2012 has been the most challenging and incredible year of my life. I've been reflecting back a year ago to Christmas 2011. I will admit that I wasn't very happy with myself. It was my 39th Christmas and I suppose I was wrestling with the fear of reaching age 40 and being disappointed with my life. I know that sounds a bit harsh but that was where my mind was.
I wanted to reach my birthday in April and well I guess feel happy and content. I mean that is what many of us are searching for in life. January 2012 arrived and I knew that I had to make changes. I was slightly overweight and I felt like I was in my late 40's health wise. Right before I went up to Washington in February to see my mother who was sick I made a headstrong decision to change my diet.
Now as many of you know, I eat an overall organic wholefoods diet. But I still had many "healthy" processed foods in my meals and I was addicted to gluten free chocolate chip cookies. For some reason soon turning 40 gave me the determination to stop eating this way. I cleared out the cupboards of anything processed food (for the most part) and anything with ingredients that didn't include whole foods.I wanted to pronounce everything that went into my body which mean reading every food label.
I followed many of the food suggestions from Mark Hyman's books and began to eat nutrient dense foods like avocados, olives, smoothies, and quinoa. I continued to drink my cold press coffee with half and half because I didn't want to feel deprived. The second I feel deprived I start devouring cupcakes and frosting by the truckload.
I also began an intimate relationship with my treadmill. I am not a fan of exercising. I find it incredibly dull and soul sucking. So I started listening to podcast about health and this changed my perception of exercise. I actually looked forward to working out.
The numbers on the scale began to fall.
Yet what I noticed from my change in diet was something that I never expected.
I began to feel younger.
And I went from being an introvert to being able to actually talk to people. And not only talk to them but throw in some wit for good measure. My overall shyness dissipated.
April 17th arrived, I turned 40 and I felt incredible. Just like I had wished to feel back in January. I had lost probably 10 or so pounds, was feeling like I was in my 30's and I had the ability to communicate with strangers on a level that I had never experienced before.
Not only that, but my brain changed. I was suddenly able to retain information better. Names of people that I would meet, stuck. With all of these processed foods gone from my diet, it was as if my brain was cleaner and could work properly.
Summer was still very hard with my mother passing. I experienced a depression which took some time to lift.
Through the year there were new friendships created that I couldn't have survived the year without.
I lost over 20 pounds in all which is a lot to a 5'1" size body. I have practically replaced every piece of clothing in my closet with newly thrifted smaller clothes. My two favorite consignment stores for my new wardrobe are Launch in Sebastopol and Zoe and Kids Exchange in Petaluma. For the first time ever, I can actually wear Anthropologie brands that fit well. It was very strange to discover this alternative style of clothing six years ago only to have a body that couldn't fit in them properly. And I'll even admit that gaining the weight was worth it because now I can really appreciate my smaller body. Really, really appreciate what I have. I still have some pounds to lose and work to do which I'll start on in January. The key to my diet was not feeling restricted. I never ate less food. In fact, sometimes I felt that I ate more food, it was just healthier, nutrient dense food.
What I also learned this year is the power of your mind. I truly set my goal on being healthier and this gave me the will power to change everything. And when you change your life, it sets all of these ripples in motion. I lost weight, felt healthier, my self esteem raised, I attracted the right people into my life and my business took off in directions that I never thought possible.
I've shared on ATG for years the power of wishes. I so believe in not only making wishes, but believing in them and making them your reality. In January when Dave asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I answered "a house." We received the keys the day after my birthday in April. It is amazing what you can achieve in your life when you wish for it.
On that magical note, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I can't wait for 2013. I have so many plans for my ReSelling business, for this blog and for you. It's going to be an incredible year and I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Congratulations on making such positive changes in your life. It's a tough road to change the way we eat, exercise and cook. I'm with you on the weight--also lost 20 this year and minding the scale so it stays off. Wishing is one thing, doing is really the only way such changes can happen. Have a very merry Christmas and New Years, and here's to another 20 pounds disappearing in the coming year!
Posted by: Granny Sue | December 24, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Great job!! I need to follow your lead on the weight and life changes. I faithfully read your blog and love it!!! I have a friend in Novato, so sometimes hit the Thrifts that you speak of.
Merry Christmas to you and Family!!!!
Posted by: Lori | December 24, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Merry Christmas to You and Your Family. What a positive year of change you experienced. I am looking forward to reading your posts in the new year. Your posts this year were very helpful, motivating and a pleasure to read.
Joy
Posted by: Joy@avintagegreen | December 24, 2012 at 09:26 AM
I've always enjoyed your personal, reflective style posts; and especially enjoying this year-in-review! Your house manifest was AWESOME, to be sure, (and a lot of applying yourself, thriftily)! Congratulations! The nutritional and health path you've shared continued to modify and then transform YOU, as well! More Congratulations! For me, the best news was "the new friendships" that "got you through the year". Experts list "The Most Stressful Things" in Life to include moving & the death of a loved one. That you've thrived through these experiences warms my heart. Happy Christmas, Selena! (& Dave, Cerys, Keiran and your Dad, too!)
ps...The little blue penquin vies with the blue raindeer for *best* on the tree!
Posted by: Joy | December 24, 2012 at 11:16 PM
COngratulation on changing your diet and losing 20 lbs which is indeed quite a lot for someone petite. I'm an inch shorter and very small boned, five pounds cause my clothes to fit too tightly, ten and I'm up nearly two sizes, so I do understand. Life *is* magical, and spirit is love that keeps growing and spreading. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, your lovely blog. I hope you and yours have a lovely holiday season in your new home. XXX
Posted by: Zane aka Punk Glam Queen | December 25, 2012 at 08:02 AM
Thank you for sharing your reflection and personal insights, Selena, which you do so well. You always inspire and give us a lot to think about. You are much appreciated.
Girl, your 40s can be fabulous so do not fear them. But keep those good eating habits up as you move into your 50s as you'll need to question every food choice you make a little more thoughtfully. Plus, keep exercising. We have the power within us to make choices that affect our lives in positive ways as you have demonstrated. It's an amazing journey!
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Linda | December 25, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Thank-you for another thoughtful post. I've been a follower for a long time and you've inspired me to start a blog of my own. You still stand out amongst a sea of other blogs. Well written and thoughtful and stylish. I wish you all the very best for you and your family for 2013. Please keep posting and inspiring the many people that read your blog.
I hope next year brings your business to new exciting levels. You deserve it.
Kind regards.
Posted by: Thrift Bee | December 25, 2012 at 03:01 PM
We share a birthday! Cheers to a wonderful 2013!
Posted by: Heather | December 25, 2012 at 04:51 PM
Merry Christmas to You and Your Family..Congratulation and happy new year
Posted by: screen printing services | December 26, 2012 at 02:54 AM
This idea ties in with what has been called the imaginal realm, a sort of twilight zone midway between physical and spiritual reality. A certain tolerance for ambiguity is, I think, necessary in carrying out these highly subjective experiments.
Posted by: baby guard rails | December 26, 2012 at 03:27 AM
It's easier to tell the difference between two flashlights that are 6 lumens apart when one is just 2 lumens bright than it is to tell them apart when one is 200 lumens.
The more stimulus you're getting (light, sound, pressure, delight, sadness) the less easily you can notice a small change. That seems obvious, but it's worth saying.
Posted by: joseph Finkelberg | December 26, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Great post- very inspiring. I hope to follow your lead and change my diet and drop some weight this year. Thanks for sharing this:)
I thoroughly enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Laura@live-love-scrap | December 26, 2012 at 07:41 PM
You better to go for "Nichesuite" a future ready ebusiness solution. It is more flexible, user-friendly and affordable for the start up.
Posted by: Web Redesign | December 27, 2012 at 03:27 AM
I can't figure out who the designer is. I really like the shirt, but I can't find it anywhere.
Posted by: Seo Marketing Company | December 27, 2012 at 04:46 AM
As a Landscape Architect I often encounter clients who have gotten advice from real estate agents or others with equally questionable training and experience in what will make a place more desirable.
Posted by: Business Receivables | December 27, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Thank you. Really though-- I cannot count the good stuff that lady has done for me the lady few years. Actually, I probably should have led with that...
Posted by: Plantation Shutters | December 27, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Thank you. Really though-- I cannot count the good stuff that lady has done for me the lady few years. Actually, I probably should have led with that...
Posted by: Plantation Shutters | December 28, 2012 at 12:11 AM
If recycling were really efficient and cost saving then some one would make money at doing this and it wouldn't have to be forced down our throats. Many municipalities have had to shut their recycling plants down due to cost over runs.
Posted by: masters academic regalia | December 28, 2012 at 12:27 AM
you are covering your ass, and i'm sure it will nicely cover hers. i can only imagine how wonderfully cosy this must feel.
Posted by: cleanroom | December 28, 2012 at 12:40 AM
You don’t have to use fancy and overly creative fonts. In fact, it is recommended to use standard fonts such as Trial or Times New Roman. These will help ensure your contact details are printed legibly on the card
Posted by: university caps and gowns | December 28, 2012 at 10:38 PM
You know, it is pretty awesome to have followed your blog for a couple of years and to see where your life has taken you. You've had all kinds of ups and downs, but also so much growth in the direction of the dreams you share here. It's very inspiring, especially because you are so down to earth. Thanks for sharing! I'm wishing you and your family a very happy New Year.
Posted by: StacySix | December 28, 2012 at 11:05 PM
How do I compare the image that was created to the text field. Do I pass something in a hidden field? Is there an example of how this Add Comment code does the comparison? Thanks!
Posted by: judicial gowns | December 29, 2012 at 05:52 PM
It is fundamental issues that are often allowed to cloud certain matters, which in turn can drain confidence from individuals, but most people who commit to personal development training find that they become more able to see past awkward obstacles,
Posted by: judicial robe | December 29, 2012 at 06:16 PM
Great stuff here. The information and the detail were just perfect. I think that your perspective is deep, its just well thought out and really fantastic to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts down so well. Great job on this.
Posted by: academic regalia | December 29, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Medicare Obesitas Cakupan UpdateHHS Sekretaris Tommy G.Aku berjuang selama sekitar satu tahun untuk menurunkan pound sekitar 15 lebih.Penting produk disclaimer informasi tentang Tentang situs ini.Plus, mencari tahu mengapa obesitas merupakan tas online masalah kesehatan
Posted by: cap and gown order | December 29, 2012 at 10:41 PM