For the last few weeks, I’ve been feeling kind of “off.” I’ve felt anxious and stressed over work, finances, responsibilities, etc. I’ve felt anti-social and unmotivated. I went to the ER last Friday for some chest pains. After many, many tests, they ruled out any issues with my heart or blood clots. I had a really nice conversation with an X-Ray tech about the effects of anxiety and stress on the body. I’m not one to outwardly show emotions, or even really process emotions or feelings. So I have a feeling that’s where the chest pains were coming from.

Well, I’m happy to report that I’m feeling a lot better and that I feel like I’m starting to get my mojo back. The weather is amazing here right now, so I’ve been walking the boys (dogs) every day. Getting out in the sunshine feels so good! I’ve started writing in an “instant happy journal.” It professes to have “365 Days of Inspiration, Gratitude, and Joy.” And it’s really helping! I take a couple of minutes a day to stretch, breathe and reflect.

I’m also busier with stuff outside of work. I work from home, so I have very little human interaction every day. Getting out of the house and into the world more has helped SO much. It helps me remember that I’m a true social, extrovert and need to get out!

I’ve also started taking a daily selfie. Not sure why, but I feel like I’m going through some changes and it might be helpful to take a photo a day to document things!

The boys and I got out last night for a beautiful sunset walk along our favorite canal with some great friends! I usually walk the boys alone (I get off work at 2 pm and a lot of my friends aren’t available for mid-day walks). But it’s so nice to get out with friends!

It’s going to be a great week! Life is good!

I found a place with bottomless mimosas, good food, and a dog friendly patio. AWESOME PLACE! Be sure to visit Salut in Tempe!

First of all, let me say that the body positivity movement is a good thing. I think that people should be happy with themselves no matter what they look like. I think that your looks, weight, etc. should NOT determine your worthiness.

However, I’m also a big believer in living a healthful, happy life. And many times morbidly obese people don’t do that. One thing that worries me about the body pos movement is that people will say “I’m big, I’m beautiful and that’s ok!” Yes, it is ok if you’re healthy. But if you’re using your body positivity as an excuse to binge eat and never set foot outside of your home, then that’s bad.

I’ve seen a few people on Instagram like this and I really concerns me. I think that people should value their lives and should want to live it to the fullest.

So for me, and my weight, I believe that I’m beautiful and worthy of a wonderful life no matter my weight. I also realized that my weight limits me to living my life to the fullest and I want to change that. I want to not only live, but I want to have a life. I want to explore and hike and walk and have great adventures. And just because I’m ok with how I look and who I am, shouldn’t stop me from reaching my health goals.

Sorry for the venting; I hope this makes sense! #endrant

Happy Friday!! The picture above was taken yesterday during my walk with my boys (Toby (left) and Tucker). It’s SO gorgeous in Arizona right now. Highs in the 70s and nothing but sunshine! Can’t beat it!

So the dogs and I have been walking a lot – tryin’ to get in those steps (I’m on fitbit. Add me! reynoldsreport@me.com)

Which also means that I have a lot of aches and pains. Even the simplest tasks, like walking a mile or two, means my feet hurt, my legs hurt, and UGH my achilles’ tendons are SOOO painful. It takes a told on my body to carry around this extra weight. I can’t blame a calf – if I was holding up this much weight, I’d be pissed too!

So here are a few things that help me feel better and up to the task!

Calf stretcher!! This is a lifesaver! I’ve been a toe-walker my whole life, so my achilles’ tendons and calfs get SUPER tight. I step on this little baby right before my walks to help my muscles warm up. If my calfs are tight, I step up 3-4 times per day to try to loosen those babies up!

Muscle roller!! This thing is SO helpful in stretching any kind of sore muscle. I’m sure you’ve seen the big muscle rollers at the gym. But it’s tough to hoist my fat ass up to balance on those just to stretch my back or glutes. This helps a LOT when I need an extra hand in stretching!

Pillz!!! HAHA! These babies help me with my energy, mood and overall well-being. Most of those are vitamins, so don’t call intervention on me yet! Daily, I take stuff for my acid reflux (nexium – not pictured), a women’s multivitamin, B Complex vitamin, Vitamin D (twice a week), Juice Plus, Caffeine (so much better than drinking a gallon of coffee a day, and Aleve.

I also use epsom salt baths when shit gets really real. It helps relax and it’s also supposed to help with inflammation and soreness. It may be a placebo effect, but I truly feel better after an epsom salt bath.

So those are my tools of success. What do you use to help you be more active, and have more energy & less pain?

Every woman in my immediate family struggles with depression and anxiety. I struggled in high school with depression until I decided to make a conscious choice every day to be happy. Some days it’s still a struggle, but overall I’m a truly happy and optimistic person!

I have a few things set up every day that remind me of my mental (sounds weird, eh?) goals to keep me in a place of happiness and gratitude.

I have a reminder set on my phone every day for 7:30 am that says:
“May I experience this day from a place of peace and joy. May my highest angels raise me up, guide and protect me. I am so grateful for this amazing day to come!”

Another one at 9 am that asks:
“What do I want to accomplish today?”

And I surround myself with positive quotes on my walls, phone, computer, etc. Last night I took an online poll asking what my next phone wallpaper should be and this little guy won!

How do you set yourself up for success?

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IG & Twitter: @heartdogkelly

Hey there! That up there. Holding the wine. That’s me – Kelly. I rarely look that fabulous and instagrammy. But it’s one of my favorite photos. There will be a lot more photos of me on this thing looking no-so-fantastic. Which I’m also ok with.

I’m starting this blog, because I don’t really know anyone like myself. I know that there are people like me out there, and I want to be friends with you!

I’m a happy, fun-loving, adventurous, sassy 30-something. I’m also a huge dog lover – I have two, and you’ll be seeing many, many, many, many photos of them! #sorrynotsorry

I am also a big girl. I believe in body positivity and being healthy. Am I either? Ehhhhh. Do I want more of both? Absolutely!

I’m friends with a lot of active friends. A lot of hikers who go on 5, 10, 20, 50 mile hikes every day. I WISH I could do that. But I can’t. I have limitations because of my size.

But, I want to improve. I want to hike to amazing heights, and camp, and soar without any limitations!

And just because I can’t do that now, doesn’t mean I can’t do anything. I have a wonderful full life with adventure and excitement. And I like myself, dammit!

So this is my blog. I want to share what I’m doing, how I’m doing, how you’re doing, what I’m struggling with, what you’re struggling with, and maybe meet some friends along the way!

tl;dr : i’m super fun. i have some goals. here’s my journey.