WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN JUNE 9th, 2018
WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN JUNE 9th, 2018
HEY EVERYONE!
WELCOME To Our End of the week "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN!...
**How have you been doing this week? Whats been going on in your world!
**This is our 2nd check-in for the month of June! How has your "First" week gone for you so far?
**Lots of us are heading towards the "Summer" Months, or Just getting done with school. What are your plans for the Summer?
**If you have been struggling in any of your goals, What are your Motivators? What are your 'Whys"?
**What have been your "highlights" over this past week?
**What things would YOU like to talk about or share with us?! WE want to hear from YOU!! 
@Vivelespatates @PhoenixAsh @BlueberryFriend @Elle22 @Terrytee @rebecca947 @YoursTrulyBen @BridgetAileen @AffyAvo @Sadme70 @Moj @sail46 @JLantern @Zeraphim @mimameid @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @Essdee @DragonFaerie @Cloudysummer @888Butterfly888 @inventiveWheel @DavidMatt @bubbleChestnut3363 @mm13 @SwampWitch @strugglingmegan @Ravenclaw7 @philosophicalperson8202 @Consciousawakening @orangeOwl1462 @Keola @AlluraRae @Rebekahwriter13 @politeTangerine7243 @Dancersoul @MoreThanAConqueror18 @MelanieDaniels63 @MattRainbow @PurpleNina @DudeWheresMyZip @ruffneckred @ElizaJ @diplomaticconfucious @Indistinctaurora@reliablebutoftenforgotten @ShareASmile2014 @bubbleChestnut3363 @ReservedExcitement @oakhenge
**ANY & ALL NEWBIES!! YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE!!
**This past week has gone pretty fast... Back to teaching my Zumba Classes again this week after a wonderful week off... Anxiety levels have been decent. No Depression.. On track with my eating AND "my water"!! Yay!... (Off track with sleep again, but not too bad, not as bad as the previous week).
**The weather has been AWESOME this past week. HOT, HOT, HOT! 
.....It certainly has helped with my "Mood" from day to day...It makes me want to get out and do more with my day. And I like that feeling. Having my dog also helps me so much as well, because of him, I feel like I continue to stay active outside even if the weather isn't always cooperating the best.... I've Finally made it to the pool too! I went swimming Twice this week so far. And it felt so good and relaxing to be in the water again after what seemed like such a long Winter season. Its been almost 90degree F here everyday this past week and the water felt perfect... I'm hoping to incorporate Pool workouts and swimming at least 3 days a week (outside of my Zumba instructing, and walking)... And...Starting Tuesday I am going to start teaching my FIRST POUND Fitness class! So, I've been really busy trying to learn the choreo/routines that go along with that. Thats 12 songs in a playlist. But, I'm feeling confident I'll be ready to go by then. I guess I have to be. Lol..
**Today is my FREE day.... Not certain what I will do with it.. But since I am still working towards one of my major goals, a workout of some sort will be included somewhere, Either swimming, or a Walk, or both? And my usual day out with the Hubby somewhere. With some small errands.~ I'm a simple person! 
HOPE EVERYONE ELSE'S WEEK IS GOING WELL!~ 
@PoliteOcean
Heya, Ocean! ❤️
Ooh, that mustve been nice to have a week off. What did you end up doing? It sounds like youre off to an amazing start with water and food! And hey, your sleep is improving in comparison to last week, so yay to that too! 😉
Yes, hot and sunny weather really can boost up our mood! I cant tell if its because the brightness or the freedom of not needing to layer up that makes me happier... hahaha hot weather makes you want to be more productive! Thats such a good thing, and what a fabulous motivator. Having a dog is beautiful and can help us in so many ways. Dogs are the best :p
Omg, nice work! Thats what you wanted last week, right? That is awesome! Tick off a box! Ooh, pool workouts :o what exercises do you want to do in the pool?? It sounds like youre already super active, which is so good!
Woohoo for POUND Fitness!!! Youve really worked so hard to get down so many routines and get to memorise them. I dont know how you do it, but youre amazing! It sounds like youre super dedicated to dance fitness in general, which is 😍 cant wait to hear about how your first teaching class for POUND goes next week!! Eek!
I love how you have free days every week- its so good to take a break from all that hustling you do every other day! Hope you have a great day today! xx
@rebecca947
Thank so much Rebecca for your kind words and continued support!
As far as pool workout I don't really do anything special.. I pretty much do some random movements and tread the water (outside of swimming laps in general). I do some "High Knees (which lets face it, is ALOT better than doing them on regular ground! lol).... I also do jumping jacks, and Run from end to end..... I do these in "sets". I do them in 100 times each movement for 4 sets. (If that makes sense...)
And then I sit on a swimming "noodle" and do some core work, and then eventually get to the swimming part lol...... I used to teach Aqua Zumba, so I even still practice some of the routines in the pool that I used to do back when I was still teaching it (If I remember to take my music with me that is).
And yes, my week off was great. And its nice to take time away to "refresh" and "regroup". I think we need that time. For me as an instructor, it gives me a change to refresh things and come back refreshed for my class and can hopefully continue to motivate and inspire them as well.
@PoliteOcean
Oh wow, you are making me SO motivated to start working out again!!! High knees in the pool give me the sensation of falling over LOL
Oh wow, youve taught a lot of different classes over the years! Thats very true- having a break can do wonders for ourselves, and Im so glad it did for you! Being an instructor sounds tough sometimes, especially having to motivate yourself as well as others (Im guessing here tbh lol) but youre doing an amazing job, and Im sure they really appreciate you! As do I- I love the instructors at gym classes whenever I attend- youre all so motivating and inspiring! xx
@rebecca947
Awww...thanks so much Rebecca!... And yeah, it can be challenging some days, because as you say, 'Not only do you have to be inspiring to others" but you also have to be "Inspired" as well to teach and instruct the class!... And its like anything else of course, where some days you just don't feel like doing something, but you still have to go, and show up and do it. So you have to find some type of "inner-strength" from somewhere to get through that hour or so (for yourself and to motivate others too).
I love when you check in, you are always so motivating and inspiring to me as well! I Love your questions and the way you interact here! Keep up the great work. I always love talking and chatting with you! 
@PoliteOcean
Oh bless our furry companions. What kind of dog do you have...or has you?
@oakhenge
I Have a little 2 year old Male 'Shih-Tzu" who is just the little light of my life!
@PoliteOcean
My week has been eventful! This week was the last week of semester one of uni- yay! No more needing to wake up at 5 and 6am to get to uni on time. And no more commuting 3-4 hours per uni day... thats a huge relief, but I feel like once uni starts again in a few months, its going to be a struggle hahaha well leave it till then to worry about, though! ;)
On Monday I think, I got an email saying I won a place in a program! And on Thursday, I attended a dinner for it! I was so nervous because the dress code was black tie, so for women, its either an evening/floor length gown or a cocktail dress near knee height... and you had to look fancy... which Im not the best at! But thankfully I fit into my mums clothes, so I borrowed her dress for the night and a necklace. I brought my friend along with me for moral support, and we went there by train!
An embarrassing story- the train guard at the station saw us lost and came up to us VERY eagerly, with a massive grin and all that wouldnt end, and asked us where we were going. We said the place and he told us the directions, then asked us why we were going there. So I said we were attending a gala dinner, and he asked Are there any famous people going there? I got so scared and said NO! Then he was like I heard the Prime Ministers is going to be there! And I was like The real Prime Minister?! 🤦♀️
But funny thing is, I actually met and took a picture with the PM! Haha and there were heaps of media personalities at the event, and sports and political people. And of course news people. Tons of news people :p
It was a great night, got my certificate and the night ended! And I found out a picture the photographer took of all the winners- 50 of us- was in the newspaper the next day! And on an online article. First time Ive ever made it onto a newspaper or article, so Im very happy 😂
And today I finished making a PowerPoint for my mums birthday, and thank goodness for PowerPoint being able to convert into a video format...! And then next week, I have to start studying for exams! Eek! xx
@rebecca947
Wow, you're all finished with school for awhile! Thats great. I bet you are excited to have all this free time now, and you get to sleep in?!! I think I would look forward to that the most! hahaha!...What things are you looking forward to the most now that you are finished for awhile?
Congrats on winning a place for your program!.. Yay!!..... Also Formal dinners are so nice to attend. Even though I understand what you mean about being able to find something to wear... I like to play "dress-up" every now and then as well, but it can be challenging to find something for sure!..Its great that you and you mom can wear the same size of clothing! How fortunate is that for you!...Its great that you had your friend there with you for some moral support!..Its nice to have friends that are so supportive!... Glad you were able to come up with something to wear, and hope that you had a a great time and enjoyed!
Your "embarrasing story" sounds really interesting! lol.... Thanks for sharing it!....And Perhaps you could post some of the photos that you have? If they aren't too personal that is. I wouldn't want you to share any info that you don't want to.
And oh wow! How exciting for you that you made it into the paper!... You're a celebrity now!! hahahah!..... Congrats! You will have to cut that out and make copies and frame it as well, so that you will always be reminded of a really great and exciting time in your life. Perhaps share it with your future children and grandchildren years and years from now! lolol....
And you sound like you are creating a really exciting gift for your moms birthday! A power-point!.. I'm so techincally challenges when it comes to things like that lol.... I had to do a power point maybe "twice" in my life... and I can only thank God that my husband make his living working with computers, or I don't know that I would have succeeded in being able to do them lol.... I had to do them when I was in nursing school yeeaaaarrrrsss ago... And at that point I was still fairly new with working with computers. I'm sure whatever you are creating for her, that she will be very grateful!
Also, last but not least, Good luck to you on your upcoming exams! I'm sure that you will do great! Thanks so much for checking in this week, and letting us know how things have been going for you!
@PoliteOcean
Haha sleep ins are so good!!! I need to start getting back to being healthy, so looking forward to exercising again. Not looking forward to having to start back at square one though, but will be very happy when I can get back to where I was before I stopped! And continuing to improve and get better after that, of course.
Thank you! Yeah, formal dinners are fun (except they made a billion and one political jokes and I had no clue what they were on about 😂) dressing up is fun too sometimes, but its only fun when you have your outfit ready hahaha oh, and my friend and I dressed up in a train station bathroom (so glamorous, I know!) and when we came out, there were a bunch of police officers standing on the platform and staring at us as we left hahaha they were there when we went in, but saw us dressed in normal uni clothes... that was funny haha
Sure, I can post the one where the group and I were in the newspaper or link the online article!
Online article- https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/projectsydney/go-west-mentorship-project-gives-best-start-possible/news-story/3c2d10a00a96385082a09df2cf23b862
Im in one of the photos, Id rather not reveal where though 😅
That is actually an awesome idea- to show future children etc! Haha and yeah, mum and dad bought the newspaper for themselves 🤣
Haha Google is my saviour for now 😂 google and the people who have answers to the common questions!
Thank you!! All I want is a pass tbh haha
@rebecca947
Hi Rebecca. What an eventful week and semester you had! Adding my congrats for your achievement earning a spot in the upcoming program. After graduating from university three years ago, I work there now and, initially, I was commuting 45 min one-way. That got real old after a while. Especially all of the additional sitting down that is required for commuting. Yuck. Hate that! I finally moved to the city the university is in. So, I feel your pain on the huge amount of community you do. It is a great time to focus study, though.
May your new week be filled with continued recovery and rest and invigorating physical activity. Blessings,
Oak
@oakhenge
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️ Yeah I live so far away from everything LOL but i dont think Id enjoy living closer to my uni- its way further away from everything 🤣
Things have just been off. I can't actually recall the last time I did a specific exercise activity. I had to go out of town on fairly short notice, but short enough where I was able to rest up a bit to deal with that.
I have been fairly active though, I was sharing accomodations with my sister and nephews while out of town, so that alone kept me active. At home I've also been busy with the garden. I did also do the community safety stuff this week which involves a fair bit of walking.
I feel like I did a decent job of pacing myself considering some of the 'have to dos' while out of town. It still certainly was a strain but I did stick to planned rest that I figured in before I left. It was still less than what I would do typically though.
My husband has a cold (he wasn't even travelling, not sure where he picked that up) so I'm hoping I don't get that from him as I'm trying to get back to my normal activities.
@AffyAvo
Thats great Affy that even though it wasn't your usual "traditional" exercises, that you were still able to be active with Family, gardening and walking around for your community event. Thats what matters and counts is that you still managed to just simply stay active and up and moving.
I'm sure your little nephews kept you pretty busy too! lol... Boys can certainly be a huge handful of activity!
Its also great that you were able to continue to pace yourself well, and keep up with your rest as needed. That is even more important in my own opinion!.... Its great to hear from you this week, I didn't realize you had been out of town. Glad to see you back. I do hope that you enjoyed your time away. Thank you so much for checking in this week, and letting us know what you have been up to and how things have been going for you!
Keeping my goal of 10,000 steps per day. Drinking plenty of water and watching what I eat, trying to keep the calories in check. Took three months to lose the holiday pounds and do not want to start over. Plenty of time outdoors in the sunshine. Flowers and trees are in full bloom. Enjoy sitting in the backyard and enjoy the view of flowers and gardens. Have not been able swim as much as I would like. Water is still a little cold. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
@sail46
Another awesome check-in Sail! You sound like me, the warmer weather is so awesome for our "Spirits"!.... you sound so happy, and ful-filled! I can hear it in your posts!
Its awesome that you are continuing to keep up with everything and continuing to meet your goals. Its great that you got all of the holiday pounds off... I just don't understand how it can go on so fast, and take so long to come back off again... But Lesson has been learned thats for sure! lol...
Hope that you are able to get back to swimming more regularly, I finally made it in this past week, and now its going to call for rain here again the next few days. The water has been perfect too 
. Now I will have to wait for it to warm up all over again lol... So I will be waiting right along with you.
Thanks so much for continuing to check in and let us know how things are going for you. You are doing so great. Keep up the great work!
Pretty good week this week. I have been eating well and having less treats now that I'm away from school. Most days I have been pretty active, not so much gym exercise but doing things outside. This week we sold our last 3 baby goats, so I'm getting a lot of milk now, and today I have been making cheese.
I think I missed last week's check-in. I spent most of that week visiting my mom and was driving home on Saturday. We had a great visit and I was sorry to leave!
@SadMe70
Hey there Sad!.. So great to hear from you! I was in fact wondering where you were last week!.. I Always look for my regulars each week. Glad to see you.
I hope that you enjoyed your time away with your mom. Its great that you had a chance to go and spend time with her. And Its also great that you have been doing so well at being able to manage things better for yourself since school has been out. Keep up the awesome work at staying on track. Its not about going to the gym or what type of exercise you are getting. Its just nice that you are being active in general. Just ask anyone who's lost weight "WITHOUT" exercising! (That wouldn't be "me" too much lolololol)..... Its just great your getting out and about and moving! So keep it up!!
And congrats on your getting your baby goats sold... I remember you were telling me about that before. I think its so cool about the milk and cheese. You actually make your own cheese?!? I am such a Cheese Lover!! That would be right up my alley to make my own! On the other hand though (maybe not!) lolol..
Thanks so much for checking in this week and catching us up on whats been going on and letting us know how you've been doing! Always great to hear from you.
Good morning! I'd meant to check in yesterday but after a week of nearly paralyzing overwhelm, yesterday was a day without all of that and, after meeting with a friend for tea at 9 am, got back and got lots done.
I struggled this past week. Responsibilities at work without taking needed time off exhausted, and a slow, hidden fear began to develop that there's not enough time and not enough money. Okay, so the first part of the sentence is true but the last part was delusional! The last part that "I'd never have the time and never have enough" was an imaginary lion but I didn't realize it at the time. Didn't realize until I just typed that what it is was exactly that was suppressed and bothering me last week. When I tacked the "never have enough" for the next three months by putting pen to paper and mapping out my finances, I DO have enough. I'm not even lacking. Granted, July will be peanut butter and bananas mostly, but the in August things straighten out just fine. I'm moving in August to cheaper digs and in July have to pay ridiculous month-to-month rates. Plus, my car is acting up and so (scary lion in the woods) and I'd like to buy the replacement now but cannot, so the fear was real. What was not real was allowing it to crouch and hide quite close by without looking it square in the face and finding the facts.
That added stress caused my cortisol to spike, inflammation to increase, and I lost no weight last week. No surprise. This week, perhaps, I'll be more aware! That is my intention anyway.
A friend recommended a great deep breathing app: Breathe2Relax. It was developed for the military to help with PTSD and it can be set up with reminders, scenery, and the like. I'm trying it this week.
It's going to be a great week, and I wish that for y'all too. There IS time to do all the things we need for our best selves and our families (reminding myself of that too!). Blessings, all.
-Oak
@oakhenge
PS: Oh, and despite the mounting hidding fears all last week, I still got the gym and decent workouts were had. :-)
@oakhenge
Wow Oak, sounds like you had a good bit of emotional "stressors" in the past week, weather real or imaginary... Its good that you were able to look by taking a step back and "map everything out" for yourself and gain more focus and perspective on things. And able to see that you can "handle" the things that are coming up.
I like how you are also able to see your stress patterns and see how it might be affecting your weight-loss journey as well and that you are working on ways to be able to better handle that. I really want to thank you for sharing that Deep Breathing App!.. I personally will definitely take a look at that. Couldn't hurt thats for sure. I could use all the help I can get myself with stressors. Its time that "WE" rule the stressors and not let "Them" take over us! My numbers on the scale although positive this past week, I was hoping for a bigger number. But I have been trying the deep breathing technique that you mentioned in your posts a few weeks back..... I can tell I've been more stressed over the past week, because I found myself using the technique MANY times throughout the week lolol.....
Better luck on the scales to both of us this week!...I love your positive attitude and I'm with you. It will be a GREAT Week ahead. We've got this!
Many Blessings back to you Oak! And thank you so much for checking in this past week and letting us know how things are continuing to go for you!
I wrote down my goal on 7 Cups is to find a girlfriend to cope with my loneliness and lack of companionship, so far I have no luck on finding one .I'm sad .
@jovialScenery77
Sorry to hear that Jovial, but its great that you are writing down your goals. I hope that you things start to come together for you and you start to feel better soon. Thanks for checking in this week.
@PoliteOcean Thank you and you're welcome. :)
Hi @PoliteOcean and community. I forgot to come on here and post over the weekend. I've had some good days where I felt back to normal, and others back down horrible horrible. I didn't do very well with trying to exercise, either... everything feels like too much effort.. Today is one of the back to bad days, by the way. I did get to see some friendse, though, and I did some projects, and got outside a bit. Today I just don't want to leave my room...... ugh. I know I need more sleep, too, but I can't sleep because of stupid nightmares. But I have to stop dwelling on that...
@lovingBanana5204
Hey there Loving... I'm so sorry to hear that its been a tough time for you recently. Are you having a tough time in general, or was there an event that happened that caused you to start feeling this way?
Either way, I hope that whatever you are dealing with or going through, starts to come together for you and that you start to feel better soon. I hope that you have someone to talk to during this time. Whether its someone here at 7cups or in your personal life. Its important that we are able to talk and get those feelings out and do whatever might help us to not "stay in that place" of feeling bad.
Its nice though where you stated the following: I did get to see some friendse, though, and I did some projects, and got outside a bit. Sounds like you were able to manage some moments of happiness! Through good friends, and staying busy in projects and getting outside some. And those are all really great things that can help! Perhaps you could find some more time to engage in those things. Even if you don't want to see anyone physically, maybe even just stepping outside the house into some sunshine or simply working on small projects inside can help you to concentrate on other things and give you some better focus?!
I do thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing. Please continue to check in and let us know how you've been feeling.
Trying to manage the pain as much as I can