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Paradigm Shift

It has nothing to do with being unappreciative, but I have a Christmas gift that
remains unopened. It is a box of chocolates. What is remarkable about the fact that the box remains unopened, is that as a rule, chocolate is my weakness — yet I am not compelled to remove that wrapping …. I assure you, in the past I would have had a chocolate covered yummy in my mouth within seconds of being gifted.

I’d like to tell you what caused this miraculous change, but I think it truly was a miracle. It began with a fall from my porch, followed by an accidental glimpse of myself in a department store mirror — and instantly my lifestyle paradigm changed. I no longer crave carbs. Chips and chocolates no longer seductively whisper my name. I enjoy exercise!

Even at my worst, I have always been active. I never lost the ability to bend over and tie my shoelaces, or touch my fingers to the floor, but I was slower, and shorter of breath than anyone my age should be. However, regular exercise has increased my stamina, my attitude, and lung capacity. I am hoping soon it will help me get rid of a few of my insecurities.

Take a look at the heart rate chart:

I tend to keep myself in the 80% zone. I can actually feel a thin person inside of me trying to get out. I have my stats taken once a month. My next official weighing and measuring is January 2nd. I’ll keep you posted.

Quilly is the pseudonym of Charlene L. Amsden, who lives on The Big Island in Hawaii. When she is not hanging out with Amoeba, she is likely teaching or sewing. Or she could be cooking, taking photographs, or even writing. But if she's not doing any of that, she's probably on Facebook or tinkering with her blog.

22 Comments

  3. I am just so tickled that you are enjoying the process and are happy with the way you are looking.

    You can send the chocolates to me, I’ll find them a good home. 😉

  4. Cindra — was that for me, or because Tom is home? Hmmm?

    OC — yeah, look over your shoulder, I’ll be meters behind you puffing for breath. You run. I don’t think I’m there yet.

    Brian — I am keeping the chocolates. Who knows when I might have a meltdown and need one (or seven)? But I appreciate the sacrifice you were willing to make in taking them off my hands.

  6. Rachelle — you don’t need me. Just go into a department store, pick out a magnificent outfit, put it on, look in the mirror and realize that no designer could possibly create anything that was going to help you look attractive. You shouldn’t have any trouble losing your appetite at all — especially if you used to be an athlete.

  7. Quilly-Sister, you go, girl!! I’m so happy for you. It isn’t just that when we are thinner, we like the way we look (tho God know, we do!)but it’s all those big things like breathing better, moving better, having more stamina, maybe not needing statin drugs, etc. etc. etc. GOOD FOR YOU! xoxoxo

  8. Jackie — my cholesterol has never been high, much to my doctor’s shock. But I do like the stamina increase, the better oxygen supply and the greater range of movement and grace.

  13. yeah , keep teh chocolates, but keep tehm wrapped.
    I am so very proud of you, not that it is my place to be, but I still am…the fact that youa re enjoying it this much is inspiring!

  16. “Oh, come on, Quilly — just one little chocolate…? What harm could one little chocolate cause, huh? Just…one…teeny…little…chocolate…?”

  17. Minka — I think I’ll pop them in the freezer — that way I’ll really have to want one before they get opened.

    Snay — I started in August and have been progressing steadily. Check back this time next year and see how I’m doing…

    Al — none. Buy yourself a box and enjoy them.

  18. Your my new role model… I looked at the Christmas pictures and said “Who’s that fat old lady holding my grandchild?” Unfortunately, it was me. New lifestyle in 2007!

  21. Good job on leaving the box of chocolates untouched. My fiance and I threw out all the Christmas candy we had left yesterday to remove all temptations. That was a lot of good candy.

  22. Cincy — they’re still frozen — I can’t quite bring myself to toss them. I am not certain if it’s because they are chocolate, or if it’s because they were a gift. (There were a lot of “gift” rules instilled in me as a child.)

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