month and don’t let the scale control you but be mindful of what you are consuming by logging every morsel

Eat less processed and sodium saturated foods. Find healthier alternatives but don’t go overboard with wacky diets and fads

Move, move, move every day (no days spent in bed or on the couch). Grab the dog, spouse or grandchild or your imaginary friend (?) and get outside

Quit with the excuses (they are boring). I once read that if you are bored it’s because you are boring. Makes sense to me!

Find the things you really like to do and do them

Keep good friends who encourage and support you and get rid of those who don’t (life is too short)


Treat yourself with love and respect.

My grandmother always said” I ain’t a gonna do it” when she was digging her heels in about something. Well, when it comes to giving up on life “I AIN’T A GONNA DO IT!”