188.0 Great Shape For The Shape I'm In!

It's almost 5 pm and I have been out all day doing health related things. I started the day at the dermatologist's office and passed the total body scan with flying colors, which is really good news since I was raised in California and spent most of my childhood playing outside, and as a teenager, working on getting tan, without a drop of anything to protect my skin. I did ask my dermatologist if I could have a face free of wrinkles like she has. She is a lot younger, but did have a lot of suggestions about products and treatments that might help with the wrinkles. Out here in Scottsdale, so many doctors also sell beautifying products and treatments. Who knew you could go to a hormone specialist or gynecologist and also see a skin aesthetician, in the same office! So I learned about some alternatives to a face lift and then went off to have a hearing evaluation. And, I passed that with flying colors! Next, I went to my eye doctor's office to take the test to see if I had droopy enough eyelids so that insurance would cover the upper eyelid surgery I am seriously contemplating! And, I passed that exam, also with flying colors, meaning that I couldn't see most of the little flashing lights without my eyelids being taped open.

So I'm in great shape for the shape I'm in! I don't like to think I am too vain, but since I did lose the 60 pounds, and want to lose more, I don't want to look ten years older than I did when I was heavier. No, I would never want weight with less wrinkles, but if there are some things I can do to stave off the aging process without getting too carried away, I think I want to do them. (I have definitely decided not to have a face lift!)

I have been thinking a lot about vanity and weight and age. Here's what I've come up with ~ having a healthy body is the most important thing you can do for yourself no matter what your age, and vanity plays into how we view ourselves and our desire to look as good as possible. I know some people who as they have aged have decided that it doesn't matter what they look like or how healthy they are. Think about all those emails you've received that encourage you to eat those cookies and ice cream because you never know how long you will be here! Hello! Your chances of being here longer are going to be better if you are healthy and eat carefully, rather than if you just pig out! So a little vanity is a good thing, and a lot of emphasis on health is important no matter what our age.

194.6 Exercise As A Habit

In my dentist's office there is a poster that reads,"Twice a day, brush only the teeth you want to keep!" It always makes me smile because it is so simple and yet so important. This morning I was having a discussion with myself about how I was going to fit exercise into my day today. I am realizing that exercise has become an ingrained habit just like brushing my teeth. When I was very little my mom had to brush my teeth for me. As I got older I could do it myself but she would have to remind me. And eventually it was a habit and I would just brush my teeth. I didn't agonize about when I would do it, if I would do it, if I could skip it on a given day. Unfortunately exercise was not a habit that was ingrained in me as a young child or as an older child. Oh, I had gym class 3 times a week through high school, but that didn't involve choice. Once I left that environment and went on to college, I didn't exercise on purpose. I'd walk, but that was just something I did in order to reach another goal, to get to class or the library.

Since I have taken on this weight loss journey, I have had to add exercise to my life and I realize that it has a lot in common with brushing my teeth. By doing it regularly exercising has become a habit. I used to dilly dally around about it but what I learned is that I always have felt great both physically and emotionally once I just did it. I have never finished my walk or left the gym thinking that I wished I hadn't done that. And now it's not a choice I make everyday. It is something I do everyday. The question is not whether I am going to exercise, but what am I going to do and when am I going to do it. This body has gotten more slender, stronger and healthier since I have started exercising daily. And, I want to keep it that way.

205.4 Get Me Off This Plateau!

Let's just name it! I am stuck, but calling it a plateau gives it a bit of a French connotation, yes? I swam and walked today and was very aware of all I ate, so we will see what happens tomorrow. How do you say in French, "Get me off this plateau!"?

In spite of not liking the scale much lately, I have had some very special things happen. Yesterday when I was out walking I saw two friends who hadn't seen me since last spring and they were blown away by the change in how I look. They said they didn't recognize me at first. And today, a gal whom I hadn't seen in about 2 months said she couldn't believe the change! It was great to hear the praise and delight they shared with me about my success so far. I love the compliments but I am also hearing a small voice saying, "Maybe you don't have to lose any more weight since, according to your friends, you look so good!" But I keep reminding myself that that is not the point, it's just one part of this journey. I want great health, to feel younger, to be able to really play with my grandsons and lift and hold and play with any more grandchildren that I may be blessed with. So lookin' good is good, but reaching my goal is going to be the best.