I visited my Cousins Kenneth and Joyce in Albany, NY for a couple of days while enroute to New York City. Cousin Joyce picked me up from the train station and we went straight to her jazzercise class. Cousin Joyce, who will be 60 this year, is wearing the blue warm-up pants.
It finally happened…I hit the Relapse Stage. In other words, I traded my sports car in for a stage coach, and oh what a ride…
April fool’s day was this week but it’s no joking matter that I have gone from 195 to 215 pounds since Christmas.
In March alone I went to Chicago, Albany, NY, and New York City on two separate occasions; needless to say my focus on my goal of “Bringing Health Back Into My Life” was very much interrupted. When I returned from NYC last Saturday I "recommitted" myself to my goal, “reintroduced” my taste buds to heart-healthy foods, and “reconnected” my body with physical activitiy - tools that have proven to be successful since I began this trip.
Am I disappointed that I got lost during my journey? Of course I am. But I know that I am no where, and I mean NO WHERE near where I was last year at this time and that gives me HOPE.
All is not yet lost!!!
I am down two pounds and embrace the power that I will encounter over the next few months as I “save up” to purchase a brand new sports car to "sport" as I journey toward “Bringing Health Back Into My Life”.
Thank you Family, Friends, and the C2M Community for being such a Strong Support System!
~ Vernita
Lessons learned/relearned over the past few months’ experiences:
1. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals.
2. When one area in your life weakens (or gets chaotic), other areas follow suit.
3. Change doesn’t happen over night, although sometimes it seems like they do. Change takes TIME.
4. It’s not the destination that is important; it’s all about the journey, so enjoy the ride.
5. There's no time like the present. To begin is a beginning.
6. It could have been worse.
7. The mind is powerful … when you make up your mind.
8. This journey is about process, not product (thanks MH).
9. A trial is just a testimony waiting to be shared!
10. *** When leaving familiar surroundings for an extended period of time (i.e. going away from home), there must EQUALLY be physical preparations AND strategic mental planning in order to successfully stay on course.
11. …and so on, and so on, and so on…
Pictures from the trips...
(1) The New York State Capitol Building in Albany, the Capital.
(2) The Egg in Albany.
(3) Times Square in New York City. Remember when?
(4) Times Square in New York City.
(5) A visit at the American Heart Association office in New York City.
(6) and (7) Pictures taken from the train...possibily somewhere in West Virginia.
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) and (7) 
Posts
At the end of any journey, it’s always nice to reflect on the experience and enjoy the exhilaration that comes with accomplishment. During the past 12 weeks, seven real women have opened their hearts and minds to women across the country. They’ve revealed struggles, shared empowering messages, offered valuable tips and served as genuine advocates for this program.
During the Choose To Move challenge, these women not only engaged in physical activity, they discovered a community of women who share a common goal – increase physical activity in order to develop a healthier lifestyle. Their success is a direct result of determination, commitment and the support they received from those in the Choose To Move community.
From a mom with three kids to a full-time college student to women in the workplace, our real women take on many important roles. And as women juggling multiple responsibilities, we want to be the best we can be - a common thread among women in America. However, in order to be the best for our families, we must do what’s best for ourselves. Our seven real women did exactly that! Each woman, in her own way, learned how to make time for physical activity and develop better eating habits!
For Ruann, Kara, Lisa, Melanie, Vernita, Kathleen and Zulema, the 12-week challenge has come to an end. However, the ultimate reality is that their life-long journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle has only begun. No matter where you are in this journey, I encourage you to rely on women in the Choose To Move community, as well as those around you. Take advantage of the Choose To Move program and turn this challenge into a way of life.
Dear Dr. Mieres:
About the only time I can find to walk is during my lunch break. Is it better to eat prior to or following a vigerous walk?
Thank you,
Ruth
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Dr. Mieres,
I saw you on TV several months ago and while the face has changed some, the name surely was very familiar. I finally found out that you are a native of Trinidad and just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and the great job you are doing.
I believe we attended the same high school in Curepe, Trinidad, SAGHS.
Keep up the good work.
Denise Baptiste formerly Charles
(Math Teacher/College Instructor)
Comments
Apr 05 | lecia_deandra@yahoo.com said …
Stay encouraged, my sister. I'm in the same boat. In the words of Curtis Mayfied, "We gotta keep on pushing." I've come to the conclusion that lifestyle changes have to take place over the course of a life.
Yes, we could have made some better choices. But we both know, and we have witnesses and the National Weather Service to attest, that it has been one l-o-n-g winter. We're back on track and we won't turn back.
ADS
Apr 06 | Vernita said …
Hello ADS,
I was looking back at the blog archives and saw that in January I was up to a weight of 205 which means I gained an average of 5 pounds per month. And it seems like only yesterday I was under 200...
I appreciate your positive words of encouragement. We are in this "thing" together forever, like you said. And we will "win it" this time. I am looking forward to a l-o-n-g summer.
~ Vernita
Apr 06 | Ann said …
Vernita,
I finished graduate school in 2006. I only did my masters, so my journey was shorter than yours, but I hit my lifetime highest weight during that period and many people I know were at their unhealthiest during that period. That you have embarked on this journey to improve your own health and that of those around you during an educational journey that takes such a toll on people, speaks to how strong your committment is. This is just a speed bump, and you're already on your way back! ADS is right. this is a life change and a lifetime committment, so we will just keep reminding ourselves of our goals when we wobble.
Ann
Apr 06 | Vernita said …
Hello Ann,
Graduate School - emotional eating at its best…hmmm I may use this title as a research paper:)
Things were so much easier “back in the day" – no deadlines, no stress (or very little stress:) I hope that those “pot holes” get covered pretty soon or I may have to go in for a tune-up! Thanks for the powerful words.
~ Vernita
Apr 06 | Angela Harper said …
Hey girl, you still look good keep up the good work.Mom said hello and she LOVE YA!
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Sister Angela,
Thanks for the well wishes.
I want you to continue to heal from your surgery and tell Mrs. Mary that I send my love as well. How many minutes has she been walking on her treadmill?
~ Vernita
Apr 07 | kathleen said …
Vernita, I like what AD said about "lifestyle changes taking place over the course of a life". Keep on course and I'm sure you will be in fine shape when I see you in July, I am looking forward to it. kathleen
Apr 07 | Virginia Hill said …
Hi Vernita,
I am so glad that you "Chose To Move". In my mind I keep saying that I will start walking when the weather gets better. I am very cold natured and I'm also anemic so any sign of cold I can't handle. I have gained weight and I can tell it in my clothes. I really need to join the gym so I can be consistent. If I pay, I will stay.....But I must first get there. You keep up the good fight and stay on course. You have inspired me to go ahead and do something because my husband,my kids and my health depend on it.
Apr 07 | Tina said …
Your new blog comments are so inspiring! I also have gained since Christmas. And I have been so uncommitted and stressed and down on myself. I really feel the need to get back into that sports car and keep on keeping on. Thanks for the inspiration to recommit!
Tina
Apr 07 | Kyndra said …
V,
We all have our rough spots along the way, but the important thing is that you recognize them and continue to move forward. I'm proud of you! I saw what you were eating when we were together both in NJ and NYC, and you were definitely being careful with your intake. Keep it up, and you'll make a smooth trade-in in no time!
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Kathleen,
Those were some wise words and they apply to all areas of our lives. Thank you again for volunteering to help out at the Demery-Farley-Syas-Taylor Family Reunion Health & Wellness Fair in July.
~ Vernita
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Virginia,
Thanks for the encouragement.
You can "cut a rug" if I recall correctly from your sister's Christmas Party. For a little nudge to get moving why not try some line dancing or a Soul Train line with Alfred and the kids. Dancing is a great cardio workout and it's fun at the same time.
You are to be commended for taking a step forward for you and your family!
~ Vernita
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Tina,
I hold on to the fact that we are not where we started...things could have been worse. But becuase we did not quit we have something to celebrate.
~ Vernita
Apr 07 | Brenda said …
Hey Nita,
You look great! I'm so proud of your success and determination. Keep it up, it will pay-off in huge dividends during this life journey!
Hope that you had a blast in NYC. When are you going to pass through ATL? We'd love to see you!
Take care! Hope to see you soon!
Brenda
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Kyndra,
Thank you for being such a supportive "play daughter." Your "play mom" will make a diligent effort to take care of herself so that she can around to enjoy her future "play grandkids." Smile.
~ Vernita
Apr 07 | Vernita said …
Hello Brenda,
It has been a long and tiring journey but the rewards far out "weight" the sacrifices.
Thank you for being a constant cheerleader and mentor. Yes, mentor...I remember admiring your dedication to health when we lived in New Orleans in the early 1990's and you were an avid jogger.
I'm not sure when I'll be in the ATL again but as always I know that your address when be my temporary home away from home.
~ Vernita
May 15 | Shary said …
Hello Vernita. Your information is very interesting and definitely tips to remember. I am just starting this. I had knee surgery 2 weeks ago, so my exercise will come gradually when I talk to the doctor next week. At this time I have only been allowed to do strengthening exerices. but I have purchased a treadmill and am ready.
I am not sure how to set goals since I have to watch my knee and go easy for a while. I am trying to take in all the info that I can about diet too. I am 5'2" and weight 169 lbs. which is too much. I dont' want a fad diet, but something that will be healthy and help me lose along with exercise.
I will be watching for more tips and some positive reinforcement from you and others. Thanks! Can you help me with how to start goals?
May 15 | adel powell said …
Looking great.Sorry I missed u in NYC.
May 20 | Judy A said …
My dear Vernita,
I'm also overweight, high blood pressure and other things plus I'm age 67.
But I feel inspired to exercise, watch my diet and continue to feel good about myself by reaching out to only the positve things in my life.Continue to work at this as "it" did not happen overnight. You will reach your goal lots of luck
Judy Archer
May 24 | Vernita said …
Hello Shary,
Welcome aboard! I know that your knees are pleased with your decision.
I will try and tackle setting goals for the summer on my next blog, we all can benefit from having a set target to work toward.
Stay inspired and surround yourself with a supportive circle of family and friends. It’s mind over matter time!
~Vernita
May 24 | Vernita said …
Thanks Adel!! It's a challenge that I face daily but the rewards “outweigh” the pain.
~Vernita
May 24 | Vernita said …
Hello Judy A.,
You can change your high blood pressure number and eating habits. It is truly a journey complete with highs and lows all along the way. But you can brave the storm...just think back on the number of storms you've faced and battled with flying colors over the past 67 years.
I just completed my last semester of coursework for my doctorate degree and will be preparing for my comprehensive exams in the fall; needless to say, I have been guilty of some "major" emotional eating lately. I needed those words of encouragement and will keep them close to my heart. It's a temporary storm that's passing over:)
Full speed ahead on the gradual...
~Vernita
Jun 06 | Ann said …
Vernita, how's it going? Are you done with your semester? I'm slowly working my way down - I've lost 49 lbs and am nearly ready for size 10 jeans. After getting quick early results, its frustrating to have things slow down, but there are worse things that could happen!
Jun 09 | Kathianne said …
Shari I hope your knee has mostly mended by now. I've so enjoyed this post and yes, I did go through the links.
I was just about the same weight as you, Shari back in January. Since then I've gone down to 136. From a tight 14P to a loose 8P. I've spent way too much money on clothes! One of my 8th graders gave me the perfect compliment at their graduation luncheon, as he announced me, he called me the new 'sexy old teacher.' LOL! As I'm 53, he had a point!
I walk a lot, at least 6 hours per week. I swim about 5 hours per week. I use aerobic or weight training machines about 3 hours per week. Normally I've strictly followed the AHA cookbooks for low sodium/low fat. Let's just say whole grain, oatmeal nearly every morning, 7-10 servings of fruits and veggies. Protein 3-4 times per week, usually fish or chicken. Until the past 3 weeks, I'd only had beef 2 times.
While I wouldn't want to go long off the diet or miss several days of exercise, when it has happened, the weight has stayed the same or even decreased. Don't ask me why, though I think my metabolism is increasing. *shrug*
Anyways, I hope you are doing well.
Jun 26 | Jacque said …
I am so inspired by you, I am beginning the program next week, and I have been blogging my diet and exercise (self designed) this week, in preparation.
Keep up the healthy lifestyle, you totally rock!
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