A Disciplined Life

Discipline...now that is a word that has been needed in my life for a while.  What about you?  Lately,  it has been rearing its ugly head more and more especially as I try to incorporate all I am learning through Arrow Meltdown.  There is great benefit in living a disciplined life especially when your submission is to God.  What has surprised me most as I practice disciple in many areas of my life, not just in the physical things, is I am finding the beauty in it.  I think that is because I am seeing the evidence of God at work in my life and that brings me great joy!

Speaking of great joy...Oh happy day...I finally overcame my first weight loss goal and passed the 10 lb. mark this morning with a total weight loss right at 11.5 lbs.  I am very excited!  There are some Arrow Meltdown contestants melting down much faster than I, which only disappoints because I could really use the prize money, but never fear, I will press on and celebrate their success, contest or no contest.   

Boot camp this week was probably my favorite so far.  We did body sculpting using a stability ball and free weights.  I really enjoyed it even though now my knees are hurting a little from the squats which says more about me than it does about the class.  These last six weeks, I have found it difficult to make time for both cardio and strength training during the week and since these body sculpting exercises can be done at home, I am hoping to put them into practice.  The Healthplex offers a couple of body sculpting classes throughout the week and I have gone to one.  I need to really look hard at my personal schedule and discipline myself to make more time for exercise. 

Nutrition was very informative today.  With Springbreak coming up next week, we talked about overcoming the obstacles of eating out and basically it all comes down to discipline.  I don't get a springbreak, so worrying about vacation is not on my radar, but I do travel often on weekends, in fact I have been out town four of the six weekends since Arrow Meltdown began.  There have been obstacles to face which has required discipline.  I have had some success because I have still been losing weight consistently even while I have traveled, but Mrs. Mascagni had great tips that will help me do better and I hope they help you. 

1  The battle is won in your heart and mind before you ever get to a restaurant or vacation destination.  Make up your mind to choose healthy before you ever go and stick to the plan.

2.  Always order sauces and dressings on the side and dip your fork tongs in them with each     bite.  You will still get the great taste without all the calories and fat.

3.  Only eat out with people who support your effort and don't let other's talk you into something you know is not the right choice for you.  e.g. your waiter

4.   Do not be afraid to ask to make changes to your order, but remember if you have them running back and forth to the kitchen to ask the chef questions be sure to tip them well.

5.  When all else fails, tell them the waiter you are allergic to butter!  He, the chef and the manager will do what you ask of them because they will be afraid you will sue them.

The three things I learned or was reminded of this week:

Listen to a good word.  Hebrews 12:11 says: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained in it.  A friend from college that has survived this journey I am now on sent me that verse.  She also recommended me reading Candace Cameron Bure's (Kirk Cameron's little sister and star on the old ABC show Full House) book "Reshaping it All".  I haven't read it yet, but hope to soon.  You might want to check it out and let me know what you think.

I have an unofficial fan club.  This blog has connected me  and reconnected me to people in ways I couldn't have imagined.  I have been surprised that folks enjoy reading what I have to say.  I consider myself a mediocre writer at best and I know I need an editor because I am a terrible speller, type too fast and have too many errors.  Nevertheless, there are people who are enjoying this blog and I am enjoying sharing this experience with you.

I talk (write) too much!  This is no revelation to me or to most of you.  It is in my genes!  Therefore, I am going to shut up for once and I bid you adieu until next week.