It is a Journey, Not a Destination

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this journey.  I know it is a journey because I am always moving — not always ahead as planned but man, there is always momentum!  When Mitch and I go out to walk together he is always slowing me down, reminding me that we left in plenty of time, that we aren’t going anywhere specific, or that I’m just going too fast.  I’m sure that could be broken down into multiple things about me.

So my journey lately has been full of movement, but I do seem to be having trouble moving where I want to be.  Maybe I need to pay more attention to what I’m seeing along the way?  Just when I think I see an opening, things seem to shift around me.

First, a Journey Back to Me

I posted on my Ravelry group back in May about deciding I needed to lose weight.  I had become comfortably middle-aged, and soft in the middle. That’s not who I am, so I eventually decided I needed to get back to me.  As I approach senior citizen status I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I decided I at least needed to try — just for me. I signed up for the 14-day trial of Noom, because I knew I needed some guidance. Although much about it is similar to other weight-loss programs, it is heavy on modification of both behavior and psychology, which fit me really well.

I signed on for 90 days of Noom guidance, despite the fact that I had a rocky beginning.  I experienced a lot of ups and downs, but I stuck.  Did I mention that they congratulate me every time I log a meal — I love positive reinforcement.  So I am at over 280 consecutive meals logged in, and I have lost 12.5 pounds.  I renewed for a second 90-days, but I’ll not need to do more than that.  I’m pretty much done with the weight loss part, and am now working on the cementing of those habits for long-term stability. I’ve found a renewed pleasure in my fruits and veggies, and I’m really good at gaming the system to get to eat things I love.  Nothing better than an open-face BLT eaten with a knife and fork.

No Journey Is Without Potholes

I returned to running wholeheartedly (from half-heartedly).  Running happens two or three days a week depending on my schedule, and that has been a huge help.  Near the end of every run I do a 266 stair-climb.  I don’t like to waste time, so I do a bunch of arm and hand stretches on the down and back up.  Pilates twice a week is still on my schedule, but I’ve had to change one of the days and times (I hate that kind of change). The Noom app gives me bonus calories for the exercise I do (half the calories burned, I get to eat!), including walking, so I keep that up too.

I am delighted that I have returned to a weight where I am comfortable.  All my clothes fit again (which has not prevented me from buying new)!  Although I’m feeling super-fit, I have developed a literal “pain in the ass” and went to the doctor Tuesday for a physical therapy referral (whoo hoo, I snagged an appointment there for Thursday).  Another reminder that I have to care for myself, which is time consuming.

What Does That Journey Have to do with Knitting?

In my mind and heart everything revolves around knitting.  First, that Journey Back to Me consumed time.  Every hour spent doing something else means I’m not designing, knitting, writing patterns, writing, writing my blog, or getting a newsletter composed. Analyzing and reshaping my habits and my approach has given me a lot of new thoughts I want to share with you.

If I don’t have as much time to work and knit, I have the choice of cutting back, and/or redirecting my energy.  When I started thinking about how I spend my days, I realized, quite honestly, I don’t love writing knitting patterns.  I like making charts, drawing schematics, laying out patterns, figuring out how to present the information, finding words that communicate, and thinking about each issue as it presents itself, whether in design, or layout, or composition.  Almost everything about the process intrigues me, but not the actual pattern!

What I Love is Problem Solving!

Solving problems is where I shine and where my real interest lies. Once I solve all the problems, I’m ready for the next thing. Knitting, knitwear design, and teaching are perfect places to focus because there are plenty of things to solve, and something new always crops up just when I think I’ve solved everything. Plus, there is a lot I can share because my approach is a little off the beaten path. I’m looking for knitters who are interested in following that path, with guidance as needed!

Finding Courage, Changing the Journey

I find I keep writing patterns because I know how to do it.  It is a stage in the problem-solving process, but I’m looking for ways to extricate myself from that particular roller coaster.  I just want to talk and discuss knitting, and solve problems, and do all the things I’m really good at, like teach classes. So send me courage to help me change my journey!  Ideas more than welcome.