The health and wellness event that challenges you to set a goal, strive for balance, and Power Up! Open to the entire OSU Community, the Power Up Challenge gives us all the opportunity to actively seek health, wellness, and balance.
It has been awhile since I’ve written in. I have found it hard to organize my thoughts, so that you all can get something out of what I write. I gave up on that idea so… I’ll just ramble at you.
In comparison to nine weeks ago I have changed drastically. I am watching very closely to what enters my mouth. Although this weekend some contraband made it past the gates. I’ve been able to make this change by “not dieting” but eating good food. It has been quite the journey I’d say. A matter a fact when I do eat “crap” food I feel like what I eat “crap.” I’m really enjoying eating food that I wouldn’t of eaten before, and I’m finding a bunch of new favorites.
On top of eating good food, I am keeping a positive attitude and not trying to worry about school. Although this is my toughest academic term I’m doing the best I’ve ever done. I don’t know if it is just the change in attitude, eating right, or some miracle. Either way I’m going to keep doing it because it is working for me.
As a result of these two things I have lost 20lbs, and an 1.5″ on my waste. I can now where most of my cloths that were put in the “outgrow” pile. I still have 20lbs to go, and I know that 20 will come off a lot harder. So, I’m going to switch somethings up a little bit. Running is going to be added to my heaping plate. Now that the weather is nicer, and it is lighter longer I plan on getting out and putting some nike’s to the dirt.
Well I hope your journey is fulfilling and joyful. Remember to do what you love, and don’t forget to smile at people when you walk by them. It might make there day, or they will think your weird. Either way is fun.
I have been very motivated to start my individual transformations, and to meet great new people. I’ve been finding clarity in my day to day tasks, and have been able to focus for once in a long time.
But, last Saturday I found out that my Stepfather committed suicide. As you can expect I was floored. I had hit an obstacle that I had no idea how to get over, nor did I want to even begin to try. I immediately drove to Portland were my 20 year old step brother lives to help him, and be there if he needed me. After spending some time with my little brother I felt a little better about the situation. He seemed to be doing as well as could be doing.
As you can imagine I could offer up a few pages of information about my past week. I will close my note to you all by saying that my little brother and my relationship took on a new face this weekend. I feel like we have reconnected through this battle that we faced. He is doing well, and we plan on spending a lot more time together.
This challenge has opened me up. I have began to look at my life as an opportunity to do the very best that I can do, and to find joy in the little things. As far as motivation goes, there is nothing in this life that is worth taking your own life. There is always something new to experience, some new flower to smell, some place to see, and a new song to hear. Life motivates me even more now, and I am very thankful that I am participating in this challenge so that I can share my journey with you.
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. Hopefully you will have a good understanding of why I have decided to make changes in my life. I am a Mechanical Engineering student at the best University in the U.S. (OSU) “my opinion”. I got a late start into college due to a four year service in the U.S. Army. While in the Army my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I was able to get compassionately reassigned from Ft. Drum, NY to a closer Ft. Lewis, WA. After getting out of the Army I moved close to my Mom to start my new life as a civilian, and help her with her struggles. In a very short time I watched a very strong entrepreneur woman (my Mom) fade to a very fragile dependent. Throughout this rough time I did what I had to, “Stay Strong.” That leads me into my motivations for change in my life.
The best way for me to explain my situation to you is to relate the last ten years of my life to a Jenga game. I’m assuming you have all played Jenga. Just like in the game, I started out strong (mentally and physically). Over time and different life experiences my strong pieces have been displaced. These shifts have made me a weaker reflection of myself. All of the pieces are there, they are just shuffled around a bit. I have decided to knock my blocks over, and rebuild before I lose the pieces.
Physically: I want to lose 35-40lbs. I also want to establish good physical activity habits so the weight won’t come back. I plan on taking advantage of our wonderful gym at OSU, the dietitians, health coaching, personal training, and the fit classes.
Mentally: I want to be a better student. To do this I need to learn how to better balance my life. I need to be positive about my classes. I need to have more confidence, and increase my self esteem. I plan on taking advantage of CAPS, the mind spa, and the academic success center.
I’m hoping that being transparent for once in my life will allow me to get rid of the baggage that I have been internalizing. This will help me start my new life with the “old me”. I’m hoping that you to can find joy in change. Don’t forget, remember to SMILE!
