Stressful Job? 5 Tips To Help Cope

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I’m sure at one time or another we’ve all felt stressed out about our work environment. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced this feeling. That being said, I’ve found ways to deal with these unwarranted feelings. Here’s 5 tips to help you deal with your stressful work environment: 1. Pray or Meditate. I find that praying or mediating […]

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2012

This was the second time I participated in the American Cancer Society annual breast cancer walk. I was so humbled by my experience in last year’s walk that I decided to  make a commitment to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk each year.

I am unsure how much money I raised last year, but it probably was under $50. I knew I could do better than that, so this year I set a goal of $100. During the last week of fundraising, I met and surpassed that goal. The fact that so many people were willing to help me attain a goal was also very humbling. I’m glad that I was able to contribute to the cause.

While many people would assume that I participate because I know someone or was directly affected by breast cancer. I don’t know anyone personally who has lost the fight, or has become a survivor. This is why I participate. When I read or hear about the stories of women who have overcome, and those who haven’t, I am moved. I’m not just moved because it’s sad, but because at any time my mom, my sister, my aunt or I could discover a lump in one of our breasts. Breast Cancer does not discriminate. As a woman, I feel compelled to do what I can to help someone else’s mom, someone else’s sister, someone else’s aunt, or someone else.  This disease affects so many women (and men) every year. I’ve been blessed to have not had it affect me or my loved ones, and I’d like to keep it that way.

This year’s walk was no different from the last. I was again humbled by the experience. I saw women, men and children all walking for a common purpose. Thousands of people, survivors and families of lost loved ones, all walking against breast cancer. It was a beautiful sight to see that many people from all backgrounds, economic classes, educational levels, and ages gather for such an important cause. We all walked 3 miles together and finished 3 miles together.

Life isn’t just about what we can do for ourselves; it’s also about what we can do for others. Find a cause that speaks to you, and look for ways to contribute. It will make life that much more purposeful.

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Reflection: Insanity Completion

Well, I finally completed the Insanity challenge. It took me 11 weeks as opposed to 9. I took a 1.5 week hiatus due to unforeseen circumstances. So, I redid week 8 in its entirety and completed week 9.

This is has been a crazy journey. I am so thankful that I completed it, even if it took longer than expected. I love the results I got. During the Insanity challenge, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that when I set my mind to doing something I will accomplish it no matter the obstacles. I also realized that my losing weight, was something done solely for me. A lot of people told me that I am fine the way that I am, and that at the midpoint, I didn’t need to lose any more weight. Well, I can’t look at myself through the eyes of others. I can only view myself through my eyes and that means that I have to be satisfied with me. While I appreciate all the compliments and kind words shared with me, I’ve come realize that a person should lose weight because he/she wants to. Not because of the attention you may receive or because society says that your overweight. Do it for you. Make yourself happy.

I’ve also noticed that I am not the only one who has taken a weight loss journey in the past year, a lot of my friends are also on their own journeys. I think that is a beautiful thing, and I hope they all reach their goals. I am definitely here for motivation, if  it’s needed. I received a ton of motivation from all directions, and it definitely helped me push through and accomplish my goal. However, I have to mostly thank God for providing me with determination and motivation because there were days that I wanted to quit. With prayer, He always pushed me through, and I am thankful!

I’ve decided to cancel my Weight Watchers subscription. It does work, but it has become instilled in me to eat better, and commit to daily exercise. I was really worried about what I would do at the conclusion of the weight watchers program, but having done this for so long, I know that I’ll be subconsciously telling myself to eat healthy and not to indulge.

Something else that I’ve realized is that losing weight is a process. It took time for me to gain weight, so of course it would take time to lose it. I think the biggest mistake people make is thinking that the weight is just going to fall off. It isn’t. It takes time, be patient. If you don’t take anything from my journey, please take this… The weight will come off in due time, especially if you are working hard and eating right. It may not fall off as quickly as you like, but it will eventually. Trust me.