At This Very Moment!

You Are Worth It….At This Very Moment!!!

Thank YOU for taking time out of your busy schedule to start making a difference in your life at this very moment.

As you view read through the 588 Days! book or hear my testimonial regarding my weight loss / health journey, keep one thing in mind. My life, situation, and circumstances that contributed to the start of this leg of my journey were not much different than yours. See, at that very moment in my life, I knew that I needed to make a change in order to save my life. At that very moment, I knew that I had some decisions to make in order to be present in the lives of my family and children. I knew, at that very moment, that enough was enough!

There is not a whole lot that separates what I did from where you are headed. It all comes down to decisions that we make in our life at this very moment. You’ve already made a key decision at this very moment when you decided to take this handout.

At this very moment, you may be struggling with some decisions of your very own. At this very moment, you may have been given a medical evaluation from your physician indicating that your health is not ideal. Maybe, you’ve had a reality check moment where you’ve looked in the mirror and are disgusted with what you see on the other side.

No matter what made you seek assistance, at this very moment, it’s all about the decisions that YOU are going to make for YOU in the future. YOU have everything that you need inside of YOU!

At this very moment, stop making excuses. Stop saying what you can’t do. Stop putting others and their needs in front of your own health and well-being. That’s not to say that others are not important, but often times we do so much for others that we often neglect our own selves and our needs.

At this very moment, what are you willing to commit to? What steps are you prepared to take to regain control of your health? Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. We often over analyze, ponder excessively, and over complicate things that should be so simple.

Make up in your mind, at this very moment, that you are going to bring the New YOU to fruition. At this very moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and envision the New YOU. Did a smile come on your face? Do you feel more confident?  Do you like the way that you look?

Well then, what are you waiting for? At this very moment, don’t make any more excuses.  Just do it!!! Commit and don’t quit!!!

Call on whatever higher power that you believe in for strength and spiritual connection to get you through this very moment.

YOU Are Worth It…at this very moment and in all of the moments you have left on this earth. Seize the moment!!!!

I wish you continued blessings on your journey. Believe in YOU and say to yourself, “I am making the right decision for my life at this very moment.”

Peace and Blessings from your sister,

Lorraine S. Muhammad

“Remember…YOU Are Worth It…Just Do It…NO Excuses!!!” * http://www.findtimeforyou.com/

For The Family Productions *Lorraine S. Muhammad – Founder, Author, and Inspirational Speaker
* P.O. Box 877, Bloomington, IL 61702-0877 * 309-531-0032 *

©Copyright 2011 Lorraine S. Muhammad. All Rights Reserved

Hit the snooze button one time too many - pounds are coming back!!!! (frown)

They say that confession is good for the soul. Well, it's time for my confession everyone.

Over the last couple of months, I've hit the snooze button just one time too many. Now, many of you that know me know that I typically go to my "second home" (the gym) every morning. I like doing my workout in the morning. I feel energized and...I get it over with early.

Now, I've still been doing my exercises for 30 minutes everyday but it's just not the same. I haven't felt as energized as I've had in the past. I've gotten a bit relaxed with my journey over the last couple of months. I'm still aware of what I eat and that I don't want to backslide into the habits that got me to the point where I was over 200 pounds, but man...my journey took a turn.

All is not lost!!I know that I haven't been doing all that I can do to keep my weight maintained like I should. When I hit my goal of 140 back in July 2010, I gave myself a 5 pound range that I would be comfortable with should I pick up a few pounds. Well, I went a couple of pounds about that range and I DON'T like it.

The good thing is, I KNOW that I can get back on track. Why, you may ask...because I've done it before. I know what it takes to get the weight off and I am re-dedicating myself to my journey. I will do my best not to hit the snooze button in the morning...even though the pillow be calling me to just lay back down. (smile).

Yes, the extra sleep is nice but I just don't feel the same. I end up fussing at myself for laying back down and not getting my tail up like I should. It really throws my day off. Plus, I don't like what the scale is telling me right now. It once was my friend but now...I'm not too fond of it. I'm just being real and truthful!!!

So, I'm striving to get back on my path like I used to be. Sometimes, it's not easy. There are times when you want to quit or take a detour but ask yourself...is it worth it? Although the detour from your journey may be nice for a time...is it really worth it?

If you have any similar stories, please feel free to share. I know that I am not the only one that is going through such a challenge as staying motivated.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!"

Think Before You Eat - what do you use food for?

Food...let's think about it. What do you and I use food for? Do we use it to maintain our life? Work through stress and disappointment? Socialize with our friends and family? Relieve boredom? Has food become your best friend and comforter?

Now, after you've answered the above questions, reflect on how your use of food has contributed to your current condition. Are you happy with your current condition? If not, what are you going to do about it?

Here is an exert from 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME in the chapter called "The Childbearing Years" -

"Additionally, I could have, and should have controlled my eating. I shouldn’t have made food my comforter and friend. I should have utilized food for the purpose that it served which was to provide nourishment to me and the baby, not to take away my pain, as well as take my mind off of my disappointment in myself."

Here is a video tidbit that might help you - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cR5EmZJAvo

I hope that something from this blog will help you on your journey.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!!
http://www.findtimeforyou.com/

Tips for the summer and holidays

It's the beginning of summer. School is out, graduation commencements/parties have begun, the family reunions are planned, the weddings will start soon, and the grilling season is on and poppin'. What does this mean for your health journey?

Hold on...don't give up. YOU can still work on your journey in the midst of temptations of summer and its festivities.

Here are some tips from 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, and Finding Time for ME" in Chapter 17 entitled "Let's Hit the Road":

Let’s say you aren’t going to eat out at a restaurant but rather you are going to eat all of the lovely food prepared for the family reunion, wedding, or somebody’s bbq. How do you handle this? Here are some tips that might come in handy:

1.    Eat before you go to the event. If you find foods you know you can eat and are the right portion size BEFORE you go to the event, then you might not be so tempted to eat the spread that will be laid out in front of you.

2.    Bring your own food with you. If are able to stop at the grocery store or maybe go to a place like Subway® to buy yourself a sandwich, you can bring your sandwich or food with you to the gathering. That way, you are still in attendance at the gathering and can still control what and how much you eat.

3.    If you find yourself indulging in the food that is being served at the event, monitor your portions! You don’t have to sit there and starve, but you can partake in the delicious food, within reason!

Stay focused but yet have fun. Time spent with family, friends, and co-workers can be enjoyable. You don't have to overindulge to have a good time. Think before you eat!!!!

For your own copy of the 588 Days! book, visit http://www.findtimeforyou.com/.

Video Tidbit - Reality Check - Regain Control of Your Health NOW!!

"Just Do It!! - Reality Check - time to regain control of your health!" Don't wait for tomorrow or Monday morning. Do something right NOW!

Check out this video tidbit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPYygSiCyAM


Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!!!

588 Days! Video Tidbits - Reality Check, Goal Setting, Being a Mommy, Busy Lives, Support System, and Why I Eat the Way that I Do

Greetings,

Attaced you will find some video tidbits that will help you on your journey toward better health and weight loss.

Video #1 - "Reality Check" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG6YX8OoKgk
Video #2 - "Goal Setting" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4jENrUUzac
Video #3 - "Busy Lives! - Finding Time for YOU!!!" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngIFLjzbSA
Video #4 - "Being a Mommy / Getting My Body Back" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za2WNAMiYSY
Video #5 - "Support System on Your Journey" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPz-dzh9gSc
Video #6 - "Why do I/We Eat the Way We Do?" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKGj2Iys3Y
Video #7 - "Reward Yourself -- You've Worked Hard For It" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6k6ObJZqs


After viewing the videos, let me know what you think. Also, share them with a family member, friend, or co-worker...anyone that is struggling to start or maintain their own journey.

It's my prayer that something that I've experienced over my journey will help you on your journey toward better health.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It!!!"

Stress - Who or what do you call on to get you through?

Stress!!!

Each of us go through some type of stress at some point in our lives. For many, dealing with stress is a daily or weekly occurrence.

Stress can be caused by so many things, people, or situations. These days, stress seems to be the order of the day. Many of us stress over finances, family, relationships, work, school, planning our days and getting everyone where they need to be, and so much more.

The question of the day is, "How do you and I handle stress"? Who or what do we call on to help ease the pain and get us through those stressful times? Do we call on God or do we call on food/drink which could be a god (force and power) for us?

Many of us turn to food as a comforter. Think about it, food is accessible whether through a vending machine, a visit to a fast food restaurant, or as close as our kitchen. Unless food causes you to have a stomach ache, food typically makes you feel good. It doesn't talk back to you, it doesn't ask you questions, it's not judging our actions and rationale, and it just tastes GOOD!!

Have you thought of alternatives to handling your stress that doesn't include running to food? Some things that help me to avoid turning to food as a comforter are such things as:

• Praying to Allah (God) for strength, guidance, and endurance
• Reading the scriptures
• Reading words of inspiration and motivation, a book, or a magazine
• Exercising
• Talking to family and friends that will give me a positive word to lift my spirits
• Reflect on the many blessings in my life versus the things that may not be going so well at the current time
• Listening to music / dancing
• Going to the movies
• Pamper me time (i.e. - getting my hair and nails done, shopping, massage, etc.)

The next time that you are going through an unpleasant or stressful situation, THINK before you EAT. Before you run to the vending machine, the restaurant, or even the refrigerator, think about what you are doing? Is eating really going to solve your problem? Yes, it feels good at the time but how are you going to feel when the doctor declares that you are overweight and borderline diabetic? How are you going to feel when you step on the scale and notice that you've gained 10-20 pounds due to the eating binge that you've gone on as a means of dealing with your stress? Now, you've just added more stress to your plate.

Was it really worth it? Don't you deserve better? Doesn't your body and mind deserve better?

Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!!

Peace,

Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad
Author - "588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME"
www.findtimeforyou.com