Blogging...a new adventure!

A wise friend has advised me to begin blogging...

I had never really thought about sharing my writing and ideas online with others, but I thought I would give it a try!  Afterall, this friend hasn't steared me wrong yet! This past year has been one of transition.  I gave up my teaching job, rented out my house, married the love of my life, and moved to central TX, of all places, to begin a new life.  It has been a crazy and unexpected journey, but I have enjoyed it and have attempted to relish every moment life has to offer.  

When we arrived in TX, Rob could see that I needed an opportunity to take a break from teaching, specifically, and life in general.  I had been on my own for a long time as a single parent.  I did everything myself, and to have the chance, the luxury of staying home, was very appealing. 

For nine months, I have focused on improving myself...the only time I have ever really given myself a lot of attention.  My first goal was to get myself back in shape.  As one can imagine, moving and transitioning to a new life can be especially stressful, so I hadn't been taking care of myself and had gained several...well probably closer to 10...pounds that made me feel like all the work I had done to get this far had been wasted.  I began running again, but the best thing that worked for me in the weight loss and fitness struggle was visiting a dietitian.  I took part in the "Weigh to Live" program that is offered on post.  It taught me how to keep track of my calories on myfitnesspal.com and make more informed decisions about my food choices.  I have lost 13 pounds, and the majority of my clothes fit me again...that didn't stop me from purchasing two new pairs of jeans at Buckle, however!  New jeans are a celebration and always necessary!

Yoga has also become a life practice.  I had always enjoyed the physical yet spiritual challenge that yoga provides, but I had never really worked it into my fitness schedule.  I am so glad that I did during this period of change.  Yoga truly nourishes my soul.  It provides introspection and allows me to focus on improving myself without judgement.  I also came into the practice with a true yogi who lives the philosophy, and like me, was a former educator.  Through her tutelage, I gained new faith in myself and my abilities.  I found that I had untapped talents, and a great motivation to be a better "me"!

Additionally, I have been able to build several solid friendships during the down time through my meetup groups, Free 2 B Fit, and Centex Fictioneers.  Fitness and reading...two of my passions!  It has been so wonderful to meet folks who share the same interests as I and to get together for motivation, support, insight, and entertainment.  Through these groups I feel I have really had the opportunity to grow and broaden my horizons.  I have read and have grown to appreciate several books I would never have touched, and I have reached new levels of fitness.  I actually can run 10 miles without stopping!  Had I been told this a year ago, I would have said, "Nope.  I am good with 3.  That's pretty much my limit!"  Now, though, I have worked to build stamina and someday soon, I will run my first half marathon!

At the end of March, I returned to work.  Currently I am not teaching, as I don't think I am ready to go back at this point in my life.  Instead, I am working in program support, which is new and different, exactly what I needed if returning to the work force.  It is a great "for the moment" job with friendly and kind people.  It also will allow me the chance to think about "what I want to be when I grow up!" 

So as I take new steps through this journey, I hope to stay mindful about where I have been, what I have witnessed and done, and what I have learned along the way.

Namaste! 

Recent 5 K with B and Trix!