an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility
or to account for one's actions.
or to account for one's actions.
Photo Credit: Shorpy Historic Photo Blog
Isn't the photo below just lovely??
What kind of face is this?!!
Sharon yelled my name and scared me to death :)
then she snapped this photo.
The face I'm making isn't that awful but
seeing myself was.
It's time my friends.
Time for accountability for my own actions.
And for what, you ask?
After seeing photos of the wonderful Georgia Blogger's gathering,
and seeing myself in some of these photographs,
it is time for me to become accountable for my actions.
An unhealthy diet and not taking care of myself has
finally caught up with me and it's time to do something about it.
So my precious friends, I began eating healthy this past Monday and
I'm buying a treadmill this week so I can start exercising!!
Of course I want to feel better,
have more energy and
simply be more productive!!
PLUS I have another wonderful reason AND goal...
such perfect timing, too....
Tracey of A Cottage Industry has invited me up to visit her
and be in the Barn House show with her at the end of July!!!!
How AMAZING is THAT???
I'm creating artwork and mailing it to Tracey....
then I'll fly up to help her set up her space and
incorporate my little pieces into the display!
I need stamina...I need confidence..
And so my journey begins!!
Thank you so much my precious friends for listening....
Have an amazing Wednesday!!
hugs and love,
Dawn
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71 comments:
Welcome to the group! It's not easy but it can be done. Step by step and slowly you are there.
Good luck, I know you can do this.
Hugs,
Joanne
Beauty is as beauty does and your beauty radiates...that being said, I know exactly where you are, there is a sense of well being that comes from feeling healthy and doing good things for yourself. Your right to use the word journey...I can't wait to be healthy again, to be the size I was before dystonia, when I ran or walked or ran and walked everyday. Theres an energy that takes over at some point...and this sense of well being is what I'm craving, it's like a drug, to get there the journey has to take place in my mind and soul and then my body will follow... I'm cheering you on! Be well and blessed... XO Keke
Hi Dawn , I can't wait to MEET you, I'll be a vendor at BarnHouse in July , too! Last year was my first time there , what a great day.
I lost 10 pounda last year for the same reasons you gave , I needed more energy and stamina to do the shows. It really did help. I ate alot of Cheerios :) No fat and they lower your cholesteral!
See you soon!
You already know that I think you have beauty in spades, both inner and outer.
But I totally understand and support you on this new journey. It's tough, but they say that getting started is the hardest part. You've already got that part licked!
I'm so proud of you!
Love,
Anne
I can hardly wait, the Barn House are practically in my back yard. Florence
You Are Beautiful ~ But Healthier is Best..... I'm in the Same Boat, but not starting till this Next Monday (funds for food) Out comes My Rebounder (No Room for a Treadmill)
Best to You Dear Friend.....
xox
Dawn amor, you know my thoughts on this...we have talked about this for hours on end...we each travel our own journeys in this life, but so many of us...seem to travel down that same path with the same struggles and obstacles, My eyes can tear up and my heart hurts...because I know what your struggles are and what they do to your confidence, your spirit and the joy that you feel in this life...makes you want so much to change and make your life more what you want it to be...and you know what amor?? I know you will reach your goals because you are one of the most amazing woman I have been blessed to come into my life's path...and I am thankful everyday for your beautiful friendship and heart...I believe in you, and your reason for wanting to reach these goals that you have set for yourself, more than anyone can know :)I am with you there amor, every step of the way...If I were in Georgia, we could take long walks and plan things to your our goals...but since I am here, I am but a phone call away to listen...gripe right along with you and cheer you on in your success...so much have you inspired me that today...was my last box of peeps...see how much I love you and support you :) lol you know I mean it right :) I only give up sugar for those I truly love :) hey...I could use your journey to get healthy as encouragement to jump start my own! Love you! Besos, Rose
Sweet and beautifull, inside and out, that is you dear Dawn.But getting more energi is importent as we grow older ,so I wish you all the luck, and blessings.
Kisses,with love and hugs.
Dorthe
Dawn amor, I just realized I wrote you a book :) Lisa must be going mad about now, doing a word count *wink lol But I wanted to say, I hope I didn't make you sad with my comment...no tears ok, was meant as total encouragement...although....my cousin who is a trainer used to say when I would cry that my knee hurt too much to walk anymore...Go ahead and cry...it burns calories too...I know lil bugger right :) Besos, Rose
Best of luck...I`m on the same path right now!!
Dawn, good for you...i think you are beautiful just how you are...but i know you will feel better if you are healthier...and be able to keep up more with Miss Clara...she is going to be running all over the place pretty soon...that is wonderful that you were asked to do the barn house show, congratulations!!!
Dawn, Darn those pictures....I avoid the camera,lol. I am proud of you. You are a beautiful woman, but energy and health is important, along with how much better knees and feet will feel. I have been working on all this myself. Good luck! I am looking forward to pics of the barn house.
Hugs,
Donna
Hello sweet friend!
Congratulations on the opportunity to partner with Tracey at the Barn House SHow!! It should be a total blast! As to your journey, I'm right there with you my beautiful sister! I invited my readers along on my similar journey much as you have - they are my accountability group, and though it's only been 2 1/2 weeks, it's going well. I am cheering you on the whole way Dawn - you are an amazing woman, and I KNOW you will have great success!! Don't sweat the small stuff, savor your life, create beauty, share joy, and enjoy the journey!!
Hugs & Blessings,
Becky
You go girl!!!!
I'm right with ya!
We can all do it together!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...
Dawn, you are such a lovely person, I think it's wonderful that you're taking action to improve your health. There are many reasons that you need to be around for a long time, and now is the time to prevent health problems in the future. I know you will be successful!
You are a beautiful lady, inside and out! I struggle ALL the time with what to eat and what not to eat. I have cut out bread and potatoes and trying to add in LOADS of vegetables. Helps a lot. We'll walk together hand in hand and what a wonderful fan club you have here "cheering you on":) HUGS!
I will join you! I need to take control of my life and get healthy... We can cheer each other on! I know we can do it! Much Love!
Goodluck sweet Dawn! U can do it! Im right there with ya hun! C:
XXOO
Alecia
Count me in too Dawn!
Starting today! :)
Good for you!
What's getting me in shape this winter is a gym within walking distance with a thrift shop across the street from the gym. How perfect is that?!
Good luck on your goal. I just know you'll feel great.
I'm enjoying your blog.
Kim
Hi Dawn,
It has been awhile since I posted on your blog, but I always enjoy visiting.
You are a beautiful woman and if you are feeling the need to change, then that's ok too.
I have done the same thing when seeing photos of myself. I haven't been real good at losing weight and it's been a lifetime battle. The important part is to be healthy, feel healthy and be happy.
Best of luck to you.
hugs
Sissie
You are BEAUTIFUL
..but I totally hear what you are saying. Reality does strike when we see ourselves back in pictures.
I recently had to crop most of my body out of a picture for that reason. BUT...like you it *has* spurned me on to DO SOMETHING about it. I know I will have more energy each day, physically and mentally, if I get in better shape.
Please know I'm with you on your journey :)
~marcia
Dawn, we're with you! I know I speak for all of your other friends here too! You have our love and support! You go, girl! We love you!
Congratulations on the invitation!
You deserve it.
Blessings!
Diane
Hi Dawn
Wow... you scared me with that word, accountability!
Sounds like you have a plan in order and I wish you the best in fulfilling it. I myself have been trying to eat healthy and I have a trainer (my daughter...she is tuff)
I hate it myself :) would much rather be in the studio
Blessings
Rebecca
Dawn~
Hang in there I know you can do it. It just seems to slowly creep up on ya doesn't it?? You are beautiful no matter what you weigh my friend!! Hugs, Karen
Dear Dawn...I so understand your mindset on this subject. I have been coming to the same realization...maybe we can all do this together! What greater support system than all we bloggers??? You go girl...;-)
Ahhh Dawn, I hear you. Every morning I wake up and promise myself I am going to eat healthy. Maybe we could start up a blog just for sharing on this journey. I know I would love to be apart of a support system. I need to support of others and like you say being accountable. What do you think? Kim
Good Luck! I've been on this roller coaster too my friend. It's hard but worth it. I've slipped a bit, but get back on track. My problem is I love food. I like to talk about it, shop for it, watch the food network, make it for friends and family, but most of all I like to eat it. It tastes good.
Cheers! (with a water and lemon)
Leann
Like others, this journey has been a constant challenge in my own life. I know that there is something that I am simply not latching onto. I'll pray with all my might that you find the secret and share it with us. (I found the best success with Dr. Phil's program, but I know that anything works as long as one does it.) BTW, you are one beautiful woman and don't let that ever escape you!
Dawn, I too have taken the step to being accountable for my health. I let life get in the way and got to comfortable. It is hard work but I know the payoff is my health. I pray that God gives you the strengh to keep you focused on the task at hand and lift you up when you are feeling down. I love Yoga and I feel it is so good for both my body and mind. As someone who is out of shape too I have been working out to The Biggest Loser DVD's. The workouts are great and can be modified for whatever level you are at in your workout routine. No matter how tired you get just keep on going. It gets easier everyday. Best of luck to you. I'm here for you if you need me.
Blessings,
Jessica
Dawn, I too have taken the step to being accountable for my health. I let life get in the way and got to comfortable. It is hard work but I know the payoff is my health. I pray that God gives you the strengh to keep you focused on the task at hand and lift you up when you are feeling down. I love Yoga and I feel it is so good for both my body and mind. As someone who is out of shape too I have been working out to The Biggest Loser DVD's. The workouts are great and can be modified for whatever level you are at in your workout routine. No matter how tired you get just keep on going. It gets easier everyday. Best of luck to you. I'm here for you if you need me.
Blessings,
Jessica
I am on the weight loss journey too! Dig in those heals and get determined! You CAN do it!
Hi Dawn,How fun to do that show. I live 4hrs away from Camas.Hope I can get there in July..would be fun to meet you.Ive been wanting to see her store. About loosing weight it is sooo hard. Im on Weight Watchers and it is one of the best ways to loose weight for me. But it is a struggle..dont beat yourself up so hard. You are very pretty and I think you look great...I wished I had your talent for the art..sally
You can do it, Dawn! I think we all hit that age where we finally have to throw in the towel and admit it's time . . . I'm right there with you, as are sooo many ohers. We can all do it together! :o) Use your blog and your bloggy friends as support as often as you need.
I'm so envious of yours and Tracey's partnership. Her's is one of the first blogs I got really "hooked" on. The two of you together, for me, would be like a kid getting to be with Santa and the Easter Bunny at the same time!
Good luck!
Carla
Bless your courageous heart, Dawn! In life, each of us will have struggles that we need to overcome. While they may differ from one person to the next, in the end there is a common thread and path to each of these journeys. Your willingness to share your specific struggle may be just the spark of encouragement the rest of us needed to begin tackling our own. Thank you for sharing, xo Sue
You go girl! You ROCK!!!
WOW! Nothing new to say because all above had said it all. But You Go Girl and I'm working on it too. I go to ZUMBA twice a week. You can do it.
Good for you, Dawn! I'm sure you can do it. Just remember, baby steps. I always loved having my treadmill because I can walk on it even when the weather is lousy and there are no excuses not to. Even if I only do 15 minutes, that's 15 minutes more exercise than I would have got.
Hey Dawn, Good for you! This is a struggle I have had for my entire life! I don't even show my picture as you probably know, but now with my new career I had to have one taken and out of about a million I did not like even ONE! So I am right there with you. I have needed a push for some time now and I know I feel better when I am smaller and am eating healthy so why don't I do it!???!
How brave you are to say it out loud! Very inspirational as usual, Thanks Dawn for being here for me and all of us. We are blessed by knowing you........
Kim
H Dawn,
I know just how you feel.I am doing the weight loss thing right now. I have lost 22 lbs but have another 40-50 lbs to go. I am using a weight loss aid called hcg and i think it is pretty cool. The website is called liquidhcg.com.I have quite a few friends who have used it too! They have all been successful.The typical loss is 1/2 to 1 lb.a day! nd by the way- THE BARN HOUSE SHOW ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One eye candy booth after the other,absolutely amazing stuff,people and goodies!I cant wait to meet you!
May I walk this journey with you in prayer and support? I am in the same boat my dear friend and I dusted off the exercise equipment yesterday and moved it to a better place where it will stare me in the face. I hope confrontation helps me too! Congratulating you on your success of a new adventure in selling your art and in your positive steps to a healthy lifestyle! You can do it!!!!
Hi Dawn
Please visit my blog
I use your lovey images.....
xxxxMarijke
You are beautiful, and I wish you all the best. I am so happy and excited for you to do Barn House! I have to admit that I am on a big roller coaster when it comes to eating right and exercising, and need to do better too.An eliptical worked better for me, and was not quite as boring. Because of you, I am doing my fist craft show in years this Saturday, and nervous and excited at the same time. Talk about confidence! Yes Dawn, because of you I am doing this. Thanks for being the person you are to all of us, and I know you are going to get to whatever goal you set for yourself. We are all rooting for you, because you deserve every good thing in life! God Bless you my friend!
Eileen
Good Luck on your new program. I hope you do well and feel better soon. You are a beautiful woman and I know if you succeed by the July program, you will have lots more energy. If we lived closer we could do a program together. I am on a program also for my health. I have a hard time with carbs. and my digestion of them...so I am forced to watch it. Very difficult diet plan to follow...but necessary.
Will check in to see how your doing, maybe you can be inspiring to me too.
Hugs
Pattyjo :+)
Wow. What beautiful words of encouragement all these women have left! I couldn't have expressed it any better- you're in the same boat as so many of us. Maybe just knowing how many are out there feeling the same way, at the same time, will keep me on the straight and narrow... even if only for a moment at a time.
Congratulations to you for beginning your journey- you can do it.
Dear Dawn,
Best wishes on your "challenge". I am always on that path but you can do anything you put your mind to. I am thrilled that you will be in Battle Ground. Our little group called A Vintage Gathering has a flea market the same day as Barn House and many people visit both sales. (we aren't too far away) Hopefully I can get to BH and meet you. I will just get someone to cover my booth so I can run up there. I am so excited!!!! Congratulations,
Annette
Dear Dawn,
I can understand how serious you are about losing weight and your overall health. We all have issues with something about our physical bodys and sometimes having to take that long hard look at ourselves and saying THAT'S IT, NO MORE!! really is a strong motivator. I started to going to Curves with my neighbor two months ago, you may say well Susan you don't look like you need to...but I know I do. For almost two years now because of certain health problems I was put on Steroid pills and the weight poured on, to get to where I am comfortable I need to lose 20 pounds...I have lost 4 pounds, but
my stamina has improved greatly and I have toned up a bit.
For me the key was to move around more and having so many body aches and pains all the time seemed like an impossible thing to just move...
I am here, I love you, and if you need to vent and talk that is what friendship is all about girlfriend!!
Prayers, and Great Hugs sent your way...
Susan
Dawn, I think we both felt the pressure Saturday.... I want so bad to be able to wear a dress like Tammy had on! She look so beautiful! My doctor called me this morning and said that my test showed that I had an inflammation, which means that my neuropathy is acting up. I have to be so careful in my activities and it really can be depressing. Then to have the weight issue.... Wow that is a downer. But, I try to keep my head up, get inspired by people like you and life is good! I love you, support you and will pray that God gives you the tools that you need to do well.
Yvette
I feel the same way as you, NO PICTURES!
and I know than many are there feeling the same way!
Congratulations to you for beginning your journey, I know you can do it.But... what about doing this together? What about having a Blog where we can go and share our feelings, and our achievements, Ideas,quotes... everything happen for a reason ... you encourage many people to Create... what about encouraging People to loose weight and be healthy....I check your Blog every day, and I can came every day to do the journey with you! Thank-you , Blanca.
Oh sweetie - I can relate - I am trying to eat healthy too and it is a struggle when you've been eating poorly and developing bad habits. Anything I can do, let me know...but BARN HOUSE!!! I love those guys, I bet you will have so much fun!
Yeah, I'm working on the wieght-loss too. I've been using MyFoodDiary.com which a friend recommended and I've lost 15 so far (over 3 months) and getting a better idea of what it means to eat healthily and in the right portions.
There will be "bad", indulgent days, but so long as you get back into your plan, the after effects will go away.
Anyway, that's what I've learned.
Congratulations on your new goal! I, like many others who have posted, are also making an affort to get in better shape and eat healthier. I'm not expecting it to be easy, but I'm gradually making small changes in my lifestyle that have turned out to not be earth-shattering, lol! Best of luck to you; keep us updated on your progress...you're an inspiration!
PS: I've been an avid reader of your blog for a long time now & look forward to your posts each day.
Wow, Dawn! First applause for putting it out there for all to read! Now that's accountability!! I have been avoiding pictures and this whole issue as I have gained a lot of weight the past couple years...You (as usual) inspire me to get real with myself...I have a friend across the country who wants to walk and be healthy together...I think it is time to count my blessings and take her up on it! It's so hard to get started with changes, but I also have discovered recently that I am allergic to gluten, wheat, dairy, corn and soy...so if I just eliminate a couple more things like potatoes and sugar, I think my diet plan is made for me!!! Thanks for sharing honestly...obviously many of us needed it and appreciate the journey! :-) Kathi
Hi Dawn,
I know exactly where you're coming from. I need to take control of my life as well. I will join you...Thanks for some much needed inspiration!
XXOO
Lisa
Oh, I am right there with ya, Dawn!
So far I've lost 12 lbs! I'll be prayin for ya!!
Hugs!
Myrna
Dawn, I think the look on your face is so endearing in a kooky way. What I like about you is your realness. With your amazing talent, you never put on airs or a condescending attitude. Graciousness,kindness,and genuiness just oozes from you. I think you will really like the tread mill. I hear the endorphins from walking will put some "bamm" in your creativy mojo. lol
Blessings, Gerri
Dawn I am so thankful that you are going to eat healthy and walk to gain stamina and energy. I began 10 weeks ago and even joined Weight Watchers which I totally believe in. As we mature and gain perspective we realize how important our health is to us. Let's all travel this journey and support one another. Happy living...
Hey friend,
I am so with you with you on all accounts. I will be your chubby buddy! You are so not the only one who feels this way, thanks for 'coming out' to us, you know we love you so much & think you are beautiful. Lisa
Sweetie, if there is ANYTHING I can do to help either email or call me. You can do it, I just know you can. You have been so supportive of me, I would love to help and return some of your goodness. You are an amazing, beautiful woman.
Big Hug! Sandy D
dawn- i actually laughed out load when i saw the look on your face! too funny! on another note i'm at the peak of my wt ever- and recently started this walking program so far its great its in family circle... easy to do time wise and everyday is a little more good luck. if it was easy we'd allbe size 4's diane vintage-tickled-pink
I'm trying right along with you. I can totally relate. Last summer I saw a similar picture of myself, but it was the back of me and I literally didn't know who that person was in the picture. Seriously. I love your positive approach and am cheering you on. One day at a time:)
it seems there are a lot of us out there...perhaps we could set up a skype conference call with each other while we are all on our respective treadmills????
Dawn, I think you are wise to do what you are going to do..for yourself....try to do it with the help of maybe Weight Watchers..or some other proven plan.
I wish you the VERY, VERY best.
You have the motivation and made the public committment..so that is the first step.
Rose
good for your health Dawn...it's great lifestyle change...welcome to the group!
baby steps...good for you Dawn!
we all need to take charge of our health....good health give you freedom to be...carefree and joyful..
hey, I may get to meet you afterall...I might go to the barnhouse sale..i think they are around an hour from us...
Heart Hugs,
Coleen
Wow, you really have a good support group here! I'm in the same situation, Dawn, I just have to get rid of this excess baggage too. You can do it and you will encourage me just by watching you do it!!! Loves, QueenMarcy
Oh my Dear, I am right there with you. I so understand how you are feeling. We're probably the same size (you may be smaller)! I started a new program today. I'll be "walking the walk" with you from afar. It is so humiliating to see myself, I avoid it at all costs, and there is NO way I would have the courage to post my pic on my own blog. The Barn House Boys are friends and you will fall in love with them. Maybe a bunch of us can get together and have an art day while you're here. (We do that from time to time, and Tracey says she needs to have some friends out here too)! Our youngest is getting married in August, but every time I go to Colorado I hide so nobody from my past will see what I look like. Also, some of my in-laws quit liking me when I became heavy... (they call it "divorce weight")... as if I don't humiliate myself enough on my own. Anyway, I have to face them all soon, but I want this for myself. Also, My son adores me as I am but I'm still afraid of embarrassing him at his wedding because of my size. It is so much more than food and exercise, isn't it? Anyhoo... I'm with ya, Sister!
Love and Hugs and Understanding,
Sheila
I've gone down 4 sizes since last year when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer - I just wanted to feel good and God blessed me with this joy for life - I don't care for exercise but it's a goal...hmmm, anyway - I work on the eating healthy part and it's working. I see the smile in your eyes - you'll get there - that's what you would tell your best friend wouldn't you? Blessing and a hug, Jennifer jennsthreegraces
My Dear Dawn, you are so beautiful.
You have had your Aha momment, and that is when it becomes clear that you need to change, to feel better. I have lost amost 20 pounds, and my knee's stopped hurting and I could get up and down in my garden this past week. This is not easy stuff, but it is doable, you are so creative, use it to create a new, better, happier you. I am on this journey, it is not a jet plain ride, more like a covered wagon, but with each mile you will grow stonger.
And I support your adventure, and will be right with you. Love, Mary
Wow, Miz Dawn, what an inspiration you are, you are starting a movement I think. I am inspired, I am praying for you, you can do it! There is no magic,,,unfortunately,,,blast! It is just hard work, and it is in the mind,,choices,,,dedication,,motivation,,,,look at all the comments, we all have this issue to deal with. The older we get, we see problems, knees go, backs go, airline seat shrinks, energy goes,then, oh crap- menopause,etc..then the risks the Dr. tells you about. Ok, now I am getting depressed...well, we are all in the same boat, and I say we can do it. Having a support system is important and I will have to look at the new blog. I'm with you Mamma Bird.
Portland! Oh, lucky you! It's my home ya know, I miss it so, you will love it! I wish that you could get over to Lincoln City area and see the ocean and the incredible beauty there.
Pray for strength in your goals always.
Love you to pieces!
Marcie
Oh sweet Dawn you are so beautiful only you see what you don't like. But, I too have the same dilema & yes, for our own sakes I too want to do better. But, it is soooooooo easy to slip. You have a good reason to challenge yourself with this & I know you will succeed. Congrats on being invited to the Barn Show. You'll love it. HUGS! Charlene
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