So grateful!

     Last week was one that I felt would take forever to recover from, but that hasn't been the case at all.  I have felt so strengthened by the support and encouraging words from so many people, even some I hardly  know:)  I would guess that a majority of them probably didn't even realize that they were helping me, but they were.  So, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  When your feeling weak, it's really good to be reminded that other's are watching, that they care, and that they just might even be learning something from you.  


     I  have had such a good week without having to worry about fitting little treats into my daily calories. I have still had my moments that were difficult, but it hasn't been about food. I want to learn the right way to deal with those things, and not complicate matters with the extra burden of using food as a coping mechanism.


     I had some thoughts this week about eating to live instead of living to eat.  I remember seeing a quote along those lines on some little wooden board in a restaurant when I was young. At that time in my life, it was a point I had never considered, but it struck a chord in me then, and has ever since. I feel like I am finally catching on to the right way of thinking.  This week, rather than thinking of what I wanted to eat in order to comfort myself, or celebrate, or be extra indulgent just because...  I was instead thinking of what I could eat quickly and healthily so I could get going with all the things that needed doing instead of eating.  Life is so good, definitely too good to waste on filling my body with empty stuff that leaves me feeling too tired and too sad to take care of the people I love.  If I had taken better care of myself and had some 'bad' food every once in a while it might be totally different. That however isn't the case. I let it take over my whole thinking and sadly, it had in a way become the object and design of my existence. It feels wonderful to not be 'living' for the next treat high. I am a much better person with out that.
    One of my friends Jen C. sent me a sweet message this week with a really amazing thought.  I asked her if I could share it and she said I could. "Life happens sometimes, and we have to know that pointing in the right direction is better than facing the way we were."  I really needed to hear that at the end of last week! It kind of gave me permission to admit it's hard, while encouraging me to keep on going.  
   
    Just an update on the EKG test...The heart saga continues.  I am getting an echo tomorrow which is basically an ultra sound of the heart. So hopefully we will see what is going there soon. My torn tummy muscle is almost better and I am loving my workouts!  I feel so blessed to have the help of  my team of pro's, and for the support and encouragement of family and friends like you!!