Magic is Within - to a Certain Degree

There is no little magic pill.

It's that blatantly simple.

It's that confusingly complex.

Many would argue, and I would certainly agree, there are pills that save lives by keeping the recipients ... alive. They add something to the body's composition that is either lacking or they subtract that which is in excess. A normal system can fend for itself but many health issues are not just so easy to control with a practiced healthy living style. Medical issues can be less severe, postponed or in some cases, eradicated - but if a person is predisposed to a condition through genetics, then pills are going to be helpful, but not the saving grace. Here is where we say, the magic is within, to a certain degree. To "want to be healthy" and "being healthy" are ends unto their own. No matter how desperate someone is to be healthy, it is not possible to separate the dependency on pills from the desire to live free of them, if they are what keeps us living.

Overweight is a huge business, pun intended. Just plug in a search topic "diet pills" and the Internet is ripe with information - write ups and comments and claims, all over, state the same thing... "there is no magic pill when it comes to weight loss." A reasonably educated person knows that; I am also well aware of the dangers in relying on pills for helping with health situations. Trying to restore health to a body that has been mistreated - it's a long, long road to recovery. The little boost that a diet pill might give me is only the tip of the ice berg - there has to be a constant commitment to the health and well-being of a body, realizing that you only have one, and it should be a shrine, a temple, a possession to be treasured.

Obesity is outweighing most other health conditions, and it is even claimed to be of epidemic proportions in the US - I am sure that Canada does not fair much better in studies. An article on the web site Examiner.com reveals staggering and shocking statistics about being overweight and the probably of a shortened life span when it is part of what is known as the "deadly quartet" - high blood pressure, elevated bad cholesterol, and Type-2 diabetes.

So far, I have to combat two of the baddies, and came away from this morning's doctor's appointment with prescriptions in hand - Meridia for another two weeks and Crestor for moderating my moderately high cholesterol. Today, my results show that my weight dropped 4 lbs over the past two weeks, my blood pressure was great and there seems to be no lasting side-effects from taking the 10mg Meridia. My doctor has upped the dose to 15mg and perhaps, only a minor bout with insomnia might ensue while my body adjusts to the prescription. I still reserve judgment regarding its success for me, but am optimistic that things are improving with a constant watch on what I eat, making sure I drink my water, and taking the supplements I am currently on. The biggest change, other than getting back into a normal sleep pattern, was that I noticed portion size did decrease. My reservations in accepting big benefits with taking this diet pill, is that appetite did not always dictate what or how much was eaten. If the pill can suppress the desire for "feeling good" because of an awesome taste or comfort, then it might just work. I am open to being wrong on this one, for my sake.

I am happy to have found the doctor who is willing to appreciate my situation and help me with it, finding success in whatever way we need to. I go back in two weeks "just to check" and she apologized that she might seem like she's bugging me, but she just wants to be sure that this is working for me, and not against me. Once there is confirmation that things are moving along smoothly, I won't have to go back as often. I also have to go in six weeks for lab work to check on my blood and the cholesterol levels.

All in all, I am feeling not too bad even though I still don't have desire (or time) to go and exercise more, knowing full well that this is one thing my body reacts to in the weigh loss arena, having been there before. However, I am reluctant to over do anything to set myself "back." I am very pleased with the fact that I do not have to take over the counter or prescription back medication at this time.

One pill out. Two pills in.

Mind Over Matter

First of all, I hope you don't mind that this little blog appears to be neglected, having gone just over a week without an updating post. In my own defense, I could produce reams of evidence to support my writing habit with quite a number of other things in that time, and - you'll just have to believe me on this one - I have been consciously aware of the things going on around me to do with food, and dieting, and losing weight. In relation to the big picture, it does not matter that I have not written here but it does matter that things are going magically well. Do let me explain.

I have an enormous plate full of all kinds of delicious temptations and treats; they all keep me satiated and I'd even venture out as far as to say, contented, and almost happy. It's not that I was ever totally discontented or unhappy - just frustrated and restricted in certain areas of my life. It is hard to explain and yet it isn't. The feeling might be difficult to express but the situation I am sure is familiar to others, therefore, allowing for some kind of sympathy. One cautionary note I must make at this time ... is that this plate full of goodies is NOT food and it is nice to be full of other things rather than just caloric-intensified-sustenance. What changed? Not sure, it's a mystery.

I reported that I have been without back pain medication since I ran out of the prescription I was trying after my last doctor's appointment. I have not asked for the refill yet and with the exception of a couple of Tylenol on the odd day, I have been without pain assistance now for two weeks AND I have done more work around my mom's yard than I have been able to do for awhile now. Sweat-inducing, muscle reminding labor - yesterday was particularly gratifying as I was able to do approximately five hours of work without wimping out... and I even got out of bed this morning with a smile on my face. I feel it today - but it's that muscle -ouch- remember you have them - ache.

I can only accredit this change to "mind over matter" thinking that some of the internal mental and emotional decisions have attributed to the change and the gradual increase in my physical well-being. I have been eating better; drinking my water; encouraged by my family and friends and reciprocating that with my daughter's better health regime; getting back to what I love to do like volunteering for the local Shakespeare festival; I'm starting a company with a group of friends; and the biggest break from the past is that I have accepted if someone comes along who loves writing and would share his time with my writer's group, then I may be interested in a mutual relationship, but I am not searching anymore. The alone time is conducive to creativity and productivity, although the loneliness still strikes at times, but the mere hint of acceptance has given me some kind of magical freedom.

I can only say that perhaps the recent lunar and solar eclipse, the way of the world, mother nature's course, my ultimate journey, and a determined Aries spirit guide me. This is my challenge and however I meet it is the "write" way... the ending is yet to be determined and a long way off. Slow down. I hear ya.

"Dream of the end goal but focus on the journey - you might miss something spectacular along the way." (c) Linda J. Pedley

p.s. I just freaked myself out - felt my cat rub up against my leg under my desk... the cat's lying in the other room!!!!!!!!!