One More Week and It will be a Year

This year has been a, no pun intended, huge year for me to address my health and fitness. I am approaching the one year mark on the beginning of my weight loss journey. In fact, hold on; let me check, I had Madeline take “before” pictures of me, so I wanted to check the date anyways. April 6, 2011. I just looked at the pictures, and I don’t even recognize myself.

When I cleaned out my closet, I saved the shirt and pants I had on in the photos so I could have Madeline take a picture of me at the one year mark. It took a year for me to lose 60 pounds. I don’t even know how many total inches – I know over 10 in my waist, and dropped five or six dress sizes. I am back to where I was 21 years ago and could easily fit into my wedding dress.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. I had to learn everything I could about nutrition and exercise. The strength training has helped me so much. Learning I don’t have much muscle and that is why it is harder for me to burn off body fat has helped me be more patient. I knew I was in it for the long haul and had to travel the journey alone.

So am I done? No. I still have a ways to go. Not looking for any particular number on the scale, in fact I have learned not to weigh myself and focus on the number, but to think about how my clothes fit. That is what it is all about for me is the clothes. I look in the mirror now, like what I see and know someday, I will look even better. A number on the scale is not what motivates me; it is the reflection in the mirror and shopping for clothes.

The trainer and my doctor, along with everything I have read on line said it will take a while for my body to adjust to my weight. Time and genetics will determine if I will lose excess skin; however, I will do my part, and when there is nothing more I can do, I may venture into the realm of plastic surgery.

My one year anniversary is getting close, and I had the need to share.

My Birthday

45. Wow. Can that be real? No way.

Happy Leap Day!

When I was growing up, I was so disappointed I wasn't born on Leap Day. It wasn't until I was older that I discovered the year I was born was not a Leap Year. Oh well.

An Extra Day?

Dang Leap Day! I have to wait an extra day for my birthday! lol

Struggle

I struggle. I can't focus. I don't want to go back to my old life, but it seems to me it would be much easier for everyone.

World's Greatest Children

Sometimes I feel bad because I have been so focused on myself lately. I question whether I have neglected my children in order to focus on myself. I remind myself that I need to be happy in order to be the best mom to the world's greatest children.

Community Service

I have always felt it is important to do community service. I stopped doing a lot of things over the past year, but right now, I really need to focus on myself. Someday, I hope to recommit to helping others.