Focusing on me this year...

Taken by Kimberlea Stowers. Edited by Amber Sallot

We have settled in to our new home, and as our dynamics have changed inside and outside the household I started focusing on me. My daughter has moved out of state, my son is a full fledged teenager, my management team is shifting at work, and things are changing all around me.  Relationships with family and friends have changed. Nothing negative, just different.  My brother and I are really building a solid relationship. We've never been especially close in the past, but we are finally growing a stronger bond in our adult sibling relationship.

"Portrait of a Warrior"

I submitted a piece to a small local art gallery.  This was a big step for me. I post my work publicly, but I stay within my comfort zone. From what I shoot and to what platform I share, public, or private; I have control.  The gallery was more of an assignment. I had to submit something under the theme "Divine Femininity" , I didn't know if it was going to be accepted.  I had a lot of support from friends and family.  Family, I expect support. Friends, wow! You can really feel the love from those who are happy and excited FOR you and your accomplishments even if they aren't all that into what you're doing. It speaks volumes and made me feel WONDERFUL. To get the support from people who aren't obligated by blood is a powerful feeling. I adore each and every one of these people. So, thanks guys!

I continue to work on my "Loki Art". It's training for the both of us.

Then I started working on my health. My mom got injured earlier this year. Due to her medical problems it put her at high risk for stroke or a diabetic coma. I really needed to focus on my physical body.

Down my first 10lbs.

I will say that losing weight initially was at least 50% vanity. However, it has turned in to this health goal.  Since 2010 my insulin production has been really high due to resistance. This means my body was pumping out more and more to keep blood sugar down..and you know what even with high levels coursing through my veins my fasting sugar was still a little high...EEEEK.  After losing 10lbs, being good about taking my Metformin and Vitamin D (was low on that) My insulin, glucose, and vitamin D are ALL WITH IN RANGE!!!!!!!!!! For the first time in nine years my insulin was within the 2.-29.1 range. I was rocking numbers i the 80s for years! My fasting glucose in September was 136....This month 96!!!!  This has been the biggest motivator! I joined a gym (again) to take advantage of a work bonus. My employer pays for almost my entire membership, I now live six minutes from a gym and figured I have NO excuse. I can scrounge up the $3/mo my employer doesn't pay, and $40 a year for the annual fee.

So there you have it. I am working on me.  I'm working on things that bring me joy.