Love of Style

I may have mentioned this in the past.  But I still find it interesting that in some ways I seem to be reverting back to the "me" of my early-mid 20's. That "me", but much improved.  Of course I'm older, wiser (I hope) and have a better sense of who I am.

When I met Barry 17 years ago, I thought I was fat.  I didn't know what fat was back then.  I dressed well, didn't have a shoe fetish any more (I sure did when I was in my early 20's) but still liked to be put together.  I have no idea what happened, but the weight kept piling on, my back got worse and worse and a bad back and high heels don't exactly go together.  Since I couldn't wear high heels and my back hurt and the weight was piling on, I stopped dressing really well.  It's hard to put a great outfit together for not a lot of money when you're "plus" size.  To think I put on almost 80 pounds in the past 20 years shocks me.  And most of that probably went on from ages 35-42.  I kept trying to get it off and the more I tried the more I failed.  Why it's stuck this time, I'm not sure.

I do want to note however, and this is for those who perhaps have gained some weight and really want to get rid of it, that no amount of others telling you that you're gaining, or ridiculing you, or whatever, will help you rid yourself of unwanted fat.  YOU have to make up your own mind.  YOU have to tell everyone else to go to hell and that they are hurting you, not helping you.  By having others "encouraging you" and by that I mean harrassing you, it only adds to the stress.  Which in turn can put more weight on.  Some people lose weight when stressed ... if you're anything like me, I stress eat.  It's been a LONG, LONG time coming, but I think I've finally got THAT one under control.  And if you stress eat and are under stress a lot ... you do the math. 

So I would just encourage you that if you have weight to rid yourself of, try not to stress.  Eat a moderate
amount of food, small portions numerous times daily, exercise daily, even if it's walking, and take time for yourself each day.  Whether it's blogging or meditation or yoga or combining your alone time with walking, do something that is for YOU and nobody else.

Today was a tough day.  I've had 2 nights of very little sleep.  I couldn't get to sleep, then I couldn't stay asleep.  So to say I'm exhausted is putting it mildly.  I'm off to bed shortly.  I'm trying not to do this too late but of course it's 9:20 p.m. and I'm just getting my post done.

I digress ... yet again.  I came across a great blog today "Style Artisan" who I'm now following.  She's actually in my age bracket, classy, classy looking woman whose sense of style is fabulous.  Youthful without looking like she's trying to look 20 again.  'Cauz let's face it.  When you're over 40, no matter how youthful and fit you are, trying to look 20 again ... just isn't attractive.  I believe in dressing youthfully, stylishly, but appropriate for one's age.  I've seen 60 year old women who are knockouts.  Their sense of style is amazing, they are obviously mature, but they obviously take care of themselves.  That's what I want to look like I when I grow up.  LOL

I also came across a fabulous quote "Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal".  I love it, I love it, I love it.  I've never been one to follow trends or fads.  Maybe the odd piece but in general, I believe in finding your style, keeping it updated, but staying true to who you are and your lifestyle.  Not everything works for everyone.

I am so happy to see that style is about making the most of who you are, not just following along with the masses.  Jennifer, you always seem to put together some great outfits; stuff I would never think to put together ... but that's YOUR sense of style.  And it works for you. 

Barry and I were talking about Christmas presents.  I suggested In Style's "Guide to Style".  In the process, I came across a book by Tim Gunn (I LOVE HIS SHOW!), one by Clinton Stacey (looks fab) and even one by Carmondy (who always looks sensational).  How to choose???  I guess I'll just have to start collecting.

Did I mention my latest addiction ... jewellery.  OMG!  Now I must admit, I only wear one designer's jewellery.  She just happens to be my sister (and her daughter so I guess it's actually two designers).  I have such a hard time controlling myself.  There's just so much great stuff!

Anyway, I'm falling asleep so I'm going to make hay while the sun shines so to speak.  Rock on ladies!  And don't forget to stay true to yourself.  And everyone else can just take a flying leap at themselves if they don't like it.

Yours always, in style and in fitness,
Sandy

Combatting negativity

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So I received a wonderful comment from Jennifer Fabulous on yesterday's post. Thank you so much Jennifer. You actually gave me my topic for today, which is combatting negativity. I'm kinda talking to Jennifer, but I hope others can take something from this as well.

It's unfortunate that parents can be so toxic. You look fabulous (appropriately enough) and while you may have gained weight in the past year, I'm sure you're still the same person. I sure hope so. And that's what's important for your parents to remember. Maybe you're not. Maybe there's been a lot of crap happening which has altered your outlook. the parents certainly aren't helping. But please, please, please, don't let them stop you from accomplishing what you want to do, whether it's lose weight, get healthier, whatever. My naturopath told me at I think it was our last meeting that if I focus on getting healthier, the weight will come off. Big tip btw, if you seriously want to get in better shape ... measure and weigh yourself once a month ... your body will change. I have no idea how many pounds I've lost. Everything just seems to be shifting, which is good, but society has basically convinced us that we have to look a certain way, meet certain criteria. Why, I have no idea.

How boring would it be if we all looked, acted and thought the same? there wouldn't be any need for more than 1 person because there would be no variety. I keep saying it, 'cause it's true (at least in my opinion) that we need to embrace our own uniqueness and just accept each other as we are. And if you don't feel like you're up to tackling your weight issue right now, then don't.

Bill always says not to wait until everything is perfect and the stars are aligned before starting on your quest. But I've tried many times to get fit when there's a pile of other crap happening ... and until you can truly make that commitment, it probably won't happen. And that's not meant to discourage anyone from trying. I'm just saying don't beat yourself up if you can't get it together quite yet. Just try to maintain until you're ready to commit.

But then there are others who can rise to the occasion and really harness their inner strength during adversity. I wish I had been one of them. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get it together until my chaotic life settled down.

On another note, it's been really tough lately to keep a positive attitude at work. There's been a lot of upheaval where I work. Fortunately things have calmed down in one respect but there's been some dissention within the ranks and it's really challenging to just go into work every day with a big smile on my face, stay positive, stay encouraging and ignore all the B.S.

I've been watching So You Think You Can Dance while I'm blogging (multi-tasker at work again), and one of the contestants just said that "purpose of us being here is to share with other people". OMG I love that quote. Because I really do believe that we are here to share and to uplift and encourage and empower each other; not tear each other down.

So let's all try to make this world just a little bit better by helping and encouraging each other and just ignore all the crap. My answer ... MP3 player. Works wonders...

Day 1, Week 1 of Body for Life Challenge

So today finally arrived and I got up later than expected but did my workout, ate healthy, stayed away from the potato chips that Barry ate beside me, although I do confess I had to have a little coke (caffeine issues) but today was good all round.

I took my measurements again today for the first time in 2 months and good news/bad news ... not a lot of change. Down a little here and there but the important thing was I didn't go up. And oddly enough I really wasn't that disappointed. I knew things weren't working like I wanted them too. So I decided to change things and go back to Body for Life. It's worked in the past and no reason why it wouldn't work now.

So wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.