I’m incredibly tired right now. After the weekend adventures and staying up late most nights I’ve finally hit a point of needed some restful quiet time. I’m not one who needs a ton of it, but today I’m craving space and quiet. The feeling has been with me all day but unfortunately every time I think I get some quiet or space or both someone comes to chat. I love to talk with everyone so I don’t mind, but I’m so thankful to be in my room listening to music right now. A few hours to unwind is exactly what I need (and maybe an earlier bedtime). To bad I can’t have a glass of wine right now as well!
Entering the second week of the program here at Green Mountain I’m falling into the routine of things, or so it feels. My body is used to eating at certain times now and I get hungry before the meal times. I’m ready to walk right after breakfast. I’m ready to do resistance training after that on most days. I’m falling into the pattern of wake, eat, workout, learn, workout, eat, learn, workout, snack, do something, eat, watch movies, sleep. I know if you read that it doesn’t give you any sense of the schedule here, but it is very easy to get used to. I’m not sure how much that will change once I start working, but I will find out tomorrow. I know for sure that at the very least my meals will still all be at the same time almost every day for the next 11 weeks. Let’s just say I’m enjoying the schedule and the convenience of having someone cook all my meals in a delicious fashion. It’s fabulous.
Today I went to yoga class with the normal yoga instructor. I must say, although I am just getting into it, I really enjoy yoga. I love that it works on strength, flexibility, and balance. And breathing. If there is anything that has completely changed since I’ve been here is my focus on breathing properly during all classes. It’s funny how much breathing affects everything you do either positively or negatively. Breathing the right way makes every activity so much easier. I’m loving that yoga is so focused on breathing as well.
I’m feeling much better with the amounts of exercise and in fact think I could do a little more. And I’m loving the stories from other participants about how they had such a better week the second week. And even better the next! It’s so amazing to see inspiring stories unfolding right before my eyes. I’m amazed by the women in the program who are making so much progress both physically and mentally. It’s clear even among those that doubt their progress. It’s hard to spend your whole life thinking about yourself one way just to realize that you can live so much better if you change those thought patterns and habits.
It’s such a hard task, changing your life for the better, and most people never get around to doing it. These women have all decided they want to change and have sought out help to do so. I’m amazed at the bravery it takes to do that. To not only admit that things need to be changed but to commit to the change and find the right way to do it. Family and friends on the outside might not understand, but it is amazing that they are all doing this for themselves. It’s not about losing weight. It’s really not. It’s about living a healthy lifestyle and also freeing yourself to be happy and comfortable with who you are. Today in class I heard the phrase the founder used many years ago that still concisely describes what the program is trying to make happen: “You’re going to like you.” I hope all the participants do go home liking themselves because they are all freaking awesome.
Meals:
I tried coleslaw again at dinner just to see if maybe I like it when it’s expertly prepared. Nope. Still not a fan.
Moves:
45 minute walk at moderate pace
1 hr upper body resistance training class
1 hr low impact aerobics class (GREAT)
30 minutes basic yoga class (very cool)
It sounds like an awesome experience Mary. You are doing great. I am enjoying reading your blog and appreciate your sharing your experience with us.
A. I’m glad to hear you didn’t have yoga class with the *abnormal* instructor. hehe
B. I’m a sucker for food pics of especially delicious looking grub so thank you!
C. I commend you for being in an environment that is so controlled. I’m afraid I would go batty with that much structure. I salute you.
D. “It’s about living a healthy lifestyle and also freeing yourself to be happy and comfortable with who you are.” ~~ YES!
This is a wonderful experience all condensed in one place and time.
Enjoy the music tonight and your quiet thoughts.
Get some sleep. :D
What a great entry! It sound like such an amazing experience. I look forward to your updates.
After reading this post it seems that you enjoyed a lot your weekend.
is IS HARD huh?
and, if youre me, still a daily decision and choice.
and, if youre me, its that way with all worthwhile things in life (hello being married!) a DAILY DECISION.
I am so glad that you are enjoying it there and benefiting from the experience. You’re right, our relationship with ourselves is so important and it’s good that it’s addressed there.
You’re going to like you – I love that saying. I’ll be using that somewhere.
I hope you continue to enjoy yourself.
i’m so jealous of the chefs! and those pics are drool worthy!
i’m glad to see you loving this experience and sharing it with the other participants, everythings better when shared :) thanks for sharing it with us too!
awesome! so excited for your journey! YOU’RE GONNA LOVE YOU!
“You are going to like you”. I LOVE that!!!! Thx so much for sharing! I love to hear your progress & I do love those food pics! I love coleslaw. Can I have yours??? ;-)
This sounds like the most amazing experience. Oh, how I would love to have your daily routine!! So tell me, what is your job going to be?
@Miz
It totally is. Daily. Which is WHY it is so hard. But you just have to keep making that decision every day and it ends up being worth it.
@Steve
It’s a great saying so go ahead and use it. And feel free to tell everyone it’s from the founder of Green Mountain at Fox Run. Hehe. :)
@Jody
Always. I usually throw away coleslaw when I get it if no one around me likes it.
@Foodie
Yeah, it’s pretty awesome, but it is changing a bit now that I’m working too. But it is still going to be awesome. I will tell all about it over an email when I get some time! :) It’s a great gig!
MARY! I love your blog and I will continue to follow it….. Life in the “real world” is not as bad as I had expected… the food part has been quite easy but it’s the exercise part that I’m finding hard (more finding the time)… But I know you like to exercise so I’m sure you’ll be fine! Glad to see you’re settling in and enjoying week # 2. I think you’ll do very well and will meet the goals that you set out for yourself, no problem.
@Sarah
SARAH!!!!!! I miss your smiling face!! So life on the outside isn’t bad, eh? I’m sure you will find time to exercise once you have moved and gotten settled in. I’m glad the food part is easier now. That’s my issue so you give me hope! :)
Hey there! I’m just stumbled across your blog & am so impressed by your determination! I’m off to catch up on you but wish you the best at Green Mountain! It takes guts to take time for you & learn how to live. And like someone before me said..sometimes it’s a daily decision to make the right choice. I was once told that “the juice is worth the squeeze” & it’s so true! Best to you!
Great blog! I love how it is setup, is this wordpress? I am learning, I am using blogger right now.
I’m not a fan of coleslaw either. Your meals look taaaaaasty!
I think you enjoyed lot your weekend. But that was full of tiredness.
Hi
This is a wonderful experience… What a great entry!