Day 27
5 Challenges & 5 Small Victories. Make a list of the 5 most difficult parts of your health focus. Make another top 5 list for the little, good things (small victories) that keep you going.
5 Challenges:
1) Waiting. No way around this one. Whether it’s in the waiting room, waiting to take tests or waiting for test results, waiting gets old.
2) Worrying. It goes hand-in-hand with waiting. Not just worrying about myself, but worrying about loved ones — their health and well-being as well as mine.
3) Exercise. I have jumped in with both feet, working out at the gym and at home. “Elliptical machine”, “treadmill”, “target heart rate” have all become part of my vocabulary — and I’m glad. But sometimes, I get tired of pushing my muscles just a little more…tired of being tired.
4) Keep doing what you’re doing…and more. The good news is, my numbers are pretty good…darn good, actually, but they could always be better. The other day, my doctor told me that a year ago, my cholesterol would have been perfect. But the recommended levels have been changed, so I need to exercise even more, and eat even less fat.
5) Guilt. As I turn my attention to my own heart health, part of me wants to say, “never mind, others need me more.” I want to make sure that those I love have the care they need, and I forget that I need to be well, too.
5 Small Victories:
1) Clothes fit better. The hard work is paying off!
2) Watching the Spurs. I’m enjoying a few evenings off these days, and watching a basketball game is a fun thing I haven’t done for a while!
3) Reading. Finding balance…quitting work (freelance writing) earlier in the evening…curling up with a good book…enjoying quality time with my husband.
4) Laughing more. “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22. I’m rediscovering my sense of humor, and I know it’s good for my heart.
5) Counting blessings. Gratitude is a habit that helps me live “in the moment” and enjoy every day!
Share your challenges and victories at Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge!