My Thriver Journey

My Focus

2009-05-28T09:52:00.003-04:00

Romans 12

Living Sacrifices

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My strength is not my own. My determination is not my own. My success is not my own.

All Glory and Honor and Praise is YOURS God. I am so incredibly thankful.

It's so easy to be lazy. But hard work and determination always pay off and the rewards are more than we could ever really realize.

Upcoming goals! and The Greatest Thriver contest is coming to an end...

2009-05-17T07:46:00.003-04:00

...and while it makes me sad that I won't have the assured times of meeting together with my fellow Thrivers, this is a small town we live in folks! We'll see each other!

I have two more specific goals set for the next several months. I want to be down 2 more sizes by August, and I have two....not one, but TWO 5K runs I am going to participate in!! And I am NOT a runner! But I will be! One is the first week of August and the second one is in October. A friend asked me if I wanted to do it and at first I was apprehensive, but when I stopped to think about it, I realized....I CAN DO THIS!!! It's only 3 miles!

Next thing ya know, I'll be doin' a mini! ;)

Waves

2009-04-20T09:48:00.003-04:00

That's what I find my blogging comes in....waves. It really isn't an indication of how I'm doing, it's an indication of how busy my life is....and my priorities. Sorry...the blog is pretty far down on the list right now. And it's also about how creative I'm feeling, and I'm really not feeling the writing thing. Odd, because I'm DEFINITELY a talker! ;)

I've finally hit my 30 lbs off mark. BUT....I'm working, day by day, to NOT get caught up with the NUMBER! It's just a NUMBER! A number does NOT define me. The smaller sizes help me indicate more of how I'm doing. The way I FEEL is how I can tell how I'm doing. I'm making a point to stay focused on my goals....each and EVERY day. This is COMPLETELY becoming a lifestyle change for me. A LIFE change. It isn't a contest for me anymore. I just needed The Greatest Thriver to give me a kick start and an accountability and a good long look at how I was living with my addiction to food. Yep! I said ADDICTION! And I'm kickin' that addiction to the curb! And like most addictions, I have to CHOOSE to make the right choices and sometimes I fall....but the difference at this time in my life is that I get RIGHT back on and move FORWARD...not back.

Be TRUE to yourself. By making excuses you aren't hurting anyone but yourself. CHOOSE to live a healthy, guilt-free lifestyle of eating.....I am, and it sure is paying off!

A New Fire!

2009-04-01T08:12:00.003-04:00

I think a new fire has been lit under me! Do you have ANY idea what 22 people, an instructor with a mic on, and an incredible atmosphere can do for a gal in the middle of a spin class that she's never tried once in her life?? :) Let me tell you...it was a solid hour of nothin' but S.W.E.A.T! And it felt GOOOOOOD!! :)

I'm on vacation in Tennessee...visiting some wonderful friends, and it just so happens that only a short 3 minute drive from their house brings you to the most amazing fitness complex I've ever seen or experienced. It's called The Rush. Check out their website... http://www.therush247.com/ It truly is a RUSH of adrenaline, energy, excitement, etc.

I'm indulging a little bit once in a while, but still making very wise choices and trying to get in a lot of water....this week, the workouts aren't the issue! :) I'm praying to keep last weeks momentum up, as I lost 6 lbs in one week....I have a specific goal in mind for the week of Easter, and that's only a week and a half away! Staying away from the chocolate bunnies and Reeces eggs! LOL!

I'm off once again to work out...I pray each of you find your groove and know deep within your heart that you're SO worth every calorie you're counting and every drop of sweat you're sweating!

Blessings!
Kim

PROMISE!!

2009-03-28T00:06:00.003-04:00

It's spring break, and the computer is goin' with us, so I promise on some of my down time this week, I'll update! :) It's ALL good!! I've found my fire again, just like in the beginning of this journey. I have fun things to share and maybe a little insight too, of things I'm realizing along this journey called "getting healthy"! :)

Blessings!!!
Kim

check back soon!

The Plan

2009-03-11T05:34:00.004-04:00

Sticking with "The Plan", I'm going to post my workout schedule...ya'll ask me, challenge me, keep me accountable...please! ;)

Monday:
teach water aerobics in morning (cardio)
weight resistance in evening

Tuesday:
5:30am cardio workout

Wednesday:
teach water aerobics in morning (cardio)
weight resistance in evening

Thursday:
5:30am cardio workout

Friday:
5:30am cardio workout AND weight resistance

Occasional Saturday morning workouts...as spring and summer approaches, cardio will be OUTSIDE on these days! (Oh Lord, please let this be soon!!)

Okay, so it is written!! LOL! If it's on the blog, does that mean stone?

Blessings!
Kim

Re-Evaluation

2009-03-10T15:57:00.004-04:00

So I realize it's been two months since updating my Thriver Journey blog. That's because I've been in a rut. Not motivated. Not excited. Not disciplined. But today is the beginning of a new plan and execution!!

I started a new job, and because I'm at that job through lunchtime, rather than go down the road and get something unhealthy to eat at a local fat food joint, and because I haven't been managing my morning time well enough, I don't pack a lunch and I just skip it all together some days. New plan: keep healthy snacks handy in the morning so I can grab a few of them, throw them in my bag and just go. Healthy snacks (an apple, granola bar, dry cereal, nuts, etc) every couple of hours through the day is better than not eating at all.

Because I started the new job, my workout times have had to be severely adjusted. So I've been making excuses a lot, and just been going to the gym, in the evenings, 3 days a week. If I'm going to hit my goals and move the fat off this body, I MUST work out 5 days a week....NO.MORE.EXCUSES!

Needless to say, this re-evaluation came from my weigh-in today. I HAVEN'T gained a pound! But I haven't lost any either...

Re-evaluate, Re-commit, Plan and execute!!

17 weeks of changing habits

2009-01-29T08:15:00.003-05:00

The "experts" (whoever THEY are) say that it takes 21 days to change a habit. I've been on this journey for 17 weeks...that's 119 days. I think they need to factor in a lot more than I have been.

Take, for instance, holidays. When you're trying to make better eating & exercise "habits", a holiday thrown in here or there just might make a difference. Another "wrench" that can be thrown in the "changing habits" mix is birthdays...and bronchitis!! In other words.....LIFE HAPPENS!

My habits haven't changed so much that I can resist temptation and focus 24/7 on exercise and healthy eating, but that's what this is all about.....it's a JOURNEY. I'm not sure when I'll reach my destination, or if I ever will...but I'll keep going forward and pray that with each passing day, my habits are changing.

I grabbed this from an article I was recently reading about changing habits...

Think "half full" and take these steps to help you change your behavior:

1. Pinpoint the habit you want to change and analyze it. When and where do you do it? Why do you do it? Be specific about how you do it.

2. Describe what you'd like to do instead. Be specific. Write it down.

3. Develop a new routine that will help your new habit take root. You may need to change your environment, if possible.

4. Be consistent. Remember, you'll need to practice the new behavior every day for 21 days. Skipping a day and thinking "just this once won't matter" will lead you to failure. When you stray from the new habit, you don't pick up where you left off. You start over! And the more often you start over, the more difficult it will be to succeed.

5. Ask for help. This is hard to swallow for some. But if you're honest with yourself, you rarely make significant achievements without the support of others. Choose wisely. You'll need to trust those people and be sure they will tell you want you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

To date, I've lost 23 lbs and 18 3/4 inches in 17 weeks. I'm proud of that. BUT....I'm feeling better, my bronchitis is 99.9% gone, the holidays are past for another year, and peanut butter rice krispy treats with chocolate icing are from birthdays past, so GAME ON!!!!!

.....um, what about SuperBowl Sunday!?!? ;)

Small setback

2009-01-18T07:33:00.008-05:00

Well, maybe not a setback, but I little stall in my exercise...

All due to a pretty severe case of bronchitis I'm battling right now. UGH!

Walking up and down my stairs here at home make me lose my breath, and then cough, and then cough some more....

So, while I'm sticking with the healthy eating for now, much more than a simple walk around the house is out for me.

I've heard from Tammy, Greg,
and Linda on their journeys of getting healthier...tell me how YOU'RE doing!

...sneaking in....

2009-01-14T21:18:00.006-05:00

HELLO!!! :::echo::: I know.....I know......I've failed miserably at blogging!!!

I've accepted it and moved on....now you do the same. ;)

The past few weeks haven't been bad at all, they've just been overly busy and a little bit stressful. I haven't done horrible in my eating, but I have failed in the food journal category, so I'm sure I could have done much better.

I'm down a total of 23 lbs from September 23rd...so almost 4 months. We have 4 more months on this particular "monitored" journey, so I'm shooting for at least 25-30 more off by the end of May.

I've started teaching water aerobics and I'm not sure I could love it any more than I already do! It's a blast! And all my fears and anxiety and feelings of inadequecy were dispelled the first week that I taught. The ladies in the class are AWESOME! and so incredibly encouraging, for which I'm mighty mighty grateful. I'm looking forward to having a long "employment" there and keeping this up even after my Greatest Thriver journey ends. :)

I've had Mike take another pic of me tonight, just so I could continue to monitor my progress in pictures. I'm obviously not going to be vain, because I'm showing you these non-makeup, non-hairdo pictures!...

September 08

January 09

I'll doll myself up soon and take some better pictures. HAHA!

Oh, and I almost forgot to post some of the best news....we did measurements this week! I've lost a TOTAL of 18 3/4 inches!!! OH MY GOSH! I KNEW my butt was smaller! ;)

Hey!

2008-12-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

Where'd that 4 pounds go?

Changing our Habits

2008-12-05T20:37:00.005-05:00

My blogging has fallen on the way side. I'm sorry for the lack in posting and updating. I guess I need to at least give ya'll a nibble once in a while, huh? :)

Things are going well. I'm feeling great, I'm eating well, I'm increasing in my exercise routine each week. My clothes are getting more and more loose! YAY! My total weight loss to date is 16 lbs. We haven't measured recently, but I know I've lost even more inches.

Thanksgiving week was difficult. Not with my eating on Thanksgiving day. The odd schedules with meals and exercise threw me off a little, and I gained a pound. BUT...I didn't let it get me down. I'm even more focused and on track this week, so I'm counting on making up for that pound and losing even more. :)

I shared these thoughts with some dear, wonderful cheerleaders of mine....

Seriously...one day at a time here....but I'm really very excited about my journey right now and where it may possibly take me. I have these crazy ideas that get me all giddy inside. :) I'm really beginning to feel my habits changing.

So....my goal for this week is to stay focused on the health aspect of what I'm doing and make a more conscience effort to change my daily habits.

Happy Health and Bountiful Blessings!
Kim

Set a good example!

2008-11-24T21:42:00.005-05:00

It has come to my attention that my Thriver Journey blog has been recommended for viewing as an example of journaling, sharing experiences, etc. Well, my fellow Thrivers, obviously I'm not so good at keeping up with my blog, because it's been 12 days since I've updated! UGH!

So here goes...as we are already into the week of Thanksgiving!

I'm going to pass along some great advice...given by my illustrious trainer!

This is a LIFEstyle change we're making. NOT a quick fix. We're changing bad habits that we've made over the course of several years, if not our entire lives, into good habits and it's going to take a while to do this.

Thanksgiving comes ONCE a year. Enjoy it! Don't gorge yourself, but allow yourself to taste all the amazing Thanksgiving food without ANY of the guilt. Have a piece of pumpkin pie! But have a smaller piece. Have some stuffing, but just have a couple of bites instead of a cup or two! (speaking from experience here!)

My plan is to eat a few less calories the day before and a few less the day after.....it will all balance out! I don't want to show a gain this week because of what I ate, but I'm also not going to feel guilty for one bit of it.

I'm thankful for SO much this year, but in regards to my new, healthy lifestyle....I'm incredibly thankful for The Greatest Thriver program. I don't know what is different for me this time, embracing the new habits, exercise, etc., but Thriver has given me the push I needed and Laurie (and Amber!!) encourages me every step of the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This picture was taken several weeks ago...

And this one was taken just last week...I can tell a difference, can you? :)

I'm shrinking!!! :)

2008-11-12T13:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was measurement day!!! 6 weeks since I started my journey. 11.6 lbs lighter, and 14 inches G.O.N.E. from my body!! I'm thrilled with the way I'm feeling, both physically and emotionally, about myself, my journey, and the new and improved way I'm looking at food! :)

Victory...deep within

2008-11-07T11:35:00.004-05:00

I think I'm getting it....a little teeny tiny step at a time. :) I showed another 2 lb loss this week, but more than that, I'm starting, just STARTING to finally get it in my heart what I've known in my head for so long. This is a true lifestyle change. And I'm making life long choices. And I don't have to DEPRIVE myself of things I love, just make BETTER CHOICES!! ;)

Laurie told me that it's almost like a grieving process we have to go through....grieving the loss, whether good or bad, of the lifestyle I used to live. Not really giving a rip and paying for it with my health. Now, as I fight this battle within myself of good vs. not so good, I'm finding small victories that I can absolutely celebrate and accept and move on to the next one!!

I'm going to a yummy restaurant tomorrow night and we're having a fried chicken dinner. Am I going to pass on it?? NO WAY! But I'll make better choices and have very small portions and savor EVERY.SINGLE.BITE.

Find your victories in each day, rejoice in them, thank God for leading you through them, and make good choices!

Love and Blessings!
Kim

I need a KICK!

2008-11-03T12:50:00.004-05:00

In the butt!!!!!!!

I'm in a slump. I know that every single day I can't be absolutely THRILLED that I'm working out, etc., but I want the excitement I first felt a month ago!

Any suggestions?

It's Been A Rough One Folks!

2008-10-27T11:32:00.004-04:00

I'm going to pray that some grace will be extended for the past few days of not writing down one single item that went into my mouth. I know that there were undoubtedly a few things I "shouldn't" have eaten, mostly because of the amount of calories they contained, but I didn't go overboard and hog wild. I was just simply too busy to have ANY order to my eating OR my journaling. The wedding (my niece got married this weekend) was sweet, the reception, food, cake, etc was well received, and I did a whole lot of NOTHING yesterday! It was nice.

BUT......

I'm focused and back on track this morning, ready for a new week. :) I had a breakfast full of protein, and my morning snack held a lot of protein as well. I've already been through 48oz. of water, and I'm working on my next bottle full. This way I'll be ready for my workout, postponed from this morning to this afternoon.

I'm ready! Look out world! Here I come! :)

Mid-week Update!

2008-10-22T20:53:00.003-04:00

Hello out there to those of you who are still following me on this journey! TeeHee...it's only been 3.5 weeks...ya'll are gonna get really tired of me at the end of 8 months. :) Either that or you'll join me on my journey and comment and let me know your own progress! :::hint hint:::

So, I had my weekly meeting with Laurie yesterday and once again my BP was completely normal. :) I'm thrilled about that! She was amazed that I'm not on BP meds...but that I've made this much change in it just by working out and eating right! :)

And...I lost another 2 lbs.....gone forever!! I was a teeny bit disappointed in that, only because I've been working SO hard, not missing my workouts and being careful about counting my calories. But Laurie was VERY pleased with me, and said it was exactly the way I am supposed to take it off, so YAY ME! ;) Then tonight I was talking with my friend Jessica and she pointed out something really cool....."Kim, do you realize that even if you lose 2 lbs a week for a whole year, you'll take off 104 lbs!!" Well, when you look at it that way, then.....WOOHOO!

Today was a good day, and tomorrow is another, so I'm ready to tackle it head on!!

...And What A Week It's Been!!

2008-10-19T16:15:00.003-04:00

It's been a busy, good, sad, challenging, triumphant week. But all in all, in terms of my Thriver Journey, it's ended on a good note.

My greatest challenges this week were making sure I got all the veggies and fruits I need while still on the run constantly. So that's going to be my focus this next week. I was feeling really wiped out and tired on Friday morning, and really did NOT want to go work out. I TRULY am thankful for the accountability I feel this program holds me to, otherwise I would have seriously made some excuses this week. It's a day by day, sometimes moment by moment process. But once I got to the gym every day, and pushed through the exercise, I left feeling triumphant every time. ;)

My BP was COMPLETELY normal this week...even with some stress I was feeling early on in the week...and I lost another 3 lbs., so I'm forging ahead on my journey! I'm excited to see where I'll be in a year, but not focusing on the that. Praying that in the end, the glory of it all goes right back to God.

On a lighter note, I wanted some chocolate today....so we got a small bag of m&ms and I divided them into 4 snack bags. 26 m&ms have 55 calories. ;)

Anxiety that comes with facing the truth.

2008-10-13T12:23:00.008-04:00

I've been embracing this new journey that I'm in the midst of. With joy and excitement and exhiliration!

For the first time this weekend I had extreme anxiety. My heart raced, my breathing became rapid and I had a little mini panic attack. I had to withdrawal from my family for a while, go to the bedroom and lie down, slow my breathing and pray.

All of this was the result of the Greatest Thriver participant's numbers being posted on the website. Now, in all it's glory, I had to become public about my weight. And why the anxiety? Why does it matter? Why did I feel threatened by a NUMBER??

I'm not sure if I was always able to "fool" people about my real weight. Seriously folks, I've never ever, in 20 years, even let my hubby know how much I truly weigh. I don't know if my feelings are prideful, and I think that as long as people don't know the REAL number, that I will never be that heavy. I just don't know. I still have a lot of praying to do about this. About how I'm feeling, and the thoughts I need to process. And I know, TRULY, that the number really DOESN'T matter. I just need my heart to know that.

And for the record...my hubby doesn't care either. ;)

I haven't let this get me down, btw. I was at the gym (my walking partner at the fitness park couldn't come) doing my cardio this morning, listening to my praise music, kickin' some butt!

Me? Love exercise??

2008-10-11T04:30:00.003-04:00

I never would have thought I'd be saying this, but I am LOVING my workout times! I don't know if it's the challenge, the adrenaline, the time I get to just worship and pray as I'm doing it, or what, but I'm truly enjoying it and look forward to going each day! I think a good bit of it is the accountability I feel with this program, and also the challenge. I am determined to win this thing! :) And as I run into fellow "thrivers" out in the public or at the gym, I'm even more driven! ;)

I don't think I've said much about my calorie intake so far. Laurie put me on a plan that reduces my calories in different increments, slowly getting down to 1,100 over 15 weeks. (as my workout regimine increases at the same time) I love the gradual process. I allows me to see the true lifestyle change I'm making, not seeing this as just a "quick fix". I'm doing this for life. I've said that before, but by not having someone to guide me, I've always just drastically reduced my calories all at once, making myself feel like I was starving from the get-go.

My calorie program is as follows:

1900 for two weeks (almost to the end of this two weeks!)
1700 for two weeks
1500 for one week
1700 for two weeks
1500 for two weeks
1300 for one week
1500 for two weeks
1300 for two weeks
1100 for one week

And then we'll reevaluate where I need to be as far as calories/exercise. I have a "meeting" each week with Laurie, to go over my food/thoughts/workout journal, and to get weighed, bp and oxygen taken, etc. I'm even looking forward to those! Who'da Thunk?

Drive-by posting!

2008-10-09T15:54:00.003-04:00

So sorry I haven't updated everyone, and I'm sorry I have to make this a really quick one right now, but so many have been asking how it's going, so thought I'd better take a few minutes at least and let you know that progress is happening!!! YAY! So far my BP is down, my oxygen level is MUCH better, and I've lost 6 lbs!! GO ME! I'm LOVING working out! Truly. It's been a real time of prayer and praise and worship for me and I'm SO thankful for it. More later....promise! Love and Blessings to all!

Now, get out there and move!! ;)

Music is good for the soul...and for the workout!

2008-10-06T11:14:00.003-04:00

Working out is fun for some, difficult for others, boring for yet others....but I've found that the music I listen to really has an impact on how I feel about exercising. It truly does make the time go faster and motivates me to push through to the end.

I just have to remember that I have earbuds in and I really shouldn't sing out loud....

haha

I currently have a mix of my favorite worship songs on my iPod, but I'm going to change it up each week to give myself some variety...such as the playlist here on my blog!

What is your favorite music/songs to work out to?

Blessings!
Kim

A Good Night's Sleep

2008-10-04T08:36:00.004-04:00

I'm finding it more and more crucial that I get a good night's sleep in order to function well the next day. I knew this before, but as I'm changing my diet and working out each day, it's essential for my energy level. I'm going to have two particular goals this week...along with working out, and eating right. Making SURE I get all the water I need, and going to bed early every night...no matter what I'm going to miss on TV. (I can always watch it later online, right?) I drink water most all the time now (except for my morning coffee), but I need to increase my intake especially on weight resistance days. My muscles rebelled a little bit yesterday and it HURT! UGH!

Set a goal or two per week and focus on them! What would your's be?

Headed to the gym now!
Blessings!
Kim

My workout schedule

2008-10-01T14:54:00.003-04:00

Tammy asked about my workout schedule...I guess that would be some helpful information, huh? ;) If ya'll ever have any questions or challenges for me, bring them on! ;)

The company my husband works for recently put in a fitness park on their work grounds. This is for all employees and their families. It has a walking track and outdoor fitness machines.

The Greatest Thriver program provides personal training at two different facilities for the participants of the program. I am working out at Health Ridge. (this is where my personal trainer, Laurie, is also)

So....

Mondays: I'll be doing one hour of walking at the fitness park.
Tuesdays: Meet with Laurie and do cardio and weight resistance for one hour at Health Ridge.
Wednesdays: One hour of walking/fitness machines at fitness park.
Thursdays: One hour of cardio and weight resistance at Health Ridge.
Fridays: One hour of cardio at Health Ridge.
Saturdays: One hour of cardio and weight resistance at Health Ridge.

Only on Tuesdays will I be meeting with Laurie to talk about my week, weigh, etc., but she and her intern are there every day. And let me also say, Amber, Laurie's intern is wonderful as well! She and Laurie are SO encouraging, and the rest of the staff are as well.

That about sums it up for now. As I get further into the program, we'll be changing this up a bit, but this is our plan for right now. :)

And if I have one bit of advice for you, it would be to exercise with a smile on your face! :)

Blessings!!
Kim

You can call me Red! ;)

2008-10-01T11:06:00.003-04:00

It's going to be a little bit more of a challenge than I thought to keep up with this daily, so I think it's going to have to be every few days, unless of course something is on my heart or mind and I need some butt kicking or encouragement or attaboys. :)

The Hubster is joining me on my journey, not only in supporting me, but in looking forward to being healthier physically as well. He's set some goals of his own, and I'm really excited to see him achieve them. Look for him on a bike more often! ;)

Part of my challenge right now is the calorie schedule. Laurie has me on a gradual decrease of calories each week, which obviously is smart, so my body doesn't think it's starving immediately and I can learn new habits, etc. I think my struggle is that I'm so afraid I'm going to eat TOO much that I have it in my head that I should be eating less than I really should. Does that make sense? Anyway, I'm keeping VERY busy counting every single calorie that not only goes into MY mouth, but into Mike's as well, so that's a full-time job! That, and working out...which I'm loving right now, btw, and keeping up with housework, and family schedules.

I know that it's going to get tougher...I'm realistic...but right now, I'm loving the adrenaline that the exercise is producing. I'm trying to get more sleep at night, because I don't want to become overly tired...it's then, especially when the weather changes, that I tend to get sick. I'm standing against sickness this winter and I'm going to exercise it all away! :)

I went to get my bloodwork done on Monday and got the results in the mail today. It would be easy for me to excuse my weight because almost (with the exception of one) EVERY blood level in me is NORMAL! But I've seen the BMI and THAT is the shocker. THAT is what I want reduced. It doesn't have to be weight necessarily, I just want the BMI to go down.

Okay, I've rambled enough...I have workout today at 3:30 and I've got a weekly workout schedule made for myself now. I'm SO excited about it. :) 6 days a week people!! If I can do it, SO CAN YOU!!!! ;)

Blessings!!

oh, and P.S. the title is because of the picture...I'm no longer a blond. I needed a sassy color to go with my new sassy, kick-butt attitude! Thanks Carmen!!!

And the winner is....

2008-09-28T20:01:00.005-04:00

I don't want to come off as arrogant or prideful when I say that I truly believe that I AM Henry County's Greatest Thriver. I WILL succeed at this challenge, and I WILL live as an example to others that they CAN do it! I believe it with all of my heart.

Lord, I commit to you, and to all who are following me through this journey, that I will give it my all. When I get discouraged, I will call on you, and when I succeed, I will give YOU the glory.

thriv·ing. thrived or throve (thrōv), thrived or thriv·en (thrĭv'ən), thriv·ing, thrives

to prosper; be fortunate or successful.
to grow or develop vigorously; flourish: The children thrived in the country.

advance. See succeed.

To make steady progress; prosper.
To grow vigorously; flourish

One who thrives, or prospers.

The Journey Begins

2008-09-24T06:09:00.003-04:00

I was a little bit apprehensive last night, getting ready to go to our first official meeting. Not knowing what to expect, I was trying to keep an open mind, but all the insecurities I keep hidden down deep inside myself started bubbling up, causing some anxiety. I was also excited at the realization of what was about to happen. My anxiety and excitement came through in my elevated BP! And I don't normally HAVE high blood pressure! The scale and measuring of body fat, etc was difficult to swallow, but it's okay. I knew it was going to be hard, and in 8 months, I'm going to look back at this new beginning and be oh so thankful for the incredible blessing.

I'm familiar with all but three of the other people involved in this journey with me, and hope to get to know them all in a more personal way. My trainer is Laurie. Laurie and I go way back and I couldn't be more happy that she's going to be the one kicking my butt! I know she'll be motivating, encouraging, and downright TOUGH! 4 days a week is required of me for training/exercise, but this is a 24/7/365 journey I'm on and it starts NOW! BRING IT ON!!!!!!

"I've called to inform you that you've been selected!"

2008-09-21T20:27:00.001-04:00

To participate in "Henry County's Greatest Thriver" contest!!

(maybe this is going to be our version of THE BIGGEST LOSER)

I cannot possibly explain to you in words how excited I am about this!!!

Information meeting: Tuesday
Official start: Next Monday

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!