how my life has changed

Rather than taking the time to write up what I’ve been doing, I thought I’d just explain how my life has changed so far.

• I am consistent in my Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and reciting parts of the Lotus Sutra every morning.
• I feel more confident about introducing others to Nichiren Buddhism. 
• I have lost 19.4 lbs. (as of today) — that’s 6.47% of my body weight thus far.
• I am pushing myself to be more physically active, even if that means just walking up and down 2 flights of stairs to get my mail everyday.
• I am no longer huffing & puffing when walking or going up stairs.
• I am engaging my powerhouse (abdominals, thighs & butt) muscles more and have alleviated pains in my back.
• I eat mindfully, rather than mindlessly — noticing when I’m hungry.
• I have not had chocolate or excess refined sugar in 7 weeks, I haven’t missed it!
• I am eating a more balanced diet, tracking my calorie intake, and measuring out realistic portions of food.
• I eat according to my body’s needs — I need to load up on proteins from ovulation through menstruation and then increase my carbs the rest of the month.
• I know how much money I have in my bank account and I balance my checkbook daily (for the first time in my life!).
• I know how much I pay for shelter and expenses, and I have hope that I will be able to put some savings aside soon.
• I am current with all my bills.
• I have a budget and I’m sticking to it.
• I’ve become a much more saavy food shopper and I’m eating out less.
• I am paying off my defaulted student loans.
• Four out of six rooms of my apartment and 2 out of 3 of my closets have been cleaned — and I’m maintaining those rooms.
• I am enjoying my space and allowing more people into it.
• I actually have clothes hung up in the closet and in my dresser, rather on the floor.
• I leave my bedroom door open without embarrassment or shame. 
• I rinse out my dishes & pots after I use them.
• I’ve been watching less television.
• I have more time to do the things I want to do.
• I no longer feel overwhelmed by my circumstances.
• I am taking my medications and vitamins daily, and consistently.
• I’m taking time out for my interests — being with friends, writing & learning more advanced aspects of Adobe Photoshop.  (My header picture was created in Photoshop.)
• I have set up my computer workspace in my kitchen.
• I feel more organized.
• I have and enjoy time in the morning for contemplation.
• I haven’t felt the desire to drink alcohol.
• I am sleeping more restfully.
• I don’t take my laptop to bed with me.
• I’m answering my telephone and returning calls.
• I am taking care of my car.
• I cleaned out the rotten food from my refrigerator & freezer yesterday.

I measure my transformation in subjective ways since life cannot be measured in purely quantitative ways, no matter how many spreadsheets I create.  Regardless, I am making lasting & positive changes… I feel great!