Wow! Maintaining a focus on a healthier lifestyle became more challenging during Week 2. Letting the pressures of work and life create excuses was a real temptation. Such decisions, however, would have derailed my commitment to make a difference in my life and by my example.
Interestingly, I was reminded of the importance of continuing by my daughter as she “coached” me through my Nautilus workout today. As I worked on the overhead press, she reminded me “Quitters never win, Daddy!” While I was unable to complete the number of reps I originally planned at that time, I returned to the machine and fulfilled my stated goal.
Eating has been less of a challenge. The mental shift to being more disciplined with food choices has been helped by the support of my wife and daughter. Overcoming the choice to eat donuts, pizza, and the multitude of other sweet treats has not been easy, but it has been simple. I’ve had my fling with “what tastes good.” Continuing to experience the love of my wife and children, the joy of seeing the smiles of my grandchildren, and the foundational and unconditional love exemplified in my father will require me to choose correctly.
The grafts used to restore proper blood flow to my heart in 2004 have a lifespan of about 10 years. One nurse shared that I could get more, “if [I] behave [my] self.” While my experience with open-heart surgery was mild by some measures, enduring such an invasive procedure again is not anything I want to encounter anytime soon. When discussing my weight and lack of exercise during my last cardiologist visit, Dr. Smith again reminded me of the temporary nature of the cardio artery bypass grafts. He looked at me and said, “You’re an intelligent man and should understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.”
Intelligent man? Wow! How did an “intelligent man” let himself slip back into a murderous routine? Hyperbole? I don’t think so. I was, as Mike Huckabee once wrote, killing myself with a knife and fork. The choices I was making were purely selfish and gave no thought to the big picture, and how my choices would impact those who love and care about me. So . . . I continue this trek with the support of my wonderful family, the super coaches at the YMCA, and the continual encouragement of Rob Dempsey and Kristin Roberts from HIS Radio.
Stats? Since January 1, 2011 I have lost (by our Weight Watcher scale at home) 20 pounds. More importantly, my clothes are no longer tight, and actually look like I’m wearing the correct size. I’m working to get back into my favorite suit from when I lost weight after my surgery. I might even include a picture in the blog when I’m wearing it.
Choose to make a difference in and with your life today! Thanks for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment