My change from last week –

Change in weight (4/14/20 –4/20/20):  -1.8 LBS

I chose the picture above because it makes me calm. It makes me think of fond memories and the feeling of a breeze on the ridge of a mountain.

The weight is moving back in the right direction. I had another morning where I did not think the scale would say I lost weight. The best thing about mornings where I think I have stayed the same or gained weight is being pleasantly surprised is the best kind of surprise.

This post is brought to you by inner reflections. My dear friend Sara texted me the other day about a Peloton ride she did with Ally Love (yes, we’ve established I drank the Peloton kool aide). I have mentioned these rides before, but they are ‘Sundays with Love’. They are meant to be a more spiritual ride. As the pandemic is making it harder to seek my faith spaces in ways I am accustomed, this ride helped my spirt. BUT…, Ally brought up this question, “What is the difference between faith and confidence?” It is one of those things where you know there is a difference, but how do you you explain it. Sara and I texted about this a little and I really spent some time thinking. I would also like you to as well. I don’t necessarily mean a faith in a higher power, but faith in something.

I am bringing this up because lately I have not been having confidence in my betterment journey. Not just the weight loss, but all facets. I have been angrier, I have been more stressed, I have felt like a worst dad and a worse employee. I also have felt that weight loss is becoming a lost cause. These feelings become the strongest the day before my Monday posts when I start reflecting. Then I get to Monday and realize these head games are not based in reality. I lost weight. My daughter and wife still love me. The odd thing is, I still have faith that I can do it, even when the confidence goes. I still have faith that if I remain committed, it can happen. I have faith in the process and faith in my support structure. I do not always have confidence in myself… Does that make sense or ring true?

My initial feelings about the distinction is I always consider confidence a brain/mind thing. It is something that we develop in our head with practice and repetition, but because it is our brain, it is still susceptible to the thoughts and doubts that can float around. On the other hand, faith is a heart/spirit thing. It almost touches at a deeper part of our being, or a deeper part of our soul. For me, digging in and having faith, and trusting in my faith is paramount to my success. For me, I feel my faith carries me when my confidence is weak. We can all get through when our confidence is riding high, but what about when it is not!? This is when you have to have hope in the things unseen. This is where I need to push through and have faith that the end will justify the means I am struggling with.

I needed that ride, that topic, and that conversation. Please let me know if you have anything to add to this, I think it can be good for all of us to think about.

Coming out from the deep, let’s look at my week. I did not quite get the activity I hoped for, but better discipline with my food/drink intake did help me go the right direction with my health. I, again, was tired this week. My body has been dragging. I have been treating it pretty well with food and exercise, but I am not giving it the proper rest and stretching it needs.

I tracked better than I have in previous weeks and did better at controlling mindless snacking. I also got a couple nice long walks in with my daughter. These helped clear my head. Looking at the list, I hit and missed some. I think that I have room to grow and to get back on track with some things, but overall I am pleased. I need to continue working on my mental state. I am adding a task for me to try and find some quiet time. If it is deep breathing, meditation, or just some alone time listening to the wind and the birds, I need to decompress.

Anyway, check out the lists below for the full breakdown and let me know if you have any suggestions, feedback, inspiration, or thoughts. Stay safe out there and stay home if you can! I am thankful for all of you.

How did I do on last weeks action plan?:

1. 5 workouts. 1 45 min ride, 1 HIIT Ride, 1 full body strength, 1 low impact ride, and 1 other of my choice. Partially attained. I did 4 rides and no full body workout
2. Plan out my meals, stick to them, and portion snacks. Attained
3. 2 additional outdoor activities. This can include walks with my daughter, disc golfing, skiing, etc. Attained
4. 3 dedicated stretch sessions. 2 10-min lower body and 1 10 min full body. Failed miserably. I did none and my muscles are tighter to shame me.
5. 20-30 minute midday walk on work days. Not Attained. I blame the crappy rain
6. Track every bite. Attained
7. Drink 10 glasses of water per day. Attained

Action Plan

1. 5 workouts. 1 45 min ride, 1 HIIT Ride, 1 full body strength, 1 low impact ride, and 1 other of my choice
2. Plan out my meals, stick to them, and portion snacks
3. 2 additional outdoor activities. This can include walks with my daughter, disc golfing, skiing, etc
4. 3 dedicated stretch sessions. 2 10-min lower body and 1 10 min full body
5. 20-30 minute midday walk on work days
6. Track every bite
7. Drink 10 glasses of water per day
8. Find some quiet time to calm my thoughts and mind. 2 5-10 minute sessions

Please stay tuned for more updates. If you have been enjoying this, please become an email follower or a wordpress follower. Having this public audience has been a positive motivation for me to continue working towards my goals and so I really am thankful for all of you!

Date	Change in Weight
12/1*	–
12/2*	-5.4 lbs
12/9	-5.4 lbs
12/16	-3.4 lbs
12/23	+2.8 lbs
12/29	-1.2 lbs
1/6	-1.4 lbs
1/13	-1.6 lbs
1/20	-1.4 lbs
1/27	+0.4 lbs
2/3	-1.2 lbs
2/10	-4.6 lbs
2/17	+0.4 lbs
2/24	-1.6 lbs
3/2	-3.2 lbs
3/9	+1.8 lbs
3/16	-3.2 lbs
3/23	-0.6 lbs
3/30	+0.4 lbs
4/6	-1.6 lbs
4/13	+0.8 lbs
4/20	-1.8 lbs

-Ben