A Squirrely Sunday And The Happy Place
This morning it’s about 45 degrees here in Southeast Texas. The sun is shining, the windchimes are tinkling, a slight breeze caresses the few leaves remaining on the trees… and the squirrels are AT PLAY. Corey and Tigger have been anxiously awaiting one of the little furry tail creatures to step into their yard so they can then chase them out. There’s this one little guy who seems a bit braver than all the others. He will get on top of the wooden fence and yell and chatter and shake his tail at Tigger. She’s in her “get-the-squirrel” position. She’s also shivering because it’s a bit nippy out there. So imagine this little dog who’s crouched down really low, head pointed toward Mr. Squirrel, but her whole body is shivering. Now, to be fair to her and possibly not embarrass her, I could tell you that she’s not “shivering”, but rather she’s just so anxious and tense that she’s “quivering” with excitement and it’s taking all her doggy power to remain in that one spot. After a few seconds, she can’t stand it any more and she charges the fence and barks. Mr. Squirrel, King of the Fence, just looks down at her like “you idiot mutt, I know you can’t jump this high. Save your breath!” Alas, the joy I get from watching this daily routine is wonderful. (either that, or I’m a REALLY boring person who gets her jollies by watching my dog and a squirrel do their dance.) I’ll go with the prospect that I’m deep enough to be able to find pleasure in something so simple. (That sounds good, eh?).
I’m in a really good place, my buddies. This is the longest I’ve ever been on a “diet” (but we’re not calling it that) and I’m still going strong. At least in my thinking and my desire to keep going. I’ve had triumphs and failures. But the key thing, this time, is that with all your help (especially Jennifer, Shanna & Tina), I’m reprogramming my all or none thinking. If I mess up for a day or two, no big deal! This has become ingrained in my beany head and it’s finally starting to take over to the point where I actually believe it. I have a better understanding of how my body works. What foods work, what portions, what calorie intake… and all that jazz. It’s been trial and error - it still is and always will be. But I’m establishing an excellent foundation for the rest of my life.
This time, God is the center of my journey. He’s like a beacon. I’m like a homing pigeon, always returning to Him when I struggle. I used to never get down on my knees to pray. I’ve realized, I have to be humble before Him and totally submit this journey to him. And it’s made all the difference in the world. He knows I’m not perfect. *I* know I’m not perfect. So we’re in a very good, peaceful and happy place together.
This morning, as I was reading my daily devotional, I was struck by how God works. Today’s devotional was talking about Eve: “Eve was typical of us all, and we consistenly show we are her descendants by repeating her mistakes. Our desires, like Eve’s can quite easily be manipulated. They are not the best basis for actions. We need to keep God in our decision-making process always. His Word, the Bible, is our guidebook in decision making.” This really stood out to me and how it applies to my decisions on eating/bingeing, etc. When I feel weak, I seek Him and he helps. All I have to do is ask.
One of the things I like about this site is that we are free to express ourselves completely and without fear of judgement. We are all on different “plans”… but what’s neat is that we all support each other, however we’re trying to lose weight. I really appreciate and love all my buddies. Thanks for listening to my morning ramblings!
Loved your blog today…love our awesome God. Your attitude is genuine and shines bright with faith.
Love the doggy/squirrel story. Made me laugh. The little things in life are the best…look for the good in everyday and in everybody. Believe it or not it is there!!!
So glad your in a peaceful place and your sticking with your plan and goals. You sound happy..you deserve to be happy!!! Hugs for you!
Great blog! Cheered me up stat. You have had that “click” in your brain that tells you full steam ahead. This is our Life—- live it with JOY!! Love, Marge
Wow Lena…we love and appreciate you too! What a fantastic blog…I love your approch to the new you. You write as if the word are coming out of MY mouth! Big hugs girl..and as you know through him all things are possible!
No ramblings here, just an honest buddy with a lot to share and boy did you ever! LOL!! I do mean that in the best and most endearing way possible, for you see my friend, I really envisioned your puppy and the squirrel and I too had a smile on my face and for this, I thank you. I think you’re in a good place indeed!! And I’m so glad you shared this with us!! Keep up the amazing job Lena!
What a nice blog Lena….very nice read. Glad you’re doing well and learning on the way.
Lena:
Beautifully written blog. I just noticed your before and after pics. Wow!
And some people say that animals don’t communicate. I say that squirrel was taunting your dog and each knew exactly what the other was saying. We are so pompous to think that we are the only ones that have communication abilities.
I told someone yesterday that if you just want to make God laugh tell him you are making plans. Best wishes for a great week.
Just wanted to say that I love your writing! You inspire me to keep going and keep striving for what I set out to do!!

Keep on keepin’ on!
Wonderful Blog…Thanks for sharing. I agree this is a great place to express yourself and feel accepted.
What a great blog! Isn’t God awesome, we just have to be willing to change and He will help us overcome. I’m so proud of how far you have come!!! You are kicking tail!! Way to go!!!

Ahhh I adore the simple beautiful pleasures. I can see the vivid picture as I read. Very nice
You are the painter of your masterpiece, this life and you are doing a marvelous job. Strange how I see this with such absoluteness in others, but not in myself. We teach each other and your are right, this site is amazing for bring so many together so we can learn together.
I do not need to tell you to keep up the great efforts. Today you I say you just inspire me to be more reasonable and love me more. Take care sweet buddy. *hugs*