Category: Goals.

Dieting, Goals., Health, Health., Life, Uncategorized, vegan, veganism

Progress Made. Day 1.

TSV

So what a title, right?? One day of making progress is one day of success if you ask me.

When I first decided to go vegan, my colleagues were convinced that my choice wouldn’t last longer than a week. Day one went by, day seven, month one, year one, year four and I’m still going strong. Point being is that everything starts with day one. You won’t succeed if you don’t take the first step. I mean, am I right?

The day one success that I’m referring to in this moment are my personal goals that I set in my previous post.

  1. Drink 8 glasses of water.
  2. Study for one hour.
  3. Exercise for 30 minutes.
  4. Blog once per week (minimum) for one month.

All of which were simple tasks. All of which I have completed today.

What I needed was to find a way to get out of my never-ending procrastination cycle. Hopefully, blogging will do the trick. You know, knowing that so many supportive people reviewed and actually like my previous post was helpful beyond words. I hate that it’s a driving factor in my personality, but it is. I like to think that I’m helping others by staying active. Does that make sense? It makes me want to push through my failures and find a way to consistently succeed. To encourage someone else to do the same. There’s no way for me to know now if I’ll be able to do it. But here it is in words at the very least: I can. I will.

As I continue following my added choices of lifestyle, I’ll make changes and add more to it. Maybe eating healthier? (If you’re not vegan, I definitely recommend giving it a try using a S.M.A.R.T. Goal. 😉 Just saying! -and if you need pointers, lmk.)

Just remember, and I’ll try to remember myself, success is about getting there, not how many stops you make along the way. Find a way to do it. If you have a goal, achieve it. You can. You will.

success

 

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Dieting, Goals., Health, Health., Life, Uncategorized, vegan, veganism, Zen.

Healthy Habits.

TSV

I’m so, so tired. Mentally. Physically. I’m tired of telling myself that I’m going to do something only to wind up procrastinating or not completing my goal at all. I’m tired of waking up at 4:30 every morning and leaving work at 5:00 every evening. I’m tired of my commute. I’m tired of studying. I’m tired of projects. I’m tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. I’m tired of wasting time.

I’m tired… of being tired.

Then today, a thought occurred to me: is it actually tiredness? Or am I just being lazy? Of course I want to blame it all on exhaustion (which it sometimes truly, truly is…or so I think), but I’ve finally decided that I need to do something about it. Instead of staying stuck in this vicious cycle of “do it later” or loafing about complaining, I need to break the habit. I’m going to make changes to my daily routine starting with a positive attitude. :/

Really though. Sometimes that’s all it takes. A new perspective, positive thoughts, and a genuine smile. Throw in a few “you can do this” mantras over and over again and bam! Golden. Okay, so maybe not quite. For myself I’m going to set some daily goals followed by short-term goals, followed by long-term goals.

 I took an online class a while back and learned about S.M.A.R.T. Goals.

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

SMART

I mean, it makes sense. Be specific about your goal. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Can you measure it? Is it realistic? Is it relevant to your bigger goals or things that you want to achieve? When will your goal be completed? It’s beautiful.

For now, I’m going to set a few simple, but obtainable goals.

GOAL #1

Drink 8 glasses of water every day for a month. I can measure this by drinking out of a 2 liter bottle and making sure that it’s gone before bedtime. I think this is realistic and challenging. I drink mostly coffee, but I can mix it up a bit. Especially with the giant jug of water acting as a ball and chain at my feet. This is relevant because hydration is the key to energy and health. Deadline? One month straight. I use this app called Habitica to keep track of my habits. I’ll add this to the list. After my month is up, I’ll do it again.

GOAL #2

Study for at least one hour every night until I pass my next certification. Simple. I can measure this by tracking my study time with my app. It is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Super SMART.

GOAL #3

Working out for at least 30 minutes every day for a month. This is a goal I’ve already started practicing. I work out at home, I do yoga, I run. I feel that if I don’t write it down though, then I won’t stick with it. So there it is.

GOAL #4

Blog once per week at a minimum for a month. Pretty specific. Definitely measurable, not only by me, but by you as well.

That’s all I have for now. None of these are the long-term goals that I planned on creating, but it’s enough to start with. If you don’t see a blog from me within seven days, assume I failed lol.

Hopefully you’ll hear from me sooner than that! If you’re struggling through similar issues, just remember, stay positive. You can do this.

Fun, Goals., Health., Life, Uncategorized

Runner’s Break.

TSV

This isn’t about how runners break or get injured from running. This just is about myself. About how I’ve taken a month long vacation from running. Typical. The one thing I had been so passionate about. This may be a lame excuse, but honestly, the last month was an emotional rollercoaster for me.

I hate that overused term, “emotional rollercoaster”, but what would be a better way to describe the ups and downs that we feel? It’s certainly not like an elevator. Those are predictable. You know where you’re going, when your going. There’s nothing exciting or scary about them. Maybe a better description would be a broken elevator that goes and stops as it pleases. One that is hanging on a stressed cable, ready to snap. One that works sometimes, but not others. I suppose it really doesn’t matter. You understand the meaning behind “emotional rollercoaster”.

As I was trying to explain… It had been a while since my last run. The 3rd of December to be exact, for 3.20 miles at a pace of 8:54. I finally ran again yesterday: 3.55 miles/9:06 pace. My time isn’t far off from what it was, but if I ever want to get below an eight minute mile (preferably seven) for long distance, I need to practice more. I’ll continue to push myself. Look at the amazing athletes and inspiring people who commit to their goals. Look at their achievements.

Even though this is just an excuse for myself, I still want to blame the cold & darkness as well as emotions for my reasons to not run. Maybe they’re tied together. In Alaska (I use this because I lived there for eight years), many people go into depression during the winter. It must be the lack of sun, the cold, sickness. When you wake up, it’s cold and dark. When you get home from work, it’s cold and dark. There are actually studies on the link between winter seasons and emotional changes if you’re ever interested. Here’s one link that talks about the seasonal problem.

I don’t have anything else to add for now. I have a major test next week that I need to study for. This was simply about how and why I stopped running for a while, but that I’m going to keep going. I’ll continue to push myself through no matter the situation. It’s something I would expect others to do to. If you’re struggling, remind yourself this. Push past whatever is holding you back.

Random Note before I go:

I made myself an avocado bagel earlier and it was phenomenal. Super simple too.

Avocado Bagel

Ingredients

– Half a bagel (Dave’s Killer Bread)
– Half avocado
– Mustard
– Mustard Seed (Try this)

I just toasted the bagel, sliced up the avocado, put it on the bagel, added mustard and mustard seed and VOILA! Magic.

General., Goals., Health., Life, Uncategorized, vegan, veganism

So much to say, yet nothing at all.

TSV

Here I am. Feeling quite miserable.

Sick. Overworked. Tired. Emotional.

Get over it. I need to get over it.

I need to focus my energy (the little that I have right now) on being positive. It’s funny how everyone goes through moments of ups and downs. Something called “life”. There’s so much good in the world, but it’s hard to see when you’re surrounded by a thick fog of depression.

The worst part of it is that I know I don’t have it half as bad as most people. In fact, I should be incredibly grateful for what I have. I know that I’m fortunate for this life I’ve created for myself. And I am very grateful. I’m grateful for my children, for my job, my close friends and family. I have a bed to sleep in, food on my table, and my health (other than this simple cold that I’m getting over). My children are healthy and happy. This is all that should really matter. It’s just hard to enjoy it when my mind is sitting in the bottom of a hole wondering how to get out. Wondering how to make things better. Wondering if I’m doing the right things, making the right choices.

I have been listening to the book 11-22-63 by Steven King on Audible lately. It’s a very interesting read that involves a man who is able to go back through time. Sometimes I ask myself, if given the opportunity, would I go back in time to change things for myself? Some days I would love to meet the younger me to give myself advice on how to be more successful. To tell myself to make certain choices rather than others. To give myself guidance. But if I did, would I still be who I am today? Would it make me a better person? Would I be happier? Ultimately, I think not.

We learn through our mistakes. We learn by stressing ourselves to our limits. It helps us grow. If we knew all of the answers, what fun would life be?

I like the person that I’ve become. I need to remember that. There is, after all, only one me. (Though I also believe that we are all connected, but that will be a different blog altogether). I think that if I were able to help others to see thing more positively, it would fill the emptiness that I’ve been feeling.

One thing that I would love to do is foster children. To help someone who has nothing. To give them everything that I can. Love, support, and everything in-between. It will be a goal of mine. Perhaps when my children are older and when I’m financially ready.

I thought veganism was that “void-filler” and it was for a while, but the more I preach veganism, the more I feel that the world is against me. It’s frustrating when friends and family don’t take it as seriously as I do. And I suppose that’s fine, since I used to feel the same way. Not being able to make the connection from the slaughtered animals to what was on my plate. Or maybe it was the lack of caring. I don’t know. Knowing what I know now though, I thought I could help others see it too. But it isn’t so. I feel like giving up. Not on my vegan lifestyle, but on encouraging others to do the same. Society rules all.

In the meantime, I will put more focus on the positive things. The things that I am so lucky to have. And the hope that I can help this world in other ways. Going back in time won’t change a thing. I need to focus on the future. The future of myself, my family, and others. I think I’ll give myself 15 minutes of meditation tonight. To clear my mind. To send out positive vibrations and to be ready to receive them in return. Maybe it’ll help. Maybe it won’t.

‘Til next time. ❤

 

General., Goals., Uncategorized, vegan

When life give you lemons?

TSV

Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. I couldn’t keep up with blogging even if I was paid for it. I’ve been completely wrapped up with work, home life, and honestly, with feeling quite down.

Work is just… well, work. I’m working to live, living to work. Aren’t we all? There’s hardly any free time. Work from 8am-5pm, with a 45 minute commute each way. So it takes up a lot more. I love my job, but damn I miss my family. My awesome little kids… with whom I’m watching the Netflix TV Series “Dark”. We shared some vegan BBQ chips and made our own guacamole. Here’s the recipe that we used:

1 – Avocado
2 – Small tomatoes
2Tbsp – Chopped red onions
1Tsp – Lime juice (or LEMON)
1Tsp – Vinegar
Pinch of Salt (Optional)

Anyway, I also work as a Reservist with the USAF. That takes up another one of the four weekends that I do have during the month. It’s draining. All I want to do is sleep when I get home now. That’s not what I do though. I do what I can to spend time with my kids. Help them with homework, make dinner, watch a movie. I need more energy. Coffee only helps so much.

This has only brought me down. I need to find time for myself. Time to meditate. Time to do fun activities with my kids. I’m taking classes online and I can’t even manage to find time to study for that. How do I get my life in order? Where do I start?

I’m still trying to figure it out. This is all I’ve got for now.

Dieting, General., Goals., Health., Uncategorized, vegan, veganism

Past Mistakes.

TSV

In one of my previous posts, I briefly mentioned my pre-vegan eating. Let me elaborate. Before the year 2014, I ate horribly. I’m talking fast food all day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King… those were my top 3 favorites. The reason I say this is because I was headed on a bad path for my health and well-being… and I was pulling my children down right along with me.

This is so important because in my previous post I complained about my insecurities and my unhealthy eating habits, when in reality, I should feel much better about the decisions I make now. I cook much more than I ever did. Years ago, my go-to meal was the double quarter pounder and for my kids, it was the chicken nugget Kid’s Meal with fries and a soda. YES, SODA. It kills me to think of how poorly educated I was when it came to health and nutrition.

Neither my kids nor I have had fast food (or soda) in 3 years.. unless Chipotle counts?? In fact, my kids LOVE fruits and veggies. They eat so well and I couldn’t be more proud! That never would have happened if we didn’t have a major life change. Now, I’m not saying veganism is the answer for everyone, but it was for us.

I bring this up to you because if we never made the transition to a vegan diet, we would still be eating the same way. I don’t think I would have ever developed an interest in nutrition. I wouldn’t read ingredient lists like I do today. I would be in terrible shape… literally speaking.

Am I where I want to be when it come to weight now? As you would know from my previous post… the answer is no. I would definitely love to lose a few pounds and get in better shape. There’s always room for improvement.

Dieting, General., Goals., Health., Uncategorized, vegan, veganism

Vegan Gains. For Real.

TSV

Good evening to those of you reading my post. I know it’s been a long ass time since I’ve even attempted writing. A lot has been on my mind lately, so it’s been difficult trying to make this blog a priority. As silly as it might sound, I probably should make this a priority for the sake of my sanity (no, not really, but I think it could help).

With that said, I will begin my vent, rant, whatever.

Let me get a little personal… I’m very uncomfortable about my body and my weight. I’m not usually comfortable talking about it either, but maybe it needs to be said for me to get my shit together. I’ve never been extremely “overweight”, but lately I can say that I’ve packed on quite a few, unflattering, pounds. Crazy thing is, I’m vegan! “Aren’t vegans supposed to be skinny?” Hell no, so shut up and sit down.

Sure, I don’t eat fast food like I used to, but that doesn’t mean I can’t gain weight! I. Love. Bagels. There. I said it. I love bagels smothered with Vegenaise, Follow Your Heart cheese, and Tofurkey. I could eat those ALL DAMN DAY! With a little lettuce, tomato, onions…. ahh… All that, and pizza. Of course pizza. It’s so easy! And they have a pizza place near me that has vegan options and it’s so cheap. I could go on and on about my favorite foods (to 100% include Thai..oh and lots of desserts), but let’s face it, what good will that do me? None.

Anyway, I figure if I can change my lifestyle so drastically in one way (from eating so much meat and cheese! to cutting it out completely), then I can change it in other ways as well… right?

This is where my dilemma comes into play. Where do I even begin? Do I want to commit myself to dressing-less salads for the rest of my life? I don’t want to start some diet fad or starve myself. I just want to find what works for ME. *Insert exaggerated crying emoji here*.

Basically this is where I’m at: deciding on what to do next. I’m 5’6″ just sitting here with 150lb weight. It doesn’t sound like much, but just a year ago I was 135lbs. So within 365ish days, I’ve gained 15lbs.

And in case you’re curious (not that you are, but in case, you never know), my BMI reads normal.. the normal range for my height is 114.6lbs-154.9. I’m pushing more towards that far end.

And ya know, I’ve tried out the whole Facebook workout groups and B.S. and even tried doing some BeachBody crap. I realized that it’s just not for me.

So now I look at it like this, I can either do something about it, or I can keep on bitching as an attempt make myself feel better. I’m going to do a bit of research to see what lifestyle change will suit me most. You are more than welcome to sit back and read my journey or you can totally join me! That would be awesome! Just hit me up and let me know. It would be super supportive and I would give that support right on back.

Guess it all ends here for now. “Stay tuned” for my next blog. I’ll throw in recipes and exercise ideas, or whatever the hell I decide to do. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks all! 😉