Okay, so I'm not really sure where to begin with this blog. I have many things on my mind at the moment, so this is going to be a long one lol. If you fall asleep, seriously, I will not be offended. Just need to say a lot of things right now.
First off, I want to start off by talking about life. Where I am now, compared to where I was a year ago. This time last year, I had the pleasure of meeting some really important people. People who have impacted my life more then I think they realize. They have a very special place in my heart, and I love them dearly. I just want to say thank you, because even though it's been a year, you are all still having such a positive impact on my life. I will forever be great full.
I have recently started taking my little girl to pre-school. She loves it and actually cried today when it was time to go home. What is great for me though, is spending time talking to the other moms. That is something that I would never have felt comfortable doing before. For mothers day, we went to the Mothers day breakfast at the fire hall. I gotta say, not only can those fire fighters make an awesome calendar, they are also great cooks!! It was so nice to catch up with people. George is doing great with his cycling. I'm the timer for the Sunday races! Next year I'm going to join the bike club and participate in the duathlon! Ultimately I would love to do sprints, my swimming still needs work, so cycling and running will be a good start I think =)
So those of you who have watched Village on a diet know exactly where I was a year ago. I was a very sad individual, who really didn't think much of herself, or think that she really didn't have much to offer anyone. I am so happy with my life and where I am today. So proud of my accomplishments, and so excited for the future. To have goals now in my life, and to have the will and want to do things that I always talked about doing. It really is an amazing feeling. Even the little things. Having the energy to so yard work, to want to be outside, taking my little girl to the park. These are things I always made excuses for. What is disappointing though, is how some individuals are perceiving things differently. (Hence the title of this blog). I guess because some people haven't been seeing me around as often as they did during filming, they have come to the conclusion that I have become a hermit again. Well, honestly, there is a difference between being a hermit and enjoying time by yourself, and with your family. My family means everything to me, and I am going to put their needs ahead of what others are "thinking". A year ago, spending time by myself was something I NEVER enjoyed doing. I take pride in my home and I take pride in myself. Far from what hermit Jamie was like =)
Up until a few weeks ago I was attending the weekly boot camps down here, led by the magnificent Laurie! I miss it so much, but with how I've been feeling during this pregnancy, Dr. says I need to cut it back to just walking. I have to say that was very hard. Some might think it's silly because I'm 26 weeks pregnant now and have a pretty good reason growing inside of me to take it easy. When you go from always pushing yourself and striving to be better physically, it's so hard to step back from that. Doing what's best for our little baby is what is important. This year I will not be able to participate in the 2nd annual hill climb here in Taylor. I will however be there cheering George on though. My personal best time up that hill was 6 min and 59 seconds. I will work on improving that Next summer.
So, I guess the point I am trying to make with this blog is, as long as you know you are doing what's best for you, take no notice of what others are saying or thinking. Have pride in yourself. If those you consider to be your friend only have negative things to say to you or about you, well, they weren't really your friend to start with. Surround yourself with positive people who aren't going to make you feel bad about yourself or what you are doing. What YOU think of yourself is what matters! =)
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Friday, 1 April 2011
Being Selfish
Have you ever grown up thinking being selfish was a bad thing? I'm not saying that is how I was raised, but it's just something that I always believed. I always thought selfishness was getting what you wanted at others expense. I learned through my experience on VOAD, and my many chats with Adel , that there is actually a good way to be selfish!! Who knew right??
I think for a lot of people, it's hard to put themselves first. Others, I think, find it to easy lol. I'm mostly speaking about when it comes to changing your lifestyle. A lot of people use family as a reason to not get out and exercise. Maybe thinking that its selfish to want to do something for themselves. Well, that's how I used to think. I felt that being Mom meant it was my purpose to be there for my daughter always. Don't get me wrong, my daughter is first priority, but I used to think that I needed to be there constantly, even when George was around. You know what I mean?
I always thought that I was needed, couldn't do anything alone in-case I was missed. What it really comes down to is, you need to trust (especially if you have kids) that your spouse is going to have everything under control. It is OKAY for you to have time for yourself. To exercise, spend time with friends, what ever you want to do. I never used to do any of that. George would come home from work and not even need to ask how my day was because he knew exactly what I did. You do however, need to find a balance between what you are and aren't doing. In trying to find myself, it did get to the point where I was spending too much time away from my family. I feel like I have found balance now.
I LOVE going to Sunday boot-camps! That is me time, and I love it!!! Now that it's so nice out, I've actually started walking there again! Getting an extra 300 calories burned and feeling amazing in the process.
I just want to say one more thing. The people around you who care about you will understand the decisions you make. People who maybe you thought were your friends, wont, but that is their problem...not yours! We all make our own decisions, and until we are accountable and take responsibility for them we will never truly be happy.
I think for a lot of people, it's hard to put themselves first. Others, I think, find it to easy lol. I'm mostly speaking about when it comes to changing your lifestyle. A lot of people use family as a reason to not get out and exercise. Maybe thinking that its selfish to want to do something for themselves. Well, that's how I used to think. I felt that being Mom meant it was my purpose to be there for my daughter always. Don't get me wrong, my daughter is first priority, but I used to think that I needed to be there constantly, even when George was around. You know what I mean?
I always thought that I was needed, couldn't do anything alone in-case I was missed. What it really comes down to is, you need to trust (especially if you have kids) that your spouse is going to have everything under control. It is OKAY for you to have time for yourself. To exercise, spend time with friends, what ever you want to do. I never used to do any of that. George would come home from work and not even need to ask how my day was because he knew exactly what I did. You do however, need to find a balance between what you are and aren't doing. In trying to find myself, it did get to the point where I was spending too much time away from my family. I feel like I have found balance now.
I LOVE going to Sunday boot-camps! That is me time, and I love it!!! Now that it's so nice out, I've actually started walking there again! Getting an extra 300 calories burned and feeling amazing in the process.
I just want to say one more thing. The people around you who care about you will understand the decisions you make. People who maybe you thought were your friends, wont, but that is their problem...not yours! We all make our own decisions, and until we are accountable and take responsibility for them we will never truly be happy.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
First Blog EVER!!! Motivation!!
Okay, so I have decided to start blogging. Why? Well, I like to talk, and some people have told me that I have a lot to say lol. I guess I do, but whether or not it's anything of any substance....well...we will see =)
I ramble a lot. Seriously I do. It's almost as if my mouth is moving faster then my brain. Most times I forget where I was heading with my comment and slowly taper off and yeah, it's weird.
So, most people know me from Village on a Diet. I have to say most because my Facebook has gone from 280 to almost 550 and Twitter from 70 - 300!!! It's crazy and I really do appreciate all the support. I love hearing from everyone, but I find it so hard to write everyone back. That's another reason why I've decided to start blogging. Hopefully I will be able to answer questions and give support to those who need it.
This week (even though it's only Tuesday), I've been thinking a lot about motivation. Motivation is such an important word when it comes to wanting to change your life. A lot of people have a hard time to stay motivated. Before Village on a Diet started filming, I had lost 20 lbs in 5 months. My Motivation? Wanting to get a head start because I had a lot of weight to lose. My mom was the one who gave me the thought to start early actually. She said "James, you've got a long way to go, and starting early isn't going to hurt anything." She was right. Because for me, it wasn't about a TV show, it was about getting the help I needed to change my life and ultimately, save it.
After the show started filming, my next form of motivation was my wedding. My dress didn't fit, and I needed it to fit. I worked hard and threw all my excuses out the window. I can honestly say before Village on a Diet came, I didn't think I had so many issues with myself. I was always blaming everyone else for why I wasn't happy. It didn't occur to me that I didn't know how to be happy with just me. I actually had a lot of hatred for myself.
So after my wedding, what was there left to be my motivation? Well, I started making some realistic goals to keep me going. First one? I wanted to get out of the 200's. To get there, I was working out 6 days a week. Running the golf course, and timing myself, keeping track of my calories. All these little things would make me feel good if I had done better then I had the previous time. Sounds silly, but kept me from thinking about my long term goal and feeling disappointment if I wasn't reaching it as quickly as I felt I should be.
Wow, this blog is turning into a novel!! Is there a standard length?? lol okay, well I'm almost done.
So, as most of you know I am now pregnant with our second child. I guess my motivation now would be making sure I have a healthy pregnancy. But I don't really feel like that is motivation. I enjoy my healthy lifestyle now. I enjoy doing things that I was unable to find the joy in before. I enjoy not being held back by my own self doubt and lack of confidence. I enjoy not caring what other people think when they look at me because I know who I am and I am proud of it. Most of all, I enjoy being the wife I always wanted to be, and the Mom I always knew I could be. We all have it in us to be the person we want. If you are looking for your own motivation, sit down and really think about it. Write down on a piece of paper what you want out of life. Short term goals, long term goals and anything that you always wanted to do but never thought you could. Look at that list and know that it is all within your reach. Small steps and changes will get you to where you want to be. Sometimes, you just need to look at the world a little different.
I ramble a lot. Seriously I do. It's almost as if my mouth is moving faster then my brain. Most times I forget where I was heading with my comment and slowly taper off and yeah, it's weird.
So, most people know me from Village on a Diet. I have to say most because my Facebook has gone from 280 to almost 550 and Twitter from 70 - 300!!! It's crazy and I really do appreciate all the support. I love hearing from everyone, but I find it so hard to write everyone back. That's another reason why I've decided to start blogging. Hopefully I will be able to answer questions and give support to those who need it.
This week (even though it's only Tuesday), I've been thinking a lot about motivation. Motivation is such an important word when it comes to wanting to change your life. A lot of people have a hard time to stay motivated. Before Village on a Diet started filming, I had lost 20 lbs in 5 months. My Motivation? Wanting to get a head start because I had a lot of weight to lose. My mom was the one who gave me the thought to start early actually. She said "James, you've got a long way to go, and starting early isn't going to hurt anything." She was right. Because for me, it wasn't about a TV show, it was about getting the help I needed to change my life and ultimately, save it.
After the show started filming, my next form of motivation was my wedding. My dress didn't fit, and I needed it to fit. I worked hard and threw all my excuses out the window. I can honestly say before Village on a Diet came, I didn't think I had so many issues with myself. I was always blaming everyone else for why I wasn't happy. It didn't occur to me that I didn't know how to be happy with just me. I actually had a lot of hatred for myself.
So after my wedding, what was there left to be my motivation? Well, I started making some realistic goals to keep me going. First one? I wanted to get out of the 200's. To get there, I was working out 6 days a week. Running the golf course, and timing myself, keeping track of my calories. All these little things would make me feel good if I had done better then I had the previous time. Sounds silly, but kept me from thinking about my long term goal and feeling disappointment if I wasn't reaching it as quickly as I felt I should be.
Wow, this blog is turning into a novel!! Is there a standard length?? lol okay, well I'm almost done.
So, as most of you know I am now pregnant with our second child. I guess my motivation now would be making sure I have a healthy pregnancy. But I don't really feel like that is motivation. I enjoy my healthy lifestyle now. I enjoy doing things that I was unable to find the joy in before. I enjoy not being held back by my own self doubt and lack of confidence. I enjoy not caring what other people think when they look at me because I know who I am and I am proud of it. Most of all, I enjoy being the wife I always wanted to be, and the Mom I always knew I could be. We all have it in us to be the person we want. If you are looking for your own motivation, sit down and really think about it. Write down on a piece of paper what you want out of life. Short term goals, long term goals and anything that you always wanted to do but never thought you could. Look at that list and know that it is all within your reach. Small steps and changes will get you to where you want to be. Sometimes, you just need to look at the world a little different.
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