What Have You Gained from Losing?

This weight loss journey has amazed me.  Never in a million years would I have thought that I would find such blessings from an area of my life that was in such disrepair.  But I have.  And now, I wouldn't change one thing about my journey!

Here are just a few things that I have gained from losing weight.

1.  My health - I was taking 5 different medications.  I now only take my thyroid medicine.  My blood pressure and depression are GONE.  It is hard to be depressed when you have so many endorphins running through your body from working out.

2.  Confidence.  I think I can do anything now.  If I can conquer this weight issue than everything else is insignificant.  It was the one part of my life I had little to no control over.  That has completely changed.  I am in charge now.

3.  Strength.  I double dog dare someone to try to take my purse.  I would run after you and kick some serious ass.  When you feel strong there is nothing that you can not do.  I couldn't  run before losing weight...hobble maybe, but run, no way! 

4.  Energy.  It is amazing how good you feel after losing 20 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs.  I used to nap during the day.  I am so full of energy now that I can barely sit down or stay still!  I have to go, go, go.  When you have 3 kids that extra energy sure makes life a lot easier.

5.  My kids admiration.  This was very important to me.  I wanted to be a role model for my girls.  Before losing weight, I was not the best mom I could be.  I can now be not only physically active with them but they no longer have to worry about my health.  I can be someone that they want to be like.  An inspiration to them.  They now see that I can do anything I set my mind to. 

6.  I have gained a waist.  That's right.  My waist line has made a reappearance.  NICE!

7.  Support.  From people that I least expected.  Amazing friendships have happened.  I have people cheering me on that I never expected to support me in this journey.  It is hard to fail when you have that much support.

8.  Space.  Let's face it, being heavy takes up a lot of space.  I can sit in any seat comfortably, spaces no longer feel confining.  There is now a lot of extra space in our king size bed. 

9.  A better outlook.  Because when you are fighting with yourself it is hard to be positive.  My attitude towards myself and the world is just a bit sunnier these days.

10.  Respect.  Mainly from myself.  Because I refuse to beat myself up anymore, especially over food.  I won't let food control me anymore.  I will respect myself and my body.  I will take time for myself EVERY day.  Why?  Because I respect myself.

There are so many other things I could list.  The list could be endless. 

What have you gained from losing?  Or if you are at the beginning of your weight loss journey ask yourself this........what will you stand to gain from losing weight?

New Year Comparison Pictures

Since today is the start of a new year, I thought I would give you the mother of all mothers in comparison pictures.  I have to say, as I am typing this my hands are shaking. 

The before picture actually makes my stomach hurt.  It makes me want to cry.  To reach out and tell that woman that no longer exists that there is a way out.  You see, at that point I had given up.  I believed at the time that I would just be fat until the day I died.  2 years later..........I have a new outlook. 

My band has given me the greatest gift.....my life back.

I know my band doesn't do most of the work.  That I have to work hard, eat right and exercise.  But, it gave me the kick in the ass that I needed to get back on track.  It gave me back hope.  It gave me the courage to push myself.  It made me love myself again. 

And so to my band I say...............thank you, for teaching me that I AM WORTH SAVING!!!  Thank you for helping me believe in myself again.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! 

 

Word For 2012

Here is my word for 2012.  DEDICATED.  I chose this word because in the past I tend to lose focus on what I want to accomplish.  Not this time though.  I am dedicated to my goal.  I want to be the healthiest I can be.   My 40th birthday is coming up (June 6th) and I want to know that I have worked my hardest to be the best 40 yr. old I can be.

dedicated

Definition

ded·i·cat·ed

[ déddi kàytəd ]

ADJECTIVE 

1. 

devoted: wholeheartedly devoted or committed to a goal, cause, or job

2. 

intended only for one purpose: designed to carry out only one task, or set aside for a specific purpose

"relayed via a dedicated satellite link"

ded·i·cat·ed·ly ADVERB

Thesaurus

ADJECTIVE

Synonyms: devoted, enthusiastic, keen, steadfast, loyal, committed, faithful, out-and-out, staunch, stalwart

ADJECTIVE

 

Zumba Is Not For Everyone

Last night I went to my very first Zumba class with one of my besties.  I have been looking forward to this for months.  I know some of you adore it and I couldn't wait to try it out and see what all the fuss was about.  And while I had a lot of fun (mainly laughing at my white girl dance style), I have to admit...........I am not a fan.

I am shocked.  I love to dance.  But when I work out, I need to feel the burn.  I need to push myself really hard.  I want that sweet runners high.  I want to work out some aggression by kick boxing or running to loud angry music.  That is just my workout style.

What did I love about the class?  I loved the fact that I went the whole way through and never once thought about giving up.  I wasn't winded to the point of gasping for air.  I wasn't the biggest one in class.  I am strong and can hold my own.  I am in really good shape physically (thank you band!).

Would I do it again with friends?  Absolutely.  It was fun.  Would I do it for my workout routine on a daily basis?  No, it isn't something I would stick with.

Anyway, on the way home I stopped at the Wally World to check out training videos (I feel the need to incorporate some into my walking/running routine).  And I found this................

Have I ever mentioned my little crush on Dolvett?  No? Well, I think he is absolutely gorgeous.  We watch TBL just so I can see his beautiful face (and hot body!).  I would be in the gym EVERY hour of EVERY day if I had a trainer that looked like him.  My girls laugh at me and say I am a desperate housewife.  Perhaps that is true.  But, if watching him workout will help me stay focused then bring on the "At-Home Challenge". 

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!!

New Years Resolutions?????

I am trying to decide whether or not to make a New Year's Resolution.

The decision is really stumping me.

In past years, I made resolutions to lose weight, workout more, eat better, etc.  But, 2011 has been a pretty good year for me health wise.

Should I make a New Year's Resolution and mess with what I have been perfecting this year?  Or, should I leave well enough alone?

If the past is an indicator of my success than I may want to stay clear of any resolutions that pertain to weight loss.

So this year I am resolving to.....................................trust myself.  Because, I have never trusted myself or my decisions when it came to my weight.  I am resolving to actually listen to my body and my band.  To, quit second guessing myself.  To own the success that I have had and trust that I will make the choices I need to get to goal.

Trust..................it is really scary for me.  Especially, trusting myself.

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions? If so, what are they?

Game On!

Something Vicky at My Shrinking Belly said really hit home for me.

I am right at 190 now.  190.2 to be exact.  And I am comfortable here.  People are amazed by my success.  My health has not been this good in 15 years.  I think I look pretty darn good.  But am I willing to settle here?  When I only have 15 lbs. to my big goal? 

I did not have LB to settle.  I had it to gain control of an aspect of my life that lacked any discipline.  It was a last chance effort to get my health back on track.  This for me is the last resort. 

So, am I going to let the Christmas cookies win?  Let the chocolate and candy control me?

No.  I am not.  I will not.  I am stronger than food.  It will not win this time.

So thanks, Vicky, for helping me see it is not acceptable to settle here at 190. 

And to food, I say...............Game on!  I am stronger than you.

I Swear I Am Not Lost.............

Really, I am here (at least in spirit lately!).  But, since the whirlwind of Disn@y W*rld at Thanksgiving my universe has been in constant chaos.

Let me paint you a picture.

Thanksgiving at the big D-World.  Where we all had the dreaded stomach flu.  Yep, fun times.  But, what a great trip.  It will be something we always remember.  And.........I fit with tons of room in airline seats and rides.  Nope...........my fear of being escorted to a larger seat never happened.  I walked circles around my kids..........they kept complaining and I just kept walking.  That is a great feeling! 

The Saturday after we returned, I had PTO winter carnival.  Since I am the president, that means I am in charge.  I spent probably 40+ hours at the school that week.  My laundry room is still packed with dirty clothes from our trip!

Here is a picture of Lesley and I working our elf magic at the carnival.

Last week...........more PTO.  This time of year seems to be really busy with parties and events.  Did I mention I think I might be crazy for accepting this gig?!  Or at least maybe I will go crazy.

One thing that has not changed.............I have walked EVERY day.  That is non-negotiable for me.  It is my time.  My little sanity break.  My cell phone stays off until about 10 and everyone knows not to bother me.

I have not been logging my food for 3 weeks either.  And you know what?  I have been continually losing.  I actually think I may be eating less since I do not know how many calories I have to play with.  But, I am going to start tracking again because my type A personality is getting the best of me.

This week.........more class parties, a PTO Santa store for the kids, church pageant and Christmas with my parents. 

I sure am glad I have lost a lot of weight because I know I would have NEVER been able to keep up with my crazy life if I was 100+ more pounds.

So, yes right now is crazy with a capital C but..................I am living again.  I am present in my own life.  Life is good!