Back in the Saddle

Today I really feel like I'm back in the saddle and ready to ride again! I lost the small amount of weight I gained on the cruise plus I lost an additional 3 pounds so I feel I'm on my way to my goal.  My total weight loss is now at 65.4 pounds. *jumping up and down here*

I came across this quote today from my friend, Shawna, and thought a portion of it really applied to this journey I'm on:

"One of the key factors that will determine your ultimate success is whether you have the courage to fight through the challenges, obstacles and disappointments on your journey."

I feel that I have a new-found courage that I've been lacking over the years. But probably the biggest tool that I have is the encouragement and support of my family and friends, who lovingly hold me accountable to what they know I am wanting to accomplish. When I have a day that I'm disappointed that I've "only" lost a pound, they remind me of the total amount that I've lost. Some help me look at the things I ate the day before and figure out what changes I need to make in the things I eat today. Today was one of those days of "only" losing a pound after losing 2.4 lbs yesterday. But, I was so excited to see the 65.4 total that I guess I forgot about the day's amount. LOL  I guess it really is all in how you look at it!

I was a little afraid that after eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it over the past two weeks, I would have a hard time adjusting to a rigid schedule again. But, I am adjusting quite well and it's not as hard as I thought it would be. I want to urge this horse from a trot to a gallop, but I know that trotting along is what's best, so I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Giddy-up! Let's Go!

Looking Back

As I was creating my blog website, I started thinking about what photos I wanted to include on my photo page. For much of the past 17 years, I have tried to remain behind the lens of the camera and not as the subject in front of the lens. I absolutely hated how I looked in pictures. So, it is a pretty difficult thing for me to sit down and go through pictures to find something I am willing to post for everyone to see! Not only that, but it’s also hard to find many with me in them since I was the one taking the pictures. Lol

And now, looking back, I can really see just how overweight I truly was! Perhaps it’s a good thing to look back now and then, because I don’t ever want to go back to the place I was and be the overweight, unhealthy, unhappy person that I see in these photos. I want to continue on towards my goal and be the happier, healthier person I now see in the mirror every morning. In order to do that, I need to remind myself it’s all about choices. I can choose to put healthy food into my body, or I can choose unhealthy. I can choose to stick to my diet plan and reach my goal quicker, or I can choose to cheat a little and slow down the progress. Also, what typically happens when you cheat or do something you shouldn’t do? Guilt sets in! I am through with feeling guilty! I don’t want to disappoint God, myself, or those who are watching me on my journey. I don’t want to give satisfaction to those who are waiting for me to fall. Those who say it’ll never work for a lifetime. 

So tonight, when I fix dinner for my family and I make them yummy French Dip Sandwiches, I am going to savor my small bites of roast beef by itself, soaking in all of the flavor in each bite. Because I know that my current diet is not forever. I had a French dip sandwich before beginning this current round and it didn’t cause me to gain! I choose to “eat clean” for the present day, so that one day sooner I can enjoy a treat like that without bad consequences and without guilt. Most of the problem lies between our ears… our minds tell us we “need” something when in reality it is a “want” not a need. I’ve even experienced my mind telling me I’m hungry, but when I really think about it and am honest with myself, it’s not truly hunger, I just want to eat! I like the taste of food, I like the texture of food, I like all the different flavors of food. I still get to eat tasty, flavorful food right now so I can choose to enjoy what I have or pine for what I can’t.

With these thoughts in mind I can post these photos (Click on the Photos Tab under my welcome message) on the web for all of you to see. I am not the woman I used to be. I am thankful that God is transforming, not only my body, but also my mind, into a better person!

The Beginning

My Weight-Loss Journey

As some of you know, but most of you don’t, in July 2010 I began a new journey after booking a life-long dream, a cruise vacation. I decided I was determined once and for all to lose some weight and this seemed like a really good motivational tool to use. I did some research, talked to a lot of people, set a short-term goal, and a “longer-term” goal, and began my journey on August 3, 2010. It hasn’t been easy, but I have managed to reach my goals, even reaching them ahead of schedule. :)  My first goal was to lose 30 lbs by my birthday on September 14^th. I beat that one 2 days ahead of time, on Sept 12^th!

I made it through Thanksgiving, and having my extended family here for our family Christmas, with all that good cooking and special treats. My 2^nd goal was to lose 60 lbs by our cruise, and I reached that goal on December 12^th! Then I survived Christmas and New Year’s, managing to maintain the 62 lbs I’d lost. 

On January 9, 2011 we embarked  on our Western Caribbean cruise, which turned into a second honeymoon celebration. Also, neither of us got to experience the special time in our lives of going to Prom. So, when we had formal nights on our cruise, we went to “our prom". With Randy in his tux, and me in my evening gown, we had the time of our lives! We celebrated our marriage, the way this journey has drawn us closer together as a couple, the stage of life we are currently in as we adapt to having an empty nest. Randy has been my biggest and strongest supporter in this awesome journey and has even lost some weight just in support of me!

We are both feeling much, much healthier and have a new zest for life. Now that we have returned from vacation, I have set new goals and am continuing on my journey. With the help of God, my loving husband, and the support of my friends and family, I have every confidence that I will succeed! I thank those of you who have known about my journey and have been a huge encouragement. I ask all of you to continue to pray for me as I strive to continue this journey and make changes that will last a lifetime!