The first five words of  a great song and the best 5 words in my life right now.  About 4 1/2 years ago at an annual eye exam, my doctor told me I was beginning to develop cataracts.  Fast forward three years, to an eye exam in Korea where the best part of the process was receiving a cake when I picked up my new glasses (that is another story). :p  One would have thought the glasses were made of pure gold, but hey, I needed to see. Unfortunately, the glasses did not serve their purpose in helping me see better, and I could never wear them. In fact, during the next year and a half, my eyes continued to worsen, so much so that by December of 2016, I was barely driving and never at night.  

Disappointed that my new Korea bought glasses were not helpful to me, I was greatly anticipating getting to the states to see my very own eye doctor.  As soon as I could get an appointment I went.  I was so disappointed when I could not get an updated prescription for glasses at my appointment. Instead, I got a referral to an eye surgeon for cataract removal.  :(

The surgeon would remove the cataracts from both eyes but the procedures would be two weeks apart. I decided to hold off until January 2017 for both procedures for the best insurance outcome.  The waiting was excruciating.  I felt so isolated, desperate to see, and ansy to drive myself...anywhere!  

This week will be my last follow-up doctor visit following the second procedure, and what a treat, blessing, and joy it is to see clearly.  In fact, one day post-op for each eye, I had 20/20 vision.  As a glasses wearer since 5th grade, I can honestly say I am not sure I have ever seen like this before.

Hee Hee...funny story...we have attended Calvary Chapel Merritt Island since 1998. For most of those years we have sat about 3-4 rows from the front and center.  Also, I worked at the school (inside the church building for 3 years).  Today was the first time I have been to church with both eyes corrected.  I was so amazed at how beautiful the dove is that hangs behind the alter and noticed the details of the wood grain in it. I whispered to Tom and asked him, has the dove always been that  beautiful wood grain color?   He tried not to fall over from laughing because of course, it has always been that way!

Blessed to have a great surgeon, Dr. McManus at The Eye Institute and a great Healer, the Lord God Almighty!

In health, blessings, and love,
Cindy 

​Through a book study at work, I have been learning about mindsets and brain research conducted by Dr. Carol Dweck and team.  Specifically, Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset. First the research and researcher.   Dr. Dweck is a noted researcher from Stanford University and has been conducting brain and mindset research for decades.  She firmly attests that a Growth Mindset is the foundation mindset that drives success.

Part of her team’s latest brain research has proven that intelligence can be changed through training and effective effort and the pattern and strength of our brain’s neuro-connections underlie the knowledge and skill we possess.  In essence, that our brain is capable of changing through learning.  Understanding that our brains can change and that our abilities are malleable, that is flexible, is the foundation of a growth mindset.    Every single brain can become stronger and more capable.
 
Why am I talking about Mindset-specifically Growth Mindset?  Because I believe that our success toward living healthy lives hinges heavily on our mindset.  A fixed mindset says, “Ah, I overate at lunch, so I will just eat these processed, junky snacks or this not-so-healthy dinner I am not very good at this healthy eating thing anyway.”  Or “I did not workout this morning so I have blown it. I might as well have fast food for lunch now.”

While a GROWTH mindset says, “Tomorrow morning I will complete x,y,z specific workout and my clothes are ready right next to my bed.” Or “Oh man, I did not get up in time to workout this morning, I will fit it in before bed.” (And then does)  Or “I accidentally left the house without my healthy snacks, hmm, let me run into the grocery store and by some ready to eat veggies and protein.”
 
 So knowing that the research proves our brains can become stronger and more capable through effort, we can see that each of us is capable of changing our mindset.  Whether it relates to living healthy, pursuing a goal, dream, or challenge, or some other aspect of our lives. Maybe you feel you are not equipped to make these changes on your own and would welcome support.  Please reach out to us at A Lifetime of Fitness for support in reaching your health, fitness, or life’s goals.  We believe in each of you and it would be our pleasure and true joy to help you change your mindset and change your life.
Growth Mindset is the foundation mindset that drives success.   And success happens at ALOF