Fifty Two Weeks: Week Five

It's probably week number four that I always de-rail in this process. I even forgot to publish the post I wrote about it last week, oops. The two goals were to set goals and to keep a food journal, which is the one I always struggle with. Well, this time was no different. I made it through one blasted day of food journaling and then I stopped. I stopped everything. I mean, everything. I gave up on my 64 ounces of water, I averaged about 4,000 steps a day, and I didn't journal once.

This time, though, I'm not ready to throw in the towel. I may have failed last week, but tomorrow starts a new week. A week with no mistakes in it (yet).

And that's kind of what week five is all about: Looking at the glass half full, or developing a more optimistic view.

So, in the book, the author suggests using affirmations. I've always felt super weird looking in the mirror and saying "You got this!" to my visibly skeptical reflection. But I've decided to delve a little deeper into the power of them by researching them more and attempting to incorporate them somehow into my life throughout this week.

The second item to work on this week is making daily to do lists. I don't do this now and I honestly waste a pretty large chunk of my time. Hopefully this will help me develop a sense of structure to my days and help me to achieve more throughout this upcoming week.

May 2017 Goals

Health/Fitness

Lose 5 pounds.

Walk 3 times a week.

Try a new form of exercise. (Yoga, this month.)

Drink 64oz of water a day.

Eat at home and take my lunch to work at least 4 days this week.

Self Development

Journal at least twice a week.

Read 20 pages a day.

Watch a sermon or listen to a Christian podcast twice a week.

Create playlists for different moods.

Family/Friends

Make "dates" with a friend twice a week.

Cook something for my parents once a week and take it to them. (Obviously...but still.)

Give one genuine compliment a day.

Community

Go to the farmers' market and shop locally every Saturday.

Visit a church.

Find a local event coming up that I can participate in.

Home

Empty dishwasher at the beginning of each day.

Empty sink at the end of each day.

Declutter for 15 minutes each week.

Work on my lawn every weekend.

Essential Verses | March

Essential Verses | February

What verses are you seeing differently this month?

Essential Verses | January

 I've decided to pick a verse to focus on each week this year and at the end of each month, to share those verses with you. Sometimes you have read a verse a thousand times, but one day, something just clicks and you see it all differently. That's why I want to make it a point to really meditate on a verse each week.

These are some verses that stood out to me during my Bible study in January.

What verses were your eyes opened to this month?

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting // Week One

One of my biggest goals for 2017 is to step up my prayer life. Prayer is a vital part of a Christian's life, and I gotta admit, I've been slacking. I've been going to Highlands off and on for over a year now and have heard some amazing things about 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, but I haven't participated, until this year. I really felt the urge to give up something for 21 days and to use this new found free time advancing in my walk with Christ. 

So, from January 8th-28th, I will be doing what is called a "soul fast". I'm not going to be fasting from any food item, but if that's what you feel called to do, do it! Personally, I'm giving up Facebook and Netflix.

Over the last few weeks, I've been feeling convicted about the amount of time I waste on Facebook and watching TV. I meaninglessly scroll through my FB feed multiple times daily. Don't get me wrong; social media has it's place. It brings people together and can be a great way to keep in touch, especially for our family and friends who are far away. But when does it become a hindrance? I think we can each search our own hearts on this issue, but to me, it becomes a problem when I start using it to: compare, "stalk", brag, argue with strangers on different subjects (yep), and distract. 

As far as Netflix, it's pretty much a huge time waster in general. I enjoy watching TV and movies just as much, if not more, than everyone I know. TV and movies are generally very appealing to us because they distract us from our everyday normalcy and our problems. But keep in mind, television feeds our minds with all kinds of useless information, two of which are untrue expectations of love and relationships and a total absence of morals. 

 Both of these things have been weighing heavy on me, so I'm going to do without them for a total of 21 days and then slowly bring them back, if I feel the need to do so. 

What is one thing in your own life you could do without?

Beaming with Positivity

Do you know what can be a real wet blanket on a good day? When someone radiates negativity. Nothing brings my mood down faster than a complainer or a pessimist, someone who sees only the empty half of the glass.

Sure, it's hard and sometimes downright impossible to see the good in everything. I'm not suggesting you be blind to the world or it's problems. But here's the thing; the way the world sees us is based a lot on our attitude, so as a follower of Christ, it's very important we exude life and joy. Here's a few ways we can be a little more positive!

1. Stop complaining. This is a hard one and I struggle with this sooo much. As a teenager, a guy told me "I've never met someone who complains as much as you." Ouch! That was a wake-up call. Who wants to hang out with that girl? What an easy question to answer: nobody. Be more mindful of your words. You don't like this song? Ok, understood, but you don't have to tell someone who does enjoy it. Hate your job? Maybe instead of telling everybody about how much it sucks, look for something else.

“What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain.” -Maya Angelou

January Goals

Who doesn't love the hope for change a new year brings? As usual, I set a lot of resolutions but I'm going to try breaking them up into smaller, more attainable goals monthly. Here's what I'm working on in January.

faith...Go to church every Sunday; Participate in 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. I really want to focus on my prayer life this month.

finances...Stick to my credit card payoff plan suggested by Mint.com and save $200.

self...Be more positive. Do a random act of kindness.

to read...Read 2 books; 1 fiction and 1 nonfiction.

to cook...I really want to make some homemade potato soup and try a different chicken salad recipe.

health and fitness...No sodas for the entirety of the month. Go to the gym twice a week.

relationships...Be more encouraging.

home...Find a cleaning schedule that works for me. Decide on a color for the dining room and start purchasing painting supplies.

What are your plans and goals for 2017?

Currently | January 2017

I haven't posted a currently post in a while, but I really want to get back into the habit! So for all of you who cannot function without knowing what I'm enjoying, here we go.

anxiously awaiting...As much as I hate to admit this, I'm ready for some warmer weather. These cold, dreary, short days are becoming pretty depressing.

enjoying...The excitement/hope for change that escorts a new year.

feeling...Stuffy, due to allergies, and cold. Due to sleet.

listening...

wanting...A long, hot bath.

watching...I'll Have What Phil's Having on Netflix.

reading...Chasing Elephants by Brent Crowe and Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider

What things are you enjoying this month?

Hello Fresh! Review

Meal One: Italian Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans

Week One of the Daniel Plan Recap

I promised to do an update, hopefully a weekly one, for the duration of 40 Days of the Daniel Plan. So here is week one! It's been exactly one week of clean eating, nothing to drink aside from coffee and water. I'm not doing the detox, but my sister and her husband are doing it and they are killing it!!

Starting Weight: 177
Current Weight: 171
Total Weight Loss: 6 pounds
Starting BMI: 26
Current BMI: 25.2

Taking Control of Our Thoughts

In general, we tend to focus a great deal on our words. We (at least most people, at most times) try to be careful of what words we say to others. We sometimes even spend significant amounts of time grieving over words we said, that we wish we didn't. Most of the time, we worry about things we have said, but care very little about our thoughts.

I wonder why this is: why do we give so much regard to our words, but we don't execute the same amount of concern to our thoughts?

Daniel Plan Approved Grocery Haul

As the previous post explained, I am starting the Daniel Plan this week. So after evaluating my current "status" and goal setting, what comes next? Well, obviously, filling the kitchen with healthful options. So, I woke up early this morning, took inventory of what I already had that was healthy and Daniel Plan approved, got my shopping list ready and went to Wal-Mart.

Now, Wal-Mart wouldn't be my first option. If there was a Kroger or Aldi anywhere within 20 minutes of my house, that would be my first option. There is an Aldi about 25 minutes from home, but they weren't open yet and I really needed a lot of staple items I didn't think they would have. (You might be asking yourself why I didn't have some staple items, such as corn starch or olive oil. Dude, I just moved into my house two weeks ago and I can count on two fingers how many times I've cooked. Bear with me.)

I knew that shopping all organic and buying so much produce and meat would add up rather quickly. I was prepared for my total to be upwards of $200. It was $164. While I was somewhat relieved it wasn't $200, $164 is a lot for groceries for a single person for one week. But like I said, a few of these items were staples.

Here's what I got:
Disclaimer: The cat was not included in today's purchase. He was here before that. 

Doing the Daniel Plan

It's gonna get real today, guys. Why? Because I'm talking honestly and candidly about weight.

Weight has never been a struggle for me. Around age 12, I was "chubby",  had my share of baby fat but shortly after I got braces, I lost a lot of weight. Since then, I've always been healthy-appearing. I've never had remarkable physical strength or cardiovascular strength when it comes to working out. I've always tired easily and been one to give up when it got too hard. Last year, my doctor started me on anxiety medication for my severe social anxiety. (I'm talking vomiting every morning before work.) As I took this medication, my weight rapidly increased. I noticed I felt hungry all the time. I started eating junk food multiple times a day. I gained around 40 pounds in just a few short months. It's been about 6 months since I quit taking the medication, yet the weight is hanging on. And I'm miserable.

I'm so distant from God. I never talk to Him, never take my concerns to Him. I don't go to church regularly, and rarely read my Bible.

I'm so distant from myself and others. I have a very negative self perception because I'm very unhappy with how I look and how I feel. This translates into me staying home almost every night, rarely going out, and rarely having a desire to go out.

I eat horribly and have no energy to exercise. These probably go hand in hand. But I rarely eat healthily and I have been walking this week, but before this week, I've been fairly sedentary.

All of these are points addressed in the Daniel Plan. 

So, starting today, I'm participating. If you wanna know more about it, check out the website by clicking here.

So what is the Daniel Plan? Well, I'm not a good paraphraser, so here's an excerpt from the official website for ya:

The Daniel Plan is a groundbreaking healthy lifestyle program founded on biblical principles and focused on The Essentials: Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus and Friends. The program offers an innovative approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle where people get better together by optimizing their health in each of these life areas. Each essential supports and influences the others, offering a practical step-by-step approach for anyone to follow. 

I bought the book about a year ago, read it, but put no action to it. Thought, Wow, those verses ARE in the Bible and they are totally relevant! Nobody ever teaches this in the church. Yet, nothing changed for me. 

New 101 List, oh, and btw. I'm not dead.

It's been a minute since I've posted. Life has been a little hectic lately. SPOILER ALERT, I'm moving. To my OWN house. Sooo crazy. I'm so behind and I want to do a real "life update", maybe I'll do one later in the week. But I wanted to share my new 101 in 1,001 days list. I completed the other (timewise, not listwise. There were a few things I didn't complete, such as make white bean hummus. REALLY? I thought that was so easy...hah. Oops.) Anyway, the link is in the navi bar, if you want to check it out. Happy November!

Currently | July 2016

Anticipating...A visit to see my sister, her husband, and their fur child.

Cooking...I haven't really been trying any new recipes, but that's about to change. I signed up for GatheredTable, so I'm ready. I've gotta get serious about a health change.

Enjoying...Just not being at work.

Feeling...So tired of dealing with people. I just need a month long get away.

Learning...You guys. This month has been a hard one. People have caused me so much stress. I think the most important lesson I've learned is that most people don't care. They will always run their mouths. Most people just talk to hear themselves talk. I'm still learning to not care what others think. Why do we have to be wired to want to please others?!

Listening...Needtobreathe's and Switchfoot's new jams.

Reading...Nothing, at the moment. I need to get back in the reading groove.
Wanting...August 1st to arrive! GMM, I've missed you beyond belief. 

Watching...I started the free trial of the Starz add-on for Prime, so I've got Inside Out, Big Hero 6, and many other movies lined up to watch!

Currently | June 2016

Anticipating...Less than a month away until Disney World! Woohoo!

Cooking...I haven't been cooking much at all lately, but I need to get back in the kitchen. Any easy recipes I need to try?

Enjoying...My new puppy, Charley! <3

Feeling...Pretty good. Goal setting and stuff; feeling a bit more motivated.

Learning...How awesome the library is. I forgot since I had been buying ebooks so often, but wow. Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card. Free books?! Yes, please.

Listening...Switchfoot! Their new music is awesome. Can't wait for their new CD!

Reading...Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Wanting...The humidity level to decrease.

Watching...Nothing. I've finished Law and Order:SVU and I can't find anything to keep my interest since. Can I get some recommendations?

Currently | May 2016

Anticipating...My friend, Krystle, and I are planning a trip to Disney in July! I'm soo excited to walk the streets of Magic Kingdom again. I've missed it so much.

Enjoying...Having time off again. I forgot how nice it is to have weeks off at a time. 

Feeling...Disappointed at how many snacks I eat when I'm at home. I need a detox.

Learning...If I'm planning to workout, I better do it first thing in the morning. Or it ain't gonna happen.

Listening...Mostly just Needtobreathe's few new songs. Loving them.

Reading...The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Wanting...Relief for my headaches. The doctor diagnosed me with migraines earlier this week and I've had a constant headache since Thursday. I'm miserable.

Watching...Law and Order: SVU. Still.

Tuna Pasta Salad | Recipe

This recipe is everything I enjoy: easy, quick, filling, AND fresh! It can be served warm or cold. It's perfect for this time of year.

Tuna Pasta Salad

this recipe makes about 2 hearty servings

Ingredients:

2 cups of farfelle pasta

1 can of albacore white tuna, drained

1/3 red onion, diced

1/4 of green pepper, diced

1/2 cup of mayo

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil pasta and cook as directed.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine all other ingredients.

3. Drain pasta. If desired cold, rinse with cold water. Otherwise, move on to step 4.

4. Add the pasta to the mixing bowl until well mixed, then it's ready to serve!

optional: I added dried dill to make it even more flavorful.

Currently | April 2016

Anticipating...Job change. I have accepted my old job back. Yay for seven on/seven off, how I've missed you!

Enjoying...The new found energy and joy I've gained from exercising daily.

Feeling...A little bit sore. Any tips for keeping your knees pain free while dancing and running? They are starting to give me some issues.

Learning...Nothing is too big to ask of God. Tonight's message at church really hit home. My prayer life has really been a struggle over the past couple of years and I need to get it back on track.

Listening...Happiness by needtobreathe. LOVE IT!!!

Reading...Just received my copy of Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson. 

Wanting...To have the song "4 Minutes" by Madonna and Justin Timberlake permanently removed from my mind. It's always stuck in my head...WHY!?!

Watching...I'm trying to cut down on my TV. But I'm still binging on Law and Order:SVU.

Has April been a good month for you?