The Good, the Bad and the Better

As most periods in life, this week brought challenges that might have melted into frustration, except for my capacity to accept that "some days you get the bear, and some days the bear gets you." I would like to say that I developed the ability to accept ups and downs with a certain level of peace because I am so great. The truth is, the realization came into my mindset a few years back when I grew to accept that God, not I, bears responsibility for the universe. That was the first step along a path to spiritual balance and harmony. I have freewill, as do all humans. The difference is that I accept that sometimes you can do everything in your power, and there are so many circumstances that remain to be overcome. This week I found that my control did little to reign in poor diet habits and the weather, yet I am encouraged by good.

The soups pull me in, and the pounds drop off.

On Friday, Sept. 19, I fidgeted my six-foot, one frame into the higi machine at the local market. Check out the link above, if you did not read what I previously  wrote about the device. Anyway, I thought I might have to shoehorn my body into the metal health mobile, yet noticed a little more ease in the fit. Never one to get too excited, I input my data and requested to be weighed. The digital device said that I lost ten pounds since Monday, Sept. 8, from 364 to 354. The complex set of calculations that yield what is called my Body Mass Index say I am now only 46.6 percent fat compared with the previous 47.9 percent total. My blood pressure was an enviable 118 over 79. Woohoo! I even moved to the right edge of an acceptable heart rate at 100.

Intrusions on my schedule and other interruptions made me wonder whether I might be able to keep to better nutrition patterns. At a few points during the past week, my 1500-calorie per day diet goal went way crazy. I suppose that happens, but I worried that I might lose positive momentum. The two days of heavy rain, which provided ample excuse to suspend my usual walk, gave me pause, too. I try to clock at least three miles worth of steps during an average day. I only logged 0.7 miles (1164 steps) on Friday, and an embarrassingly few 0.2  miles (388 steps), the next day.

This morning. I continue to have energy for this journey, a positive mental attitude, a willingness to ask for God's help, and a new week begins. The sun rose and I can't wait to walk to the nearby park. Like I said in a previous post, the distance probably means little to those of you who are runners, or even have good legs. I am poised to keep a rein on the calories this week. I have found solace in two restaurants that provide the best Lemon Grass and Egg Drop Wonton soups in the area. Also, I will make a few extra visits to higi. That's better.