and I'm talking EVERYTHING to decide what I really wanted to do in life, where I really wanted to go, where I belonged, etc. This also meant I took time off from exercising & low carbing for those 3 months, too. I didn't go on an all-out carb binge or anything like that but I just stopped focusing on it. And I'd get in exercise but it was usually just a 15 minute walk & that was it. It wasn't anything to rev me up or anything like that. I also decided to figure out what optimum health really means.

So after 3 months away, I found out a lot about myself & am still finding out more as I go along. And now I am returning to this journey of low carbing for life. And I figured out-for me-what optimum health really means.

It doesn't mean low carb. It doesn't mean low fat. It doesn't mean raw foods. It doesn't mean vegan or vegetarian. It means being at peace with myself in every area of my life. And I have finally found that peace in every single area. Even though I put on 10 lbs taking those 3 months off-I am not obsessed with it. I know it will come off in due time as I continue low carbing. But I have also found I do not need to drop back down to 20 g of carbs to get rid of it quickly. Sure, I could do that & drop 7 lbs in a week. But why be in a hurry when I have a lifetime? I feel horrible at 20 g of carbs anyway for some reason. So I keep my carbs around 40 g-always satisfied, never hungry. This is doable for me. And if those 10 lbs never budge-well, at least I'm not at 186 lbs anymore. That's how I look at it now.

I also have re-discovered my love for running. Before, I would run to lose weight. And I found no enjoyment in that. But now that I am at peace with myself & know I run because it makes me feel good & I love the all natural high it gives me, running is now becoming a pleasure rather than a pain. Of course, I'm starting off slow as I haven't run in quite a while now.

I really needed those 3 months away & it's great to come back feeling at peace about me, myself & I.

Sheyla, you've found the key to success. Not obsessing, doing things for the enjoyment of it, putting health first, weight loss second. Yep, you're going to do just fine.

Good to see you back.

__________________
Nita

Sheyla, Glad to hear that you found your way back, and it's even better to know that you have peace about the process.

Congratulations on your peace of mind.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

You've found much more than a "diet." I wish you continued peace of mind and the best of health as you go forward.

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal