Resolution...or not?

    It's that time of year again. That awkward limbo between Christmas and New Years where everyone is thinking and talking about making a new years resolution. All I can think about is that in all the years I've been making resolutions, I've never once achieved what I set out to do.
    I don't know what it is about the term Resolution that seems so...unattainable. Maybe it's the finality I feel when I say it. Like I'll NEVER do something again... Honestly, my will power isn't that great. So this year, I'm doing something that I've had more success with.

     Instead a resolution I'm setting smaller, monthly goals and tracking them on the board in my office.

   The board is kind of self explanatory when you look at the over all weight goal, I mean, it takes up most of the board. But this year isn't just about getting my weight under control (now that my health is a little better). 2017 is going to a year dedicated to my whole person, an idea I got from my best friend. 

   The blue and white chart on the bottom left hand corner kicks January off with a 30 Day relationship challenge. This is designed to strengthen the relationship with my Hunka Hunka Burnin Love, cuz lets face it. 8 years has made us comfortable and complacent. Directly following this chart is a 30 Day munchkin activity chart. Everyday for 30 days, we'll do something big or small with the kiddos. With me going back to work after 5 years of stay at home parenthood, I want to make sure the kids feel balance. I have a ton of anxiety over how this transition will affect those relationships.

Finally, the Biggest and most amazing part of this journey will be the reward of spending my son's, my hubby's and my birthdays in WALT DISNEY WORLD! In case you didn't already know.....I'm OBSESSED!

Anyway, this board acts as a monthly tracker where as my amazing Erin Condren planner (there will be a future post) will act as my daily reminder. I believe that between these two tools and the support of the best Hubby in the world, I'll actually achieve my goals in 2017.

What are your resolutions or goals for 2017?

Getting Healthy Back

......I am unhealthy.

It would be easy to say that this is caused by the laundry list of health issues I have, in part...that may be true. But the reality is I have terrible diet and exercise habits. I never work out anymore. I eat to much junk food, stay up too late and drink way to much pop.

I'm not giving up my coffee.

So what now? Do I make some resolution I won't keep in 2017 about being healthier? Do I rush off the deep end and commit myself to some insane fitness program? Do I set goals at a slow and steady turtles pace? How do I fix the terrible things I've done to my body?

Honestly, I don't know. All I do know is that change has to happen....and soon.

What a Mess.....pt 2

Sunday night, I started to tell you about the mess my health has created. My Endometriosis has gotten ridiculous, it was taking over my life in the worst way. It scares me to see my fitness journal--the log of my pain days vs. good days--and to know on those pain days my children suffer the most. Because on those pain days....I just can't get down and play tea party or put on a puppet show or bake or whatever they want to do.

I wish that was the last of my major issues. Unfortunately what I thought was just just a hypothyroid disorder turned out to be Hashimoto's Disease.

Hashimoto's Disease: an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. In people with Hashimoto's, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body's needs.

Symptoms:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• paleness or puffiness of the face
• joint and muscle pain
• constipation
• inability to get warm
• difficulty getting pregnant
• hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
• irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• depression 
• slowed heart rate

 Honestly, this is still a REALLY new diagnosis. (Just a few days old) So, I'm still learning about it and what I need to do to get better.

So far, it looks like a MAJOR diet overhall. Apparently, to avoid thyroid inflammation (and a worsening of symptoms) I need to avoid: Gluten, Soy products, Nuts & Seeds, Beans, genetically modified foods, most oils artificial sugars and coffee.

Houston, we have a problem......Momma is a Starbucks addict.

For the first 8 weeks, while I detox my body and get used to this ridiculously strict diet, I will be using the "Against All Grain" cook books by Danielle Walker. I'm terrified of losing all the things I love to eat, but more importantly I'm afraid of how my body will rebel against me if I don't do something to appease my thyroid demons.

Wish me luck?