I wore these pants my senior year of high school. They are perfect red cords. The fit, the style, the color, the comfort level. I loved them. Did you ever have pants like that? Maybe some jeans that when you buttoned them, the world seemed to fall into place. I wore these to most everything that fall, parties, dress-down days (I went to a uniformed, Catholic high school), Saturdays hanging out. In fact, I remember I was wearing these pants when I got my acceptance letter to The College of Charleston (my alma mater). Sixteen years later, I still own these pants. I dug them out of the back of my closet this week. I’m not going to tell you that they fit. They don’t. But rather than sentimental hangers on taking up my precious closet space, I kind of feel like there’s hope that maybe some day I’ll wear them again.
I’ve learned plenty this month.
- I am not on a diet. I have made some major changes to what I eat and my approach to food. I feel especially good about this, like major breakthrough good because obviously it’s working.
- Exercise isn’t a chore. It doesn’t have to be something to dread. In fact, exercising can mean more than just good health. It can mean me time, time to enjoy the world around me, time to appreciate all I have.
- I can get a good workout at home, in the back yard or around the neighborhood or inside even. I don’t need the gym, and if simple works, then I should do it.
- I do feel better when I workout and eat well. I’m stronger, happier, I’ve been sleeping better. Amazing.
- This might be my favorite lesson from this month: I’m doing this for more than just myself. I am setting a healthy example for my children, working to make healthy a priority for my entire family. It’s amazing the difference I can make for my children just through healthy actions.
This morning I ran my stairs and did sit ups and push ups. Tonight for dinner we at salmon and yellow squash. Tomorrow I am going to a yoga class (yes, I confirmed it’s on). Each day is a new dedication to feel healthy and better, to feel stronger and more capable. And each day is an opportunity to get a little closer to my red cords.
How did your 30 Days go? What did you learn? Are you looking forward to August?
Go Anna! Great month for you….. make it a “next 365 days” goal for you instead of just a month! You’ll be so happy you did it. I’ve never been happier exercising like I do now and I really look forward to it too.
Thanks, Angela! I think you’re right that exercise is becoming something I actually need in my life, not only physically but mentally as well. I’m super excited for yoga tonight. And even thinking about where to exercise when I go out of town in a couple of weeks. What a difference! Now for the rest of the year . . .
Congrats on such an awesome month! I love that line about not being on a diet. So often people assume you are on a diet just because you are choosing to eat healthier. How sad is that?
It’s totally sad, Jacki. Like losing weight is the only reason to eat healthy. But I guess you’re tapping in on a big part of why our nation has issues with weight and obesity. Thanks for the visit!
I am so glad that the past 30 days have been so good for you! I completely agree that you can get a good workout at home, by the way. I’m a huge fan of workout DVDs.
I’ve tried a couple of DVDs, and the music drives me bananas. So if I can get into the swing of things with the routine, then I like to mute the TV and turn on my own music. But you’re right. I should look into more DVDs to spice things up a bit.
Anna - I think I remember seeing those red jeans a few times! I am loving your blog from Charleston WV - so glad to find it. And I love what you did to your back yard. Keep up the great blog, it’s terrific!
I’m sure you did see them, Sara! Thank you so much for visiting and the kind words.
I’ll see you soon!
i think you just got your mojo back, girl! i can remember that low, out-of-shape feeling, and just how good it feels just to do positive for yourself. it’s more appreciated from your new “vantage point”. you go, anna!
Thanks Kathy! I’m certainly on my way.
WOW !!!!!!!!! I had some velvet striped hip huger bell bottoms from college in the early 70′s. would love to have those pants back and to get into them. LOVED yur Process and logic and motivation. May try it myself ! but oh, those pants are long gone !!!!! ( not the memories tho !!!!)
Love hearing about those velvet-striped hip huggers, Aunt Sallie. Awesome! And I hope there are pictures.
My husband and I both can relate. It’s funny, we were both in better shape before we got married. People always said it’s normal to gain about 15 pounds when you get married and that is exactly what we did. He stopped running and I stopped step aerobics I guess because neither one of us liked to do what the other was doing. We did find a happy medium in hiking but then we started working too much and too tired to go. It’s not easy to eat right and find time to exercise, that is why it has to become a lifestyle. By the way, I went on a cord frenzy myself only about two years ago and I have a collection now of grey, red, green, winter white, and tan. I LOVE them in the winter..
Keep up the good work,
Stephanie
A Blessed Home
Stopping by from SITS-Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie. I’m so glad to hear from a fellow cord lover.
Exercise really is something you have to schedule in, isn’t it? I know that if I don’t plan for it, then I totally won’t do it, which is part of the reason I struggle on a Monday-I never plan for exercise on the weekends (like this morning). I need to write it on the calendar.
I have recently adopted a healthy lifestyle as well. I’m not trying to lose weight, just feel better. It’s slow going, but I am proud of all the hard work I’ve put into it.
Good luck with the pants. They’re awesome!
Happy Sharefest!
Thanks! And good luck to you. I do notice that I feel better over all. Plus, I’m sleeping better, which helps my feeling good overall too.
Great job! I think being an example for your family is an important lesson we all can learn. I know watching my sister take chargenof her health has been a great wake up call for me.
It’s the beauty of community I think. Everyone is stronger when surrounded by positive forces. Like peer pressure for good things.