Confession Number One

When it comes to losing weight and staying fit there isn't a pill, a magic potion or an easy way out. The truth is it takes commitment and effort. My father always used to say, "any thing worth having, is worth working for". I personally can't think of anything I'd rather have than a happy healthy life. Struggles and conflicts are a part of any journey. Improperly managed they can easily become a convenient excuse to quit. Many of us struggle with day to day stress, boredom, fatigue, family demands, finances ...the list goes on and on! However, we don't have to let these things prevent us from living a happy, healthy life!


Several years ago I joined Weight Watchers and lost 47 pounds. I was doing great, as a matter of fact I was over half way to my goal. I believed I finally had a good grasp on things. It turns out I was right, I did have a good "grasp". The problem is I was grasping the wheel of the crazy bus!! Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is, " doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". Regardless of the weight loss program, if you don't stick to it and begin repeating old habits, you are going to get the same old results you got before.


So I hopped right on that crazy bus, placed my hands firmly on the wheel and steered straight down crazy street. First I quit going to meetings, and slowly quit doing every thing I had been taught, slipping easily back into old habits. Of course I regained all the weight I had worked so hard to lose, plus a few special bonus pounds.


Depressed and angry with myself I just gave up. I told myself I was under a lot of stress and I would get back on track later, after things "settled down".  I would do that right away....you know, after the first of the year. But then, I began to rationalize, the problem with getting started right after first of the year is it is just too close to my Anniversary. Of course not long after that is Valentines day so it just makes sense to wait until after Valentines day, right? Oh, but wait... Easter is just around the corner and it would be pure stupidity for me to get started then. I mean, why would I do that? After Easter is perfect! Well, except that is hardly enough time to lose all the weight I need to lose to look even half way "normal" in time for our annual family the camping trip. I guess I'll be showing up fat AGAIN!!! So, why bother?  OK, so now the camping trip is over and fall is just around the corner. I'm upset with the way I looked, embarrassed that I could barely get back on the wave runner, and as an added bonus I am up a few more pounds. So, maybe now would be a good time to get started. Except, fall is just around the corner and we all know what that means. Here comes the triple threat!! You know what I am talking about...Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!!  No one in their right mind would start a diet now!! So I'll just get through the Holidays and then I will start...let's see... how about after the first of the year? Oh wait..isn't that what I said last year? Ugh!!


The problem is life goes on. We can't stop the ride and get off, we have to learn how to embrace it. With that in mind I knew I  had to find my way off Crazy Street.  I enjoyed success with Weight Watchers before, so I put on my big girl panties, got in my car, drove to my nearest Weight Watchers meeting and turned myself in. 


I am doing well now and once again enjoying successful weight loss. I am currently down 47 pounds. However, this time around I chose to adopt a different perspective and a fresh attitude. You see, I realized that before I just went through the motions. It was a simple formula for me, just count points, drink water, walk around the block a few times and move on. The problem with that is, just going through the motions doesn't truly evoke change. I knew if  I didn't change my way of thinking, and create new and healthy habits, I was just simply putting a small band aid a much larger problem. I had to embrace a new possibility, a new life and a new me. But how??


The truth is, for me this is still a work in progress. I am constantly seeking to learn more about maintaining a healthy life style. I want to give my family the gift of a long and healthy life, and I want to be there to enjoy it with them!!


My hope for this blog is to be able to share with others the things I learn upon my journey. Tips, recipes, inspirations, motivators, what ever happens to come my way. I am not a doctor, a nutritionist, a chef or personal trainer. I am simply a person on a journey! I hope others will enjoy the things they find here.