I recently reported on Facebook that I had received the coolest compliment I've gotten in ages: "Your pants are too big. Way too big. Like clown pants big. Leave here and go immediately to the tailor." I made the (perhaps mistaken, but still logical) assumption that she was talking about my weight loss, not my fashion sense.
When one of my FB friends asked, "How'd you do it?" I figured I would start posting to this blog again to share the process--and the resources--that have made such a tremendous difference for me.
But it's not just a difference in my size, though being down 20 pounds and two pants sizes is nice. Ok, more than nice. But honestly it's been other benefits that have made life sweeter on so many levels these past few months.
After struggling for 2 years with chronic back pain, my health had suffered on many levels. I was in bed a total of 4 months total during that period, and in medical appointments for a similar amount of time. Now, I'm completely pain-free, healthier than I've been in a decade, doing all of the things I love to do, and (here's the best part!) I can actually pick up my son again easily and pain-free. Honestly, that's worth more than any number on a scale or a tape measure.
The short answer to "how I did it" is that it was a combination of the following small steps that have led to big results:
- Taking small steps toward incorporating great, satisfying, pleasure-inducing whole food nutrition into my life every day (I'll be posting a free new resource about my approach in the next few days).
- Making purposeful changes in my thinking, my schedule, and my environment to effortlessly support my health changes (I'll also be sharing the specific techniques I used, and that my clients have been using, that make a big difference using very minor shifts).
- Using gentle, all-natural Ayurvedic products that helped me detox from the medications, inflammation damage, and the less-than-stellar eating habits I found my way toward when I was in so much pain for so long. These products enhanced the other lifestyle changes I made (and continue to make) and have helped me increase quality nutritional intake, reduce cravings, and decrease stress (along with reducing the inflammation in my body, which has helped me become more active, and on and on and on). The product line is called Zrii, and it's made such a tremendous difference in my life (and that of my family, friends, and clients) that we've added the product line to our business. The addition of Zrii was a turning point for me.
- Integrating more and more FUN activity all the time (particularly now that my back has been restored to its former glory!). I've been including one new activity each week to re-introduce my body to what it feels like to MOVE JOYFULLY again. As my friend, fellow author and "Life Gain" pal Mary Anne Radmacher calls it, "recess!" I'll post soon on the specific approaches I've been using and that my audiences and clients have been enjoying, as well.
These four things have resulted in the most effortless, natural process I've ever experienced in improving my health. Not just in terms of weight or physical health, but also emotional well-being, supportive relationships, healthy recreation, and contribution to the world. And the benefits get better and more meaningful every day.
So, I'll be sharing details about all of the above in posts to come. And I'll continue my journey, which I'm sure will yield even more tips and insights. And in the meantime, when someone comments on my clown pants, I'll just nod and say, "Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment!"
Comments