Stress Management

Aug 31, 2011

I feel like I am managing my stress levels without sabotaging myself.  I have been very stressed by work lately and then when you add to that my stress over our finances, my daughter leaving across the country for her 2nd year of college and my son starting high school it could have been a recipe for disaster in the past. Oh did I mention that my mother-in-law had an accident and I have been living at her house to take care of her for several weeks and just when she started doing better and was able to be more independent my sister-in-law had her second baby early and I am the only one that can stay with my nephew so I was living at their place for a couple of days too.  Talk about exhaustion...I have been averaging 3 - 5 hours of sleep a night so that I can keep up with work and life.

However, I am maintaining.  I have everything in perspective. I am eating healthy and appropriate foods but I don't stress about having a carby item once in awhile now.  I am still on track with all of my supplements.  My relationship with my husband and family has never been better. (Probably able to appreciate each other more since we miss being together right now).  All that said I have not engaged in formal exercise or running for at least 2 months. 

My son runs cross country and he is now up to running 50+ miles a week.  We are going to be at his cross country meets every week and they are good motivation.  Last year we would watch his race and then run in the local area while waiting for his next event.  These are all day meets usually on a Saturday and in some great locations.  A lot of the parents and coaches are all runners too so it really helps me just being with people that are all in the same mind set.  He just had his first meet and everyone was very excited about how the season is shaping up.  We have a huge team with about 60 runners.  We will be in a great location on Saturday near some lagoons and I think I will tempt my husband into a trail run with me.  I feel like I finally get the appeal of exercise and running.  I have experienced a runners high and I just love how I feel when I am staying active.  I feel like I am more active and engaged in life now than ever before.  We went on a trip to Tahoe recently and I not only kayaked but also did some paddle boarding (large standing surf board with paddle). We go on walks and hikes together.  It has been very good.

After this surgery some people say, "I am still the same me just a healthier version".  I have to say I disagree.  I am not the same me as prior to surgery.  How have I changed?  Let me count the ways -

1.  I am more confident at work and in social situations
2.  I have more self-confidence
3.  I enjoy being physically active
4.  I am nicer and more patient
5.  I am proud of myself
6.  I look at life differently than before and I don't stress in the same way. I feel like I can solve problems and somehow this life changed helped me to realize and focus in on the big picture and what is truly important.
7.  I am a better spouse (more physically and verbally affectionate, more engaged, more committed, anticipating a wonderful future together as we age.
8.  I can honestly say that I have not been this happy and at peace with myself ever in my life even prior to gaining weight.
9.  I am still discovering myself but I like the person that is developing
10. I can finally imagine myself growing old now (I was always pretty certain that I would die rather young before.)

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