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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 13:41:38 GMT
Welcome to our 2021 Alcohol Free All The Way Board!
If you have been struggling with your weight and have found this board, you undoubtedly have your own unique, complicated relationship with alcohol and food. Laying out the problem honestly can give you the extra push you need to succeed in getting it under control. A few questions for you to think about...do you wake up at 3 AM wondering what did you do? Do you sometimes have no recall of the evening before or do you try to recover your memory of the evening before you even get out of bed? Is your spouse angry with you? Or do you simply think that A is taking over too much of your life, affecting your weight loss? Did you finish the bag of chips? cookies? or just spend the evening grazing? These are hard questions but know that you will find understanding, love, encouragement and support on this thread. We are each in a different stage of this journey but you will find others have shared your experiences. There is no judgment, just an acknowledgment that we have been there, done that and know we need and get the support from this great group of women and men.
Whether you are choosing to be AF or find you can achieve AIM (maximum of one drink per day for women and maximum of two drinks per day for men), please join us if you feel this challenge meets your needs.
The main focus of this board is to be ALCOHOL FREE. The focus of our new challenge is to commit ourselves to success, one day at a time, one hour at a time....success breeds success! Follow a healthy food plan, exercise and stay AF.
As with all of our challenges, everyone is welcomed. For some making the commitment for the entire challenge is the way to go, but day by day is also a way to go. No one is cut from the challenge, and if you don't want to be part of the challenge, you are still welcome to post.
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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 13:42:32 GMT
Labor of Love
NEW CHALLENGE
February 14 through April 4
The word labor implies a specific task or effort, many times painful or arduous. A labor of love is doing something because you really want to, not because of any monetary reward you might get for it even though it involves hard work.
This challenge is all about a labor of love, reminding yourself to love yourself so it becomes your norm.
How often do we do something for someone else because it makes them happy and in turn makes us happy. But as the saying goes âhow can you love someone else if you canât love yourselfâ.
There are many ways we donât show ourselves love. We are harder on ourselves than on anyone else. We go over and over âwhy did I drink too muchâ and the ever popular "if I lost weight I would be so much happierâ. We are not showing ourselves love by overeating and over drinking, we are doing the opposite. To start, forgive yourself, or tell yourself yesterday is done, tomorrow isnât here, so letâs deal with the present.
We worry about so many things, things we have no control over. Resilience, happiness and freedom comes from knowing what to care about and what not to care about. Your health, your familyâs health, doing what works for your corner of the world. Let go of the things that do not work for you, help you, or encourage you. It is hard! You want to be a good person but be good to yourself first. Send out positivity but give yourself positivity.
We all have bad days, nothing goes right, nasty people out and about, stress levels are over the top and you have no control. This can be true in many ways but your control is to step away, love yourself.
Journal it, put it down on paper, and then let it go.
So each morning give yourself an affirmation. Here are some suggestions:
#1. I am worthy.
#2. I am enough.
#3. I am beautiful inside and out.
#4. Even my âflawsâ have good and helpful aspects.
#5. I love and approve of myself.
#6. I am delighted with who I am.
#7. I fully approve of who I am, even as I better myself.
#8. I approve of myself and love myself completely.
#9. I am happy in my own skin and in my own circumstances.
#10. I am surrounded by love.
#11. I am treasured for who I really am.
#12. I am worthy of happiness and love.
#13. I enjoy my own company as I get in touch with my true self.
#14. I am at peace and happy when Iâm alone.
It may sound like Stuart Smiley but go with it!
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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 13:42:54 GMT
Are you ready for this new challenge? If wavering, no matter, join in and take what works for you. Share, enjoy the bonding!
Options for loving yourself!
What are you doing for yourself this week?
What will you let go of?
NUTRITION ACCOUNTABILITY
Ugly and good days
Drink more water Drink your height in waterâŚ.68 inches tall equals 68 ounces of waterâŚ.add 8 ounce every seven days
One or more fruit daily
One or more vegetable daily
Track nutritional intake
Grocery List
Share a healthy recipe
Low Sugar, limit added sugar to 24 grams or less
AF/AIM/AIE
EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS
Shelf push ups
Hoola hoops and jump ropes
Step blockâŚ.okay, Jane Fonda days
Touch your toes
Sit ups!
Create your own and share your own plan
JUST JOURNAL!
What did you do for yourself today?
Motivational quote
HABIT ACCOUNTABILITY
We can be and will be accountable and supportive to each other. As always no judgement, just encouragement, and if needed, tough love though we are usually toughest on ourselves. Set your accountability goals and let's get to work. Letâs be healthier versions of ourselves come April 4.
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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 13:50:40 GMT
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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 13:59:33 GMT
What will you be accountable for today?
Move More Accountability: 2, walked the nature trail, over 8,000 steps, 10 AP, push ups and wall stretches, trail exercises
Sleep Accountability: 4, slept well
Nutrition Accountability: 2, 34/23, French toast casserole for breakfast, cheese and chocolate fondue for dinner
Journal Accountability: 4, continuing online journal
Happiness Accountability: 4, enjoyed being lazy, watched a movie, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 5, drinking more water than Diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 5, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 2, not much to show for the day
Number Of Days AF (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 5294; ANIM: 1
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 176.2
February 21:
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
We headed out to the nature trail on the golf cart around 10am. It was chilly, but we were okay once we got moving. I had to replace a lot of the exercise shells, although some were just relocated. Once we got home, I watched the recordings of the Sunday morning shows and was basically lazy most of the day. We exchanged cards for Valentine's Day and enjoyed our fondue and seafood feast. BOT today!
Murphy- Love your affirmation! Hope you enjoyed your busy Sunday.
Carole- I'm so sorry about Angel- hugs!!!
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Post by amyj on Feb 15, 2021 14:01:24 GMT
Ready to step up your vocabulary?
WORD OF THE DAY
Sanguine
PRONUNCIATION: [ sang-gwin ]
ORIGIN: Middle English; Latin
ETYMOLOGY: from Old French sanguin(e ) âblood redâ, from Latin sanguineus âof bloodâ, from sanguis, sanguin- âbloodâ
DEFINITION:
1. (adjective) cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident
Synonym(s): cheerful, confident, enthusiastic, upbeat, hopeful
Antonym(s): depressed, down, pessimistic, gloomy
EXAMPLE: Although traffic was getting worse, Mark still had a sanguine outlook on making it to the airport in time for his flight.
DEFINITION:
2. (adjective) reddish; ruddy
Synonym(s): crimson, flush, reddish, ruby
Antonym(s): pale
EXAMPLE: Matt's sanguine complexion showed his embarrassment when the group gave him compliments.
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Post by lizmawmn on Feb 15, 2021 14:47:02 GMT
Carole~I just wanted to make sure that I got on today to say how sorry I am to hear that you need to say good-bye to Angel. I don't know which is the hardest, putting our beloved fur-babies down or finding them already gone before you can say how much you love them. I have experienced both, neither are easy. I am sending you and your family the biggest hugs.
Amy~I love today's TOTD.
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 15, 2021 14:48:04 GMT
What will you be accountable for today? Staying A Free and to stay engaged with those around me!
Move More Accountability - didn't get on my bike but I did get some extra steps in!
Sleep Accountability - was sleeping fine until Callie woke me up at 3:30!!
Nutrition Accountability - I have a little steak thawed to fix for my Valentine's dinner!
Journal Accountability - keeping up with the AE journaling
Happiness Accountability - I'm feeling a peace in my soul!
Habit Accountability - drink more water!
Check in Daily Accountability - I'm here!
Time Management Accountability - I have a list of things to get done!
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 189
February 21:
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
Affirmation: I am happy in my own skin and my circumstances!
Good morning! My day started off very early! Callie woke me up at 3:30 when she peed in the bed! Nothing to do but get up and start the laundry. She IS a little old lady for sure! LOL. But I have got the laundry done and I have finished the monthly HOA business. We'll have a board meeting tomorrow night so I wanted to make sure I had everything up to date. I do need to run out to the bank and the post office. It's supposed to rain all day and I'm looking forward to just staying in!
Motel Ministry was great. I'm still just staying at the church praying for the teams as they go out but they handed out 471 meals!! That's just amazing to me that here in little Knoxville there is such a need! It was cold and windy so I was very grateful that I wasn't actually going to one of the motels. My head felt all stopped up and I was afraid I was getting a cold but I'm fine today. Everyone have a great day!
Murphy
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 15, 2021 15:40:39 GMT
Well Duh! I forgot it's President's day so post office and bank will have to wait till tomorrow!
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Post by GG on Feb 15, 2021 17:27:03 GMT
Hi girls. Honestly, this feels like a stay in my nightgown kind of day. Just BLAH! And TIRED! I think DH will keep his distance after I snapped at him. I did apologize for letting him push my buttons! Lol Not much of an apology! đ¤ˇđźââď¸ I really just want to eat everything in sight, but am trying to take those thoughts captive. I just had a banana and a big bowl of oatmeal with blueberries. Iâve always compared my A journey with my eating journey. This is one of those times I could just jump off the bridge. With both. But not today. Acknowledging how I feel, and what I want to do makes all the difference in the world. This time is going to be different!
Murphy: You helped me with something to be grateful for (of which I have so much!) At least I didnât wake up to a wet bed! đ¤Łđđ¤Ş
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Post by GG on Feb 15, 2021 20:02:34 GMT
Still in my nightgown but in a better mood. Thanks Cathy for mentioning Oprahâs zoom meeting. I watched it. I took what was relevant for me. At one point I even made a note, wow, this is all about Self!! I try to do less of me and more God. But it did help with my mindset. Today is still going to be a self care day though. Hope all is well with everybody!
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Post by tatermom on Feb 15, 2021 22:29:24 GMT
Word of 2021: Imagine.......the possibilities, the changes, what I can do and taking care of me. Labor of Love NEW CHALLENGE. February 14 through April 4 AF 48 Started Christmas Day My gift to me for 2021! Feeling Good!! AIM 2 ANIM 2 Move More Accountability: 4 Get my AP bar each day, 10,000+ steps, walked at Walmart and upstairs.. Sleep Accountability: 4 8+ hours, crazy dreams, thinking about going to the Dr in the morning, kept waking up to look at the clock. Nutrition Accountability: 4 Ate my packed lunch, planned my day, have menus planned for the week. High point days, need rollovers tomorrow. Journal Accountability: 5. Write every morning before any screens, record challenges, gratitudes and daily plans. Happiness Accountability 4. Just be responsible for my own happiness. Bought myself a book and magazine for VD, passed on the chocolate. Saw the cardinal yesterday when shoveling and today after the Dr. My angel messages. Habit Accountability: 3 Make 80+ oz of water a habit, plan for treats, walk daily, take time for quiet reflection each day, less screen time Check in Daily Accountability 5. I'm here. I come here first after journaling, then e mail, FB and Connect. Then need to check out. Time Management Accountability 4. Morning routine is pretty set, afternoon hours need more structure after work. February 14 start weight: 196.8 February 21: February 28: March 7: March 14: March 21: March 28: April 4 final weigh in: "A year from now you may wish you started today!" "I am happiest when I take care of myself first" Hi friends. Had to leave early today to get up to my bloodwork. Was in and out and at work on time..Sure missed my coffee in the morning when waking up  . Crazy people at work, but got through. Will sleep good tonight I hope. We are just having leftovers and I have been eating too many points over the "holiday". BOT for the rest of the week. No big news here, just waiting for the deep freeze to leave the area!! Hope you all had a good Valentines and a happy Monday. Jan Amy. Everyone needs some low key days now and then. Sounds like you had a nice dinner and enjoyed your day. Glad the shells were just rearranged. I'd say I'm feeling pretty Sanguine. GG. Glad you're feeling better and who cares if you stay in your jammies all day . Hope all is ok with DH and glad you have decided to not jump off the bridge and control those feeling. I'm standing on the bridge today and not so sure I"ll be as disciplined. But I'm at least talking though my choices. Murphy. So glad you sound so happy. Sorry Callie is showing her age and giving you some extra morning chores. I'm amazed everyday how many people everywhere are in need and hurting in a country that is supposed to be one of the wealthiest. Thank you for your service and prayers for all. Carole. Such a hard choice and sad day. Hope the kids were able to say goodbye and hang on to the good memories. I know we often try to keep our babies around longer for US, but hard to think about what may be best for them. Hugs and more hugs. Liz. How is it going by you? I know you have thought about a new dog, have you started looking or waiting for better weather? Cindy. See you're still having some bad weather. Hope you're snug in the house. We made a fire last night and it was so toasty. Has DS fully recovered from his bug? Have the Edsels left the building? Cathy. Are you getting any spring like weather? |
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Post by cindy on Feb 15, 2021 23:32:48 GMT
Hi All,
We are under advisories, wind chill 15 degrees below zero, and another winter storm arriving with heavy precipitation. Snow drifts came through the screens on the porch. Birds have gone through 20 pounds plus seed. Hopefully there will be some sunshine tomorrow so I can get out to the feeders.
Don't know if DS will go to work tomorrow. There are bank regulations about being closed but though not open today, power was out and no word whether it will come on. One step at a time and probably within two weeks we will be complaining about the changes in weather again! But this is nothing compared to what people go through with tornado and hurricane destruction. I guess thanks to COVID, we are stockpiled. Just got notification that we are under a "boil water until further notice".
Sorry for the lack of personals just physically achy and going back under an electric blanket.
Hugs to all, stay safe out there!
Hugs, Cindy
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Post by flower on Feb 16, 2021 2:16:51 GMT
Hi friends. Iâm praying Angel is now chasing bunnies and running pain free. She really went downhill fast, dr said there was nothing that could be done. Iâm comfortable we made the right decision but itâs still so incredibly hard. I loved the TOTD, Amy. Going to shovel and then bed, I didnât sleep last night. I have to go to my dads tomorrow, my DB finally stepped up.
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Post by cathygeha on Feb 16, 2021 12:02:20 GMT
My word for 2021: FOCUS My Visual/Mantra/whatever: Believe -> See AFFIRMATION: I love feeling fit and strong. LOVING MYSELF TODAY BY: âď¸ Tracking: tracked on WW Blue and was within points âď¸ Moving: walked 40 minutes yesterday âď¸ Sleep: almost 7 hours last night âď¸ GHGs Fruit âď¸ Vegetables âď¸ Whole-grains âď¸ Dairy products-calcium. âď¸ Healthy oils âď¸ Protein (lean)âď¸ Limit added sugar and alcohol. âď¸ Liquids-hydrationâď¸ Multiple vitamin-mineral supplementsâď¸
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 172.4
February 21:
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
<170.4> Moving in the right direction!
Was up and dressed early. We filled out the permission to go to the bank form online and were approved so headed off at 8:30 and were home by 11. We went over by half an hour BUT accomplished a lot and won't have to go out again for a long time as most other things can be delivered.
MURPHY: Sounds like you are in touch with many friends! Glad you are able to stay in and not actually be out delivering the meals to Motel Ministry.
JAN: I posted the YouTube link about the Oprah show over on the general board. I have decided NOT to worry about the points except to stay within the number for the day that Blue Plan suggests and track the activity and weeklies to use if needed/wanted. I could walk outside BUT I like to read while walking so it is easier to do that inside  I know what you mean about missing your coffee in the morning...have not had coffee beans for a few weeks and latte made with instant coffee is not the same! The weather is gearing up for cooler weather for a few weeks. Not sure w hen spring will arrive.
AMY: Hooray for having your vaccination! Sorry you were achy. I am glad you are not having a reaction to the vaccine. What blood type do you have? I wonder if that makes a difference at all?
CAROL: (((HUGS))) So hard to make the decision to say goodbye to a furry family members...I hope Alexis BF can come to be with her. Knowing it is time to say goodbye doesn't make it EASY to say goodbye. I hope Angel is enjoying herself and know she is young and carefree where she is now.
LIZ: Good to see your post.
GG: I hate gloomy feeling days. I am glad you found a few thoughts/ideas/comments in the Oprah event to trigger some ideas and plans. I do think that we need to take care of ourselves so we can be there for others.
CINDY: Your weather and power situation sound miserable. I hope your aches and pains will cease and desist and the electric blanket helps. What do you do without electricity, though?
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. Crazy people at work, but got through. Will sleep good tonight I hope. We are just having leftovers and I have been eating too many points over the "holiday". BOT for the rest of the week. No big news here, just waiting for the deep freeze to leave the area!! Hope you all had a good Valentines and a happy Monday. Jan
I know what you mean about missing your coffee in the morning...have not had coffee beans for a few weeks and latte made with instant coffee is not the same! The weather is gearing up for cooler weather for a few weeks. Not sure w hen spring will arrive.