~ Being Real in 2008 ~

Scrapbooking is so much about being real . . . about documenting the journey of life.  I’ve always tried to be open and honest about so many things with you Fiskateers.  This has gone both ways.  I have learned things about each of you and you’ve learned some intimate details about my life.  We’ve shared inspiration, support, comfort, friendship and so much more.  It’s difficult sometimes to be honest and open about our struggles.  It’s a vunerable position to be in but it isn’t until we share these things that we realize we aren’t alone.  Well, coming into 2008 many people make resolutions about weight.  This year, this group includes me. 

I want to be ‘real’ with you and share that I struggle with my weight.  I haven’t always . . . in fact, most of my life I haven’t.  I played sports and was totally fit most of my life.  But as you get older with injuries, changes . . . it becomes harder.  But the new year is full of hope and future change.  Maybe there are some others out there that struggle as well.

I want to lose weight for several reasons . . . I need to do it for me, I need to do it for my family and for the Fiskateers as well.  I want to be healthy.  So this means there needs to be changes.  I’ve started eating healthier and started to exercise.  The beginning is the easy part.

So I need your help and I can’t think of a better place to be than here.  The Fiskateer community is a positive and encouraging place.  I need that on my journey.   I need your support, accountability, encouragement and assistance.  I also want to be there for you.  

I want to mention that in 2007 Fiskars chose to work in conjunction with the American Heart Society.  What a worthy organization and cause.  Something Americans on a whole struggle with.  So along the way as I feel encouraged I want to spread some love . . . like maybe some limited edition tools in which some of the proceeds go to the American Heart Society.

So a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

  • If you’ve done it once, you can do it again ~ after having my daughter I once lost 80 lbs. in 2 1/2 months.  I was in a foreign country and it was a little easier but I still made some changes in my diet and started exercising.
  • Start small and work your way up.  When I lost that weight I started walking to the end of the dirt road.  I increased the distance little by little.  At the end, I was walking/running 5 miles a day and enjoying it.
  • Surround yourself with positive people, friends and those you can confide in.  We all have struggles and need friends to lean on.  Lean on your faith and friends.  We aren’t alone.
  • Think positive.  Use words like can, will, and victory!
  • Make goals that are high but not unattainable. 
  • Scrapbook about it.  I’ve found that if I keep a journal or scrap my journey it helps me to be able to look back and see progress.  It’s also very healing.

So you will see less of me in 2008!  Not in person but less of me.  Thank you in advance for your love and support!  You are awesome!  Whatever goals you have set for yourself . . . I want to encourage you.  You can do it in 2008!

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comments (43) | RSS

43 Responses to “~ Being Real in 2008 ~”

  1. BizzyBee # 2832 says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Wow..you are such a kind, gentle soul , Cheryl ! Thanks for being “you” !

    I too, have decided this has to be the year to be the best “me” that I can be. After having different health issues over the years, I’ve managed to stay sane :) Then 3 years ago, I had to have my thyroid out…and geez…that has been a struggle…sent my hormones through the roof and my weight too… Some days are just hard.

    I too, pledge to make this year a year to better myself…in many ways!

    Thanks for your encouragement Cheryl and I will keep you in my prayers and thinking good thoughts for all of us!

    May the year ahead be the best yet!

  2. Kelly Jo says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    Good Luck, Cheryl and Thank You for sharing. You are Not alone!

  3. Lisa says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    It sounds like you have really given this so much thought! I think goals are so good to have in your life for so many reasons!

    I have set a similar goal for myself, not necessarily to lost weight. But just to get more fit, eat more healthy, and build bone strength.

    So, thanks for the inspiration, sharing of yourself, and motivating others to share and set goals as well.

    Lisa

  4. Jill Shumway says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm

    I want to become healty in 2008. I would love to share in your journey. My goals are to make healty choices food, execise and people. I would love to be my prebaby weight but I will settle for being able to keep up and play with my kids. I would love to find exercise enjoyable not a chore. So keep your advice comming on what we can do.

  5. Janetrivs says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    this is a constant struggle for me. my weight yo yos like no other. I just need to stay and be consistent. Me obtaining attainable goals is like losing say 5 lbs a month. Or making it 2-3 times a week to that cardiokickboxing class. but its a feel good, and it always best to have supportive friends and family that are right there with you wanting to eat healthier and lose weight together. Again, you are not alone…. and you will soon find out we are all trying to tdo the same thing….

    xoxo

  6. Janetrivs says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    oh and I learned to weigh myself weekly instead of daily….. otherwise I will go stark crazy mad….

  7. Sarah Fravel says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    Cheryl,
    You go girl!! You can do it!! I go to Curves three times a week so that I can maintain my weight. However after this past holiday season I’ve got some work cut out for me! I need to cut back a few pounds. The tips you put in your post are spot on! tfs!

  8. Suzanne Brookman says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    I wish you well. I am there with you after going thru menapause I can not get off the extra 20 pounds but going to get it off this year !!! Good Luck to you also….

  9. Debby says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    Cheryl, what a noble adventure you are now on. I’ve just gone through what you are starting. Check out my blog and see the before and after picture in my last post. I lost 90 lbs in 2007. Let me tell you that it is all about health. I was diagnosed with High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Type 2 Diabetes. If I did not lose weight I was going to die.

    My two secrets: Friends. Tell them when you struggle, go and laugh with them, allow them to help you not to make it an obsession, depend and trust them. And God. I prayed much more when I was losing weight. It’s hard and sometimes it’s more than just will power. But God can give you strength, clear mind, creativity with your food, and He will remind you each day His unconditional love for you even when the day did not go as you planned.

    Cheryl, my prayers and support are here for you and for anyone who wants to lose weight. I struggle to maintain mine now. If you need a friend I’m here for you.

  10. Naomi says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    Cheryl, I am behind you 100% You already have a great and positive attitude about life. always try to find time for yourself. You can do it!

  11. kristina says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    I’m with you, Cheryl! I’m so proud of you! I know you can do it! Thanks for the encouraging words! Love you, my friend!

  12. Laura 1943 says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    I think I will “join” you on this journey !!!

  13. Julie Overby says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Way to go Cheryl! That is awesome and I’m sure you will be encouraging many along the way. I think the key is that you are doing it for ‘yourself.’ It really needs to be that way. I’ll be right a long with ya the whole way!

  14. Sue #2266 says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm

    I’m with you, Cheryl. I need to lose a good 50 lbs - for me and for my son. I work full time and by the time I get home, I’m exhausted and have to face cooking dinner for my aging parents, doing our laundry, etc. They gym is just not an option for me, but once the weather turns warmer, I’m up for a good walk around the neighborhood. I know I don’t eat right, but dang, it’s so hard. Maybe 2008 will be my year - I hope you see less of me, too!

  15. RitaS says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    Let’s do it Cheryl! I struggle as well - and to think how skinny I was when I married - so obsessive about exercise that I looked anorexic.
    I have suffered with back injurires and subsequent surgeries since the late 90’s The weight has piled on, and I too, need to get rid of it. A. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family. B. my joints, and back will be happier C. because my body is God’s temple

    I bought Abby Twister Dance DVD for Xmas hoping she will have fun and I will exercise. I can’t seem to find “me” time alone to do this so I need to incorporate my kids. Roads by me are too awful to walk on for the most part. You haven’t convinced me to scrap this yet though - I avoid photos that show my big arms, etc.(LOL)

  16. Tricia Gall says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    Cheryl,
    Thanks so much for sharing your story. I think most women struggle with weight in one way or another. I also share in the getting older struggle with weight. When I was younger, I also was very involved with sports. I was even powerlifting for about 10 years. I was very thin and muscular. Not bodybuilding muscles, just fit muscles. I had so much energy. Over the years I had two children. I am now 35 and don’t really have time to exercise. I know I need to make the time, but it’s so hard when a person has young children they are taking care of. One of my new years goals is to eat better and exercise even if I can only get a small walk in. I know I need to do it for me and also my family. Good luck and stay positive!!!

  17. Jennifer Cozzens says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    Thanks for being so open and honest. This weight issue is something I need to work on too. Making better choices and finding happiness in something besides food. We’re with ya!

  18. Amanda says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    I’m with you on the weight loss thing, but I’m hoping to convert the weight into muscle and 1 pound of muscles weighs just as much as a pound of fat (takes up less room though). I’m hoping to loose inches around the waist not so much pounds off the scale.

  19. Tara says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    You will do it Cheryl!!!

    I started off life as a normal sized baby and when I was in elementary school a neighbor boy started callin me “Miss Piggy” because I was a bit over weight. Weight is a constant struggle for me because to comments have never left my mind…..I guess in a way it is a motivator…..

    Signin’ Off,

    Miss Fiskater Piggy Tara :)

  20. Christine says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm

    Hi Cheryl,
    I am definitely going to join you on this health journey. I have already decided to make myself a “health diary” so that I can record my ups and downs and try to keep myself motivated - I recently purchased a treadmill so I don’t have any excuses for not walking. I am sure with the love and support that we get from fellow fiskateers we will be able to do this - although we may have to avoid the recipe threads - dangerous ground!!!

  21. Lorig says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. This is one area that I have to work on. At my last check up my weight was up (and I already had more than I needed) and my blood pressure was heading up. With Heart disease, diabetes and thyroid problems in my family, this is an area that I can not play games with. Working with my doctor we have set a reasonable goal of 10 to 20 pounds. That will not be the end of the journey for me but a healthy first step. I froze the left over goodies from Christmas so they are not a temptation but are available for my girls lunches in moderation. Today the weather was unseasonably warm so we went tobogganing, which worked 2 goals at once exercise and spending time with my girls who are growing up far to fast. I don’t want to look back and wish I had taken more time with them when I had the chance. Good luck and prayers for your journey, you are not alone.

  22. Lene says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    Baby steps! Preferably out in the woods! Beautiful nature helps! I guess those would be desert hills for you though, huh? Good luck!

  23. susan says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    I’m right there with ya! I’d love to meet at the park and walk with you while the kids play :)

    I know you’ll accomplish your goal!

  24. Sandi says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    I will join you. I started in Sept. However, gained it all back during Christmas. I can not walk away from the cookies:(

    I have a tip… check out www.vitamix.com They sale a high powered blender. The site has great tips on how to use it to make healthy changes in your life. I do not have ties to this company. However,my dh purchased one and we use 2,3 sometimes more a day. I just love the way it works. He is training to run a marathon. So far he can run 13 miles two times a week.

    I will say prayers for you.

  25. Deborah says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    Cheryl,

    I applaud you for announcing your resolution. Sometimes when we say things outloud it makes us more accountable to ourselves. Good luck! Weight is such a struggle for so many of us (me included). I adopted a new mantra for this year that I plan to use on myself a lot and that is “A New Day, A New Way”. If you usually drive to the store but can walk do it. If you usually get up at 7 to start your day, get up at 6:30 and walk. If you want to read a little bit more of your bible, set your clock…stuff like that :) That’s my way, the new way!

    Wishing you nothing but success!
    Deborah #2644

  26. stephenie says:

    January 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Cheryl,

    Thank you for opening up to all of us and sharing this. Before I got pregnant with Owen, I was at my heaviest weight ever. Like you, I had played sports and was very fit and active my whole life. After college, I slacked off, got a little older and things shifted and moved. I knew we were going to start trying so I made a commitment to lose weight so that I was healthy before getting pregnant. It was hard, but well worth it. I applaud your openness, your honesty, and your trust in all of us. We are here for you and support you with open arms. You are amazing and I know you can do this!

  27. Kristan says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 12:42 am

    Good luck on your weight loss journey.

    Two years ago my Mom and I joined Weight Watchers. She was just diagnosed as being pre-diabetic, and put on medication, and I knew that would be somewhere in my future if I continued on the path I was on.

    Well fast-forward to today and we are both Lifetime members, she lost 90+ pounds, and I lost 75 (although am working on the weight I put on during the holidays, but aren’t we all.) Her doctor took her off her diabetes medication, and she walks daily.

    Me? I’ve been running at the track and plan to join a gym (my New Year’s resolution to myself).

    So, if you ever need any encouragement, just let me know. :o )

  28. Kristan says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 12:43 am

    Okay, I actually meant to do a smily face in my last post. I don’t know how to edit it. :)

  29. Paula says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 1:47 am

    Good on you Cheryl - I KNOW you can do it and you’ll have all of our support behind you :)

  30. Stephanie (#717) says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 2:10 am

    Cheryl you are very brave to make this commitment publicly! I’m with you too! I need to lose about 100 lbs. and I am starting this year as well! I would like to make a couple of suggestions: 1)start slow and build up, American Diabetes Associations says 135 minutes of walking per week is ideal to maintain weight. We all know that we are NOT the same, so neither is this! 2)Check out a diabetic exchange diet, its very well balanced, and filling! I’ve been diabetic for 43 years and started on this diet system, time to go back! Go for the number of calories for the weight you want to be, in other words if the Exchange system says 1200 calories for a woman of 125 lbs and you want to weigh 125 lbs do that one. that is how they are classified. Break up the 135min/week for 5 or 6 days of walking, everyone needs a break sometimes! If one week you can’t walk to three days, make it up on the other days! Just total 135 minutes a week! It’s a good start! If you can do more, great! If you can’t do 135 minutes, then build up to it! If you can’t go outside, do it in place, inside! Most of all get a pedometer. It will tell you how far you can walk!
    Good Luck Everyone! Let’s GO!!
    Stephanie

  31. erin yamabe says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 3:36 am

    cheryl,
    you inspire me in alot of ways. you are a beautiful, strong, compassionate woman i am proud to call my friend! and i thank YOU for being brave to talk about this online here. i too, have struggled with my weight over the past 8 years. i had also been a fit person, who was athletic and never out of breath. after enduring 10 pregnancies, and having 2 miracle babies, it is my time this year, too…to not only shed the weight, but all the heartbreak that i’ve held onto enduring those losses.
    cheers and blessings to you my friend! i’ve started changing my diet, and on monday, i am going to start exercising again!
    hugs,
    erin

  32. Jill says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 8:14 am

    Good luck Cheryl! I’ll be around for moral support :)

    My 2008 goals summed up run, learn, take pics, read and create.

  33. Sandy #1781 Wilkins says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Way to Go Cheryl, and all the others with the same goal. There is a lot of commitment in the above comments and I know we can all achieve our goals with a little support from our family and friends, including our Fisk-A-Friends.

  34. Renee says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

    Hey Cheryl….I’m with you on this one. I’m going to alter a mini composition book this weekend to track my eating and exercise.

    One of my friends told me that making this commitment is a gift to yourself so I’m using holiday paper on my book so I don’t forget it.
    You CAN do it!!!!

    Hugs,

  35. melita says:

    January 4th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    Cheryl, I will be cheering you on with this one! I too need to get more fit. You aren’t alone on this one!

  36. Veronica says:

    January 5th, 2008 at 2:49 am

    Good luck and be strong. You have thousands of Fiskateers who believe that you can do anything you put your mind to!

  37. Mardi says:

    January 5th, 2008 at 11:52 am

    I also need to get fit, it is always easier said then done, but I know you can do it Cheryl! WTG Kristan and your Mom!!!

  38. Catherine says:

    January 5th, 2008 at 1:00 pm

    Cheryl - me and the rest of your fan club are with you! Best-est of luck!

    How about a South O.C. “Craft-r-size” Group? Meet once a week and walk RSM Lake (1 mile) or Mission Viejo (5 k). We can meet, walk-n-talk scrappin & other crafts -share ideas - lift spirits - build network - build support?

  39. Nic #1033 says:

    January 5th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    Cheryl you’re inspiring - thank you :)

  40. kim3timemom says:

    January 6th, 2008 at 1:29 am

    I’m right along with you Cheryl. Since my transplant in 2006, I’ve gained so much weight..I’d like to blame it ALL on the meds. But it’s not all from them. Not being able to eat my favorite foods, with my being sick before my transplant, made me over do it when I was able to go back eating like a normal person. I’ve got to start cutting down. I just need that nudge to get started. I’ve done Weight Watchers before and did wonderful on it. I would like to try and do it on my own this time. But if I can’t do it..I’ll probably end up joining WW again. I’m here to cheer you on if you need it :) Whenever I pray for strength and willpower..I’ll say an extra prayer for you. You CAN do it!!

  41. krafty wahine says:

    January 6th, 2008 at 4:20 am

    Wow, i am so proud of you for going ‘public’. When you put it out there, you have to follow thru.

    i, too will be changing my eating habits. so, feel free to ‘lean on me’ and vice-a-versa along with all the Fiskateers. We can do anything together!

    Luv and Aloha,
    Anita

  42. Myra says:

    January 6th, 2008 at 10:57 am

    Cheryl, thanks for being you. Good luck in the future weight loss.

  43. Paula says:

    January 7th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

    That’s awesome to share with everyone Cheryl. You can do it!!

    We are doing a “Biggest Loser” challenge at work. It starts Wednesday and goes through May 7th. Wish me luck everyone!

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