Clementine Wins Over Chips Ahoy!

Finally got to walk again today; yesterday was a day filled with rain, and lots of it!

I have to say that I could feel the determination beginning to wane somewhat today, maybe because it's another gray day, maybe because I haven't walked consistently.  Either way, I got out there before I could totally lose my "oomph".

There is progress, though.  While I wasn't jumping up and down to walk today, the positive mind chatter was much louder and more persistent than the negative mind chatter, and THAT is success.

I'm feeling blue today because it's the 14th anniversary of losing Dad.  I still miss him.  Too many emotions to accurately put into words, so I won't try.

I started to go for my standard "drug of choice", Chips Ahoy cookies, but instead, I peeled and ate a clementine. Hence, "Clementine Wins Over Chips Ahoy".

Every single small success adds up.

I sit in my cottage for a little bit after my walks, mostly to just have some quiet time.  

I'm starting to feel a little bit proud of myself for not quitting, 

but I also know that that's a precarious thought. 

So again, I thank You, God, for keeping me going. 

Day Two...I Did It!

I did it!

I walked with my poles again instead of making excuses, or finding a way out, or complaining.

This morning I even found myself thinking "I can't wait to walk again", which was an unusual thought for me.  I didn't believe myself, but then the feeling lasted all day, and I felt safe with it.

And that's a good thing.

Today I really felt it in my arms and in my breathing which is one of the benefits of using the Nordic Walking Poles.  It's a cardio workout by simply swinging my arms; not hard at all.

I only walked about 15 minutes.

No. Wait. I ACTUALLY walked fifteen minutes.

The cool breeze felt wonderful, the sun was warm, the birds were singing.  Sounds cliche, but it truly was peaceful.

Less snow today.

My son's idea of a lawn "ornament".  

Look at me...I walked through the snow!

Beautiful blue sky upwards through the dwarf pear tree branches.

Maple sapling, with a special heart!

Heading back toward the house.

It all comes down to this...I did it.  I didn't quit, at least not today, and it felt good.

Thank You, God.