 Photo by HT Photography: Little Lessons Learned by Dana "You're only as old as you feel." ~ Paul Simon I recently celebrated my 55th birthday. When I say celebrated, I truly mean it because I feel sincerely comfortable in my own skin, and I am in a very good place right now. I feel fabulous! I haven't always felt this way, but since January of this year, I've been committed to improving my health in a holistic manner. The desire was always there, but recent health challenges have truly lit a fire under me. My motivation has hit an all-time high. (Who is this person? I know, right?) Let me explain... Several months ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I knew something was wrong because night after night, I would wake myself (and others) up with my constant snoring. Every morning, I was left completely exhausted. After my sleep study, I wasn't surprised by the diagnosis, but I was shocked by the severity of my case. A severe case of sleep apnea is described as "30 or more breathing interruptions." I didn't have 30 interruptions, or even 50, but 117 breathing interruptions an hour! I was like: "Wait, what?" The technician said it was one of the most severe cases he had ever seen. Upon receiving this information, three thoughts popped into my head:
Throw in high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and now we're really having some good times.  Photo by Pixabay Part of my new routine has been completely stepping up my diet and exercise program. Protein and whole foods are a priority each day on my menu. I also now go to the gym faithfully and attend a fitness class twice weekly with my son, Tyler, called Building Better Bodies. In this class, we lift weights, do step work, and complete TRX strap exercises. Together with Tyler by my side and a great trainer (Thank you, Scott!), I am doing things I seriously thought I could NEVER do. Not only am I doing it, but I am LOVING it! Mindset is EVERYTHING. If you tell yourself that something is beyond you, it will be. If you tell yourself you will fail, you will. If you tell yourself that change is possible for everyone but you, then it will be. In my case, I always told myself that these classes were way too advanced for me and I was doomed to fail if I even tried. But then one day, I had a NEW thought. I dared to think that maybe, just maybe, if I could muster the courage to actually try an advanced workout class, I might just be successful! This change in thought process made all the difference.  Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com Why is it that we are so often our own worst enemy? Why can't we all just be our own best friend? Believing in yourself is truly the first key to success. We often sabotage our progress by having limiting beliefs. These beliefs keep us stuck, impeding us from the rich and healthy life that God intended us to have. Why do I share this information with you? To brag? Absolutely not. I truly hope you do not see it that way. I am not special. I am just a simple person who is taking small steps to change her life for the better. If I can do it, anyone can. My hope is to provide you with encouragement. We only get one go-around in life, and I want my journey to be the best it can be. I encourage you to have the courage to step out in faith in the areas that you need to change. I believe in you and know you are capable of making changes that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. You can do hard things, and I am here to be your cheerleader if you need me. Call to Action
Take care, my friend. I must be going as I have a healthy lunch to pack and a few more steps to get in. Until next time, Dana Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Please follow me on Facebook at Little Lessons Learned by Dana here. Tags: healthy lifestyle, healthy eating, exercise, goal setting, motivation, growth mindset, small steps, limiting beliefs, believe in yourself, lifestyle changeCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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 Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash Happy New Year everyone! I don't know about you, but for me it seems that the past year just flew by. It is hard to believe that here we are once again, welcoming a brand new year. As exciting as that is, I have found myself doing a lot of self reflection and want to share 5 important revelations I plan to take with me as I journey through 2025. I feel these ideals will help me as I endeavour to be the best person I can be and strive to love God and love people wholeheartedly. I invite you to join me. Here we go! Baby steps count Photo by Arina Krasnikova: at Pexels With every new year comes the infamous new year's resolutions. I am a great proponent of the DREAM BIG mentality but truth be told, in years past I have been guilty of making my goals, let's just say, a bit too lofty. The problem with that is this practice left me in defeat and discouragement about mid-January. I am here to tell you that baby steps matter. They matter BIG TIME. Every positive step that you take towards becoming your best YOU counts. I read of a man who needed to lose a lot of weight. He was lost on how to begin exercising but desperately wanted to start. Rather than say "I will work out for an hour 5x a week" right off the hop, he focused on establishing the habit of physically going to the gym first 3x a week. He did very little exercising, initially but he kept building on his small steps and eventually the results came. I am re-reading The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. The book is so helpful in reminding me how little positive choices, compound into big positive changes if you are willing to be patient and diligent. It is a great read and I highly recommend it for your 2025 reading list. Don't worry about results Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: at Pexels You may be thinking, what do you mean don't worry about results? Let me explain with a personal example. I was talking to my trainer at the gym recently as I am getting back to my exercise routines. I told him that I had slacked off because, well, life happens. I told him that I am committing to establishing the habit of going to the gym again, and the results will follow. I am using that mentality in all aspects of my life actually. Results don't happen overnight. This is why so many of us struggle. We want things NOW. I am reminding myself to be patient, because good things take time and they are worth waiting for. I want to show up in the ways that I want to improve in with my best effort, and hold the truth in my heart that the results I am seeking will come, if I am faithful. Do it now Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: at Pexels It is not the time my friends to put things off. This is the year to mend relationships, make that needed phone call, eat healthier meals, spend your money wiser, go for that long walk, book the vacation you have always dreamed of, take an interesting course, or pick up a new hobby. Start now. Every day I am hearing of people who passed away unexpectedly, or whose life situations changed drastically. I am sure many of them never thought that that day, or year these things would come to pass. Tomorrow is never promised. Cherish the time that you do have and live each day to the fullest. Fill your own cup first How many times have we heard, you cannot pour from an empty cup? As cliche as that may sound, it is absolutely true. For myself, I need to be the best I can be for my family, and students. Being with 20 kids all day can really take its toll. I need to remind myself, that when I am at my best, I can give all that I should to those who I am with each day. Self care is not selfish, it is vital. Take a nap, read a book, take a bubble bath. Take care of yourself and you and others will reap the benefits. Do your best and let God do the rest Photo by A. L. on Unsplash For the Christ follower, we are never alone as we journey through life. We are only human but when we partner with God, we are truly a force to be reckoned with! Know that God wants you to succeed in your goals and positive changes that you desire. Ask Him for the strength and dedication to do your best and ask Him to bless your efforts. He cares about every aspect of your life. He really does. I wish you a wonderful new year and pray for you that you can make this a year to remember in the best way possible. Until next time, Dana Isaiah 43: 16 -19: Forget the former things. God is doing a new thing. Little Lesson Learned: Look to this new year with hopeful anticipation of what God and you can accomplish together. Tags: Happy New Year, new year's resolutions, 2025, life hacks, life goals, change your life, positive attitudeCopyright: © 2025 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
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