The ball is in my court

For the past few days I have been thinking about my weight loss being on the Spark plan. Even when it has been difficult I try to stay on program the best I can. Since June of last year I have maintained a healthy BMI. I gained a few pounds for two reasons: #1 my doctor wanted me to and #2 When the iron pills were added, they worked with another to add weight. As soon as I knew that I started taking my iron at least 4 hours after the others. I haven't gained a pound since then. I haven't lost anymore in the past month or so either, but I'm happy with how I am. I feel better and I know even with all my issues I'm so much better than I was when I was caring that other person around with me. When I was going to the doctor's this week I was thinking how very nice it is to have a seat belt fit me correctly and not have to worry about it cutting where my port is. That's a huge change for me. Have many of you had to think of such things either before or after being on the program? A plateau is ok as long as you are maintaining a health weight and feel good, don't you think? What are your thoughts about this? Do you believe being healthy and at a healthy weight is most important rather than how you look, what size you are, or a low number on the scale? My own opinion is too many of us think those things hold the answers to all our problems, rather than being healthy enough to lead an active life and being able to do what we wish. Granted I continue to have to use either my walker or power chair, but before I started the Spark program, I was in the chair daily. I hurt so bad all of the time, rather than just at times. I know my balance isn't the greatest, yet with the falls I have had, there isn't the amount before Spark. There us so much good, that I have forgotten some of the bad from before. At least part of time I do.

The ball remains in my court to keep things in this healthy quest I have reached. I have found staying on this site helps me to do just that. For those of you have reached goal and continue to be active in the community, what are your thoughts? For me, I know the information I have received along with all the support and tips from members have been what I needed. I knew a lot before, but I didn't really understand how much it counted for health either good (for doing) or bad (for not doing). Logically if doing this on the journey, it makes sense to continue so I don't go back and add that other person into my life. It's also been great to know not everything works the same for everyone. Having choices to try from the tips offered by members, has been an important part of this journey for me. Taking part in the teams (even though I have really slacked off this year) and doing this blog have been a great help for me, too. The blog has certainly been therapeutic as I have gone through all my "stuff". When I read the responses from all the readers, I know I have been doing something right!

Yes, the ball has been in my court for over a year now. Today I rarely eat meat of any kind and I haven't had any fried food since the winter of 2011. Both of those things give me fits if I even smell them anymore. Thankfully I can't tolerate much sugar or breads. This is not a bad thing at all as far as I am concerned! These things have changed little in two years, so I doubt it will change now. And you know, I don't even really miss much of that stuff.

Today starts the beginning of friendship week. I love to think of all of my Spark buds laughing and smiling and cheering one another on towards their goals. Especially when I spread the Spark, I get so excited in the telling, I can't say enough good about it. Mostly I believe in my buds here. I'm so proud of everyone who has started their journey to good health by signing onto the site. I still have a difficult time getting my brain around the fact that it is free! I am so thankful to Spark Guy for getting this all started and for his encouraging books. But all of you members, signing on is the first step and in many cases like me, the most important one. As my friends, I really do care about you and your opinions. I wish you would comment on your feelings about what I write.

As keeping the ball in my court, I have made a conscious decision to keep eating as healthy as possible with the proper portion sizes. I'm also committed to exercising at least 15-20 minutes each day. Those are the do's. The biggie is the don't. I refuse to go back and start turning to food when I hit an emotionally difficult patch. They call some foods "Comfort Foods" for a reason. Have you noticed how rich in cream sauces and fats in the dishes contain? Anyway, I believe those three things along with continuing to use the food and exercise trackers, will help me stay where I need to be - a health body and mind.

As I close this post, I want you all to know how much you are appreciated. Y'all are the very best and I consider my buds as sisters and brothers of the heart. Please don't ever change your helpful happy ways. And always remember to post your feeling on what I write in the comments. I read them all and take them to heart. If I can help anyone, if you don't wish to leave a comment, send me a message. I'll do my best to answer you or find you the answer. Also, if anyone wants to add me as a friend, please do so.

Everyone take care. Take the best care of your loved ones, too. If things get tough, remember you have people who love and care about you. I'm one and other members are, too.

Peace Love Cure
Ev