My physical well-being: I would give myself an 8 out of 10 in this area. I have worked extremely hard over the last two years to improve my physical health. I have lost nearly 170 pounds and went from a 28W to a 12 in jeans. I am more physically active today than I have ever been in my life and I love it. There are areas of my physical health that are not optimal (which is why I did not give myself a full 10). I do have arthritis in my knees and I do not eat 100% clean/organic. My goal in this area is to improve the quality of food I am putting into my body consistently (that is the key...consistency) and to continue to workout regularly.
My spiritual well-being: This is a challenging area for me. I am not religious, but I do consider myself spiritual. I believe there is a higher connectedness in the universe and that all things come together to create the larger picture. Additionally, I believe that what energy I put out is returned to me, which is why I strive to be positive in even the most challenging situations, and I always take time to see others' point of view. The people closest to me would also tell you I am consistently kind, generous, helpful, compassionate, and genuinely supportive/encouraging. So, I suppose I would give myself another 8 out of 10 in this area. As for a goal...I am not quite sure.
My psychological well-being: I am going to give myself yet another 8 out of 10. In March 2011 I sought the help of a therapist because my psychological well-being was in shambles. In June of this year I was released from therapy after making such wonderful strides. I cope better with stress today than I ever have. I am mentally and emotionally more calm/at peace. The biggest portion, though, is that I now am to the point where I can express emotion without allowing them to control me. This is something I struggled with greatly before therapy and am thankful to have such a better handle on. My goal in this area is to continue to utilize the tools taught to me by my therapist and grow into an even better version of myself than I am today.
Our relaxation exercise this week was "Rainbow Meditation." This technique utilizes chakras and their associated colors (7 colors, 7 regions of the body). We moved from the base of the spine (red) up through the top of the head (violet). Each area of the body/spine correlated to a different color. I found this exercise a little easier than last week's. I still struggled to keep my mind clear and to really relax, but I do feel as though I did better than last week. As we move forward through the weeks, I believe I will get better at clearing my mind and really relaxing. I am looking forward to it!
Until next time,
-Erica
I think you have wonderful goals that are totally achievable. I applaud you for seeking the help of a therapist. I too have been there. Only I hit a stand still and she had me stop going after only maybe 3-4 months. One day I'd like to go back to just "check in," you know? It's funny, I had a harder time this week with the relaxation exercise. But I agree, I think I'll improve as time goes on as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess! I enjoyed therapy, personally. However, I do know a lot of people that struggle with one-on-one therapy because they find it difficult to open up to a stranger. I'm an extrovert, so I have no problem talking and talking and talking and getting their insight/opinion. I enjoy (probably more than the average person) talking aloud to hash through things. This is probably why therapy was so successful for me. :) I look forward to seeing how you progress each week as well.
Delete-Erica
Erica, the discipline it takes to lose that much weight in that time frame shows that you should be rated much higher. I think the fact that you are trying to better yourself inside and outside prove that you are on the right path towards inner peace. Congratulations and you are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCraig
Thanks, Craig! It does take discipline...and lots of it! I still struggle with the ebb and flow of motivation (even after all this time), which is normal. Interestingly enough I find I am (on average) less motivated now than I was at 340+ pounds. My goals, of course, are different now as well. I would still like to lose a little more weight (maybe 15-ish pounds), but mostly I am working on flexibility, stability, and strength. Thankfully I really do *love* working out and I *love* my gym (which is also my place of employment these days). :)
Delete-Erica
Hi Erica,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog -- the warmth of the colors contrasted with the red and plum. It ties in with the season. I have a little weight to lose so I am blogging with those who have like-minded goals. I champion your loss and encourage you to continue to lose during the holidays ahead. Chocolate is my red light food. I will be returning to my gym. I hope I can get there this week to get into the pool. I also do yoga and of course my tai chi/chi kung as well as some various meditations. I look forward to dialoging with you this term.
Warm regards, Roberta