suddenly_sane

But I’m trying to break those habits!!! I want to simplify, simplify, simplify!

I’ve realized that a lot of my “hold on to everything” mentality comes from an innate sense of insecurity. I’ve been trying to shift my paradigm so that I recognize that things won’t bring me security. In fact, usually they end up stifling my life and my joy.

I’ve already done a tone towards this goal, but there’s a bit left to do!

But then I looked at some photos of myself that were posted online, and I realized that I really, really don’t like the way I look. I don’t like how it feels to be in my body. I don’t feel comfortable. I don’t feel confident, and probably worst of all, it is bringing down my already nearly non-existent self-esteem.

I think my goal is to lose weight using the following techniques:

1. Eat about six small meals a day.
2. Avoid all processed foods.
3. Avoid all added salt, sugar and oil.
4. Drink only water & unsweetened green tea.
5. Walk about an hour every day.
6. Try to do toning/strengthening exercises every day as well.

I just can’t bring myself to do the whole calorie counting thing, and so I’m hoping that by just eating whole, natural foods flavored with herbs and spices rather than salt, fat and sugar, that I will be able to lose the weight faster than I dreamed possible.

Here’s hoping….

Earlier this year I got sick and tired of having zero control over my money-so I started reading and listening to everything I could about Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” plan. I joined a great, free board (www.livinglikenooneelse.com) and so far I’ve made some progress!

I went from only using plastic to only using cash.
From having a negative balance at the end of each month to having a grand each month to put towards my debt.
From only paying minimum payments and adding to my debt to paying off and closing two cards and not adding any more debt.

It’s pretty “weird” but I love it!!! My goal is to have my debt-free anniversary in the fall of 2011.