Be Happy.... Stay Happy

'nough said.

Whatever you think of yourself… you are bigger than that!

Have you ever met someone that makes you feel bigger than yourself? It’s an incredible gift to give hope or the belief you can be more.

Today I met New Zealand Paralympian, Tim Prendergast, an incredible individual. I applaud all high achievers for their dedication, determination and perseverance – absolutely noteworthy and due respect – but seldom do you meet someone who surpasses ordinary parameters and is just an outstanding, inspiring and incredible individual. That was my experience with Tim.

Tim came to speak at our Staff Development Day and truly, I wish everyone could have heard his story. Inspirational, affirming and incredibly moving. It profoundly touched me.

Through video Tim took us to the Beijing Olympics where he struggled to finish the 5,000m. It was heartbreaking to watch. Having pushed his body harder than he ever done before, we saw it start to break down. First the shakes. Then wobbly legs. And finally collapsing at the finish line.

He found himself in the changing room of the Bird’s Nest Stadium focussing on failure. Berating himself and mentally stripping himself of titles such as New Zealand Team Captain and Paralympian.

A thought formed in the despair. It spoke of the journey to Beijing.

As a child in New Zealand, Tim dreamt of being a 'black cap' (playing for the NZ Cricket Team) with a healthy boyish love for all things cars and mechanical. When he was 9, he looked out the living room window and saw a black fuzzy spot on the horizon. Despite blinking, it didn't go away. He kept quiet. Several weeks later, several spots appeared and his teacher started noticing how he squinted at the blackboard. He was then diagnosed with an extremely rare eye condition that meant he would be 90-95% blind.

His dreams were dashed. No playing cricket. No driving cars. No eye-contact. He thought he would spend his life on disability doing a mediocre job that 'blind people can do'. As he entered his teenage years, he walked oozing despair and difference.

Year 9 (aged 14), he started a new state school where sport was compulsory for Years 9 and 10. Being the ‘token blind kid’, he couldn't do the sports he used to do and loved (cricket, football) but he chose the one sport that he thought he could possibly do - running. His coach told him that if he wanted to take part, he would have to work as hard as everyone else. Looking back he can now see the concessions he made (no more running through forests etc), but that one moment made a lasting impact on his life. He became the same as his classmates. He ran his first race in Year 11 and came third and got Bronze Medal. In that moment, he found self esteem, confidence and hope. He also found a new identity: a runner.

He took us through the Sydney Olympics (Silver Medals) and Athens (Gold Medal), the heartbreak in Beijing then back in the changing room there. What a journey it had been. One that showed him what failure was. Failure was not trying – in the 5,000m he had been victorious as he had tried his best and 'emptied the well' so to speak.

Of the many things his coach said to him, the phrase that resonated with me was ‘Whatever you think of yourself, remember you are bigger than that’.

In short, Tim is one of the most inspirational people I have ever come into contact. I felt buoyed and incredibly moved at the same time.

There are 420 days until London 2012 Paralympics where Tim will be representing New Zealand in athletics. At the end of every day, he reflects if he has been the best he can be. And now, I will do the same.

Namaste.

The Power of 10%

When I started my Weight Watchers journey, my 10% goal symbolised a weight, I thought I'd never be again. Undeterred, I thought I'd try anyway. And that brings me today.

I'm 10% lighter and feeling of top of the world!

Not only did I believe that I couldn't reach this goal, when I dared to envisage the possibility, I thought it would take years and not a mere 14 weeks. In fact that has been one of my biggest lessons from Weight Watchers (besides nothing tastes as good as thin feels!) - how quickly you see the difference as well as how a little weight lost can make a big difference in how you feel and how others see you. For the last few years, losing weight has felt like "mission impossible" but I realised it wasn't my mindset that was at fault, I just wasn't properly equipped.

So today I see the fruits of my hard work using the right tools at my disposal. If 10% wasn't enough to put a spring in my step, it was also measurement time. (Cue dramatic music) and in four weeks, I've lost 12cms (in total) off my measurements. No wonder my smaller sized jeans are feeling baggier!

So today I celebrate - not with cream buns and a lie-in - instead I'm off out to seize the day and whatever comes my way!

I Want .... Never Gets?!

I don’t know who first said, “I want, never gets” but I first heard it from my mother. Whenever I would pipe up starting with “oooohhhhh” followed by “I want…” she would inevitably finish the sentence with “never gets”.

At the risk of sounding like a really terrible greeting card, I firmly believe the important things in life can’t be bought. And true riches are felt in the heart. (I think I threw up a little in my mouth). Still, why do I want so much?!

So I’m a week into my personal shopping embargo – my vow, for the foreseeable future, not to buy things that are considered luxuries and those items that the world won’t end if I go without (let’s not even mention the non-Rapture!)

Admittedly the first week was easy but as it was the week leading up to pay day, I think it shouldn’t count and I definitely shouldn’t be patting myself on the back yet.

Today, however, is a whole new ball game. Pay day. The mother load. And so it starts. What is a necessity - despite the passionate pleas of my inner self, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick doesn’t qualify! At 36 however, my beloved moisturiser most definitely does!

Although I don’t believe money can buy happiness, I think it can buy a release of pressure, a roof over your head and basic human necessities (granted, not as pithy as the well-known phrase) but I’ve never been consumed by it. I’m not greedy and I don’t covet more dólares. Truth be told, I’ve primarily ignored that part of my life as I’ve changed continents and bought houses. My interest has only ever gone as far as to check if there was enough to take me on my next adventure.

Being the intrepid explorer that I am, I’m going to delve into this mystery world and come out with an understanding, healthier bank balances and hopefully more trips! So although I would desperately love to ‘treat’ myself to Chanel’s latest lippy, this broad has firmly marked that against the “I want” list and is excited to see where this latest adventure takes her.

£13.35 .... and so it starts

The "Credit Crunch" sucks. Big time. There is story after heartbreaking story of job losses, companies closing and repossessed houses going up for sale. And as much as my heart breaks for everyone suffering, truly suffering, in this global recession, I am counting my blessings.

I have a home to call my own (well I think only the hallway belongs to me and the rest to the bank!), a job that pays the bills, friends and family who love me and I'm living in a country I love (not to mention I am still high on the Royal Wedding).

That being said, I travel. That's who I am. It's what drives me. It's my passion. I've been really lucky to have gone back home (all 11,000 miles away) as well as undertake a Deep South Heartbreak Tour for my Aunt to recover from a nasty divorce but I've not chosen a holiday for myself. One I am desperate to go on.

And so it brings me to today. Firstly I realised I've not sweated and saved then hopped on a 'plane to see my friends in the US (and some awesome country music shows) for a while. In fact for the duration of the time I've been in this job. Over two years!

That, my friends, in itself is unacceptable. (Although it may take the US two years to recover from one of those trips!)

Once that thought took seed, we entered the danger phase. The impulsive-but-I-wanna-travel phase. And before I knew it, I was googling Mohegan Sun just to see who was performing.

I'll only say four words. Chris Young. 4th June.
An idea was borne.

Since I couldn't afford to go for this show (believe me I checked!) and as airlines don't take IOUs, the Get-Her-to-the-Sun plan of action has commenced.

Rooting through my cupboards, I found a silver boot-shaped money box. Perfect. Next stop, hangbag and out comes the purse. Like a 5-year-old, pennies were a-flying as I emptied everything and started counting.

My friends, I have £13.35 starting my Chris Young Summer 2012 Concert Wish. Unfortunately I realise loose change just isn't going to cut it .... and regrettably I see a lot of homebrand baked beans in my future. But it'll be worth it. Friends. Sunshine. Country Music. I am already smiling.



Day One. £13.35.

Confessions of a Shopaholic?!

Just over a month ago (April 15th to be precise), I declared a self-imposed shopping embargo to, among other things, remind me that the things that really matter can't be bought (tell that to eBay!)

Although I can't say it was a success (more like a cataclysmic failure on a scale never before seen) the good news is that I'm starting again. From today. To go all Shania on you, I'm starting 'From This Moment'.

So here goes (again)!
Wish me luck.

Live One Day at a Time

Zen tips from the Dalai Lama.



Much-needed today!

Weight-loss Wonder-tips!

Since I started my Weight Watchers wonder-journey, I have been reading any (genuine) weight-loss-tips out there for motivation and encouragement. I’m *not* talking about those tips that promise you instant results but little nuggets of positivity that can help you achieve your goal.

The latest discovery was 101 Weight-Loss Tips from http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk

I’ve taken those that resonated with me and have added my own thoughts to them as well!

For those who want to lose weight, here goes:

1. Blueberries

GoodtoKnow: You probably already know blueberries are an excellent super-food to snack on, but scientists now say they can also slash the fat cells in the body by up to 73%. The clever little purple fruits are said to change the way our bodies process fat and sugar, helping us to lose inches from our waistline.

Me: Woah! Slash fat by 73%! Shut up! I am a fan of the purple nugget of yumminess and since starting Weight Watchers, have had some blueberries every day – but only because they are delicious and zero-points! Who knew they were the secret-super-food?!

Besides blueberries, grapes and raspberries have saved my bacon (so to speak) since I started my WW journey. Zero-pointed, delicious and filling – the perfect diet snack. I don’t think I would have made it here without them.

2. Stop and think

GoodtoKnow: I rate how hungry I feel on a scale of one to 10. One means I wasn't hungry at all, five means moderately hungry, 10 means ravenous. I have to be at least six on the scale before having something to eat. Anything lower is just being greedy!

Me: I knew, in that vague sort-of-way, that I ate when I was bored or stressed but since I started monitoring what I ate (see point 3), I can clearly see triggers (moods and situations) as well as those moments when out-of-habit, I go to the ‘fridge. I thought this would be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome but I am still shell-shocked how easy it has been. I found myself standing in front of the ‘fridge on Sunday afternoon about to eat something (why, I had the points spare after all) but when I realised I wasn’t actually hungry, I simply turned away. Now that is progress my friends!

3. Keep a diary

GoodtoKnow: I decided to keep a food diary, when I found I wasn't losing weight as fast as I'd like. It forced me to be honest. And yes, eating in the dark does count! I also identified my danger points, like the post-lunch energy dip at 4pm. That way, I could make sure that I'd be distracted by something else.

Me: Isn’t it annoying when one of those tips you read in every magazine, newspaper and feature actually works. Yup, this is one of those. Of course my “food diary” takes the form of the Weight Watchers app on my iTouch and it has helped me identify those moments when I eat more and “dips” throughout the day. But I think it does more than that – for me, it has helped me realise WHY I eat certain things at certain times. It has shown me the emotional side to my eating and that has been invaluable.

4. Once a week

GoodtoKnow: Weigh yourself once a week only. Make sure you do it at the same time of day. If you keep jumping on and off the scales you may get disheartened as your weight will go up and down with water retention.

Me: I am a big believer in this tip – once a week absolutely. There are two further tips I’d give in relation to this:

1. Get digital scales. People, this for me is a must! Some weeks I have lost half a kilogram / half a pound (whatever “money” you use) and my old scales wouldn’t have reflected this and knowing me and my need for visible results, I know I would have been discouraged and disheartened.

2. If possible, choose Saturday or Sunday as your weigh-in day. Sunday is my weigh-in day and was dictated by the day I signed up for Weight Watchers but it has been a Godsend. Sunday is MY day. My only chance to stay at home, do chores, chill out … and previously it was also a chance to pig out (popcorn for movies, eating from boredom etc etc). Knowing Sunday is my weigh-in day keeps me motivated and on-track on Saturday. Not only this but when I see the results on Sunday, it motivates me to keep up the momentum for the rest of the day. Win-win!

5. Minty treat

GoodtoKnow: Don't chew gum when you're hungry, it stimulates your stomach. Have a low-cal mint instead.

Me: Amen! You’re preaching to the choir. With WW minty delights at 2 points for a box full, you’re laughing!

6. Be bold!

GoodtoKnow: Don't be scared to try different foods, sometimes it's the only way to change your diet. I thought I didn't like salads, until I tried mixing in nuts, raisins and little chunks of cheese, and all the other things I really liked.

Me: Somewhere along the way, I not only lost my way with my weight but I lost some of my adventurous spirit and with the weight loss, this too is coming back (as is my joie de vivre). During this adventure food-fest, the results have only been positive. It’s worth the risk!

7. Enjoy your bed

GoodtoKnow: Not getting enough sleep has been shown to increase levels of the major hunger messenger (NPY) in the brain. This promotes food cravings and the desire to snack.

Me: “The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more” - Wilson Mizener

I am a big believer in the power of sleep and not only to starve off hunger pangs. I believe it’s a time when the body and mind rejuvenates and heals itself ~ a time for the batteries to be recharged. I believe it eliminates stress and illness and boosts an ability to be productive, positive and see the best in the world. Finally, I also believe it’s a chance for the mind to work through any issues, worries and fears and bring us out on the other side.

8. Relax

GoodtoKnow: Research shows that stress triggers a hormone that increases our appetite and deposits fat around the organs in our stomach.

Me: Despite being a fan of sleep, I am a new convert to relaxation. I’m one of those people – eldest child, organizer, do-gooder, always-on-the-go and used to view relaxation with loathing and disgust. It just felt …lazy. Well here I am embracing the lazy beast within. Our society, personal lives and work all encourage us to do more, squeeze more out of each day and each moment. What happened to smelling the roses? It worries me seeing this pattern imprinted on our kids with 3,001 extra curricular activities to squeeze into each week. My new mantra – do one thing and do it well. Multi-tasking is a skill and can be handy but for me, I’m learning to slow down, even a little bit, and take enjoyment from life. It doesn’t have to be all work, uber-productive and always at full speed!

9. Set a date

GoodtoKnow: Having a holiday, wedding or special event to look forward to will help motivate you to achieve your goals.

Me: This ties in with another weight-loss-winning-belief for me which is “do it for yourself”. Don’t try this to please parents, family, children, partners, spouses or friends. Start the journey because there’s something in you saying you deserve better than the weight you’re at.

For me, my “date” is a Florida holiday in September. Lord knows there won’t be a bikini in sight but to have fun in the sun with friends and family then look back on the photos only to smile, there’s the best reward!

Wishing you the best with your journey!

Snap Happy

I don't know if it's the Spring weather or this recent sense of achievement I have but I've decided to embark on another project that has been niggling at me for a while. To take better photos.

Reading blogs, seeing Twitpics and uploads on Facebook, I am constantly blown away by the excellent quality of photos shared by friends .... and I want to join the ranks of better-than-average photographer.

I used to take photos all the time but somewhere along the line I became Blackberry-lazy. I love my Blackberry but it only has an okay camera on it and since I am always eager to upload to Twitter or FB straight away, I suddenly became OK with slightly dodgy, grainy photos. No more! It starts today peeps! For one I am actually going to read the manual for my digital camera as I have no doubt there are 101 features I don't make use. I'm also going to read tips and tricks from the experts.

All suggestions, tips, tricks and encouragement welcome here! Squeal! I am really quite excited!

Stepping Away from the Trolley

You wouldn’t think much could happen in 20 minutes. That potentially your life may change. Yet in my morning commute, I decided to take another step in changing my life. (Cue dramatic music) Duh duh duuuuuuh!

Before you get excited and I start hyperventilating, let me say that I simply decided on a self-imposed shopping embargo for the foreseeable future. So that would be a no to tatts or a sex change or anything else daytime-soap-ish that usually follows the words “changing my life”. Sorry!

Somehow I’ve found myself on a slippery slope of buying lovely delights and treats for myself (although I hasten to add, I think we all deserve a little something every now and then) and I’m at a place where I’d like more of my happiness to come from within and non-material things than from Amazon!

Personally I think this is going to be harder than losing weight but wish me luck because here I go!

My Weight Watchers Journey So Far!

It's been there a while. That lurking, lingering thought that I'm uncomfortable with my weight. Yet for some inexplicable reason on 27th February this year, I decided to *do* something about it.

My goal? To shed those pounds before my Florida Wunderhol in September. As it slowly dawned on me that I really was going to tackle my weight (or die trying), I realised that this was the first time I was doing it for myself which in itself, gives me extra fighting power. This wasn't for family, friends or a loved one. I wanted this for me. (Yeah me!)

Although I am gripped by reading what torture the stars will put themselves through for a Size 0, I knew I didn't want to do some wacky craze diet. My colleague started Weight Watchers at the beginning of the year and was finding it do-able as well as enjoying the results so I thought this would be my method too!

The Journey So Far (in kgs lost)
Week One -2kgs
Week Two -2kgs
Week Three -0.6kgs
Week Four -0.6kgs
Week Five -0.5kgs
In total? 5.7kgs. High five right here please!

Not only can I see the results in the kgs that are being lost but my clothes are baggier and so many friends and even people in my Line Dancing class have noticed. In five weeks! Talk about motivation to keep on the Weight Watchers Wagon!

Being the food hound that I am (hence the reason I am in this predicament), I expected Weight Watchers to be HARD. To feel deprived and to suffer through each day (which shows my resolve to lose the weight!)

Although it hasn't been easy per se, it has definitely not been difficult. There are two secret weapons in my arsenal. Grapes and my colleague although not necessarily in that order. Having someone in the same office also on Weight Watchers helps when buns or chocolate are brought into work. She's also a wealth of knowledge on ProPoints and tips and as she attends meetings and I am subcribed online, we can share resources. It has been a win-win for me.

Grapes? Grapes are nuggets of zero-pointed yumminess that have saved my bacon! Weight Watchers has helped me see all the times I ate because I was bored or how I often rewarded myself with food. Still there are moments between meals when I am peckish and my little tubs of grapes and raspberries see off those hunger pangs as well as give me lovely vitamins and minerals.

What's more I've also started rewarding myself when I do lose weight with non-food related goodies although last week's Lawn Mower may have been slightly excessive!!!

Each day I am on Weight Watchers, I find it empowering and I love the results I am getting. I can't wait to be a shadow of my former self. The journey continues!

Rocket Science Anyone?

Today I decided to join up for Weight Watchers Online to lose weight and for better health .... and is it just me or do you need to be a Rocket Scientist to understand ProPoints??!!

I'm *still* scratching my head!

Any tips for better health, happier me and losing weight welcome!