30 Day Challenges

[Deb]

thanks Sylvane for your response. I guess my drinking was never much of an issue like I had said until I was trying to lose weight and began to notice that it wasn't an easy to 'just stop' as I thought it would be. Now I'm concerned that I can't "just stop." Just this week alone (sun - sun) I had 3 bottles of wine. Is that excessive? Is that within a normal range? I don't know. Maybe it isn't so much the quantity but the fact that stopping isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Maybe it's just the sugar. Am I going thru sugar withdrawls? I know the day after I've had a lot of wine I crave things. I found this thread and I do want to get back in shape and would love to do a 30 day challenge so I guess my answer is both. My goal is to get in better shape and drink less. But I guess I'm trying to figure out if I have a problem or not. I'm not sure.

[fiona]

Deb,

Here is an article from Patrick that may help you decide if you have a problem or not. The fact that that you are worried might suggest you take a closer look at your life in general. I don't think there is a "normal", everyone is different, but you might want to read through the posts and see if anyone's story sounds like yours.

http://www.spiritualriver.com/if-you...buse-problems/

[Beth]

Good Evening All! Checking in on day 10.
Welcome Deb. Thanks for joining. I am in the same boat as you as far as the weight gain. For years I drank and never gained a pound. I drank so much and never even had a sign of a beer belly. But a couple of years ago the weight started sneaking up....and now I am atleast 25 pounds heavier than I was just two years ago (Wait, 17....I have lost 8 pounds since starting the challenge!). I'm sure age is a contributing factor but the alcohol is as well. Plus I was very active in the past but had become a recluse. Staying in the house and drinking. Two factors for me on drinking are stress and boredom. Excercise is my answer for both. Stay with us....like Sylvane said commit to 30 days.
John, Thanks for your honesty and checking in today!
Sue, Whatever you do don't go to Target. We were there the other day and they were so expensive. Definately get a video. The price sounds good but I think 4lbs is too light. If they have one with 6lbs or 8lbs I think you will like that better.
Today was absolutely the best weather of the year so we took the dog to the park. I walked the trails for a good 45 minutes.

Hope everyone who hasn't checked in lately is doing well. I'm not going to name you by name....YOU know who you are.
All that have checked in, Thank You! Love to see your success.

Good Night All.

[fiona]

Got my walk in with the dogs & boys.

[Julie]

Hey Sylvane, John & Fiona - thanks for checking in.

John, you said early on that weekends were tough, and that you were going to do the best you could on weekdays - so you're meeting your goal - great job! Fiona & Sylvane - I walked with the dog tonight too, so check for today. Wish I had little kids to keep me going though.

How about the rest of you?? Ken - you OK?

And Deb, welcome! Only you can determine if the level of your wine consumption is a problem. I second Fiona's recommendation to review Patrick's articles on the main SR site. And committing to a 30 day exercise challenge couldn't hurt as you meditate on your choices. Making a 30 day commitment to not drink the wine might be a good idea to try too. In any case, we welcome you here! I sent you a PM also......

[Beth]

Day 11. Didn't get my workout in till this evening but have to say it was a good one. Back to a 20 minute Jillian 30 day shred! My P90X is calling my name.... A few more kettle bell classes and I will try it.
Take care all!

[Julie]

Beth ... thanks for being such a dedicated teammate! I'm with you on getting out of the house to exercise and not drink!!
Sue - if you get the KB please let me know how it goes .... I want to give it a try but am afraid I'm too uncoordinated.
Sylvane - hope you're out of the Vortex

Today is my 57th day of sobriety, and my 42nd consecutive day of at least 20 minute exercise .... ok, I had to pat myself on the back a bit here .... thanks for traveling along the path with me everyone!!

[fiona]

Julie - Congrats on your great accomplishments!!!!

Beth - Just saw part of the P90X info...WOW! That's calling you??? Dang I'm impressed.

Sylvane - Been wondering about Erin, Ken & several others who were here a week ago. Was there a spa trip planned & we missed the post?

John - I was told housework counted

I got my walk in. Going to try to do a little more tomorrow. Haven't been very motivated. Maybe I'll try my bathing suit on, that should scare the motivation back in me!

[Beth]

Hi all, day 12.... Right there with you Julie. Worked out this morning but have been traveling all day and just got online. Tomorrow is KB class so I will sleep in in the morning.

Thanks Sylvane, Fiona, & John for hanging in there!

Fiona, I really need to step it up, just not happy on how I let myself go. It's a 90 day commit about an hour to an hour and a half a day..... If I don't do it now I don't think I'll ever do it.... Just need to do it...... Hopefully soon.

Julie, congrats to you first and foremost on your sobriety!! 57 is great! Woo Hoo. The exercise is great too. Goes to show you how taking care of your body not only gets your body strong but your mind as well..... We can all beat this.

[Ken1]

Hello everyone, I apologize for dropping out of sight with no explanation. I have been procrastinating making a career decision and after having my birthday over the weekend, I decided to get back into the drivers seat of my own life and figure out my future. I have been spending way too much time online, especially reading the countless newsletters I subscribed to. I needed a few days to clean up the time wasters and refocus, and I believe I am back in control. I have a tendency to over think things if I do not focus, I guess I'm waiting for Publishers Clearing House to show up with one of those over sized checks, but that's not how it works, massive action is the only way to reach our goals. I have been working out, just not posting, so I apologize to you all and hope your workouts are keeping you focused. Have a great day everyone.

[fiona]

Ken - Happy (belated) Birthday!!! No need to apologize. Its funny how birthdays can dredge up all sorts of stuff. You have made some amazing transformations and self discoveries since your last birthday so its kind of like a personal New Years...out with the old in with the new. I can imagine the bag of feelings that came with! A friend once dubbed me a Phoenix, as I have risen from the ashes a few times. Sounds like you are doing the same. Ken...the next chapter. Anything is possible


Oh yea, I did the Total Gym for 30mins & will probably walk later...Its gorgeous today!

[_Erin_]

Hi everyone, and Happy Birthday, Ken!

I was doing awesome... I believe Sunday was Day 12 or 13 for me. Then my little girl broke out in this crazy high fever Sunday afternoon and I was so preoccupied with her, I didn't get my exercise in on Monday. The bad news, she's still got the fever, cold symptoms, a nasty cough, and is just plain out of it. Wants Mommy, Mommy called in 2 days but has to work today, she's always so happy and carefree, and she's clingy, whiny, sad and miserable right now. The not-so-good-but-better news, the doc says it's roseola, a virus that toddlers get, and she should be fine within a week, save for a rash all over the place. The news gets better... today is Day 2. I got right back up Tuesday and today and got my workout in. And the best news? As of Tuesday AM, I'm 1.3 pounds down from Sunday. So things are looking up. Can't wait to go home and console my little Honeybee.

Now, I need to get back to work. It was already a busy week and it got a lot tougher on me being out for half of it.

Have a great day, everyone!! Thanks for worrying about me...

[Midwest Sue]

Hello all. Happy Birthday Ken, fellow Pisces! My birthday is on Friday. Julie- so good that you are almost at 60 days!!
The weather here is fabulous so I've been biking every day. Also walked across the Mississippi today, and will bike to work and back tomorrow. Cheers to all of you!

[Beth]

Good Morning All.... Checking in for yesterday.... Made it through KB workout but was so exhausted I didn't check in yesterday.
Happy Birthday Ken, Thanks for staying with us.
Erin, congrats on the weight loss. Stay sober and take care of your precious one.
Sue, did you end up getting that new bike? Sorry if I missed that post. My bike is like 25 years old. I love it but it may be time for a replacement.
Happy Thursday everyone, will check back later. Take Care.

[Ken1]

Wow, thanks for all the birthday greetings everyone. I am counting yard work for my workout today, I had a huge limb fall out of one of my oak trees and spent an hour cutting it up and hauling it to the street, then I cut my yard. The oaks are in full pollen mode and my cars have that yellow green tint to them. All that pollen makes me lightheaded and I think I'm going to scratch my eyes out if I don't stop rubbing them. I just remembered that I have to walk my dog, so add a 1 mile walk to that as well. Take care everyone and thanks again for the birthday wishes.

BTW, for all you insomniacs out there, I took a combination of herbs and supplements and got the best nights sleep I've had in a long time. I took one melatonin, one GABA, and one valerian root. I didn't even think about it until I woke up after a full nights sleep that I didn't wake up once with my mind racing with useless thoughts about this or that like I usually do. I am definitely going to take them again tonight!

[fiona]

Working around the house & hopefully outside later. Then there is pilates later. We are starting to get the pollen too, but love having the windows open anyway.

Ken - Have you read anything from Jon Gordon? His books have life insight in story form. "The Seed" is about a guy & his dog trying to figure out where to go next in his life's journey. Its a quick read. I read it on a 2hr flight. Thanks for the herbal suggestion I am always looking to quiet the mind chatter.

Erin - I hope your daughter is feeling better. That is always so hard.

Everyone else sounds like you're doing awesome...keep it up!

[Ken1]

Fiona, you are the second person that has mentioned that book to me, I think I'll get it. Also, here are a couple of other supplements great for stress & anxiety: Holy basil 2x a day, lemon balm extract at bedtime, and L-Theanine before anything stressful as needed with a glass of water.

[Midwest Sue]

Hello! First bike ride to work this year today! It's 45 minutes each way, so it's an automatic workout. And I feel SO energized when I start work. Fortunately I do have shower facilities at work.

Beth, I didn't get a new bike. The one I have is fine for now and I want to challenge myself to hold out for a weight-loss reward in addition to the not-drinking reward. I didn't get a kettle ball yet either. Funny thing... I seem to be spending much less money these days overall. Maybe because shopping was another mild addiction for me, and overall I am doing so much better without any crutches!

Tomorrow I am taking the day off for my birthday and will do a long bike ride with my oldest son. It's supposed to be in the 70's here and I can't wait!

[_Erin_]

Day 3 for me! I am enjoying seeing the scale get a little lower, and also has anyone else noticed that your skin looks better when you actually do something? lol Mine does, anyway.

My Little Honeybee is still sick, thank you for all of your notes of concern! I really appreciate it. She just looks so miserable and it's heartbreaking. I miss that happy, fun, spunky little girl!! Hopefully she will be back to her normal self very soon.

Beth, I will stay sober! I'm actually here because my mom was an alcoholic, not because of my own addiction. But I know it's in the blood and never too far away, so I don't try to press my luck. Also, "precious one" is exactly right with my little girl. My childhood experiences make me dedicated and determined to make my sweet little one's much different and much better. Not to say I don't/didn't love my mom, but her addiction took a whole lot away from us kids, her own life, and special times we could have had. I don't want to rob my daughter!

Anyway... time to go get my girl... hoping and praying that she's smiling today. Have a great evening, everyone!!

[Beth]

Good Morning All and Happy Birthday to you Sue!

Yesterday my kids school had a skating party. Needless to say I am feeling it today. It is funny, the kids are back to wearing roller skates instead of roller blades. It so brings back memories of when I was a kid, I love it.

Ken- thanks for the supplement ideas... I need to quite the chatter as well.

Everyone have a great day!