Inspired

It’s amazing what a difference a day can make.

Last night, I was sitting on my couch and ashamedly writing about my food issues.  As a blogger, I share a lot about myself… about the silly things I do, about what I eat, but it’s different when you start sharing how you feel.  That’s when you feel a completely exposed to your readership.

You start thinking… oh wait, that one co-worker reads my blog, will they judge me?  Or, OMG… my hundreds of Facebook friends have access to this thing.  Is it too personal to share?

Then, reality hit me.  I’m not telling you anything you don’t know already.  And, if you’ve read my blog up until now and still come back, I owe it to you share what I’m going through.

So… I gave you a BIG HEAPING SERVING of “I’ve got food issues” last night.  Here’s the COOLEST part:  You guys gave me a TON of support!  Wow… I couldn’t even believe the comments that came in today.  I love that I have my own cheering section rooting me on (maybe with some pom poms to match the chevron and the yoga girl above??) and I love that several of you offered your tips.

To me, that’s what blogging’s about, it’s about sharing my truth with you… so that maybe you can solve your challenges sooner, so you don’t have to struggle with it as long as I have.  And, somewhere along the way, it’s about me figuring this thing out.  So, it doesn’t always show up in a pretty package, but the truth always shows up and we work through it together.  And, frankly… that’s what makes it awesome

There’s another thing that I think is AWESOME (PS – if it weren’t disruptive, I’d make that word’s font HUGE to make it reflective of how awesome it is!)  Here’s what’s awesome:  Once I write about something, I gain strength!  Yes, STRENGTH!!!

Today sucked.  Seriously, it completely blew big chunks.  To make matters worse, I wanted bad food.  I craved (emotionally)  chocolate, but I didn’t eat ANY.  I also survived the day and went straight to the gym!  Knowing that I have to work out to lose that last 10, I planned to be on the treadmill tonight…. but I didn’t plan on doing running intervals.  Oh, but I did!

Since I wrote that post, I’ve expected good things…. and it’s been delivered. It’s amazing what you can create when you put your mind to it!

Tonight after my very happy workout at the gym, I got home to find something on Facebook that I just love.  Very seldom do I read something that’s just me.  That’s the essence of what I believe.  That screams my name at first glance.  Tonight I found something that is just that.

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I share a lot with you guys already, so I think I’ll give you one more glimpse into who I am.  This quote sums up everything I believe in life.

My approach to change.  My opinion on PEOPLE.  While I seem to be super-duper single, I love its approach to finding the person you dream of… and passion, we need to talk about passion more.  How often does someone take a moment to ask you what you’re passionate about?  How often do I ask people about theirs?

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This could very easily be the Kelly Manifesto.  Oh wait, I think it just happened.  Officially, it’s the Holstee Manifesto, but I think it just became a part of my life.

Wait… you can’t read it?  You want a closer look.  Here you go.

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I’m immensely motivated… highly encouraged… and ready to conquer the world (including those last 10 lbs which seem so tiny right now.)

Thank you to all of you who contributed to my strength today.  We did it.  And, thank you to all of you who let me share with you my passion with you 5 days a week.

And, by all means, please tell me I’m not the only one wildly inspired by this manifesto??

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A Letter from a Reader and an NSV

Last night, I went to my Thursday night Candlelight Yoga class... Seriously, this class is my favorite part of any week.  The instructor always has a unique message to share with us and it’s just a great way to let go of the week and honor yourself.  If you’re a Colorado reader, seriously… there are a lot of candlelight classes all over the city.  Find one, and go!!!!  So amazing!

I’m still working to perfect my half moon. I can only do one side… I guess, I’m more of a quarter moon still. (Source)

Walking into my class today, I had a realization and an NSV that I wanted to share with you guys, but it also tied back to a question from a reader.  So, I figured I would combine the two stories…

Hi Kelly!
I am a good friend of (one of your sorority sisters) from college; she told me about your blog and I love it!! I am also trying to lose weight and I have a question for you. I was hesitant to ask because it’s personal but my friend said you wouldn’t mind:) when you lost all your weight did you have a lot of loose skin? I am so afraid of that! You don’t look like it at all but I was just wondering:) 

I thought this was a GREAT question.  It was something that I’d wondered about before I started to lose my weight.  Would my body bounce back??  I’d carried about 100 extra pounds on my frame for years.  To make matters worse, I’d lost and gained and lost and gained and lost and gained… my skin is probably exhausted at this point.

So, what gives?  Here is the answer I sent over to this lovely reader:

Overall, I’m VERY lucky.  And, I definitely don’t mind the personal question.  I sort of see it as part of the process…  So, I have a few spots that I’m not nuts about, but I’m not giving in to plastic surgery. I’m pretty sure I can tone them up by working out/building muscle.

I carry my weight in my thighs/hips/butt and apparently in my upper arms (geesh). I’m not a huge fan of my left inner thigh now… I think it looks sorta saggy and my triceps are also sort of flappy (if you will).

What I would ultimately suggest is to begin weight training IMMEDIATELY. I hated working out, so I waited until I was about 65-70 lbs gone. Yeah, not the smartest of ideas. I think that is my prob. I definitely try to target the areas now through strength training. I think you can combat it that way or at least minimize as much as possible!

I wrote this response several months ago…

And, I just CAN’T share pictures of my bod that are that detailed.  No need to gross you nice people out… but I’ll tell you about the progress I’ve seen in the past few months.

My Arms:  They’re looking better.  Not great, but better.  The bicep definition is definitely quicker to develop than the tricep area (which will always be a problem, I have a feeling)

Belly:  If I would only do crunches… I know this situation would be a lot better.  Still I’ve lost 15 inches in that area… so I don’t stress on it so much.  One of these days I’ll start working that area.  Yoga works it a little bit, but I could use a little more.

I’ll never have these thighs… and frankly, it’s ok.
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Thighs:  Holy hannah – - My thighs have been a-changing!  A few fun things… and I share these because it’s REAL, so bear with me.  My thighs used to be VERY full and frankly they’re still thick (and will likely always be.)  But… maybe you should sit down for this…. and let’s keep this between us friends.

They No Longer Rub Together When I Walk

 

I wish I knew exactly when this happened… but I just noticed it last night.  No more swishiness of my slacks rubbing together, no more strange wearing of certain fabrics that couldn’t stand the friction, and I can almost sneak up on people!  That’s my Non-Scale Victory of the month… and one I’m VERY proud of.  Also, that saggy-ish area I reference above – - GONE!

Now, don’t let me confuse you… they still touch, but the constant rubbing together and extra flesh has disappeared.  I still have a lot more leg work to do, but results… we’re seeing results!

I honestly attribute it to my Couch to 5K Training, all the yoga I do, and just walking.  It’s an amazing feeling!!!  It’s also motivating to see results like this and makes me want to tone more… lift more weights and just get the rest of the bod in order.

I love when little things you never thought would happen become a reality.

Just another sweet moment in my little life.  Happy Friday, my dears!

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