WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN May 26th, 2018

**This past week has been another busy and full-filling week... I've kept busy, kept Anxiety low for the most part, kept on track with eating and workouts and tracking... continued to stay the same with sleep (some nights better than others on hours slept), and I've continued to do Ok with water intake... I continue to Teach my Zumba classes and slowly starting to add in a POUND Fitness class... continuing to work on and learn the choreo, and manage to learn a few songs here and there and teach a few at the end of each Zumba Class. Hoping to get these students ready for the future class. Just continuing to work on staying on track with all of the above while also finding time for some "Balance" in it all as well, including "ME" time...

**The weather has gotten off track again with rainy days here and there, but we get a few hints of sunshine in between the clouds, which allows for me to continue to get out and get my walks in at least Three Nights a week between Zumba classes and workouts. What I'm looking forward to is The Pool will be getting ready to open up this weekend for the Memorial Day holiday!.. However, it will be at least a week or two I'm sure until I'll be able to get in that water waiting for it to warm up a bit. But I'm ready to get back to some swimming.

**Today is actually going to be a Rest Day for me... No plans to go anywhere of significance or plans to do much.....I will have the entire week off next week from "teaching" Zumba classes, and looking forward to just relaxing a bit, spending time with my family, and just working on some new songs and choreo for when I start back the following week.... And also getting my shutters & porch painted, so we can actually enjoy our front and back decks more this summer (and start grilling as well)~

HOPE EVERYONE ELSE'S WEEK HAS GONE WELL~

pretty good this week. lot of sun, but also great time on here, with my new members

Keep watching my diet and exercise has been consistent over the month of May. I try to make the best of the wam months with plenty of fresh air. Yesterday was first day of swimming. Pool water was a little cold at 75 degrees but air was warm in the 80s. Same weather today and then a cool down for rest of weekend. By mid June swimming will be my main exercise until mid September. Swimming is very relaxing and gives a good workout with little stress on your body. Enjoy your weekend

This was my last week of school. It was filled with eating lots of cake and candy, from school celebrations and gifts. I am heavier than I have been since I lost a huge amount of weight about 5 years ago. I hope to put the brakes on that trend while I am away from all the constant stream of junk at school. I've spent 2 days eating well so far. I have lots of plans for being active this summer, so if I can control my eating and keep at the physical activity, I might finally lose some weight and get back where I was in December. My aches and pains continue, but nothing really terrible this week. If I spend more time on my PT exercises too, I might have less pain this summer!

How do you feel this month has been for you "Overall"?

**What things are you looking forward to as we approach a "New" month ahead?!

**What do you feel have been the biggest "high-lights" or "changes" for you over the past "MONTH"?

This month started out as somewhat defeated and deflated and has ended up as a winner and full. In fact, I started back at 7cups after a hiatus to deal with many stressful issues this month. I was also still stuck in excess weight from last year's broken and sprained ankles.

Last week, after a tip from a friend, I started focusing only on deep breathing several times a day (well, positive emotions and all of that too, but the single focus for my digestion was deep breathing) and in the first three days with no changes, I lost three-and-a-half pounds. Huge when you realize that the scale had not moved anywhere but UP for the last 18 months. After that, I started a healthy diet and this morning got on the scale for the first time I am in the 220s! Not only did I lose 6 pounds last week, but I also lost 13.5 inches, mostly around my belly. I now have belief, real belief, now that my body will get this excess off consistently so that in half a year or so that soon enough I can get back into my smaller clothes. (Before the accident, I was almost ready to move into size 14 - the 16s were almost too big. Then, I had to buy 18s, then a couple of 20s. Each one of those size defeats was a hit emotionally, as you well know. Well, my body - amazing body - mortal body, quite vulnerable sometimes as the last several months have proven - is getting ready to move back into the slimmer clothes.)

That means that I am truly looking forward to June. For the first time in literally months and like the greenness growing outside on the maples, my body is able to grow in health and transform, shedding the excessing weight. I am looking forward to more of the greenness outside and inside my own body. I am ever grateful for this 7cups community, where everyone is working towards their health goals in supportive comradery. It is a blessing to have this safe and affirming place to share.

Oh, and my youngest granddaughter is six years old today! Am cooking all day in preparation for our now traditional family Iris birthday party on Memorial Day, complete with barbeque and pool party at my apartment complex.

Warm blessings,

Oak