Week 9: My Enlighten Journey

Hello everyone! I hope this St. Patrick's Week is finding everyone happy and healthy, and enjoying this wonderful weather.

Considering it is rare to have such beautiful weather in Cleveland in March, I decided to take advantage of the warm temperatures and get outside. I was able to get out for a few long walks this week, and I am so glad that I did.

Last year when I would go out walking with my kids, I wasn't at all motivated and would go in as soon as I could. When I went out walking this week, I did so with a purpose. I kept an intentional pace, with the goal of walking for a minimum amount of time. I definitely had more stamina now that I have been working out, and believe it or not, I really enjoyed it.

I am getting to that point where I feel guilty if I don't exercise, and I never thought that I would ever be that person. I WANTED to be that person, but I just didn't think I could be. Working out, eating right, and then seeing results has made a ton of difference for me.

It keeps me motivated to walk past the heaps of free food that get brought in to my workplace. It keeps my hands out of the employee candy jar. Most importantly for me, it keeps me driving right on past the fast food places that seem to sabotage us all.

I hear the voices of our counselors telling me "a craving only lasts 3 minutes" and just move along. This week in the Enlighten exercise class we were taken through a 20 minute workout that excercised every muscle group. Debbie (our trainer) wanted to impress upon us that there is no really good excuse for not working out when you can get a good workout completed in 20 minutes. The class was challenging and we all worked up a huge sweat, but I took a lot from that class.

Yesterday I found myself waiting while my 3-year-old played in the tub, so I did some exercises right there in the bathroom! I might as well use the bits of time I find here and there wisely! Plus, if I'm lucky, I will be teaching her the importance of exercise at an early age. Win-win!

When I weighed in on Tuesday, I had lost again. Nine straight weigh-ins of losing weight is something that makes me really proud. I am down 30 lbs. now, and my next goal is 50 lbs. by the 4th of July. Reaching that goal will be something to celebrate, and I am certain that this program will help me achieve it. Until next week, take care. I'm off to workout!