Motivational Monday: How To Comeback From a Loss

Good morning and happy Monday. Today my family and I are burying my grandfather. This is something I am honestly terrified to do. I know that today makes it official, that today makes it real and that he truly is gone. This is something I have feared since he was sick. I wasn't sure how I would handle this honestly because I don't have the best track record for handling life changing events well. Last year my entire life changed sadly not for the better for a long time. Instead of pushing forward I had given up on myself and everything. I feel victim to binge eating and periods of not eating. My weight went up and down and then straight up-12 pounds up. If you know me or have seen me you know that's a lot of weight because I am not a tall person.

It wasn't until I had to go to a party and needed clothes that I realized how poorly I was taking care of myself. I couldn't find anything to fit and so off to the mall I begrudgingly went...that was the moment standing in the Macy's dressing room, staring at myself in a mirror and then BOOM I was in tears my body was a mess. I was a mess. My life was a mess. That was the moment that I realized if I didn't change I wouldn't be here much longer. So that night I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post about a health and fitness group-that was my game changing moment.

When you are at rock bottom, when you have nothing left, you will try anything and that I did. It truly enabled me to take back my life, to start making healthy, more positive changes for myself. That group is when I learned how to control my emotional binge eating, taught me how to prepare meals and taught me how easy it was to get in daily activity to get serious results.

Today I am facing the same struggles....the food has been pouring in and there are so many  COOKIES. I LOVE cookies that is no secret but I know what it took to overcome last year and I will not go back. So even though things have been so difficult I have been doing a few things that have really been helping.

Tips to avoid going backwards:

1. Workout- legit no joke, I have worked out everyday, when you sit in a hospital all day, going home and sweating out all of your emotions leaves you feeling free

2. Be mindful of your emotions- when I am feeling really down that is when I take more time to be mindful. I know when I am down I am liable to eat, and not anything worthy of nutritional value, but crap. So when I am feeling like this I start by drinking water. Once I have drank a glass of water I go do something and then if I am hungry I eat. I really focus on my portions so that even if I eat a cookie I don't eat 12.

3. Do something for you- when we were making funeral preparations it took a lot out of my family. My brother and I got out of the house and went shopping. We drove around running errands for our

family and just got out of the house. It enabled us to be in the sun, enjoy each other's company and not solely focus on our sadness. So take time to get outside, read a book, go to a movie. Don't just sit and cry.

4. Give yourself credit-losing a loved one especially someone that is crucial to your life it can be so hard. Give yourself credit for waking up, for taking on another day, for getting through this. Don't get down on yourself because you are struggling. I used to beat myself over my emotional breakdowns because it was so embarrassing to cry in front of others. Fact people have emotions and they cry-it is okay! I PROMISE! Let your emotions out and you will be free.

5. Reach out to others- take time to reach out to your loved ones and close friends. When you are feeling like you are going to break, stop, pick up the phone and call someone. Share your struggles, your emotions, share what you need so that others know you need support and strength. My friends and family are keeping me going right now and if it wasn't for them I totally would not be okay right now. The people in your life love you and want to be there for you so allow them to take part of burden off of your shoulders.

My heart is so heavy but I know that we have to live for the loved ones who are gone. So today going into this funeral I am going to do my best to be strong but I know today will be a day of emotions. I have already worked out, prepared myself with an awesome chocolate vegan Shakeology and no matter what I am trying. Remember that: keep trying, giving up is never an option. Keep moving forward and love yourself.

You aren't going to feel great tomorrow, or even next week. Loss and grieving is not easy but you are worthy. You are here. You are blessed. Today I am opening a Wellness Warrior group open to anyone that wants to improve their health and fitness. If you are interested you can email me at ginamariefit@gmail.com or add me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/gina.caracci

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