Month: March 2021

My Strengths…My Superpowers!

On By TerriIn Inspiration, Mindset, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Last week at my virtual workshop, my coach asked us what our strengths were and when we struggled to come up with one, she asked what others would say our strengths were.  I have thought about this a lot since last Thursday.  And I have thought quite a bit about how these strengths can aid me on my journey.

If I can turn these strengths into Superpowers, well then I will be unstoppable!! 

We all have strengths.  They are part of who we are.  Sometimes it is hard to see our own strong attributes, but others see them. 

What are your strengths?  Are you compassionate?  Funny?  A survivor?  Quiet?  Kind?…….

My coach asked us to just pick one to focus on.  What one strength do you have?  I chose kindness. 

How can I use kindness on this journey?  It doesn’t really relate to food or exercise…. Or does it? 

I am kind to others. But am I kind to myself?  How would being kind to me, change this journey?  Would it have any impact?

What do you think?

Yes, being kind would have an impact.  A HUGE impact! 

 Our thoughts are so powerful on this journey.  My mindset is a HUGE part of becoming the healthiest and best version of me that I can be.  So, how can I become the best version of me if I am negative, critical, and mean to myself?  Wouldn’t I get farther and become a better version of me by being positive, by being kind to myself? 

Think about it.  What happens to our mindset when we are negative and focus on our faults or our failings?  What impact would the negative have?  How would you feel?  I know that I would give up.  I would feel defeated.  I would stop believing that I could achieve any goal I set for myself.  Being negative, unkind and only focusing on my faults sets me up to fail.  Every. Single. Time.

But if I turn that around and focus on my strengths, on the lesson I can learn and on the positive steps I have made, then I would feel far different.  I would feel empowered!  I would believe I could do anything!  Being kind to myself and focusing on the positives sets me up to succeed, even when I have a slip or take a detour!

Amazing what focusing on the positives, focusing on our strengths can do for each of us!   

Kindness is one of my strengths and the one I chose during my workshop.  And I realized I need to make being kind to myself a priority.  Being kind to me helps my mindset stay positive.  Kindness helps me continue when I have a slip.  Kindness helps me to forgive (another of my strengths) and move on, learning as I go. 

As I thought about my strengths this week, I came up with a list (not complete yet, as I keep adding to it)—

These are some of my strengths!  My Superpowers.  And the power of each of these strengths can be harnessed and used as a tool on my journey.  These strengths have gotten me this far and will keep me going!  Especially if I apply them to myself! (okay, realistically, I won’t use them ALL of the time, BUT I know they are there and I KNOW the power can be used to help me on my journey!)

Examples of how some of these strengths can help me on this journey–

Forgiveness, Kindness, Compassion, Love, Gratefulness, Empathy—When the power of these is harnessed I take the power away from my guilt and give it back to me.  Slips no longer mean failure.  I am more positive, and happier. I am more understanding of what I am doing and where my choices are originating from. I make better choices for me. I feel better, emotionally and physically, when I harness the power of these strengths.   

Thoughtful, Creative, Curious, Passionate—When the power of these is harnessed, I can keep the boredom and staleness at bay.  I try new foods, new recipes.  I find fun ways to move.  These strengths are powerful tools to keep things fresh and new.

Bravery, being a Survivor, Perseverance, Hope—When the power of these is harnessed, I am empowered to push through, to continue, to believe that I am capable of far more than I give myself credit for.  Slips no longer mean failure, instead those slips become stepping stones on my road to success.  When I harness the power of these, I am unstoppable!  Nothing is out of reach or impossible!  Everything is possible!  I CAN and I WILL!

Zest—When this power is harnessed, I am being present in the moment. I have a zest for life.  I enjoy the little things along with the bigger things.  I find joy in the moment– in a new recipe, in the quiet of nature, in the beauty of a hike, in the joy of a new food find.  This zest for life keeps me mindful, present and joyful.  All things that help me travel this crazy journey.

Organized— How better to be in control of me, than to be organized? Harnessing this power stops the chaos in my life and in my mind. THIS is how I plan, how I prepare, how I keep calm.

What are your strengths?  How can you harness the power of each of your strengths to turn them into tools that will help you move closer to your goals, closer to the version of you that YOU are striving for?  How can you turn your strengths into your SUPERPOWERS?

Ask yourself “what are my strengths?”  “what would my family and friends say are my strengths?”  “How can these strengths aid my journey to becoming the healthiest and best version of me that I can be?”

Our strengths, our Superpowers, once we recognize them, become powerful aids on our journey….. this perfectly imperfect journey we are all on.    

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Weekly Accountability- March 25th

On By TerriIn Inspiration, UncategorizedLeave a comment

No, I didn’t post last week.  And I am a day late this week.  But here I am, sharing for accountability. 

The last 2 weeks have been okay.  Not perfect.  Not a failure either.  Just okay.

When I stepped on the scale yesterday morning, the scale didn’t change.  I have maintained the past 2 weeks. 

Before I started writing these accountability posts, maintaining AFTER a gain would have sent me down the hole…. But this time it didn’t.  And it won’t.

I maintained.  This week there were really good days that had me making healthy choices and even getting out and walking.  And then there were days that were super stressful that had me making a few less healthy choices. 

That’s life, right?

It isn’t perfect.  Or easy.  Despite how much we wish it were.

So we learn and we continue, while making adjustments as we go.

Each of us are different.  And we each need to find what works for us.  Because, as I said so many times in the workshops I coached—”what works for one may not work for another, we each need to find what works for us.”

And that is what I have been working on since recommitting to myself, my journey, and my accountability.  Finding and doing what works for me.

How ironic, then, that the theme for WW Workshops this month has been “Do What Works”. 

This theme has hit home with me.  WW has asked us each week to find what works for us, because we all are individuals with different strengths, lives and needs. 

It is so important to find what works for ME.  To make this journey fit my life, my personality, my needs. 

Because really, will I continue on this journey if I HAVE to do it in a way that doesn’t work for me or in a way that doesn’t take into consideration my needs?  NO!  I would NOT do this if I had to do it another person’s way!!

So, what worked for me these last 2 weeks—many things!  And I learned much.

What didn’t—a few things.  And I learned much from those slips as well.

BUT there is one thing, ONE, that I now know, without any doubt, I need on this journey.  ONE thing that without a doubt helps me on this journey!  My workshop.  MY workshop.

So, this week what worked is- (there were many but I am going to focus on one)

               —MY workshop.  (finding the right workshop is important and keeps us attending)

I have been attending a virtual workshop every Thursday mornings.  It is really early for me as the workshop is in another time zone, across the country in another state.  This workshop is the workshop I attended in person from 2006-2009, where I lost my weight and achieved my lifetime goal.  My leader (cuz back then coaches were referred to as Leaders) has retired and no longer coaches, but I still attend.  My friend, the one I went to my first Leader Training with, is now the coach and she is very motivating! 

I started attending this virtual workshop regularly about a month ago.  At that time there was only a 2 hour time difference.  But now it is 3 hours.  I have to be up at 5 am to get ready to attend my workshop (I want to be on video so….)  It is NOT easy to get up and get ready that early every Thursday morning. I could make a lot of excuses NOT to attend.  But this is important.  Because attending a workshop works for me. 

I have not been regular in my workshop attendance since I left Virginia in 2009.  Lots of reasons why.   Lots of excuses NOT to attend. 

No more excuses! 

Workshops work for me.  Period! 

The Workshop is the ONE place where I KNOW I am not alone in my struggles!  Everyone else has been there at one time or another too.  THEY get it!  And there is NO judgement!  Only acceptance!  Workshops are that ONE safe place where I can share my struggles and my triumphs, my aha moments and ask questions and my celebrations. 

Workshops are where I find motivation!  As a coach, I was motivated by those who attended my workshops each week!   As a member, I am motivated by the others attending the workshop and by the Coach and Guide.  So much motivation!

Workshops work for me!  And since they work for me, I am going to keep attending.  (I am hoping WW will keep this virtual workshop going so I can continue to attend from across the country every week and one day I will also go back to in person workshops, when things are a little safer for my health).

What is working for you?  Do you have that ONE thing that you have found that works for you?  What steps are you taking to make sure you do that ONE thing?  How are you making that one thing and YOU a priority?

This journey is hard.  Excuses are easy.  Excuses hold us back and keep us from doing what works for us. 

Here is a quote that a member shared in the workshop I attended this week that really struck home for  me—“Be Stronger Than Your Excuses!”

This week don’t let your excuses get in the way of doing that ONE thing that works for YOU!  

Weekly Accountability- March 11th

On By TerriIn Food, InspirationLeave a comment

Peanut Butter.  My kryptonite!  I should have know when the Peanut Butter cravings started.  And then I bought and brought home a jar of peanut butter. 

I don’t know what was behind it.  I am still trying to figure it out.  But Peanut Butter happened (my comfort food.  The food I turn to when my emotions are all over the place…. When I need comfort, peace, or…..)

So, when I stepped on the scale this morning, it was not a surprise.  I gained 1.6 lbs.

I know why.  And I know what I need to do. 

Looking back on my week, my imperfect week, I can see some things that did not work and some that did.  I had every intention of having an awesome week—I planned to track, to plan healthy meals, and to move more.  Then the Peanut butter showed up and all plans went right out the window!

So, what worked? 

–I planned healthy meals and made two of them.

–I tracked one day

–I realized what was happening and how out of control I was and that realization led me to update my vision board.  I needed and still need the motivation.

–I attended my virtual workshop this morning.

–I stepped on the scale despite knowing it would be up.

Even on the rough weeks things can still happen that go well.  Growth still happens!

What did I learn?

–When the peanut butter cravings start I need to ask myself what is going on, what is pushing the button to need that comfort.  I knew, but forgot, just how dangerous peanut butter is for me and what it signifies.  I only want it when I am worried or stressed or angry or hurting….. I have been reminded and now I know what to do to NOT eat those emotions!  NO peanut butter can come into the house!  Lesson learned.

–I can get right back on track when I understand and am aware of what is happening and why.  Awareness is one key to getting back on track.

–One week does NOT negate ALL my progress!

–I do NOT like Peanut Butter!  Huh?  You read that right.  I do NOT like Peanut Butter.  Unless, I need it for comfort and then it takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of my mom. 

–and once again, I see that a slip is NOT failure!  It is feedback.  An opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t.  And it creates another stepping stone on my path to success.

It was one of THOSE weeks.  Peanut Butter happened.  But it is NOT the end of my journey.  I did NOT give up!  I found a way to motivate myself (you can read that here) and to acknowledge what was going on.  And then I got back on track, back to taking care of me, and back to putting me first.

How do you handle emotions?  What is your kryptonite?  How do you get back on track after one of THOSE weeks? 

Vision Board Anchor

On By TerriIn Inspiration, UncategorizedLeave a comment

This is one of THOSE weeks.  The imperfect in this journey.  I don’t know why.  I don’t know what set this off.  But it is just one of THOSE weeks.  And THOSE weeks happen (more about the week tomorrow in my weekly accountability post). 

Yesterday afternoon I had finally had it.  My stomach hurt.  I didn’t feel well, physically.  And I was angry with myself and embarrassed. 

Me?  How could I eat all that?  What happened to the valve that “turns off” eating?  Mine was definitely broken.

It was then, in the midst of beating myself up, that I remembered the photo collage I had created years ago, to motivate me to stay at my goal and to keep working on being the healthiest me I could be.  The photo used to hang on my refrigerator…. But hadn’t been there in over a year.  Where was it?

I searched through all my things until I found it- the photo collage of my before and after pics along with a question/statement that helps me to stay focused. One of my anchors.

As I sat at the table, putting the photo onto another paper to frame it, I remembered the vision board I had created years ago and realized it was in the back of the closet.  Well, if this photo will help motivate me then surely my vision board would too!

So, I found the board.  It needed updating.  (the last activity goal on there was for January 2020….. )  I sat at my kitchen table, with bright colored paper and my marker and created a board that would motivate me. 

–The collage photo with the question “Which YOU do you want to be?  Only YOU can choose!” prominently displayed on my vision board.

–Two strings tacked along the top with small clothespins, each representing one pound.  The top string for the pounds I had left to lose.  The bottom string for the pounds I had lost.  Visual motivation! 

–Quotes to motivate me!

–A list of the things that WORK for me!

–Twos questions I ended every workshop I coached with- “Can I?  Will I?”  Powerful questions to ask.  Yes, I CAN.  But the real question is always WILL I?  WILL I do what I need to do?  And if not, then what WILL I do to help move me forward? 

–My activity goal, updated to reflect my goal for January 2022—when I complete the She Power 5k.  My goal is for it to be my fastest 5k EVER. 

This vision board is motivating for me.  The board sits on my counter, where I see it multiple times a day.  An anchor, to ground me to my journey and remind me what I am doing. 

And the photo is back on my refrigerator and now also in my pantry, hanging from the shelf in front of the snacks.  Anchors to remind me to check with myself BEFORE I grab food to eat—which one am I choosing?  Anchors to remind me to choose ME!

Anchors keep us moving forward.  They remind us why we are doing what we are doing, why we want to keep going, and what we are working toward.  If you want to know a little more about anchors, I wrote about them on another blog in 2017 and you can read about them here and see what my anchors have been on my journey. 

How do you motivate yourself?  How do you keep going when you have had an imperfect day?  What are your anchors? 

This week (heck the past year) has truly shown me that this journey is an imperfect one, a perfectly imperfect journey!

Weekly Accountability- March 4th

On By TerriIn Mindset, Uncategorized3 Comments

Last week I committed to a weekly update post on my progress as another form of accountability for me on my journey.  Though I am posting this a day later than planned, I did weigh in yesterday (March 4th) and I did attend my virtual workshop yesterday morning. 

Accountability is important.  It helps to keep me in check.  It helps to keep me honest. 

Yesterday morning when I stepped on the scale, I was expecting to see a gain.  Yes, it was that kind of week as far as food went.  And a gain would not have surprised me.  I was, however, quite happy when I saw that the scale did not change.  I maintained!  THAT is a victory for me, after the week I had. 

Last week’s topic about Non-Scale Victories (NSV’s) had me focusing on those this week and less on what number I may or may not see on the scale.  I think that focusing on those things that tell me I am changing and that I am moving forward on this journey, helped my mindset this week. 

It was a rough week, but I did not fail.  Life happens.  Life will always happen.  There are going to be days and weeks that just do not go as planned.  Focusing on other means of seeing change and success is important if I am going to stay motivated and if I am going to keep moving forward!  VERY important! 

Afterall, mindset is a HUGE part of this journey and has the greatest impact on my choices! 

So this week, what worked for me?  What were my NSV’s, those moments I am proud of?

               –I tracked, even the days that I ate way over my daily points and even after those weekly extras were gone!  I tracked 6 out of 7 days this week!  Yay!! 

               –I meal planned and created my grocery list from that in preparation for this next week.  I was reminded this week that I really do need to have that meal plan, and the foods on hand to create those meals in order to not make a run for fast food or to not order the pizza.  I also need easy and quick meals that I can make on those very busy days and those were added to my grocery list.  Preparing for any situation. 

               –I was able to walk a little more than the previous week because the daily pain is getting better!  I NEVER thought I would be THAT person who WANTED to move more or exercise, until I couldn’t.  Now I am excited that I may be back to long walks soon!

               –I used my calm app 4 days this week.  Taking care of me is important, but it is the thing I let go of first when life gets crazy.  I am getting back to those things that give me a few minutes to just breathe.  Just. Breathe.  Taking care of me first means I can take care of everyone and everything else! 

My week may not have gone how I planned it to go and the scale may not have gone down.  But I am still moving forward.  I am still changing.  I am still learning. 

One-step-at-a-time!

One-day-at-a-time!

One-NSV-at-a-time!

What was your success this past week?  What did you learn?  How do you know you are moving forward when the scales doesn’t show that?  What are your NSV’s?

This imperfect journey is perfect for me!