ROAD TO 200- DAY 4

Posted on August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #challenges, #doitlikenike, #goodvibes, #healing, #healthy, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #newgoals, #nomorediabetes, #nopainnogain, #personalgrowthLeave a comment

Hey everyone

Hope you all are enjoying this lovely Thursday evening.

Just stopping by to announced that Day 4 is complete. 😊

Another day of the 30 minute Walk Away The Pounds video. This time, my energy level was maybe at 80 percent, which is not bad. But you know how you feel energized one day working out, and then the following day like you’re going to pass out? It was like that, like my body was ready to give out any minute.

Not to mention that at the time I’m writing this post, I haven’t eaten anything yet. So, I think I’ll make myself a light snack before bed or make myself some tea.

But, yep, four days down… so many more to go. And this is just the beginning.

For now, time for bed.

Until next time…

ROAD TO 200- DAY 3

Posted on August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #ahealthyfamilyisawealthyfamily, #balance, #betterme, #challenges, #doitlikenike, #healing, #healthy, #inspiration, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #motivation, #nomorediabetes, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbs, #stayhealthy, #stayingpositive, #teamneedsleep4 Comments

Good morning

Well I’m a little late with this post so my apologies. Long story short, yesterday was an intense 30 minutes.

I got off of work, from 3:30 until 4, I was locked in a 30 minute Walk Away the Pounds sequence. I was a little nervous at first because I was just starting back and I was only doing 10- 20 minute videos.

Finally, I got up and I said:

“Gabby, you can do this. Push yourself a little bit.”

So… I started off great. Then about the 20 minute mark, I could start to feel myself getting tired. Instead of stopping (like I used to do), I kept it up for the full 30 minutes. Sweating, and breathing hard, I did my victory dance, drank my water, and took a relaxing shower.

That’s when my body was telling me that I needed sleep. The game plan was to complete my assignments for the week, that I have time to focus on my paper (this is how I normally do things for Week 05) of class. Well, let’s just say that once I sat down in my comfy chair, I was yawning more than I was reading. So today I will complete my assignments.

The rest of the day, Dad and I watched movies, and had a small daddy-daughter moment. Unfortunately, he giggled when he caught me dozing off in the chair. That was my cue to go to bed.

This is how tired I was:

9:10PM- Jared texts me to do a zoom call
9:25PM- Missed duo call from Jared
11:10PM- Jared texts me back again to call him

I missed them all. 😖😖😖 So, later on, I got to call Jared to let him know I’m ok and that I’m alive, and see what’s going on with him. Sorry Jared 🤗.

Lesson for yesterday: Exercise can improve your sleep. I got seven hours and did not wake up until my alarm went off. So one reason I now enjoy working out: I get better sleep 😴😴😴😴

Alright y’all, I’ll check in with you all later on. We’re on Day 4, let’s keep up the good work. 😊

Until next time…

❤️

ROAD TO 200- DAY 2

Posted on August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #alwaystrynewthings, #balance, #betterme, #challenges, #doitlikenike, #goodvibes, #healing, #healthierme, #itsgoingtobeok, #journey, #juststart, #mentalhealthiswealth, #newgoals, #nomorediabetes, #nopainnogain, #notstressed, #personalgrowth, #physicalhealthiswealth, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbs10 Comments

Good evening

Another workout day in the books 😊

Woke up, and had all intentions of an early morning workout. But due to a rough night’s sleep, I slept in and decided to do another Walk Away The Pounds video after work.

So I had a moment earlier today, where I felt like I had a setback. For lunch, I ordered Doordash, and got myself a Grilled Chicken Adobe Bowl. The original plan was to only eat half of the bowl and save the rest for dinner.

Yep, that didn’t work at all. 😂😂😂😂

On my break, I was making sure I had things for work, I was checking things out for school, and putting some things together for my passion projects. Long story short, I gobbled every bite of the bowl, feeling a tad bit stuffed.

I was beginning to beat myself up over what happened. That’s when I turned to Fitbit and see this:

I was happy to see this because I was going to get caught in the rabbit hole of blame and shame. I’m just starting out, it’s going to take time for me to get use to this new routine. Let’s do this.

After reading, and once I finished work and voting, I put on my sneakers, my Sweat Band, and started my workout. I could feel a slight difference in energy while I was moving.

I must be doing something right. I kept a mental note of this moment to remind myself that if something works, stick with it. It’s helping you. So Day 2 down, more days to go until I reach 200. 🥰

Ok, time for me to do schoolwork. It’s Week 05, and I need to start working on my paper early.

Until next time…

❤️

FINALLY LETTING GO OF THE PAIN

Posted on August 3, 2020August 3, 2020 Posted in MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARETagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #blessed, #blogger, #challenges, #healing, #healthy, #inspiration, #itsgoingtobeok, #journalingforthesoul, #mentalhealthiswealth, #newgoals, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #self-love, #stayhealthy, #stayingpositive, SELF CARE1 Comment

Good morning

So woke up this morning and journaled for an hour. I wrote down about everything from my past. The bad thing, most of those things I realized that I was carrying with me as I got older.

Some of you may not know, but I was bullied growing up. From elementary school to high school, I was the main target of bullying. I had past relationships were toxic relationships filled with nothing but mental and verbal abuse.

Long story short, after writing four pages of what was bothering me and holding in these emotions, I felt better and then asked myself these questions:

Are these experiences and emotions the root of my physical and mental health issues?
Am I eating my emotions?
Why is it easy for me to walk around like nothing is wrong and hard for me to express these emotions when they occur?

I’m shocked that’s it’s taken me to get to my late 20’s to realize that feeling these emotions and holding them in for so long is the cause for my overall health. I guess my weight was screaming the answer to me the whole time, I just didn’t understand back then.

Now I know, I need to continue to work on practicing my coping methods and learn how to check my emotions. I don’t think to ask myself:

How are you?
What are you thinking about?
Are you drinking water?
Are you sleeping well?
How’s your diet?
Are you taking your medicine?

I don’t stop and check on myself to make sure I’m ok. So I just wanted to post this to say take time to check your emotions so they don’t spiral out of control. Learn how to express them so you’re not holding them in. If you don’t know how to do that, try journaling or talk to a professional that can help you and guide you in the right direction.

Don’t worry, I’ll be ok. I just wanted to get that off my chest and share this with you all.

I’ll check in with you guys later on. 😊

Until next time…

❤️

MONTHLY REFLECTIONS: AUG. 2020

Posted on August 2, 2020August 2, 2020 Posted in MONTHLY REFLECTIONSTagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #ahealthyfamilyisawealthyfamily, #alwaystrynewthings, #BAinCommunicationsStudies, #balance, #betterme, #blogger, #challenges, #collegestudent, #God'sGirl, #healing, #healthy, #itsgoingtobeok, #journalingforthesoul, #mentalhealthiswealth, #motivation, #newgoals, #nomorediabetes, #nopainnogain, #nospend, #notstressed, #personalgrowth, #podcastinginmyfuture, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbs, #self-love, #slowdown, #youtubeinmyfuture, SELF CARELeave a comment

Good evening

Hope everyone is enjoying this Sunday. Just wanted to share today’s Verse of the Day as well as what my goals are for the new month.

So what will August have in store for me?

PHYSICAL HEALTH 💪🏾- Dad and I are starting our week off right, and taking time during the week to workout together. Mom said she’ll still come over so we can all workout together. Still researching to see what’s the ideal weight for me after I reach 200 pounds. Project Road to 200 starts now.

MENTAL HEALTH 🧘🏾‍♀️- I’m improving on taking time to listen to my body. But August, I want to work on checking my emotions. Through journaling and writing, I think I’ll be able to have a better understanding of why certain triggers occur or why do I find myself stuck in a never-ending cycle. It’s time for me to really start the healing process.

BLOGGING 💻- I’m proud of myself for sticking with my blogging. Currently planning and creating content, all while taking in special notes from my current class. I’m acing this class at the end of this week. “The Gabby Diaries” is still going strong, let’s keep it up!

FINANCIAL 💰- NO SPENDING CHALLENGE has started. Only buy what I need, not what I want. Ultimate goal is to create an emergency fund for a rainy day, or a tropical storm. Plus, it’s better to learn how to live on less and save more right?

CREATIVE PROJECTS 🎨- Blogging was the start of it, but 2020 is still a year of learning and improving on my crafts. I love art and I love learning new things. So August, I’ve got some projects I want to share with you. More to come on “The Gabby Diaries.”

Well, that’s what August looks like for me. So let me take some time to take care of myself and prepare for all the wonderful things I have in store.

Until next time …

❤️

DAY IN THE LIFE- UPDATE

Posted on August 1, 2020 Posted in DAY IN THE LIFE, MENTAL HEALTH, MONTHLY REFLECTIONSTagged #ahealthyfamilyisawealthyfamily, #goodfriendsmakegreatmemories, #itsgoingtobeok, #journalingforthesoul, #mentalhealthiswealth, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbsLeave a comment

Good evening

So we’re now in August. July, what did you teach me?

Let’s reflect on that shall we:

NO SPENDING JULY– I caved and did not reach the final day of July to use my VISA, but I’m getting a little better at watching my spending now. July might not have been a no spending month, but I took time to prioritize my finances and I can always have a redo, August- BRING IT ON!!!!!

***Financial Discipline is now activated***

HEALTH– Well, I at least accomplished two days of working out, but due to my “Monthly Gift 🎁,” I decided to take things slow until tomorrow, and try to do some yoga in the AM. Baby steps? I’m still taking them, and that’s ok. But, I’m coming up with a special project I’m working on starting Monday. Keep your eyes open people.

WORK– I’M STILL WORKING FROM HOME!!!!! Enough said on that.

SCHOOL– I’m starting my final week of class, and will start a new class the following week. Wow, five weeks go by in every class so fast. April 2021 is right around the corner. I also got invited to “sit in” a roundtable discussion on Wednesday that talks about Delta Alpha Pi (the Honors Society I was invited to), and learn more from others on the issue of students with disabilities attending colleges and universities, and how we’re changing that narrative in a positive way.

Note To Self: read article to prepare for Roundtable discussion.

FRIENDS– My friend Jasmine is doing fine, her wrist is healing and got a new car. I had a deep discussion with my friend Jared about life and working on future projects. We are all working on ourselves, improving on our art, and we’re still figuring out how to be able to hang out once all of this COVID stuff is over. We’re keeping high positive vibes all around.

FAMILY– Mom is settled in her new home, Dad is settled over here with me, keeping me company. Everyone is making sure that I’m ok, and we’re all starting to work on our health together. I need all the motivation and inspiration I need. Project Healthy Family in the works.

Well, I have rambled enough. I’m hungry after staying glued to the computer for hours. Think I’ll make some ramen, and call it a night. Yes, I said Ramen, but hey, I’m a girl… with cramps… and craving ramen.

Ugh, one more day to go.

Good night readers, love ya’

Until next time…

❤️

JOURNALING

Posted on July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 Posted in DAY IN THE LIFE, MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARETagged #2020, #balance, #blogger, #goodvibes, #healing, #journalingforthesoul, #mentalhealthiswealth, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #self-love, #teamneedsleep, SELF CARELeave a comment

Good morning

Just wanted to share with you all my progress of journaling. Back in June, I told myself that I would start back healthy habits that I used to do in the past.

I decided to journal for 30 days. As you can see, we are on the last day of July. So I think I hit past the 30 day mark.

This yellow leuchttrum 1917 has been my best friend since June 17th. Inside, the pages are filled with orange or red colored ink (I lost some good pens during this journey). Also, she enjoys Lisa Frank stickers and Yogi tea quotes.

It made me smile when I first started writing and decorating it because it brought back memories of when I was little, picking up a plain notebook, and creating a collage cover for the front.

Now that I’m older, I enjoy treating myself to more nicer journals like this one. I think journals will be the only thing I’ll continue to invest in for myself since I enjoy writing so much.

I think I’ll pick up practicing Bullet Journaling again. Last year, I kept a journal filled with designs for layouts and trackers. Now, I want to create one for the year of 2021.

I guess that’s the good thing about “the monthly gift 🎁.” I may get tired, but I notice that’s when I have the most creativity. Crazy right?

Let me know in the comments if any of you keep a journal, and what you guys like to write in your journal.

Happy Journaling (or BuJo-ing)

Until next time…

❤️

YOU ARE GOD’S TEMPLE

Posted on July 30, 2020July 30, 2020 Posted in MENTAL HEALTH, QUIET TIMES, ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #blessed, #challenges, #healing, #healthy, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #motivation, #newgoals, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbs, #self-love, #stayingpositive, #updateLeave a comment

Hey everyone 👋🏾

I’m back. Earlier this morning, I had my quiet time. But due to my migraine earlier, I rushed through it. But I was able get some takeaway from it. The verse of the day is from 1 Corinthians 3:16:

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?“
-1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/1co.3.16.NASB

After reading that verse, it gave me time to reflect over how I view my body and the changes it went through this past year.

The summer of 2018 was when I was notified I developed Type 2 Diabetes. For that was a wake-up call so I got on it. I cut out soda and sugar completely, I cut back on eating a lot of dairy, I was working out three to four times a week, and increased it to six days a week. I lost 12 pounds last year, and I had more energy, and less stress. I was happy.

October 2019, I got sick and then January of this year, I got sick again (chronic seasonal allergies back to back). I fell off track, and then March, I adapted to a new lifestyle of working from home (still love working from home by the way).

It’s was a struggle at first from March until now, but I’m making slow steady progress. But the verse reminded me that my body is a temple, it’s God’s temple and I need to take better care of it because God loves me and cares for me.

Lesson for today: Your body is important to God, your health is important to God, YOU are important to God because you are God’s Temple, His spirit dwells in you. 💖

Until next time…

❤️

WHAT DOES BIPOLAR 2 LOOK LIKE?

Posted on July 30, 2020July 30, 2020 Posted in DAY IN THE LIFE, MENTAL HEALTHTagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #blogger, #challenges, #healthy, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #personalgrowth, #stayingpositive8 Comments

Good morning

So some of you may know this, and some may not, but I suffer from Bipolar 2 Disorder. Now before I go any further on this post, you’re asking yourself this question:

What is Bipolar 2?

Well, according to WebMd, Bipolar 2 is a disorder that has more depressive episodes than manic episodes.

“However, in bipolar II disorder, the “up” moods never reach full-blown mania. The less-intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomanic episodes, or hypomania. A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode in his or her life. Most people with bipolar II disorder suffer more often from episodes of depression. This is where the term “manic depression” comes from” (2020)

Now that I’ve given the verbal definition, let me give you a visual. Let’s take today as an example. I had a migraine yesterday due to my “monthly gift 🎁” arriving, so I took medicine. But from that evening until now, my migraine lingered.

It’s subsided now, but during that time, I was moving slower because I didn’t feel good. It was like I woke up like a zombie. And to be honest, these are the times when my depressive episodes kick off, because I get migraines, I sometimes get cramps, I’m tired for the entire weekend, and not because I didn’t get enough sleep.

If you ever seen “Inside Out”, I’m the little blue woman, minus the tears, for like 4-5 days during my cycle. I’m sighing, and I zone out… a lot!

Thank goodness I keep a journal and a blog because the thoughts that go on in my mind on days like this will shock you. It would probably be easier if I can draw it…

Future art project in the making???

We shall see. ✨

Just wanted to share this little tidbit with you so you all can get to know me better.

Until next time…

❤️

Reference:

Bipolar II Disorder (2020, Apr 14). WebMd. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-2-disorder#1

GAURDING YOUR HEART

Posted on July 28, 2020July 28, 2020 Posted in MENTAL HEALTH, QUIET TIMES, SELF CARETagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #blessed, #God'sGirl, #goodvibes, #grateful, #healing, #itsgoingtobeok, #journalingforthesoul, #meditation, #mentalhealthiswealth, #newgoals, #notstressed, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #self-love, #staysafeLeave a comment

Good morning

So today, I just wanted to share what I learned in my moment of Quiet Time. The topic talked about “Gaurding Your Heart” and the verse of the day was Proverbs 4: 23:

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” -Proverbs 4:23 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.4.23.NASB

The pastor directing the sermon for the morning, asking the question “What are we consuming?” Thinking about it, most times, I’m consuming things that make me feel good and that’s ok. But, I’m learning that I need to consume more of God. I watch a lot of YouTube and social media and Netflix, but I don’t consume enough of God’s Word, time with Him, and time in prayer.

Starting today, I made a reminder for myself to consume in the Word, and in good things. 2020 is still a year of learning for me. And I’m learning so much about myself everyday. I’m not perfect, I have flaws, and that’s what makes me special. 🥰

Ok, it’s time for me to go. I’ll leave with you this scripture as well as Phil. 4:8 and Matt. 6:33 for you to indulge in:

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
‭‭-Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NASB‬‬
https://www.bible.com/100/php.4.8.nasb

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
‭‭-Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NASB‬‬
https://www.bible.com/100/mat.6.33.nasb

Until next time…

❤️

MENTAL HEALTH & FRIENDS

Posted on July 13, 2020 Posted in MENTAL HEALTH, SELF CARETagged #2020, #ashforduniversity, #BAinCommunicationsStudies, #balance, #betterme, #challenges, #collegestudent, #doitlikenike, #friendships, #goodfriendsmakegreatmemories, #goodvibes, #happy, #healing, #inspiration, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #motivation #monday #timetogrind, bloggingLeave a comment

Good morning

This weekend, I’ve spent most of my time talking to my friends, checking up on them, as well as checking in to let them know that I’m ok. Out of my group of friends, only three of them understand that I have a busy schedule due to work and school. And I understand they have busy schedules as well.

However, the last friend, feels that I have been avoiding him because I haven’t been calling him as much. If I can’t call him, I do try to text him. Now, he’s made the decision that texting doesn’t work for him anymore.

I guess he was trying to make me feel upset because he was making more of an effort to call me and I wasn’t due to my schedule. It took my friend, Jared to remind me to not let the little things stress me out:

“If he doesn’t understand that you are doing all of this to better yourself, achieve your goals, and turn those goals into a vision of helping others, than he doesn’t get it. Don’t let his negative energy drain you. I’m so proud of you, keep doing your best to pursue your dreams.”

In the past, people that I would call my friends would either take advantage of me or would always think negative about ideas that I had, to the point I would be scared to take the risk. Now, I have a close-knit circle of friends that not only inspire me, but I also inspire and encourage them to pursue their dreams and become better versions of themselves.

I write all of this to say, people will reveal to you if they’re your true friends or not. If so, hang onto them and help each other grow and win together. If not, get out of that toxic relationship before it starts to consume you, physically and mentally.

Well, back to creating and brainstorming. I’ll shall return.

Until later…

💖

MENTAL HEALTH & TAKING BREAKS

Posted on July 7, 2020 Posted in DAY IN THE LIFE, SELF CARETagged #balance, #blogger, #itsgoingtobeok, #mentalhealthiswealth, #self-care, #self-love, #slowdown, #youneedabreakLeave a comment

Good evening!

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. I know I did, I took today and yesterday off from work. With that being said, I thought this would be a great post.

So, Gabby, why did you decide to extend your three day weekend to a five day weekend?

To be honest… I needed a break!

It all started last Monday, I woke up later due to a rough night of sleeping with an intense migraine that did not subside until 3AM. Yes, I suffer from chronic migraines, but they only get severe when it’s “My Monthly Gift” (I know, T.M.I- my apologies). This was one of those moments.

So, after suffering from a migraine, trying to balance a HUGE workload, and wrapping up my final week of my previous class, I started feeling overwhelmed, to the point that I walked away from my workstation for five minutes, rubbed my eyes and my face, screamed in a pillow, and started back working again- yes, IT WAS INTENSE!

On Tuesday, I requested the time off. At first, I was questioning my decision: Should I do this? Do I deserve it? It took an hour phone conversation with my friend Jasmine to help me realize that I needed to do it:

“Gabby, you’re one of the most creative people I know. You’re working a job, and taking classes to pursue something bigger and better. You’ve reached a point where you’ve done nothing but work, work, work, that you forgot to take time for yourself. It’s ok, you deserve this time off. Enjoy it!”

And that’s what I did.

Friday started off with journaling, reading, and spending the rest of the day with Mom as we enjoyed “Hamilton” on DisneyPlus (IT WAS AWESOME!!!). Not to mention, I received the IDEAL INSPIRATION BLOGGER AWARD, which was not only a highlight to my day but the inspiration I needed to keep blogging. Saturday and Sunday were spent cleaning and decluttering parts of my life, while Monday and today were spent trying to recharge and rest after a weekend of “My Gift”- migraine is slowly starting to subside now.

Long story short, this taught me that it’s ok to take breaks, whether it’s an extra two days to a three day weekend, or a week to just get away from it all. It’s a reminder for me that I still need to slow down sometimes. I should write a mantra or manifesto for myself involving BALANCE and SLOWING DOWN.

Question for the evening: Have you had days or weeks that overwhelmed you to the point that you needed to take a break? If so, what did you do?

Ok, sorry for rambling. Just thought I put this out there and share this with you all. I’m going to try and read or listen to an audiobook to help ease my migraine…. or just sleep 😴

Until next time…

❤️