Greetings and salutations everyone! I hope everyone has had a nice holiday filled with celebration, good company and the glorious feasting of all sorts of goodies. The year 2010 ended and 2011 ushers in with the new and out with the old. Just to clarify, like I said before, old behaviors will be replaced with new beginnings (resolutions).
I, certainly, have had my share of the devouring of certain goodies since Thanksgiving. The thought has crossed my mind to slap my hand when reaching for that cookie or another helping of stuffing. However, I don't because I gave myself that permission to finish off this year with a "bang" (my button from my pants exploding off and hitting someone in the head from all this indulging).
In addition to holiday overeating, I encountered some personal issues, which led to more overeating! Aaarrrgghhh! I'll be honest (with my halo with horns, ha ha), personal issues have resulted in one of my nemeses - that being that bad word "STRESS." To me, it stands for Sadness and other emotions, Typically, Results with, Eating, Satiable, and Stuff. "STRESS" does not spell relief!
Although, it may be normal to overeat with that proverbial stress monster looming overhead (drooling with the comfort of causing angst in one's life), it is still frustrating while I'm working on losing weight!
I think you can look at stress in one of two ways, good or bad. The kind of good stress could be something like a wedding or going to college (etc.); nevertheless, it does cause stress and usually has an end result of something positive. Unless, of course, you marry someone from "The Munsters" or fail in college.
Now, with "bad" stress; the stress is usually more intolerable (for me) however, after the dust settles, I'm more apt to be able to change that "bad" stress into a personal motivational tool.
That leads me to one of my personal issues in which I've been struggling.
My mom had back surgery (early December) and is currently recovering. Don't get me wrong, I am certainly glad that she went through with the surgery; however, it does cause stress (good and bad).
Up in Columbus while she was in the hospital, I ate voraciously. Initially, it was because she had some complications (she's doing better now) and I was really worried. Afterwards, she stayed at a rehabilitation center for awhile, and I pigged out some more (but not as much while she was in Columbus). Now, she is home and I'm pigging out less and less.
I attribute that to a couple of theories. No. 1: I'm back at home in my own surroundings with my own things. No. 2: The stress is decreasing slowly; therefore I'm more at ease and am able to handle situations better. No. 3: The New Year is almost here and I'm looking forward to all the possibilities that I'm able to accomplish.
I had a thought that popped into my head, while helping take care of my mom. I would like to be a nurse. My desire is great, my heart is strong and I believe I'm able to handle the book-smarts. However, I have two problems; in fact, two very large problems. If I see or smell puke - I'll puke. If I see blood - I'll pass out. There goes that idea.
With all seriousness, the year 2011 is my year. I ate that so-called good luck food of kraut and pork last year and it turned out to be a crappy year. With that being said, I have great vibes for myself for 2011. Whatever it takes for my health, I'll do it; exercise, drinking more water, eating smaller portions, keeping a food diary and etc.
I do not have an accurate weight this time. I know I gained some weight (from the holidays and due to some stress from personal issues) but I don't know how much. I tried to weigh myself on my parents' scale (not my usual scale that I weigh myself on). As I stepped on the scale, it grumbled and gasped, "get off me!" I knew at that time it was time to get back on track. Until next time ...
Casi Stewart can be reached at casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue appears every other Monday on the Life page.
