Reflections and Resolutions

As I look at my life today, compared to where I was 3 years ago, I almost can't remember who I was then. I have come such a long way, and can't begin to describe how good I feel. This is the person God intended for me to be. I know I still have a long way to go. I will continue to trust God to lead my path.

What were my goals for 2012? I had two main goals. The first was to revamp our budget following the Dave Ramsey Plan. The second was to run a 5k (actually one per quarter). We made some progress with the financial goals, but ran into some challenges in that arena around September. As for the 5k, that was easy. I only did two actual 5k races, but I also did three 5k obstacle races. That was not something I ever dreamed that I would do. I had this phobia of dirt and mud. Not to mention how physically challenging it is. Not anymore. I did the first one in March. I had to overcome a ton of fears to do that. It helped that my family, and especially my husband, was there supporting me and cheering me on. The better part was that it inspired them. In October, when it was time for the second race, my husband and 14yo son ran with me. Then, in November, we did a different one that actually had a kids' race that my 10yo could run. Well, he mostly walked it because he was getting over being sick, but he still had fun. Overall, 2012 was a good year.

That brings me to today. The first of January, 2013. As I look ahead, I am excited for what this year holds. We have a couple things planned already. My husband and I have discussed our financial goals. I have one absolutely crazy thought in the back of my head that I am going to work on making a reality.

I think by far the biggest event this year will be my oldest starting high school. I'm not sure if I'm more or less stressed about homeschooling high school than I would be if he were in school. I think it would be stressful either way. He will also be eligible to take his permit test in September and start driving. EEEEK!! Maybe a job for him would be a good goal to throw in there too.

For my 10yo, the goal is to get his digestive issues under control. Some days it seems like we're making progress, and then others not so much. At this point, I am not worried one bit about his schooling. He is so far ahead in everything that whatever he does is fantastic. Yesterday, I order the GAPS Diet book to see if that will help.

On the fitness front this year, we are thinking beyond crazy. I am still attending my fitness classes, usually five days a week. In March or April, my husband started as well. He generally only gets 3 or 4 classes at the most due to work, but it is amazing the difference it has made in him. I'm sure you can guess my crazy goal after easily completing the 5k's last year. I am already registered for my first half marathon in March. I'm thinking a full in the fall. My husband has no desire to run 13 or 26 miles. That is far too boring for him. He loved doing the mud/obstacle races, though. His plan is for the Tough Mudder this spring. That is a crazy 11 or 12 mile obstacle race. Since I can't let him have all the fun, I will be doing that with him. That one is so insane that you have to be 18 to participate, so no kids for that. My goal is to get farther than the first rung on the monkey bars. DH has installed a chin up/pull up bar in the garage to aid in reaching that goal.

On the financial front, I think where we went wrong last year is that we didn't have a concrete goal. We broke down and attended Financial Peace University in September. This year we've set our concrete goal to finish baby step 3 by December 31. Now we just have to figure out how to make that happen. This will be like another obstacle race. We have to make it happen along with needing a new washer/dryer, a roof on the house, a fence for the back yard, and pay for all our races. We probably also need to think about a second car. Then, there's that other crazy idea in the back of my head. I'm going to leave you in suspense on that one for now. Oh, there's also talk about a trip to go visit family this summer. Why can't this be simple like the fitness goals? Maybe the side goal of chickens could help with this a bit. I did recently find out that I get to review homeschool curriculum again, so hopefully that can at least help in the spending department.

One Year Later

One year ago, I embarked on a journey. Well, actually, it was a three month weight loss/healthy gain contest. I can do anything for three months, right? Even though it was only for three months, I had my doubts as to whether or not I'd be able to do it. You see, one year ago, I was highly addicted to food. I was even more addicted to sweet food. I was most addicted to ice cream. I had struggled for the last 12 years, since my oldest son was born, to lose the weight. I had tried diets, but was seriously unsuccessful. I failed because I did not have the tools nor the proper information to succeed.

What was different this time?

1. It was a contest. I am just slightly competitive.
2. It had a deadline. In three months, when it didn't work, I could go back to the way I had been living and be just fine.
3. I was ready. Seeing some of the health struggles that older relatives were going through, made me realize that I needed to make changes now. Seeing what the all natural soap did for my skin, made me wonder what would happen if I applied that same principle on the inside.
4. I wanted my kids to be healthy, and to learn to be healthy at an early age.

After three months, I was about 20 pounds lighter. My face was clearer. My headaches were nearly gone. I was off the daily sinus pill and ibuprofen regimen. I felt better than I had ever felt. Why would I give that up and go back to the way I had been living? That is when the journey really began.

After one year, I am now 50 pounds lighter and I am once again finding myself in need of smaller pants. I did let up some after the first three months. I had the 80/20 philosophy. I figured as long as I mostly adhered to the plan, if I was out with others I could splurge. Over time, the splurging is becoming less and less. Once you start eating REAL food, homemade goodness, the rest of the junk out there seems gross. Every day, I am learning more and more. I have accumulated a lot of great recipes. I no longer enjoy eating out. I no longer enjoy convenience foods. For example, I made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It was dairy free and contained no processed sugar. The crust was homemade. It was delicious. I enjoyed it with some coconut milk ice cream and it was fabulous. I didn't have to feel guilty about it either. There was nothing bad in it. It was even made with a real pumpkin that I had pureed myself. For Christmas, someone else provided a store bought pie. The ingredient list was 1/2 a mile long, loaded with bad stuff. I tasted it. That's it, just tasted it. I'm sure a year ago, it would've tasted great to me. It was not good at all.

One year later, body and lifestyle makeover is here to stay. Do I have adversaries? Yes, I do. You would think that the dramatic changes would be enough to convince anyone that, "Hey, maybe she's got something there. Maybe I should watch and learn." Many have said that to me. Unfortunately, it's always those closest that are the hardest to convince. I have been accused of depriving my children. I am depriving my children by feeding them good food and trying to keep them healthy? Yes, that's a logical argument. I do allow my children to have the same treats others are having when we are out. I do occasionally still treat them to pizza. They are growing and are healthy. They have healthy teeth, for the most part, except for the one my 8yo decided to knock out a couple weeks ago at the park. No, I don't think my children are deprived in any sense of the word. Yet, I still find the need to defend myself against my attackers. Did I mention the attackers are the same as mentioned in point number 3 above? Enough on that already.

What's next? The journey is not complete. I am still learning every day. I don't think the journey will ever be complete. It is the same with my spiritual journey. Every day, I am trying to be the best that God wants me to be. Every day, that means something different. This physical journey is very much connected to that. I could not have done any of this without God. He is guiding my journey all the way.

That leads me to where He wants me to go next. This next year is going to be a totally different kind of makeover. I have been under serious conviction lately that I need to change the way I look at money. At age 16, I started working at a bank. I excelled in my high school accounting classes, and majored in business in college. I know how to balance my checkbook and work from a very limited budget. It's not about the math. It's about the attitude. I am going to work this year at taking frugal to a whole new level. I need to be a better steward with that which God has blessed my family. Get ready to join me on my 2011 Money Makeover.