Waking up to a blank slate in 2024, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the year than to connect with my WordPress community. I’ve been tracking many of you with your post notifications, and cheering you on from afar. I have no excuse for not commenting and supporting all the lovely endeavors you share, but know that I read your words and I am with you in spirit, if not in an online presence.
Thoughts are rolling around in my head like rocks in a tumbler wanting to emerge polished and refined. Truth is, I took on some new challenges and still haven’t come up with the formula for balancing everything I feel needs to be part of my life. In every phase that I’m excelling, I’m also letting some things slide. Currently, my physical fitness journey and my career are front and center, however my writing and spiritual disciplines are suffering from atrophy. I’m wondering if anyone else has this problem with equal acceleration? Or, do we go through different seasons with different strengths and capabilities?
I will say that my current pursuits don’t leave me with much down time. At work, I went from a teacher schedule in a position I felt I had mastered to an administrator’s schedule at a new school with a new population of students where I am constantly figuring it out. I realized that we get physically tired when our brains are taking in new information. And long hours inevitably lead to mom guilt, and that’s something I haven’t learned to vanquish. Like the voice that slithers through my head when I go out to eat and see a room full of people with their alcohol, the “wouldn’t it be better if” refrain is an old, worn out tune that refuses to die. Yet I’ve come far enough to know that our thoughts are not often our friends.
With my new role, I feel my physical and mental health are more important than ever and I am unwilling to sacrifice health for work. My last post reported an 18 pound weight loss, and now I’m 34 down. I joined a gym and am working with a trainer on functional strength training. My diet still isn’t perfect, but I don’t think it ever will be. I focus on protein and portion control, but have made peace with the fact that chocolate will always be part of my life. The important part is that I feel stronger than ever, I have the energy I need for a demanding schedule, and my numbers are looking good (no more risk for pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.). So, yes, women in your late 40s, it is possible to lose the weight and be strong; just be prepared for it to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done! Age and metabolism are not your friend, so you need to accept the challenge and work daily and diligently to overcome them.
That said, I am going to start working on incorporating the other important aspects of myself back into my routine. This is not a resolution, just a desire to reach my full potential and balance the external with the internal. Part of that is coming here and connecting with others who are also interested in being the best versions of themselves. And to each one of you: I see you and I’m here on the sidelines, cheering you on.
Happy 2024!
It’s wonderful to see you, Collette! Balance takes time, especially when starting something new. Sounds like you’re doing great!!
Wonderful to hear from you. It looks like you were somewhere beautiful lately (beachy)? I need to catch up on blog posts, but I still think about you and send positive thoughts to you on your own journey. Happy New Year!
😊 A little staycation in Galveston, TX, not far down the road. Always happy for extra good vibes—thank you! And Happy New Year!
hi there! good to see your post! I too just got back on the blog wagon and hope to see some of my familiar friends pop up this year. As far as the balance thing…yes , a thousand times yes! After my brother passed away in April, i especially had huge balance issues.. But , even now, months later, i struggle with wanting to do too much and wanting to do nothing..lol..eventually i get a grip but it’s a lifelong problem ( i yo yo a bunch). Sounds like you are doing well otherwise and Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year, Lovie. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot last year. Happy to reconnect and be able to support. I need to catch up on my blog reading. Thanks for reading and relating!
Love your update! You are killing it!! It was so exciting to read how you feel overall stronger for your busy days! You really have put time into yourself and it surely shows in this blog! 😃💪💯%. I love my morning workouts, sets the tone of accomplishment for the day for me. I do wish I lived closer to a gym though but I’m making great progress with what I have at home!! Again, great job my friend!!
Thank you friend. You are an inspiration to me with your own fitness journey. Sorry I’ve been so absent and haven’t been able to voice my support. Hope to change that. Happy New Year!
Seeing how you face new challenges is inspiring, especially when balancing different aspects of life. Recognizing that, at every stage of prominence, some aspects may be overlooked, is something many people can relate to. Your dedication to physical and mental health is admirable, and the positive results are a testament to your continued effort. By sharing your journey, you inspire and build a supportive community. Keep moving forward and reaching your full potential! 💪🌟
Thank you for reading and for your positive words of encouragement. Happy New Year!
NICE POST 💖💓💚
I am new follower. I hope follow my blog and GROW TOWETHER.
Together we grow if we read, like and comment on our posts. THANK YOU
Greetings from SPAIN 🇪🇦
Thank you! I will check out your blog as well.
Hi. So pleased to hear you again Collette. Here’s to getting that Balance right in 2024. You are doing amazingly well on the fitness, health and weight loss front. I’m down but not as much as you. You have inspired me to go again in that. Happy New Year ❤️
Thank you, friend. I hope you and son are doing well. I need to play some catch up, in reading blogs. Looking forward to it. Happy New Year!
Collette Collette Collette …love seeing you here AND many of our old crew! You are doing amazing my friend, my goodness. Just incredible. So exciting hearing about your new career path and just being real on how it’s all going. Please keep it up. Big hugs!
It’s great to connect with you again, and others. Some are missing and I hope they are well. Have a wonderful weekend.