Too Much of ANYTHING is Never Good!

Flooding from the Ohio River in Metropolis, Illinois

May 10, 2011

Some will disagree with me, but I truly believe that too much of anything can be detrimental in one way or the other.  And yes, I would even argue that to be the case with too much money.  One only needs to point to the news or call out certain names to understand that too much money leads to greed, dishonesty, crime, cover-ups or just the inability to handle lots of money (i.e. lottery winners).  But this is not about money.  On our trip to Colorado (and you will be seeing pictures from that trip for a LONG time!), we saw lots of heartbreaking scenes like the picture above, where way too much water was causing major problems.  This was actually a totally flooded state park on the outskirts of Metropolis, Illinois.  On our return trip 6 1/2 weeks later, we noticed that the park still had not reopened and although the water had receded, the ground and facilities were a complete mess.

My point?  Since Monday's somewhat depressing post, I've done a complete about face and am now feeling like this:

 

Superwoman - Metropolis, IL

But in the process of the metamorphosis from Downer Dufus to Superwoman Sharon, I've learned re-learned some things which Stubborn Sharon wishes would sink in for good!  Since that horrendous weigh in early Monday morning, I have carefully planned, evaluated, measured and written down every morsel of food that had passed my lips.  And I have attempted to eat the way I always eat.  It becomes so clear to me that there can be no argument with WHAT I eat.  I cover every food group, eat food in the healthiest form available to me, try to eat it in the most natural form I can, and make a concerted effort to avoid processed foods.  But I have come to a crashing, crystal clear revelation that TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING IS NEVER GOOD!  Even yummy fruits and fresh vegetables need to be measured.  I'm not currently doing Weight Watchers, but I am a lifetime member so am a fan of the program.  But I honestly believe that I am the one who could mess up the "free" fruits part of the new plan.  For example, in my refrigerator right now, is a brilliant red personal watermelon.  It is totally delicious.  I could easily cut it into bite size pieces and eat the ENTIRE thing.  You could give me a choice of potato chips, cake or the watermelon and I would choose the watermelon.  But I must understand that TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING IS NEVER GOOD!

So this is what Superwoman Sharon is concentrating on this week and it is working.  I cannot thank you enough for your feedback from Monday's post.  It was quick, it was helpful and it was what I needed.  Thankfully, once I got over the shock of a 7-pound in 5 days gain, I went to work and the results have been good.  But I am giving myself credit for hard work.  Did I panic?  A little, perhaps, but the point is, I turned it around and we are back on track.  

Monday:

1250 calories

17021 steps

Tuesday:

1158 calories

18410 steps

As of this morning, I had lost five of the seven pounds.

Remember what I said about our return trip by the previously flooded park in Illinois?  The water had receded, but the mess remained.  What a clear picture of exactly what happens when we eat too much!

This morning during my quiet time, Psalm 145 was up next and one particular verse stuck with me all day.  Verse 14 says:

 

God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
      gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 

The Message Translation

 

I can't say that I was ready to quit, but I believe that God (through the words and kindness of my friends in BlogLand) gave me a hand and the courage to make a fresh start. 

And I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Maybe I'm wrong - It seems one could NEVER have TOO many ENCOURAGERS!