Taking a new step...

Sorry it's been so long my friends since I've posted on here, but with grad school and back-to-school events going on, life's been pretty hectic. I've officially gotten over John and am seeking outside help to heal the gaps and gain some closure. I am still going strong with Zumba (thank you Mandy!!) and overall staying healthy (but chocolate and dr. pepper are REALLY hard to give up). A friend gave me an offer that I am finding hard to refuse, and considering we work together and she is a FANTASTIC person and teacher, making this decision will be something that is beneficial for both of us as teachers and friends. I am needing some prayers sent my way, however, as this is a decision that is not made rashly or hastily.

Love all of you guys!! Thanks for the help!!

An answer to my prayers...

On this journey of self-improvement, growing closer to God is a part of that. Received a call for help today to assist with Vacation Bible School, where young kids get to come and interact with people from the Church and with God in a comfortable setting. I volunteered my services, and already a sense of love and accomplishment is coming over me. I feel blessed beyond belief and I know that God is working in mysterious ways to help me improve my journey. Today, for me, is a day I can say thank you, God, for allowing me this opportunity and for bestowing Your blessings on me. I am truly grateful and thankful for your presence.

So... it's been almost a month...

So I guess, according to all my friends and family, that I made the right decision in ending my year and a half long relationship and that I'd be better off because of it. I guess you can say that, minus the part where it sucks sometimes. They didn't talk about any of that. So I've tried everything I know to keep myself busy and my mind off of things, including reconnecting with all of my friends and taking a week-long vacation to reunite with my family (as well as work on classroom projects). I can honestly say that I am ready for school to start, because sitting idly by doesn't really work for me. However, I graduate in December with my Masters. Then what? What should I start up next? I can't think of what to do again. I like having down time, but I've always been on the run, not even stopping to take time for me. Everyone says I need to take time for me, but I've never done that, even for just a minute, so I'm not really sure what to do. Any recommendations? I'm open for ideas.

A poem:

Taking time for me
Is not something I'm used to doing.
How do you just "slow down?"
Is that even possible?
Everyone around me is here for support and encouragement.
Including ones who I've never met.
Maybe it is time to take time for me.
At least after listening to others.

Please comment, like, and share! Much love to all of you.

Dana Beckenhauer

Oh the joys of putting my life back together....

I am so glad that I have a gym membership to relieve my frustrations and friends who constantly support me in my time of need. I am finally able to move forward with my life without having the constant worry of the next time something bad happens and it is my fault. So I've started, as some of my friends say, "Danafying" my apartment. It feels good to start anew, and keeping up with my self-improvement is proving much easier than it would seem.

Sorry for the short post, but homework and dinner is calling.

Until next time!

Dana

Powerhouse Gym: My go-to stress relieving place

Ever since I've decided to start improving my self-image, Powerhouse Gym has been my lifesaver. Their equipment is fantastic, and there is always someone walking around making sure that everyone is doing OK or to answer any questions. I've been in there every day (except for last weekend when I was rafting) between 30 minutes to an hour, either walking the treadmill, Zumba with Mandy, or riding the stationary bike. I've also noticed after finishing my workout, I have a ton more energy and want to go out and do other things, especially if I go around 4-4:30 after school. 

Since starting my journey, I've lost a total of 5 pounds, putting me at 205. Slowly but surely I am winning the struggle that has been going on for over a year! I appreciate the encouragement, prayers and well-wishes you all are giving me! Keep it up, I can't do this alone anymore!

Since beginning this journey, I've also noticed my attitude at work has drastically changed for the better, and am more optimistic about everything, including my problem children. I hope this trend continues, as my children need someone who is comfortable with herself, so that they can, in turn, be more comfortable about learning a second language.

Stay awesome, my friends!

Dana

Day 1: Joined Powerhouse Gym of Joplin

Today, I started on my journey of self-improvement. Over the past year, I've gained so much weight that none of my original clothes that still fill my closet fit anymore, and I've had to purchase new. On a teacher's salary, that's not something that should be an every month expense. I let myself go and not even bother with the consequences, and finally something hit me inside, whether it be my guardian angel, God, peer pressure, or some other unknown thing to me right now, that made me decide to make a change. My goal is to get back the way I was when I first met John, at 130 pounds. I am currently pushing about 210, and I feel terrible. I've started watching what I eat, which includes limiting the amount of breads and starches, and eating and drinking more healthy choices, like meat, cheese, plenty of water (even though it's Black Cherry flavored), and other choices (salad is still warming up for me). I haven't cut out sweets completely yet, because, as a teacher, chocolate is sometimes a lifesaver :) but I am watching how much of them I am eating. I've also started counting calories and keeping track of them with My Fitness Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker, and am hoping to start Zumba with Mandy next week. 

My goal with this blog is to stay motivated and true to what I am doing, so encouragement and prayers are GREATLY appreciated :) I am also taking grad classes and teaching summer school, so if I forget to post on a day (or am not near my computer/internet connection), I apologize in advance. I hope you will receive as much joy and encouragement from this as I am hoping to!

Dana Beckenhauer