tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41189637324731144922012-02-16T02:22:32.631-06:00While most may start a blog while in the middle of their weight loss journey, I'm starting this blog after successfully losing weight. So this is a reflective journey as I am still trying to win the mental changes that come with weight loss.Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-29806429170210958842012-02-01T11:21:00.000-06:002012-02-01T11:21:26.894-06:00

As certain dates come and go on the calendar, I find myself reflecting over the past year.  A year ago I met someone who ultimately helped me realize what living a happy life meant. As I was struggling to figure out what to get my husband for Valentine's/Anniversary of our first date - I had the brilliant idea to make him a calendar with photos.  Who knew that exercise of selecting pictures over

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-23044693787943003622012-01-24T12:36:00.000-06:002012-01-24T12:36:20.813-06:00

Happily ever after - fitting thought after returning from the most magical place on earth with fairy tale princesses at every corner. But happily after what? - After clearing the bad relationships from my life? - After achieving a certain project at work? - After hitting goal weight? - After completing my first triathlon? - After running my first marathon? - After completing the Goofy Challenge?

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-50385162433221962192012-01-19T15:53:00.000-06:002012-01-19T15:53:44.804-06:00

Yes - it's been a very long time since I posted anything here. Why?  Hmmm - that answer is complicated - let's just say it might offer many more postings in the near future.  So I have neglected this site, struggling with pleasing everyone, frustrated by lack of inspiration, frantically searching for motivation to continue the journey. So what have I been up to since I last posted? Honestly, not

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-39840956913991195952011-09-07T11:57:00.000-05:002011-09-07T11:57:10.284-05:00

Okay - so Facebook likes to show you what was on your mind a year ago by displaying your status update... August 28, 2010 - "Cleaning out the closet today... hoping for mental clarity" Lots of things went through my head at that moment... Seriously? It's been a year already?  WOW! I never expected this much change in search of mental clarity. How many times have I cleaned out my closet since

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-7108815523142183632011-07-12T14:32:00.000-05:002011-07-12T14:32:01.253-05:00

Yes - still on the recent bike injury and recovery... Despite the success I had in 2010, right now I feel disappointed - in my life, achievement to goals, and with myself. As I get ready to be medically released, I don't know what I expected.  Knew I wouldn't be back to the way I was before the accident, but didn't expect where I am today.  And I am in shock that my attitude can flip from

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-6605202412573780872011-07-08T20:23:00.001-05:002011-07-12T11:40:52.231-05:00

Sometimes my best inspiration comes 30,000 feet in the air - the best time to think and reflect. Since the bike wreck in April and shoulder surgery in May, I've struggled with life. I've never been stopped like that, everything around me came to a stop - work, kids, friends, and love life. Well, as I write this, I'm laughing thinking those things came to a crashing halt just like that day on

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-55572338988399302932011-05-16T18:37:00.000-05:002011-05-16T18:37:51.120-05:00

Okay - this one will be interesting - mental ramblings from an airplane... Some days I'm just amazed at where my brain can wonder. I've been stressed a little more than usual lately - and discovered that I'm still guilty of living inside my head. Unrealistic expectations have now moved on to doubt - doubting my own abilities with work, parenting, relationships, friendships, and even fitness.

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-1959474949580619542011-05-01T23:59:00.000-05:002011-05-01T23:59:22.301-05:00

Me patient? Never... probably why I keep coming back to this topic.  This must obviously be that thing I must overcome in order to find harmony in life.  Yep - I'm going to learn this the hard way...  I've really struggled lately - feeling discouraged on my progress to this year's goals, overwhelmed by life's chaos, and in general, uneasy with the unpredictable.  Makes a perfect storm for

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-27666964975967309172011-04-11T19:46:00.000-05:002011-04-11T19:46:47.125-05:00

I know it's been a while again. I could do this like confession and pray for forgiveness, but honestly, I've just lacked focus for the last few months. But, inspiration can come in the most random series of thoughts.  Let's see if you can follow my mental ramblings... I was sitting at my computer stressing about life. How a recent bicycle wreck and injury are messing up with my plans - causing

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-33543603562192271842011-03-23T13:43:00.000-05:002011-03-23T13:43:21.168-05:00

I know...it's been a while since I last blogged.  Life has been BUSY - and I was obviously missing inspirational writing opportunities by losing focus on the chaos of everyday.  But - here's my latest mental ramblings - it's an emotional week for me - getting ready for another half marathon... I am determined to hit my goal of under 2 hours. So... in reflecting over the past year, assessing where

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-43860743419100124502011-03-03T17:32:00.000-06:002011-03-03T17:32:14.858-06:00

I think I just had one of those moments where I realized my obstinate self is finally giving in... This past weekend I endeavored on my 3rd Half Marathon - Cowtown in Fort Worth. After the success in hitting a PR at White Rock in December and PR pace for the 15K in January... I set a goal for another PR (personal record for those non-runners).  I wanted 10 minutes faster than White Rock - that's

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-17119336579538369492011-03-02T21:41:00.000-06:002011-03-02T21:41:28.892-06:00

Yep - This officially makes me a Nike Girl for life! Here's my story that was profiled on Nike Women.  In this photo: Amy Hamm: We don’t buy into the notion that you have to be brainy or a jock. You can be a superstar athlete with a master’s degree or a rocket scientist with rock-hard abs. But in Amy’s case, she really did identify more with intellectual pursuits instead of physical ones.

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-54934122501464039582011-02-22T15:57:00.000-06:002011-02-22T15:57:28.223-06:00

Sometimes I get inspiration for my mental ramblings from the least likely places...a comment from a friend - and then pause for deep reflection... and inspiration to share my craziness with you! "You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there." If you read my earlier post about my struggle with self-image, you may recall that the "overly dramatic"

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-52605631185551585962011-02-13T21:25:00.000-06:002011-02-13T21:25:02.601-06:00

Well - it all started with rewarding myself with new athletic clothes - something I've learned to love with the weight loss... buying all those cute capris, shorts, tops, and - the best - shoes.  I've dabbled with other brands - but I'm a Nike Girl at heart.  Why? Nike Attitude T-Shirts.  They power my attitude for the day - make me smile - and I wear them with pride!  Marketing at its best - I

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-34331827602354393972011-02-11T18:57:00.000-06:002011-02-11T18:57:50.760-06:00

I want to revisit a topic - because it keeps rearing its ugly head at me: Self-Limiting Behavior. Now why would I think that just because I recognized this issue and successfully overcame it in a couple of instances that I somehow have won the battle - Oh yeah...unrealistic expectations...  Behavior - in it's purest form is something that is repeated over time.  I must repeat the desired

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-75449053479027524252011-01-26T20:31:00.000-06:002011-01-26T20:31:22.586-06:00

Yeah, yeah.... a sports analogy from the non-sports girl. Don't hate me - but I really don't even watch basketball. But I started researching the philosophy behind rebounds and the role of rebounding in a game - Here are some of the things I found... Few statistics influence the outcome of the game as do rebounding. Rebounding is essential to winning the game. Rebounding takes dedication.

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-56305970088445065522011-01-17T18:22:00.000-06:002011-01-17T18:22:47.368-06:00

My resolve as I start the next book of my life - is to strive for better balance. What? My life isn't perfect? Nooo.... far from it.  With my obsessive tendencies, it was quite easy to lose focus during the weightloss journey on the things that were really important. So here I am coming clean and admiting that all is not well in my life. "The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-50827695612446328402011-01-11T14:31:00.000-06:002011-01-11T14:31:58.162-06:00

Was a Dr. Suess Book.... Yes, you read that right. Not a cheesy gift, but absolutely the PERFECT present! So which book?   Oh, the Places You'll Go! My dear friend gave this to me for Christmas and personalized each page with how I should interpret or apply the words - or just overall encouragement on my current journey. It was a perfect gift because 2011 marks the next phase of my journey -

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-84365344128951151612011-01-06T10:54:00.000-06:002011-01-06T10:54:28.449-06:00

I've heard the term "live out loud" but never really paid attention or took it to heart what it actually meant. Then I stumbled on it a couple of times in the last few months and finally understood its meaning (well - at least how I interpreted it.) During the journey of changing my body and mind, I kept everything to myself.  I still shake my head when I think about how fear can negatively

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-17337548102438401652010-12-31T15:21:00.000-06:002010-12-31T15:21:29.942-06:00

I've been contemplating the last blog for 2010 for some time. How do I summarize this year? How do I acknowledge the success while still feeling like it's not completed? How can I celebrate the successes when I know my hardest battle is ahead of me? And then I was discouraged in this morning's gym time, I lacked the mental and emotional energy to do what I know I am able to do... struggled to

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-66406368198873080132010-12-21T21:35:00.000-06:002010-12-21T21:35:37.827-06:00

Okay - lately it's been a reflective time during my journey over the past year - and I will let go of something I have held in my head for some time...  This is me stepping outside of my controlled boundaries and sharing how I am really feeling. I am codependent and an enabler. Pure and simple.  It was the only way I would feel good about myself - to "take care of" or  "save" others.  I know

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-77096785372911418822010-12-14T06:25:00.002-06:002010-12-14T12:31:13.887-06:00

It's been a while since my last posting, still working through this journey of creating the person I want to be... In learning to like myself, I have to be willing to let go of enabling tendencies and confront those self-esteem issues head on. I came across an interesting concept - emotional honesty. Emotional dishonesty is when we do and say things that are not true to what we feel within our

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-83033904463500379382010-12-06T18:23:00.001-06:002010-12-06T20:34:28.145-06:00

Many times we think of the Finish Line as the marker of success - that all your hard work early pays off in the end. Yep - me and that success thing again - measuring my self worth by achievements. On Sunday as I ran my 2nd Half Marathon in 4 weeks, I let this race represent more than just another finish line.  Well - "let" is probably not the right word, since I self-impose things on myself

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-10451684363381613592010-12-03T23:09:00.002-06:002010-12-05T20:42:29.412-06:00

A friend posted this quote on her facebook recently - and brought back my own struggles and resolution to stop regretting the past. "No one can go back and make a brand new beginning, but anyone can begin now and make a brand new ending." Regret can be crippling on your thoughts and behaviors and is one of the biggest parts of my mental side of this journey.   My first major regret hurdle was in

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-34687619750504378812010-12-01T16:39:00.001-06:002010-12-01T18:00:16.169-06:00

Okay - don't laugh at me... This is a little bit of positive self-talk... I am an athlete...I am an athlete...I am an athlete...I am an athlete... I know I have been sharing my mental struggles through my journey - but this one is how my journey turned into a transformation! It was a turning point for my head - no more fear, challenging my self-limiting thoughts/behaviors, and rewriting how I

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-80708299357873274612010-11-27T22:54:00.001-06:002010-11-28T09:35:45.955-06:00

I started this blog to share with you my struggles with weightloss - the mental side. It's the mental side that stops many people from even starting and it's a mental struggle during the process.  "You make excuses to avoid facing your fears. And you end up with a life that's unfulfilling, because you miss out on the satisfaction that only comes from tackling something hard." Little did I know

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-81913187260023679152010-11-24T12:59:00.000-06:002010-11-24T12:59:29.891-06:00

This has been the hardest struggle for me throughout my journey. I don't see myself the same way others see me - I still see the fat, unhealthy person. If you read my previous post, than you know that unrealistic goals and failure are hard for perfectionists.  Another trait for perfectionist is the ability to become super-focused when striving for a goal.  Okay...so maybe I was so focused on

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-67016252796236188902010-11-22T23:04:00.003-06:002010-12-11T11:21:55.936-06:00

Well, it's what I recognize as my biggest mental flaw at the moment - I'm sure there's still more to learn...But here it goes...  I can easily be classified as a Type A personality - which means I tend to be impatient, controlling, highly competitive, and ambitious.  I am most definitely a high-achieving workaholic who multi-tasks, drives myself with deadlines, and can be unhappy about delays. 

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-89138786367389020712010-11-18T22:58:00.000-06:002010-11-18T22:58:58.164-06:00

Life isn't about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself. I heard this quote recently during a Women's Leadership Conference and it made me think... Yep - when I do start thinking, my mind tends to wonder into many different areas - it's kind of a game - 6 degrees of separation - trying to figure out how I went from one thought to the last. But as I pondered the statement, my initial

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-84964407418521237142010-11-17T22:10:00.000-06:002010-11-17T22:10:25.591-06:00

I get this question frequently - if I actually admitted (with full disclosure) everything I am doing today in my journey - it would scare even the most athletic.  Why? I can admit that I am now an addict - I definitely show signs of an obsessive disorder (that's a topic for another blog...).  But I didn't start off that way...  I made small changes along the way. Remember that a journey begins

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-2629748115042861272010-11-16T22:11:00.000-06:002010-11-16T22:11:26.086-06:00

So how did I come up with the title for my blog? Well - Let me tell you a little bit more about me... Currently in my job, I work for a Fortune 100 company as a specialist in Human Resources, specifically the area of Change Leadership or Change Management. What does that mean? As companies roll out new technologies, processes, or systems, my job is to anticipate the people side of the change. 

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118963732473114492.post-29175605626351544282010-11-15T13:57:00.001-06:002010-11-15T19:35:13.537-06:00

How do you start your first blog? That may be a laughable comment - anyone who knows me, knows that there are "lots" of things swirling in my head at any one given time.  Yes - some days you can see my mental disorders well - and others days, I am successful at hiding them. Now on to the real topic - my weight loss journey.  As I stated above in the information section, I am starting this blog

Amy Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10437148391771649438noreply@blogger.com3