Empower Your Pain

Losing 7+ pounds this month has been disheartening, but reflecting on this week, I can see that my efforts were focused and successful. Being mindful of my choices when it comes to eating and distinguishing between my needs and thoughts is a continuous process, but it has proven effective this week. I am only 2 lbs away from reaching my lowest weight on this journey. Just 3.3 more pounds to go, and I'll reach a new milestone...a new set of numbers and my smallest size in 7 years! I am committed to continuing because good health has overwhelmingly positive effects. Since recommitting to my health journey two weeks ago, I have noticed increased energy, focus, confidence, and a feeling of security. It's incredible how food affects both my mind and body. I have been diligently preparing healthy meals for my family. Transitioning to healthier cooking has had its challenges, but I know it's beneficial for my family of six. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s delicious. One of...

I felt an incredible sense of liberation! With my hefty 300+lb frame tense, I cautiously stepped into the water. Uncertain of my ability, I decided to give it a shot! My toes curled up inside my aqua shoes as I approached the anti-gravity treadmill. With a deep breath, I placed one foot on it... swoosh! It unexpectedly began moving beneath my weight. Apparently, that's how it's meant to operate. I was caught off guard... I wasn't prepared for the physical liberation my sore body experienced! After 15 years, I was running again! My instructor praised my impeccable form! I couldn't help but feel immensely proud. While pushing myself in my aquatic class last night, I noticed an unexpected reaction. A beaming smile graced my face as I radiated with joy! Did it hurt? Yes, but it also felt incredibly rewarding. Sometimes, we must take a leap of faith towards our aspirations and dive into life's ever-turning treadmill!

Throughout the year, we often hear about the importance of defining goals. But what does that actually involve? Is it merely jotting down your aspirations? While it's not that simple, it does mark the initial step. Having our goals visibly displayed aids us in tracking our direction and development. In the spirit of moving swiftly, I have outlined my objectives! Look out world, I'm ready to bounce back! I've committed to attending an underwater aerobics class once a week, combined with home workouts. This unique class utilizes treadmills and bicycles underwater, showcasing the wonders of our advanced world. My hope is that the water's buoyancy will lessen the impact on my pain-filled body, which typically hovers around a 5-6 out of 10 on the pain scale. Currently, it's escalated to a 7 or 8 due to a flare-up from either arthritis or Fibromyalgia, a mystery that will be unraveled on 9/12 and follow me on TikTok @Karzy19 Progress is evident. By documenting my goal, I ...

There are times when we experience setbacks. Sometimes we stumble, fail, and repeat the same mistakes without learning from them. But what if we fail, rise back up, and make a change? Recently, I noticed an increase of 7 lbs on the scale. While there could be various reasons for this, my 7 lbs could be equivalent to 2 lbs for others. Although I might shed some weight overnight, that number staring back at me was a wake-up call. As I stood barefoot, filled with frustration, and confronted that number, my mind raced with self-criticism. However, I paused when I recalled a lesson from my past. During my time as a Training Manager in a recruitment firm, I used to emphasize to my team that failures are essential for growth. When you fail, establish procedures and systems to prevent making the same mistakes. It was time for me to follow my own guidance. The way I used to navigate life was hindering my chances of success. Living with five other people has posed challenges for me. I have littl...

I am still waiting to hear my diagnosis for my widespread pain,  but I am more aware than ever that my lifestyle needs to change yet again. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I decided to take a healthy journey with myself. I am down 70lb and my diabetes is well managed. I also gave up processed sugar (most of the time) and I stopped eating red meat (because I love cows and pigs)🐷 🐄 Even though I am making progress I need to incorporate regular exercise which is usually very painful for me. I did research as to the best exercise and I am happy to say I took action, Wednesday will be my first group aquatic lesson. These specialized lessons include underwater cycling and treadmills! Hopefully investing in a relationship with myself will help me heal from the inside, out. I know I will hurt, but I will remember to Empower My Pain!

Today, I pushed through the pain to support my son on his 12th birthday celebration filled with activities. It's a surreal feeling to realize I have a 12-year-old now. The physical pain was intense all over my body and reached a point where I had to use the store's electric scooter towards the end of our day. Despite this, I persevered. I'm becoming more attuned to my body's needs and signals. My body craves nutritious food, and I had a great day eating healthily. I feel proud of my choices. For those facing challenges, remember to harness the power of your pain. Let it motivate you to empower your lifestyle for a better quality of life.

The great conundrum I face at 35 years old is realizing that my doctor looked me in the face yesterday and said, "Well because of your age..." Wait, what? When did I get "old" by medical terms?  I have health problems. I have pain like I am old. In fact my husband, D, never lets me forget that one time in my late 20's a doctor diagnosed my feet as being that of 70 year old! For the next month when we drove past a retirement home, he offered to drop my feet off. HAHAHA  I have heard crazy things over the years, but I had to stop in my tracks yesterday. The initial blow was her words telling me "Because of your age", but her further explanation sent alarm bells going off!  You see I have spent the last 2 years working on a health journey. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during COVID and shortly after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disease with no treatment or cure. I refused to accept that. I pushed my morbidly obese body and shif...