This week was different. This week the scale didn't move. It didn't go up. It didn't go down. This week the number stayed the same. My reaction?
At least I didn't gain any weight.
I always thought stress was a bad thing, and in my craziness I'd reach out for a quick antidote for calm by eating something sinful. At least that's how I used to think about stress before I watched this TED Talk from psychologist Kelly McGonigal. She argues that stress is our friend. And now I agree. Stress forces us to face our anxieties and, as Kelly says, "This is my body helping me rise to this challenge." Take a look. You'll never think about stress the same way again. And next time you reach for that donut, remember what Kelly said.
This week was crazy, and I didn't have time to do much exercise. What a ridiculous excuse! Okay, I did walk a lot of steps the day I was in Manhattan, and I also ran around to many appointments. But, c'mon, driving around New Jersey isn't exactly exercise. The problem has always been that I go in and out of being totally committed to a daily exercise program. Now that I've lost some weight I want to keep it off, so no more excuses! Maybe I should find my old Jane Fonda video, dust off my leg warmers and pop the tape into the VCR. Oh, wait, I don't have a VCR (or the leg warmers.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNPdBnlOK_U
When people ask me what would be the first thing I'd do if they found a cure for MS, I always say, "Run." One of my fondest childhood memories is running. Running down the street, around the playground, or alongside my friends. It's so joyful, so pure, and you feel free. If I could run again, feeling my legs blindly carry me wherever I wanted to go, that would be my Utopia. For now I'll keep walking, despite the MS fatigue and numbness. Because my abilities are what makes me strong and full of life and oh-so-joyful. Take a look at the faces of these children from Save the Children and you'll understand what I mean.
Next week, when I step onto the scale at Jenny Craig, I hope the numbers will change. Because this week I'm busy making friends with my stress, adding steps to my day and embracing who I am.
*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 pounds per week.
Nice post Cathy. I saw the video about making friends with your stress. I actually heard Kelly speak at a conference; she was very interesting!
Kudos to you for all of your efforts! Hugs.
Fabulous article! I loved the talk about stress..... so enlightening....a whole new way thinking.
No plus numbers is a win in my book! I was diagnosed in '87 as well, been a wild ride
Very interesting post Cathy! I wish you all the luck in the world!
It's got to be frustrating, those limitations. I admire your courage and enthusiasm for life.
No gain is a win in my book. Good for you for hanging tough. xo
I have made so many excuses about exercise too, and I pay a monthly fee each moth for a gym membership that I use very sporadically. Thank you for a great reminder.
I agree on the running. If the MS disappeared, I'd be attempting the marathons, runs, half marathons and more that my daughters do. Plus, I could do a full-body stretch in the mornings without my body freaking out.
Great post! Perfect videos.
xo
I never used to use the scale. I always went by how my pants fit. That was a looong time ago. Now I'm hopping on the scale and boy it's a stubborn one. Sigh.