Eat, Pray, Love (run)

Afternoon all.

I was lying by the pool today post- yoga reading Eat, Pray, Love.  A few months ago, my sister suggested I read it, since I was going through some changes.  Well, I finally got around to it and so far, it has made me reflect on my life since May 2, 2008.

On May 2, 2008, I graduated from college with a degree in French and minor in Secondary Education.  I suppose you could say I was still trying to figure things out.  I had decided to not pursue a M.A. in french  but rather an M.ED in education.  Of course, I was too late applying to grad school so I was looking at one year of...work?

That summer, I decided to take a look at myself, physically speaking.  I was 5'4 and 153lbs. And not happy. Thats the most important part. It wasn't the weight, but that I wasn't happy.  I decided to join WW and lost 28lbs.  

Reading the book forced me to look back at the person and the person I am now.  My life has taken a 180, for the better.  In May, I was confused about my future, unhappy with my physical appearance and dependent on my friends, boyfriend and family for happiness.  I was scared at the thought of packing up and moving to France, even though I knew it was necessary.  I was a control freak, wanting to be able to predict the future and know exactly how it would unfold.

Now, I am independant.  I have found happiness in myself.  For those of you who can relate, I am now capable of being alone. Nearly all my friends left Gainesville upon graduation and I have been forced to "be alone" from time to time.  I ran away in the beggning, going home every weekend, flying up to New York but now, I am ok with being in Gainesville, even if everyone else has left.  I ran a half marathon and I am now training for a triathalon. I have found new ways to occupy myself that don't necessarily involve others.  I applied to a grad school program that requires one year in France.  I am really proud of how many positive changes I have made and the person I am becomming. 

In the book, she said something about pleasure.  How American's find it difficult to achieve pure pleasure.  I think I am on the road.  Finding pleasure, in my opinon, starts from within.  I have learned to let go of the control and seize every opporutnity as it is presented.  

Just wanted to share this insight with you all :)  

Breakfast was two of the baked donuts, one with an almond butter glaze the other with a drizzle of organic honey.

Post-Yoga snack was:

• 2/3c multibran flax cereal (Heritage Path)
• little less than a 1/4c banana granola
• 1/2c milk
• I love this snack.
  

Lunch:

• Giant Leaf of Lettuce (for burger top and bottom)
• veggie burger
• tomato
• avocado
• mustard

1% cottage cheese with strawberries, grapes and kiwi mixed in.

I wanted something sweet post- lunch before work.  Lately, I haven't been feeling "toned", so instead of grabbing a cookie or some chocolate, I grabbed 2 medjooled dates.  These babies are good.  They satisfied my sweet craving for a reasonable amount of calories, plus they have nutritional benefits so they are not an "empty" food.