A new journey to better health
I've made a decision. I'm gonna stick to this decision. I am overweight - by a lot. Haven't really decided how much detail I'll share here but I am going to share my journey, because I feel compelled to do so.
I'll start by telling you that I have been completely inspired by several people in my life but mostly by my wonderful daughter who took control of her poor habits and slowly and steadily replaced them with excellent habits. And it shows. I was also inspired when more than a few folks kept mentioning their FitBits. Yep, I got myself one. I actually returned a size 20 - or was it 22 (ouch!) dress that I purchased to wear to my sweet heart's work Christmas Party. We didn't end up going due to circumstances and I knew that dress would hang in my closet and never be worn, wasting a pretty good chunk of change (along with the heels purchased with it - who wears those things?). To be honest, I realized that although I thought the dress quite lovely and very complimentary I didn't really ever want to wear it, and it wasn't because it was a dress. It was because it was a size 20-something dress.
I never thought I'd be here. I didn't ever want to be here, but then, does anyone ever want to be here? I can't imagine. I had mentioned in passing that I thought I might like a FitBit for Christmas but really wasn't sure. Perhaps it was just another useless gadget that would linger in a corner unused and serve as a reminder of another failure to follow through on a hard-thing that needs to be done. I made a decision to return the dress and the shoes and I marched myself right into Target where I discovered that the FitBit was on sale that week for pretty much the exact amount I just had refunded - seemed like confirmation that I made the right decision. And then I started wearing it. Sold. I love it! And really it is only a tool that encourages me very quietly, privately that every step I take matters. Every step adds up. It makes me want to park further and walk. It makes me want to "go get that thing" myself. It makes me smile when it vibrates on my wrist that I've met my daily goal of 10,000 steps; the amount recommended to have an affect on my long-term health. And I bought some Under Armor so I could resume my morning walks - even in January! Granted, it's been a very moderate and pleasant January so far. But I do have a Y membership. And the Y has a really nice elevated walking track. Need I say more? Oh wait, one more thing - the Y is about three blocks from where I drop my daughter for school every morning. NO MORE EXCUSES. Just no more.
I made myself accountable too. In the past, I wouldn't tell too many people if I decided to try to lose weight. After all, when I caved that afternoon or the next day when my merciless sugar addiction emerged I didn't want anyone reminding me that of my decision when I was scarfing down my sweets or sluggin' that Pepsi. No more. No more. I told my husband, I told him how much I weigh - he was stunned. I told my daughters and I told my son. I'm changing things guys - I need to change things. I want energy to keep up with my grandkids. I want energy to play in our garden with the absolute love of my life. I want the best quality of life I can live for as long as God gives me on this earth, and so, I'm changing things.
I have resumed morning walks, the eating plan that my daughter provided and I'm using tools that were always at my disposal - the FitBit and MyFitnessPal. I'm drinking water, lots and lots of water. The brain fog has lifted and I can think clearly (well, more clearly anyway).
It's all good. I'm looking forward to this journey, and the destination looks pretty appealing too.
Susan
I'll start by telling you that I have been completely inspired by several people in my life but mostly by my wonderful daughter who took control of her poor habits and slowly and steadily replaced them with excellent habits. And it shows. I was also inspired when more than a few folks kept mentioning their FitBits. Yep, I got myself one. I actually returned a size 20 - or was it 22 (ouch!) dress that I purchased to wear to my sweet heart's work Christmas Party. We didn't end up going due to circumstances and I knew that dress would hang in my closet and never be worn, wasting a pretty good chunk of change (along with the heels purchased with it - who wears those things?). To be honest, I realized that although I thought the dress quite lovely and very complimentary I didn't really ever want to wear it, and it wasn't because it was a dress. It was because it was a size 20-something dress.
I never thought I'd be here. I didn't ever want to be here, but then, does anyone ever want to be here? I can't imagine. I had mentioned in passing that I thought I might like a FitBit for Christmas but really wasn't sure. Perhaps it was just another useless gadget that would linger in a corner unused and serve as a reminder of another failure to follow through on a hard-thing that needs to be done. I made a decision to return the dress and the shoes and I marched myself right into Target where I discovered that the FitBit was on sale that week for pretty much the exact amount I just had refunded - seemed like confirmation that I made the right decision. And then I started wearing it. Sold. I love it! And really it is only a tool that encourages me very quietly, privately that every step I take matters. Every step adds up. It makes me want to park further and walk. It makes me want to "go get that thing" myself. It makes me smile when it vibrates on my wrist that I've met my daily goal of 10,000 steps; the amount recommended to have an affect on my long-term health. And I bought some Under Armor so I could resume my morning walks - even in January! Granted, it's been a very moderate and pleasant January so far. But I do have a Y membership. And the Y has a really nice elevated walking track. Need I say more? Oh wait, one more thing - the Y is about three blocks from where I drop my daughter for school every morning. NO MORE EXCUSES. Just no more.
I made myself accountable too. In the past, I wouldn't tell too many people if I decided to try to lose weight. After all, when I caved that afternoon or the next day when my merciless sugar addiction emerged I didn't want anyone reminding me that of my decision when I was scarfing down my sweets or sluggin' that Pepsi. No more. No more. I told my husband, I told him how much I weigh - he was stunned. I told my daughters and I told my son. I'm changing things guys - I need to change things. I want energy to keep up with my grandkids. I want energy to play in our garden with the absolute love of my life. I want the best quality of life I can live for as long as God gives me on this earth, and so, I'm changing things.
I have resumed morning walks, the eating plan that my daughter provided and I'm using tools that were always at my disposal - the FitBit and MyFitnessPal. I'm drinking water, lots and lots of water. The brain fog has lifted and I can think clearly (well, more clearly anyway).
It's all good. I'm looking forward to this journey, and the destination looks pretty appealing too.
Susan
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