Another Challenge

I’ve decided that rather than updating every day about the mountain tops and valleys of my fitness extravaganza, I’ll limit it to once a week. I feel my new baby blog deserves a chance to showcase my other thoughts as well. On a quick note however, I’ve worked out for four days in a row…this is a fantastic achievement! Ok really, that’s all.


At small group last night, we discussed time management. Now, I consider myself fairly well-versed in the laws of using time wisely, but hey, we can all use some improvement. The longer I stared at my planner, the bigger the realization grew that my TM skills could use some sharpening, and my schedule could definitely use some tweaking. Through our discussion, I discovered four things I’d like to make time for. I figured sharing them would fit right in with the running self-improvement theme going on here. Here’s my list:

1) Devotions – not so surprisingly, this was on almost everyone’s list

2) Complete 1-2 crafts per month – this is mainly in an effort to reduce the number of “I’ll turn this into that” projects piling up in my craft room. This is especially crucial because I’ll be going to Canton this weekend and will undoubtedly come home with at least 3 more of said projects.

3) Hone my photography skills – I’ve got stacks of books, editing software tutorials and other things that have the potential of helping me improve my craft of choice, if I’d only take the time to actually use them. Also, I’m thinking about taking a photography class at UTA.

4) Work on Teen Life stuff – my favorite group of young adolescents are awesome enough to deserve a leader who will spend more than just the minimal amount of time required working on a lesson. I want to be better for them (and for God, duh).

5) Blogging – so far, so good, yeah?


So it seems I have set myself on a lofty quest…lofty, yet doable, I think. God does not promise me tomorrow, so I shall not fret about it. Just as with the health stuff, I’ll take it a day at a time.
Also, since quotes are one of my favorite things, I’ve decided to share one with you each Wednesday. Here’s today’s:

“Endeavor to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others for thou has many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou are not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mold another in conformity to thy will?” -Thomas A. Kempis (1380-1471)


-K. Smith

The Never Ending Challenge

So for what seems like the hundredth time in my almost 24 years, I am once again embarking on a fitness journey. There are two primary motivations for my new self-challenge. First, I am well aware of the congested arteries and high blood pressures that run through the veins of my family tree. Many good things are passed from generation to generation, but bad health certainly isn’t one of them. If I intend to change the course set out by Denmans, Norrels, Nelsons and Wards before me, I must change the way I live. This means more moving, less snacking.

Secondly, I have fallen prey to the one element of being a newly-wed that I told myself I would never be subjected to…weight gain. Despite my attempts at healthy cooking, thanks to the combination of hormones (thank you Yaz), a husband who gets me free food at On the Border, and sheer exhaustion that keeps my rear planted firmly on my sofa the weight came on. Granted, it’s not much, but it’s enough to seriously bother me.

In short, I have come to accept that wallowing in self-pity doesn’t do a darn thing. Also, although I never thought of myself as an “emotional eater”, I have recently come to identify some disturbing traits…crappy day at work? Treat myself to Chicken E!...Too tired to cook? Scarf down three bowls of Antonio’s Chips and Salsa (I’m quite sure these will be the bane of my dieting existence). Essentially, I’ve been rewarding myself with unhealthy food. Gosh dang it, I deserve it! This is [obviously] a trend that has to stop.

So although my past of fitness failures is nagging at my mustard seed of determination, I shall press on. One day at a time. And while I’m well aware no one will find my endeavors that intriguing, I am writing them in a public forum because to do so means that I am accountable - to myself, to the one roaming reader who might stumble upon my ramblings, to the seemingly infinitesimal void that is the internet…the words are in print – there’s no going back!

The main goals:

1) Eat my daily suggested servings of fruits & veggies

2) Stay within my calorie “budget”

3) Work out at least 5 times a week, 20-30 minutes per day.

So, here goes nothing..or is it everything? Time shall tell.

-K. Smith