Debbie Cousins's Journal, 05 Oct 23

Oh my. Is there any chance we were twins separated at birth? I relate completely. 

You can do It I know it is hard and I go thorough this myself ALL the time I myself is in Physical Therapy AGAIN. Fractured my hip in April # round with PT You have to do your daily Exercise's Every day or it wont help and I know I hate it but I do it I don't be like this forever Good luck I have you can do this!!!!! 

Hi Debbie! Four miles a day is a lot of walking; I am surprised you can do that much. If I've followed your story correctly, you have knee problems. We all lose motivation sometimes. I biked 120 km yesterday, trained for days in preparation for this ride, and gained weight instead of losing a pound or two. But it was a great ride on one of the year's best days; I met some lovely people and saw some great sites along the way. Let's look at the bright side and the progress we have made so far in our health journey and feel confident we can recover from any setbacks. 

You put me to shame in the motivation department, Debbie. I read your posts and marvel at how much you accomplish daily, and with knee pain and surgeries and you still forge forward! Give yourself credit, rest a little. Take a day off from the mental struggle of it all and do something you just love to do. The peace of mind of no pressure gets me back in the game when I'm feeling like I'm letting myself down. Thanks for being an inspiration for us day in and day out.  

2 miles a day is great at your age. I do just 2 kms a day. Just focus on nutrition. Everything should fall in place. 

Maybe you’re just bored of the 4 miles a day. Is there any way you can switch it up and try a different exercise? You need something fresh! 

lady, I feel you on the lost motivation... My arthritic knee flaired up then I got sick, haven't been able to get it together.  

You're not failing! You're over- tired and overwhelmed. What you did in the last several days would wear out a 20 something, unfortunately that ship sailed for us a few minutes ago. You have also been through surgery. I am constantly amazed by what you are doing on the daily! Give yourself a break. Focus on your physical therapy and recovery after the crazy week. That you were still getting some walking in along with the crazy days is Phenomenal! You have to remember, you're still human. We have to allow our bodies to recharge. You've Got This!  

Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have “off” moments in life. Rest and get back in the game and don’t look back. Vary your activities to keep things interesting and fun: hand weights, swimming, yoga. Weight gain from building muscle burns calories in the long run and is very important as we age. 

so, take these few days "off" to check in how your body feels and make your appropriate adjustments (maybe this crash is laziness, but maybe it's your body speaking up and telling you the knee needs some heat and gentle massage instead of 4 miles). ;) also - treat yourself with grace as you tell yourself the truth (are you really eating that many calories or just feels like it? is it healthy food?) Dont judge/label yourself or do negative self-talk - focus on speaking life into this time with yourself. 

Take a moment and then say enough is enough!! Do it for you!!!! I also have been there and today I said I’m done and I want more and I had go through that moment! Get out get some fresh air!!! You got this!! 

Oh don't give up! You can do this. Do you have something fun coming up that you can focus your goals towards? Anything - I look for small things sometimes when I get tired of eating right or working out to help me remember my why.  

Time to make some small changes every day and ease out of this.  

We all love you and want your best. That Birthday for your granddaughter really took it out of you, combined with all the rest going on in your life. I've been afraid the sugar and artificial sugar you consume will affect your attitudes eventually. Your gut is suffering. But we are all rooting for you. By the way, I journalled. Love you sister. 

Do two things each day. One easy and one difficult until they become natural to you. Make sure you pat yourself on the back when you succeed and don't be hard on yourself when your not. The trick is small victories one at a time.  

Rather than thinking about what you should be doing think about the things you accomplished. Once you have made something a habit add another thing to the daily list. Try to include some social activity each day. Speak to a friend, go for a short 2 minute walk, join a social group, volunteer someplace anything to get you out of the chair and all that thinking  

I am in exact same boat to the tee! I am sorry. it is hard and frustrating. it is temporary, we just need to pick one small thing again that is not negotiable and we can get back on track.  

I'm right there with you. I take meds that make me nauseated and exhausted 😩 I barely get in 1,000 steps.  

Ooohhh Debbie, you will get a handle on this soon. Physical recovery takes a lot out of us. Sometimes it's hard to know whether pushing hard or resting is the right thing. I am amazed about your consistency over the past year and inspired by it. Do not despair about where you are currently. This is not forever and you will put your previously successful habits back in place soon. 

buy yourself an elliptical trainer. I run 45 minutes every other day and ride the bike part of it for 20 more minutes. 10 miles it counts out and will be doing it all winter long. It's tough to say but you'll need to do this for the rest of your life if you want to stay fit. The body thinks it's starving and slows your metabolism---your only defense is to increase your metabolism and your body has no choice but to burn more calories at rest times between intense exercise times.