Finding the Angel Within

As many of you are aware, I started my weight loss journey about a year and half ago, and it has been one of the most challenging, but rewarding activities that I have ever accomplished. About a month ago, I received an e-mail from a friend inviting me to join her Relay for Life team that will happen the first weekend of June. As I read the information about the race, I thought to myself that I'm going to have to keep myself motivated and focused. However, I'm very excited to participate in the relay!

Ironically, about a week ago I received a phone call from a friend who informed me that she just got back from her doctor and she was informed that she had to lose a lot of weight. She said that she felt scared and was not sure how she was going to go about accomplishing this goal. She asked me if I would be willing to share my story and tips about how I have been accomplishing my goal. I seriously thought about it and agreed; however, I wanted her to know that I believe that weight loss is a personal journey, and that there is no specific way or diet to lose weight. It is all about eating healthy and giving our bodies excercise.

As I reflected about my journey, there is a book that I have read three times during the past year that has kept me motivated. The book is titled "Running with Angels" by Pamela H. Hansen. Like myself the author of this book has experienced loss, grief, and depression in her life. However, after she had miscarried a baby she decided that she needed to embrace life and become physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy so her journey began leading her to accomplishing three marathons. In her book, she uses several quotes and here are a few of my favorites. I sometimes write these quotes down and tape them to my bathroom mirror or take them to the gym with me so I can look at them and read them and recall why I'm choosing to excercise and eat healthy. Here are some of her quotes.

1. "Drawing on our life's experiences helps us have more compassion for others."
2. "Finding time for ourselves does not automatically mean that we are neglecting or taking time away from others."
3. "Smaller, incremental steps will lead you steadily toward your ultimate goal."
4. "Change takes place one step at a time."
5. "Embracing love and support from others will help us in whichever life race we run."
6. "Prepare for Success"

Each day is a challenge for me to eat healthy and go to the gym, but then I think about this statement "There is a high price for heaviness." And that is so true! Sometimes life throws us large curve balls, and as a result for some of us food becomes comforting. I love this quote that Pamela shares in her book which states, "When something is so painful, we are willing to do anything to feel better, even when we know better. Often it takes angelic nurturing from someone in our earthly lives to help us to see the light at the end of the tunnel." I personally have had and currently have several angels in my life. Often times these people do not even realize that they have helped me. For example, the other day I was in the gym having difficulty picking up my pace on the treadmill because I felt tired when one of my gym buddies came over and said, "Wow, Heidi you look healthy and strong." I then thought I am strong and I really want to do that relay in June so it is time to pick up the pace. During that moment, I do not think that person recognized how much I needed to hear that statement, but it truly encouraged me to keep going. Bottom line I believe we all need those earthly angels in our lives and I'm grateful for mine.

I'm also thankful for a wonderful and suppotive husband. He is always encouraging me to be my best, and even when he has a large paper to write and the kids are yelling and carrying on he tells me "Leave go workout. I have it under control." And the best part is he truly means it because he loves to see me happy! He is a good man! If anyone in the Seattle area would like to join our relay team send me an e-mail through facebook or @ 4walkerfamily@gmail.com.