THANK YOU BRENDA & A NEW CLASS

Posted on August 7, 2020August 7, 2020 Posted in THANK YOUTagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #alwaystrynewthings, #BAinCommunicationsStudies, #betterme, #blessed, #blogger, #challenges, #friendships, #goodfriendsmakegreatmemories, #healing, #inspiration, #itsgoingtobeok, #newgoals, #personalgrowth, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbsLeave a comment

Good morning

I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to Brenda of Becoming HIS Tapestry for her recent post. You all should definitely check out her site for a good read. I enjoy it, and you will too.

This goes back to my last post for thanking you all for following me, reading my posts, and engaging with me through the comments. Click here to check it out. It’s helping me stay consistent with blogging and wanting to share with you all the things I learned, new things that I’m working on and trying out, and just wanting to let you all in the loop on how I live my life while managing my mental illness.

Speaking of trying new things, my next class talks about visual communication, which means I’m going to learn how to record videos. I remember telling you all in the past that the world of YouTube intrigued me into wanting to start vlogging. Maybe this is a sign that it’s time for me to learn so I can use different platforms to share “The Gabby Diaries.”

Only one problem…. I’m a little shy when it comes to recording myself on video. 😬😳😬😳😬

I guess this class also means I need to try and get over my stage fright. Wish me luck, I start my new class next week, but it’s crunch time now. Week 5 of Media Writing for Communication, and I have to work on my final paper. 😳

Again, thank you Brenda for joining me on this journey. Today is Day 5 so I’ll be back with another post later on today.

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…

❤️

ROAD TO 200- DAY 1

Posted on August 3, 2020August 3, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #ahealthyfamilyisawealthyfamily, #challenges, #motivation #monday #timetogrind, #physicalhealthiswealth, #roadto200lbs, justdoitlikenike9 Comments

Hey everyone

Today is the first day of “Road to 200,” a mini blog series where I’ll share my progress with weight loss, and improving my overall health. Thank you to Olivia for the inspiration. Check out her blog and show her some love:

Olivia Lucie Blake- How To Stay Motivated: 5 Tips for Bloggers

So, let’s begin…

Today was off to a little bit of a groggy start. I had a lot on my mind (read the last blog post here). So, started off the day journaling. And, let’s just say I have some more self-discovering to do. But that’s ok, more on that later on.

Worked my normal hours from six to three. Part of the day, Dad came home from work, changed and went for a jog. I paused and on a sticky note, wrote down:

Workout with Dad when he comes home from work.

After I finished for the day, I went into my room, found a 20-minute Walk Away The Pounds video, put on my Sweat Band, and started putting in work. Then, I stretched, and then I took screenshots of my info. from Fitbit for motivation.

Currently thinking of workouts to start off this week, as well as meal-prepping tonight so I can have some yummy, healthy treats to indulge in. But, that was my news, I’m kicking off August with a mini series.

Hope you all enjoy as you travel on this journey with me.

I also hope this is motivation and inspiration to anyone that wants to start back working out again, or has a fallen off track and is trying to start it up again.

Alright, I have to go take a shower now. I will talk to you lovely people tomorrow.

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…

❤️

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…

❤️

BACK IN THE GROOVE- UPDATE

Posted on July 29, 2020July 29, 2020 Posted in DAY IN THE LIFE, ROAD TO 200, SELF CARETagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #balance, #betterme, #blessed, #challenges, #healthierme, #healthy, #itsgoingtobeok, #newgoals, #personalgrowth, #roadto200lbs, #stayingpositive6 Comments

Good morning

So earlier this month, my new starting weight was… 286!

Well…

As of today, thanks to cutting out sodas, changing up eating habits, more sleep and exercise, I’m down eight pounds. I’m back where I was last year of 278. 🥳😊🥳😊🥳😊🥳

Mom said she’ll come over and we’ll walk around the complex, and Dad said we’re going to start jumping rope. I was a little thrown off at first because I would expect this coming from Mom, but he’s been supportive of me getting healthy again and also getting back into his routine even though the gyms are still closed due to COVID.

For Mom and I, it’s been the same struggle. One of the local community centers is still closed until further notice since the pandemic started. The other one, has opened up the water park and skatepark, but not the main building where the gym and workout equipment is.

So, it’s been a struggle for everyone, but we’re making it work. I’m going to continue to keep you all updated on my journey. I still have a long way to go, but I’m going to keep it up to stay healthy.

Until next time…

❤️

BACK IN THE GROOVE

Posted on July 21, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #ahealthierme, #betterme, #nomorediabetes, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbsLeave a comment

Good evening 😊

2020 so far has changed all our plans for this year. Many of us, the top resolution for most of us is the same one every year. Yes, you guessed it…losing weight. This has been my resolution for years, and I was close to staying fully committed. From January until September of 2019, I had lost twelve pounds, from my starting weight of 278 to 266 pounds. And once October came around, my migraines came back more severe, causing me to slow down. And then January 2020, I got sick with another sinus infection, causing me to slow down again and lost motivation completely.

We’re now in July, and due to the pandemic and changes in my lifestyle, I have gained most of my weight back and more. I’m trying to change but it’s been a struggle for the past six months. I’m not giving up yet, and I’m ready to make a change.

Here are some tips that helped me get back into an effective workout routine. I just started on these steps last week, and I’m still taking baby steps. That’s one of the tips that I stressed to myself this go around:

START SLOW– For me, six months is a long time to go without eating right, getting the right amount of sleep, getting any form of physical activity. Now, I have to think back to how I was back in January 2019, and I started off by working out 3 days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). For a month, I kept up with this routine of working out for 3 days a week, changing my eating habits, increasing my water intake, getting the proper amount of sleep, and getting rid of anything toxic in my life.
WRITE IT DOWN/CREATE A TRACKER– Write down your goals of what you want your current weight to be, how you want to feel during this journey, write down what works and what doesn’t work. Create a workout tracker to keep track of your progress of working out consistently or losing the weight to get to your goal
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT– I’m a firm believer of this saying. After six months of eating whatever I want and not working out, my body is paying the price. So instead soda, chips, candy, and sweets, why not vegetables, fruits, protein, water, and teas. All of these things will help clear your body of toxins and give you that glow that you’ve been looking for. You’ll also have tons of energy eating the right amounts of the rainbow
WATER, WATER, WATER, WATER– Water is your best friend, it clears your skins, it aids in weight loss, it boosts metabolism, it aids with healthy digestion, and add some fruit to it to make it taste yummy
SLEEP IS IMPORTANT– If you want that full 8-9 hours of sleep, you need to create a soothing environment for yourself. No electronics before bed, read a book or listen to an audiobook, have Quiet Time, put on something that has a lavender scent to it. Make you some sleepy time tea like chamomile. All these things will help you sleep.

Well those are my tips and tricks for you all to help you ease back into a workout routine. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these out, or if you have tips for me and others, share them in the comments below.

Until next time…

❤️

MONTHLY REFLECTION: MAY 2020

Posted on May 31, 2020May 31, 2020 Posted in MONTHLY REFLECTIONS, QUIET TIMES, ROAD TO 200Tagged #2020, #ahealthierme, #blessed, #meditation, #meditationoncourage, #positivevibes, #roadto200lbs, #self-love, #staysafe, SELF CARELeave a comment

Good afternoon

So we have come to the last day in May. Another month of working from home and other things. Here are my words for May:

✨REST

✨BALANCE

✨PASSIONS

✨DISCIPLINE

✨DETERMINATION

✨POSITIVITY

I’ve been persistent with my meditation. This morning, the scriptures taught me some things about myself and the times we are living in. Then, I tuned into InTouch Ministries where today’s message talked about meditation on courage. Here are my notes from this morning:

Finished my final paper for Week 05, and posted my introduction for my fifth class. I’m still on a roll with school, I have a feeling that I’ll continue to pass each class with an A or A- until graduation. I can’t wait and my date could change at the rate that I’m going.

One thing that I’ve indulged for the entire month is California roll and potstickers. Drunken Fish has been my friend at least five times this week alone. But I can’t help it, I love sushi, and it’s so delicious. But I need to start back on my health journey.

Time to get down, no pain, no gain.

Well, time for me to change some things around in the apartment. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this beautiful Sunday.

Until next time…

❤️

MENTAL HEALTH & DIABETES

Posted on May 25, 2020 Posted in ROAD TO 200Tagged #ahealthierme, #nomorediabetes, #roadto200lbs, 2020, positivevibesLeave a comment

Good afternoon

It feels great to wake up, not having to start up my workstation. I woke up and rolled around in bed for a while, listened to my Bible app, and got up to cook breakfast.

Then I got to working on my paper for Week 04, which is now finished and turned in. Now, I’m in Week 05 of class, which is amazing since it felt like it just Week 01 yesterday. But, time flies, and I have four classes down, and ten more to go before graduation next year. I’m so excited, I can’t wait.

Another thing I did was check on my weight, which due to working from home, working out in spurts, and excessive snacking, it is now at 282.4 lbs. Looking at me, you can’t tell I weigh that much, but my diabetes is showing it so it’s time for me to get back on track with my health again.

In the past, when I would blog about my health mistakes, I tend to beat myself about it. I would either make a negative joke, or just put it out there in a rant just to feel better. But after today, I told myself that I would start speaking more kindly to my body. The more I start doing that, the more motivated I’ll feel to take better care of myself.

Mom is still helping me stay motivated while she’s working out. But it all starts with me having a positive mindset. If I’m not motivated, I’m not going to do it. Time to reset my mindset. Also, I want to reach my goals of reversing my diabetes (it will be done) and making it to 200lbs. as my goal weight.

You know what this means? Time for some journaling and self-reflecting.

Talk later…

💖