Day 17 Check In | Routines

As I hit day 17, I can say that it feels like it's been much longer than 17 days haha. Day 17 is a good time for reflection though. What's working? It's important to build on success.

Overall Step Goal Update

I set a goal of 10,000 steps each day during the weekday and overall goal of 350,000 steps for the month of January. As of today, I am excited to share that I am averaging around 12,400 steps and on track to hit my January goal! I get up at about 7am every single day and almost always immediately dance, some days I hit it harder than others admittedly. I have a playlist I keep adding to, so please let me know if you have any songs with good beats to suggest. I start each day with Eminem's "Lose Yourself" as I feel I need to really be reminded it's now or never. I have such a variety of songs though so I welcome any suggestions.

This whole waking up early and dancing thing has to be a routine and I get up and go at it even when I'd rather not. I only missed 10,000 steps once this month and only because I totally forgot about steps toward the end of the night and when I synced it the next morning, I was literally 1 step short! (seriously) It's ok, I only mildly kicked myself for it. The steps I'm doing every day feels like a significant achievement in and of itself, and is now an integral part of my daily life. I’ve found that walking not only lifts my spirits to start my day, but also keeps my energy levels high (duh).

Some days are easier than others, but the important thing is that I'm building habits. It's been kind of fun to see how closely aligned I am now to the me of 2014 who did so many of these things that I'm doing currently. She was a damn strong woman even then. I'm so happy my younger self taught me what is possible when my older self may have lost motivation before even starting had I not.

Weight Loss Progress

Along with increased activity, I’ve of course made changes to when I eat, what I eat, or how much I eat. I of course have had carbs or a beer occasionally, but all in moderation. Losing weight loss isn't about perfection or being so strict you want to quit daily. It's about what works for you and keeps you going in the same direction. So far, I’ve lost approximately 9 pounds for January and overall hit the 30 pound mark. Losing water weight, as I mentioned before, feels great when you are starting a weight loss plan. It helps with motivation in the crucial weeks. I assume I may add pounds back or just break even by months end if I had to guess since it's so unpredictable, but honestly any pounds lost is better than none so I'm ok. It's great to lose this weight, but I am focused on so much more now. I have a lot more weight to lose.

Of course I will be eating pizza and chips and various things this weekend for the Eagles game in case you're wondering. I haven't quite lost my mind and need some stress snacks and food for that game! Just means I'll be dancing extra hard in the morning that day and maybe even waking up earlier to get more done.

What’s Working

1. Consistency in Activity: My success is primarily due to being consistent with my physical activity. Setting a clear step goal encourages me to seek movement opportunities throughout the day. Whether I'm waiting for my lunch to cook or reading through emails, I'm up and moving when I can, even if just for 30 seconds here or there.

   
   

2. Hydration Management: I recently introduced the HidrateSpark water bottle into my routine, and it has made a significant impact on my hydration. (If you're curious all of what it does, you can see the one I purchased on their main site at https://hidratespark.com/products/hidratespark-pro-21oz-smart-water-bottle?variant=40884313030765.) And no, it's not an affiliate link or anything like that. Just simply sharing. This smart bottle syncs with an app to automatically track my water intake. The convenience means I no longer need to pull out my phone just to log my water consumption or even think about it (in which case I'd give up, let's be honest). It gets calibrated and then you just fill and drink and it does the rest. It also lights up when it's syncing or when you hit your goals (you can customize your colors! So naturally I'm doing green right now) . It's been SO helpful for me as I've never been great at tracking water intake or hydration (or been excited about it like I am with fun apps and technology).

   
   

HidrateSpark water bottle

Other Updates

CC (cancer crap): I'm currently in physical therapy for lymphedema (2nd time in the last year). I saw my plastic surgeon this week and happy to say that physical therapy has made great progress and my breast surgery is set for March. It will be for a slight reduction but mostly a lift and getting them even to each other, after all that's happened (damn you radiation!). More on this in the future with another post of its own.

Tattoo Day next week: A week before my lumpectomy in 2023, I got my Eagles/Cancer tattoo, "Grow Through What You Go Through". I decided to get a Phillies tattoo of sorts and this tattoo will be about pain and overcoming that pain to find new life and growth. I'll of course show an image down the road, but it has the P for the Phillies and it's in the middle of 2 roses. The stems of the 2 roses will be wavy and will have 4 years within the stem, two on each one. The years are 2011, 2017, 2022, 2024. These were absolutely the most life-changing and gut wrenching years of my life. It will be a reminder to me that there is love and new life after even some of the worst years and trauma.

Philly Sports: Sixers are having an awful year and I'm so sad Jared McCain is out. I did get tickets for the sixers/wolves game in March as no matter how bad Philly teams can be any given year, I'm a fan for life and I'm a fan regardless of how they are doing. Phillies report to spring training soon, so very much looking forward to that in the comings weeks as well! Eagles are in the playoffs and made it past the first round. I so badly wanted to go to the game this weekend, but will be watching from home. Let's please get a win this Sunday Eagles! Regardless of win or lose though, I bleed green and I will every single day for the rest of my life. F*ck I love this team haha. Go Birds!

Until next time, what are you working on and how are you doing with it? Remember, discipline is stronger than motivation. A wise person instilled this in me recently. (Thanks Wendie)