LittleTurtle: The Power of One

[LittleTurtle]

During this challenge, instead of inundating myself with several little things that I’d like to accomplish and then only half-assing everything, I’ll dedicate all my efforts towards ONE goal. 

 

I’m completely switching my focus.  Somewhere along the line, I’ve established a fairly unhealthy mentality about diet and exercise.  It’s always got to be all or nothing with me.  I’m tired of feeling like a failure because I missed a workout or ate some pizza.  I’m tired of looking in the mirror and finding things to criticize instead of appreciating the things I like.  Here’s the thing:  I’m probably never going to be the person who works out for an hour every single day.  I’m never going to be able to completely eliminate entire food groups and eat “clean” 100% of the time.  I just want to enjoy my life and not obsess about the occasional poor choice or slip-up that I’ll encounter along the way.

 

In previous challenges, I’ve stated that I want my weight to be “x” and my body fat % to be “y”, but I bet that even if I hit those magic numbers, I’d still find things to be unhappy about.  I want to start being more positive and less negative.  My life is happening now, and it’s not going to wait for me to have the “perfect body”.

 

So, here’s my goal: I’m going to write down at least one thing that makes me happy every day.  I’ll still be working out, making wise diet choices, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep, but I’m going to try to stop mentally beating myself up over having a margarita on a hot evening after a long day at work or eating an occasional bun with my hamburger.  I just want to have a wonderful summer and not pick apart how I look in a bathing suit (which is probably just fine in reality versus what my scumbag mind tell me).

 

[Hanksdottir]

good luck, Little Turtle.

Being happy in your own shell is not as easy as it sounds.

I have been trying to figure out what I am supposed to be eating for a VERY long time, still not there.

For weight loss, nothing beats a TEMPORARY run with "The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet" aka Atkins.

Meat & veggie, no-carb drops the weight fast, but it's not a lifestyle diet.

I looked at the Paleo stuff on here & to me it just seems silly. Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but it makes NO sense to me.

What I'm trying to do is cut out the junk food, watch my salt and eat more plants.

I'm not much of a plant eater, but fruits, vegges & whole grains are what I'm aiming for.

And every time I screw up... just gotta get right back on it.

 

And the secret to health & long life seems to be based on how happy a person is  so I think finding a daily "happy" is a fantastic way to go!  

[jedi_mind]

Little turtle I like the sound of your challenge. Enjoying life isn't a screw up if it's within reason and you're stressing healthy =]

[Sunmage]

That's a great goal!

 

Reading Happy summaries is always a great inspiration!

[Jittersthe.Clown]

[LittleTurtle]

Monday, June 8

Today officially marks the first day of summer break for the teachers and students.  I have the building *almost* all to myself, and I get to work on things that have been put off all school year!

 

Also, I was happy with how my stomach looked today.  It didn't look or feel bloated.  

[LittleTurtle]

Tuesday, June 9

I'm happy for boneless, skinless chicken thighs from the grill and wild rice boiled in chicken stock.

 

Also, my skin looks luminous today.

[jedi_mind]

Glad to hear it LT you're already seeing the changes you want.

[Waanie]

Great challenge . There's always something to be unhappy about, so it's easy to forget the joys of life. It's great that you will focus on the good things in the next 6 weeks .

[LittleTurtle]

Wednesday, June 10

I'm happy for Pay Day!  

 

Also, my feet are really pretty.

[jedi_mind]

Awesome lt. Payday can't come soon enough in my house.

[LittleTurtle]

Thursday, June 11

Today, I was headed out for lunch and the Head Custodian asked me if I wanted him to call me to wake me up when it was time to come back to work (it's no secret that I have a habit of napping in my car during my lunch breaks at work because I'm so lethargic that I can't stand myself), and I laughed and told him that I was filled with energy today.  And then I stopped and thought for a second, and said that I feel well rested, healthy, full of energy, and just wonderful in general.  It was quite the revelation!  He replied that I look great too - so that made me feel even better.  

 

In other news:  I finished reading "Grain Brain" (the book my doctor recommended I read due to my migraines and constant fatigue).  The last time I ate gluten was May 29th.  Now, I haven't been making it a goal or anything because the second I tell myself I can't have it, I then want it more than ever.  It's more of an experiment to see how I feel without it.  It seems like whenever I eat any amount of wheat or gluten, my immediate desire is to take a nap that can last upwards of 3 hours or so.  I haven't really napped much since I've been off it.  Lately, I even seem to be less irritable and more mentally focused.  I don't know if it has more to due with the lack of wheat and gluten in my diet or the fact that work has been wonderful now that the students and teachers are on summer break, but I guess I'll know the next time I do consume wheat.  

[spooky]

Loving your challenge! Awesome job on the self awareness too!

[LittleTurtle]

So that thing I said about being less irritable?  Strike that.  I'm throwing a total tantrum because apparently I can't play softball with the guys because the guys supposedly can't find enough women to make a coed team.  This is bullshit.  

[spooky]

So that thing I said about being less irritable?  Strike that.  I'm throwing a total tantrum because apparently I can't play softball with the guys because the guys supposedly can't find enough women to make a coed team.  This is bullshit.  

You know what? Sometimes throwing a tantrum is acceptable. When? When the situation is bullshit. They should totally let you play with them, they are the weenies here not you (heh weenies) 

[LittleTurtle]

You know what? Sometimes throwing a tantrum is acceptable. When? When the situation is bullshit. They should totally let you play with them, they are the weenies here not you (heh weenies) 

Thanks!  I needed that laugh!  

[LittleTurtle]

Friday, June 12

This:

 

And this:

 

 

[Heidi]

You know what? Sometimes throwing a tantrum is acceptable. When? When the situation is bullshit. They should totally let you play with them, they are the weenies here not you (heh weenies) 

I second this.

Yes, it's good to be all zen and stuff, but that does *not* mean being a doormat.

Go get 'em girl. Rant on.

[Heidi]

Friday, June 10

This:

 

And this:

 

 

Not certain why you posted that, but (true confession time) I think I looked at it f a r longer than I feel comfortable admitting.

I'm going to go take a cool shower now.

[LittleTurtle]

Not certain why you posted that, but (true confession time) I think I looked at it f a r longer than I feel comfortable admitting.

I'm going to go take a cool shower now.

LOL!!  YES!  I posted it because I have a seriously inappropriate crush on Jareth the Goblin King.

[LittleTurtle]

Saturday, June 13

I'm happy for sunny days, naps, and evening BBQs with friends.

 

Also, my arms looked kinda buff today.   

[Phoenix Rising]

Hi Little Turtle,

Just popped by to say that this is the most awesome challange. I've been catching up and everyone of your positive posts has made me smile. Inspirational.

[jedi_mind]

Saturday, June 13

I'm happy for sunny days, naps, and evening BBQs with friends.

Also, my arms looked kinda buff today.

Good stuff lt.

this is a great time of year for bbqs =]

[LittleTurtle]

Hi Little Turtle,

Just popped by to say that this is the most awesome challange. I've been catching up and everyone of your positive posts has made me smile. Inspirational.

Aw, thanks!  It makes me smile to know that you're smiling!  

[LittleTurtle]

Sunday, June 14

I got nothing.  The season finale of Game of Thrones took any good feelings I had and chucked them out the window.  

 

Monday, June 15

I'm going to have sausages for dinner tonight!  Seriously - I've pretty much eaten nothing but chicken thighs (or an occasional sirloin), wild rice, and a big ass salad with EVOO and Balsamic vinegar for lunch and dinner since May 30th.  So sausages are a cause for celebration!  Even though I won't be having a bun...*sigh*  Oh pretzel bun, I miss you so!! 

 

Also, my favorite slacks are starting feel a bit loose!  That has to mean good things!