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Post by amyj on Feb 24, 2021 13:25:18 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 24, 2021 13:26:20 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 “how can you love someone else if you can’t love yourself”.
There are many ways we don’t show ourselves love. We are harder on ourselves than on anyone else. We go over and over “why did I drink too much” and the ever popular "if I lost weight I would be so much happier”. 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 isn’t here, so let’s 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 family’s 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 “flaws” 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 I’m alone.
It may sound like Stuart Smiley but go with it!
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Post by amyj on Feb 24, 2021 13:26:39 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 water….68 inches tall equals 68 ounces of water….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 block….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. Let’s be healthier versions of ourselves come April 4.
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Post by amyj on Feb 24, 2021 13:46:54 GMT
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Post by amyj on Feb 24, 2021 14:10:36 GMT
What will you be accountable for today?
Move More Accountability: 4, walked the nature trail, laps in the basement, 250 steps 0/8 hours??? how is that possible?, over 11,000 steps, 15 AP, push ups and wall stretches, trail exercises
Sleep Accountability: 3, slept well, nearly 8 hours
Nutrition Accountability: 2, 36/23, cheeseburger and cookies
Journal Accountability: 4, continuing online journal
Happiness Accountability: 4, enjoyed the day, watched a Hallmark movie, worked on Santa, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 5, drinking more water than Diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 5, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, decorated shells for the trail, chores around the house
Number Of Days AF (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 5303; ANIM: 1
Labor of Loving yourself first!
February 14 - April 4
February 14 start weight: 176.2
February 21: 175.3
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
Another beautiful day yesterday. DH & I took the golf cart to the trail in the morning, was able to take off my sweatshirt halfway through. There were a fair number of people out, including someone with a cute border collie that had one ear up and one ear floppy. We got delivery from a local restaurant for our anniversary dinner, I got a cheeseburger, DH got a Philly cheesesteak, both were good. DD got mozzarella sticks and a Caesar salad, there will be leftovers tonight!
My goal for the day is to fill out a pre-interview worksheet for the long term care policy we are applying for. They want a list of every doctor I've seen in the last 5 years, including dates of visits. Not sure I can come up with the dates prior to the move.
Jan- WTG getting in steps, 11/11, FP, PT exercises. I have no doubt you'll get to your 100 AF days. Sounds like a challenge for DH to get the driveway cleared off and the car in the garage when it arrives.
Murphy- Sorry about the crazy dreams, hope you slept better last night. Glad you got the insurance straightened out. Hope your church friends can use a lot of the clothes and shoes you've purged.
Liz- Glad DH is home. It doesn't seem likely that the vaccine would have caused the clot. GL to both of you on your second doses.
GG- Sorry the doctor didn't call- now what? Sorry about how the medication is making you feel. Seeing the deer fight must have been amazing!
Carole- WTG for 32 AF days! Glad you enjoyed skiing. What are the plans for Angel's ashes? Best of luck to the friend's daughter.
Cindy- Sorry you are not sleeping well. Glad DS is getting along okay and you finally got your medication. Hope the tax review goes well.
Cathy- Yay for being able to have the windows open and for DH getting the vaccine on Monday.
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Post by amyj on Feb 24, 2021 14:14:07 GMT
Ready to step up your vocabulary?
WORD OF THE DAY
Foible
PRONUNCIATION: [ foi-buhl ]
ORIGIN: Late 16th century; French
ETYMOLOGY: from obsolete French, in Old French fieble
DEFINITION:
1. (noun) a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect
Synonym(s): eccentricity, failing, frailty, idiosyncrasy, infirmity, peculiarity, quirk, shortcoming, weakness
Antonym(s): advantage, normality, strength, strong point, usualness, perfection
EXAMPLE: Constantly interrupting others is Robert's greatest foible.
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 24, 2021 14:21:38 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 - much better!
Nutrition Accountability - I fixed red beans and rice for supper. Higher in carbs but low fat!
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: 190
February 28:
March 7:
March 14:
March 21:
March 28:
April 4 final weigh in:
Good morning! Just a quick check in because my friends are supposed to be here in a few minutes! I'm thinking I am going to have them help me with what I still have in my closet and see if I can't pull out a lot more! Everyone have a great day and I'll try to be back later.
Murphy
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Post by murphy1288 on Feb 24, 2021 18:38:11 GMT
Back again. My friends stayed a long time and took almost all of the clothes! One of the friends is the gal I went out with right after I retired and I commented here about how much she talks! Today was no different! LOL. She never stops to take a breath! I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet now. I have choir practice tonight. Everyone have a great rest of your hump day!
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Post by tatermom on Feb 24, 2021 21:49:24 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 55. Started Christmas Day. My gift to me for 2021! Feeling Good!! AIM 2 ANIM 4 Move More Accountability: 4 Get my AP bar each day, 8,000+ steps, walked upstairs, 11 FP. 11/11 hours. PT exercises Sleep Accountability: 4 8+ hours, crazy dreams Nutrition Accountability: 4 18/23. Rollovers+. OP AF Ate my planned menu, no detours. Lunch packed, chicken pot pie for dinner 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. Spring is coming, heard the cardinal this morning 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: 195.8 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" Morning all. Crazy day at work but hung in there and checked another Tuesday off my list. I am planning to make it until the week of April 15th, but we'll see what all happens by then. Heard my brother, he's 70, got his first shot in Chicago, glad to hear that. DH car may show up today, probably a good day to be hiding at work  . Now we need to make a plan to go down to Madison one weekend to pick up some more parts, at least that's close and maybe we can go to the indoor Farmer's Market. Making a pot pie for dinner with just a phyllo top crust, see how it turns out. When I came down this morning the cats had found a ball of yarn I thought was pretty well hidden inside two knitting bags hanging on a chair....OK learned my lesson, has to go in the closet at night. Had quite the maze to unwind this morning, around chairs, the table and cat tree. Scamps!! Hope you all have a happy Hump Day. Jan Murphy. Glad you got the numbers figured out, I just saw on our return that we would owe back the whole 16,000 and thought that was how it worked. I've seen some people at the tax office get that nasty surprise when they pick up their returns. I hate checking those people out and having to give them the bad news. Did your friends get over to sort though the clothes? Enjoy cleaning and organizing. GG. That doesn't sound right with the meds, hope they can find the real cause of your fatigue and stop trying to "Fix" it with pills. The deer spectacle sounds exciting. Glad you got to talk with DD and your Aunt. Hope the scale wasn't too unkind this morning. Cindy. Glad DS got to work and had help there to make it doable. Yay for getting your meds and hope it helps with the energy and sleep. Cathy. Always makes for a good day when everyone is happy. Glad DH will be able to get his shot, maybe you can just hang your arm out the window and get one too . Liz. So glad DH is home and feeling better. Hope you don't have any bad reactions and glad you'll be done with it by the time the baby comes. Getting close!! Carole. I'm sure the next time you ski it will be that much easier and enjoyable. The sticky snow makes it much harder to turn for sure. That's saying something that all your snow clothes still fit.....ha ha, maybe my goggles would still fit . Hope you can go at least once more this year. Will you just keep Angels ashes or bury them somewhere special? Hugs Amy. See we're posting at the same time. Always throws me from when you were on here at 4 am or whatever crazy hour you got up in Florida. I don't believe your 0/8 hours, something was off or updating. Happy late anniversary and glad you got to order out. Enjoy your leftovers. HOpe you had another nice day out on the trail I guess I got almost done with my post and didn't press send!! Glad it didn't evaporate! Another day of work down and so glad to be home. Just took a walk at the park just to decompress a bit. Enjoy your evenings. |
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Post by GG on Feb 25, 2021 0:02:53 GMT
Hi girls. As expected I was up 1.4 today. But I don’t mind it going up when I deserve it. It’s when it goes up when it shouldn’t that I get mad! I listened to 2 5 minute coachings on the app, and did a zoom with a new coach. It was a really small group with only a few that were talking. I spoke up and let them know I have been struggling. It was helpful. I plan on going back. There are several that are in the same place I am with limited activity. Afterwards I did a 15 minute chair dance video. I think I am going to start really watching my portions. Like tonight, we are having spaghetti. I’ll start with a cup and see what happens.
It was 60 and sunny today! I ate my lunch on the porch and took a short walk. It was a much needed reminder that Spring is coming! I did not take the medication last night. It took me about an hour to get to sleep and I slept until 8. Lots of movement in the night per the Fitbit. But at least I wasn’t groggy all day!
Amy: It was so nice to have weather like yours!
Murphy: It doesn’t surprise me that your friends liked your clothes!
Jan: Sorry, but I smiled at your description of the cats and the yarn!
Carole: Very cool about being able to wear your skiing stuff!
Cathy: Sunny days help so much!
Cindy: I was listening to the birds sing today!
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Post by flower on Feb 25, 2021 3:48:03 GMT
Hi friends! I was supposed to work today, 2-6. At 1:00 my boss texted saying the power was out, pavilion was closed but I’d be in call until 4:00. I figured she’d text at 3:59 and say it’s on, come to work. But she didn’t! Unfortunately I have to work in the am Tyler has 4 games this weekend in IN. We’re still not sure if fans are allowed. Ugh.
Amy, how long does it take in the golf cart to get to your walking spot? So cute about the dog!
Jan, I think we’re going to put Angels ashes in my flower garden. Myself and the kids got a charm necklace with some of her ashes in it. Sounds kind of creepy but it brings me some comfort. I enjoyed reading about your cats shenanigans too! I think DH wouldn’t mind having cats, DD would deal with any allergies but ds isn’t on board—he thinks he’s allergic, his gf has cats. Boo on him!
Cindy, I hope ds is doing ok. How has Ainsley been?
Cathy, I’m glad your DH can get the shot. That’s on my list of things to do—find out where my dad can get one. Nothing seems easy about it.
Hi gg, Murphy and Liz!
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Post by cindy on Feb 25, 2021 4:48:50 GMT
Hi All!
Need to catch up! Took DS to Urgent Care this evening...his ankle was deep purple in various spots...since he was willing to go I figured he was in pain. He has a severe sprain, stay off of it....yeah, right....but at least assurance nothing is torn. His knee is swollen as well.
Hugs to all, Cindy
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Post by cathygeha on Feb 25, 2021 12:42:45 GMT
My word for 2021: FOCUS My Visual/Mantra/whatever: Believe -> See AFFIRMATION: I believe in myself. LOVING MYSELF TODAY BY: ✔️ Tracking: ✔️ Moving: 40 minutes yesterday...today was time trimming a rosemary tree...✔️ Sleep: ✔️ GHGs Fruit ❇️ Vegetables ❇️ Whole-grains ❇️ Dairy products-calcium. ❇️ Healthy oils ❇️ Protein (lean)❇️ Limit added sugar and alcohol. ❇️ Liquids-hydration❇️ Multiple vitamin-mineral supplements❇️ Labor of Loving yourself first! February 14 - April 4 February 14 start weight: 172.4 February 21: 170.4 February 28: March 7: March 14: March 21: March 28: April 4 final weigh in:
170.8 today - I am tracking carefully to see how it goes
Nothing exciting to share. Made a tasty lunch and need to write a review then read another book. I trimmed a rosemary bush that required using big pruning long armed clippers and used my legs and arms to lop off some branches. I am glad there is NOT anything big to share...that means life is "normal" - sort of 
AMY: Glad you were able to order out for your anniversary dinner! Hope you figure out the dates and doctors you need to have for the form you are filling out.
MURPHY: Hope your friends were helpful with the clothing purge and that you enjoyed choir practice.
JAN: You made me laugh. Cats are wily beasts and yarn like catnip
GG: Glad you made time for exercise and group meetings for support. I know what you mean about being more accepting of rises on the scale that are expected vs the ones that just happen without rhyme or reason.
CAROL: My gut feeling is to go for the cats if you and your husband want them...it is your house That said...do what works for you. Also, hope you don't have to work if your son is playing and you would like to travel to see the game (if it is allowed.
CINDY: I hope your son's ankle and knee will heal quickly. I am sorry he is in pain 
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. Now we need to make a plan to go down to Madison one weekend to pick up some more parts, at least that's close and maybe we can go to the indoor Farmer's Market. Making a pot pie for dinner with just a phyllo top crust, see how it turns out. When I came down this morning the cats had found a ball of yarn I thought was pretty well hidden inside two knitting bags hanging on a chair....OK learned my lesson, has to go in the closet at night. Had quite the maze to unwind this morning, around chairs, the table and cat tree. Scamps!! Hope you all have a happy Hump Day. Jan
