Greetings blog followers and readers. I have had an extended absence from La Mia Passione due to my busy summer. Summer this year included two trips home to visit family. That was followed by my first international mission trip to Honduras and a trip to Virginia Beach! This fall I am excited to get back to writing, and I cannot wait to tell you all about my adventures! But first things first...here's what's currently on my mind. Today I had the rare luck of being able to squeeze in two health appointments in one day, and in so doing I was able to take the day off. This morning I had an appointment bright and early with the Sleep Center to talk about how I have been doing with my weight loss and CPAP Use. My CPAP use is up...and sadly so is my weight. I've gained 3 pounds since my last visit to be precise. That probably does not sound like much, but for someone who's goal is to lose weight and say goodbye to the CPAP machine forever, those 3 pounds were discouraging.

I didn't just hear three more pounds to lose. I heard, "This task is insurmountable. You will never be able to lose weight. You'll be stuck using this machine forever." I was upset at first, then I realized that those fears are all lies. Dealing with the lies are a huge part of the struggle. I must constantly remind myself that I can do anything with God. A few weeks ago, my gynecologist shared her husband's testimony that he was being observed again to see if he could come off of his CPAP machine after making better lifestyle choices. This was truly a divine appointment because she is not my regular doctor. She was only filling in for the doctor I was scheduled to see who was out because of a car accident. This gave me so much hope and encouragement. I know that it can be done! And even more so, I have the power to turn it all around by making healthier lifestyle choices. Instead of allowing me to get discouraged, the Sleep Center Clinician and I shifted the focus of the conversation to what I am doing to improve my health. I am getting more rest, and thanks to GirlTrek I have been more conscious about walking for my health. In addition to walking,, today I start a 3 week Yoga Fitness Challenge, and on Saturday I will do my first ever Running/Bible Study Group called Running By the Book. Me, a runner? Years ago I would have said never, but today, I want to give it a go. And so I shall! This encouraged me and I realized that I AM taking steps to make positive changes in my life! 

Another small change I have made is eliminating High Fructose Corn Syrup from my diet. Because of this I now read all food & beverage labels, which is something I never did before. I may slip and have a coke here or there, but I am definitely making progress as I begin to eliminate fake foods from my diet. 
Making healthier food choices, for my life and my teeth (I also saw the dentist today), can be such a challenge at times. I say, oh it's just a doughnut, not realizing how often I use that as an excuse to treat myself to something that I want. I had an awful day. I deserve a Ted's Bulletin pop tart. I had a wonderful day, so to celebrate I shall have a cupcake! From now on I will stop rewarding or soothing myself with foods. Instead I will journal, meditate, do yoga, or call a friend to share my woes or my successes. I have to make healthier choices to so that I can live a healthier life. I realize that just as everything else in life, it is a process. This is requiring me to make a mental shift from something that is comfortable, habits that I am used to -- to a new awareness of how I take care of my body and what it needs to run at its optimal best. These are just the first of many health changes I will make. The process has already begun! I know it will be a fight, but I know it will be worth it. My body will thank me. And so will my spirit. :)
Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. - Les Brown



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