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Day 48: Reflecting on Progress and Embracing the Journey

Woman's left hand displaying her too tight wedding band and the heart shaped diamond engagement ring that can't it yet.

Celebrating Milestones and Adjustments

Today marks a significant checkpoint in my journey—a progress day dedicated to acknowledging the changes and achievements made thus far. At 49 years young, having recently celebrated my birthday with love and support from family and friends, I find myself reflecting on the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. 

The decision to monitor my progress through changes in how my rings fit, rather than solely relying on the scale, has introduced a nuanced perspective on weight loss and body changes for me that I didn't have before. Noticing my wedding ring fitting a bit looser is a subtle yet affirming sign of the progress I've made, complementing the 6 pounds I've lost since embarking on this journey. It's sometimes hard to explain to people that I am not focused on the scale as much as the holistic wellness because the only thing people can see is my size.

Nutritional Habits and Their Impact

This week's focus on ensuring adequate protein intake has been a valuable addition to my nutritional habits, particularly the practice of eating breakfast within an hour of waking. This simple change has significantly impacted my hunger levels throughout the day, leading to an overall decrease in hunger and a more mindful approach to eating. I am actually shocked that I am not having an afternoon snack every day. I am very interested to see if that changes in the future as it's been years since I didn't want a snack in the afternoon. It's interesting to observe how these adjustments, though seemingly small, have contributed to my weight loss and enhanced my relationship with food and eating habits already.

Active Recovery in Nature

Today's active recovery, a 45-minute hike in the forest with my dog, was especially enjoyable due to the quietness brought on by the morning rain. Most people do not bring their dogs to the forest when it is raining because it gets quite muddy for both your boots and the dogs. The solitude and peace of the forest provided a perfect backdrop for reflection and appreciation of the journey so far. These moments of active recovery are not just physical exercises but also opportunities for mental and emotional rejuvenation, reinforcing the interconnectedness of our physical and mental well-being.

A deeper look into the benefits and practices of active recovery.

Continuous Support and Learning

The personalized support from my coach, inquiring about comments made in my profile, adds another layer of accountability and encouragement to the program. It's reassuring to know that there's a supportive network available, offering guidance and motivation throughout this journey. Additionally, the expansion of the guided meditation walking to include peripheral observations has introduced a new dimension to my workouts, enhancing my mindfulness and presence during these sessions.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the progress made and the lessons learned, I'm filled with gratitude for the journey thus far and excitement for what lies ahead. The subtle changes in my body, the deepening of my mindfulness practices, and the continuous support from the program and my loved ones are all sources of motivation as I continue on this path. 

Today's progress day is not just a checkpoint but a stepping stone towards further growth and development, both physically and mentally. Here's to embracing the journey, one step at a time.

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