I have been wanting to update you all on the weight loss but just haven't really done it. I just went for a run and got a great reminder or how short life is, so I thought this would be a good time to tie it all together. When I started this weight loss journey I weighed 160 pounds and was in a size 12-14. I was so unhappy with myself. I had rebelled against exercise because I had done it so much in sports. I just felt that I needed a break. That 'break' lead to a 35 pound weight gain after high school, because I assure you, my eating habits did not change. Well, I started Weight Watchers on my own. And I lost 20 pounds. I hit 140. That amount fluctuates about 4 pounds going between 138-142. I am happy about that amount. It took me a year to get there but I am SO much healthier now. I love running(jogging, whatever you wanna call what I do). Yoga is one of my new favorite things. And this weekend, I saw pictures of myself and I was actually pleased. That has not happened in a long time. I say all that to say this: I have been slacking recently so I was determined to go back hard core and hit my goal weight of 135. So, I have been doing good, minus the failed start of a 3 day juice diet. I have to have substance in my meals and the consistency almost made me throw up 3 times. BUT I am making healthier choices again, counting points, and working my little(well, it really isn't little) booty off. I borrowed a new Jillian Michaels DVD on yoga, and it is so difficultly wonderful. I was pushing myself on my run today, in a renewed frame of mind. I run from the CH to Somerville Road Elementary School and back. As I passed the hospital, I looked up to see a hearse pulling away from the doors. It actually stopped so that I could cross in front of it. (Yes, I said a quick prayer for the family) But that was not the lesson God had for me. I was in the process of trying to convince myself to not walk yet, to run all the way there then I could walk for a minute. When I saw that hearse, God reminded me of why I started doing this to start with. Yes, no lie, I wanted to feel pretty again. I wanted to not feel like a fatty. BUT I also wanted to be healthier. I do not have the best genes. I want my heart to hold out for a lot longer than it tends to do in my family. I realize God can strike me with any disease at any time, but I wanted to make the odds a little better for me. I believe He helps those who help themselves. I wanted to FEEL better. I did not feel good at 160. I got tired super easy. Slept a lot. No energy. More irritable. Now I take few naps. I can chase after 6 kids. I can keep up with a youth group full of hyperactivity. I am a better me. Somewhere in this journey I forgot that. I forgot that I wasn't just striving for a number but for a goal of living healthier. I have no idea who that man/woman was in that hearse. I hope they were saved. I hope when they get to heaven God will tell them that they ministered to one more person after they died. I understand that I will end up in a hearse one day unless Jesus decides to return before then. I am okay with that. I just want to give this life the best fight I have. I believe that includes being healthy. Don't get me wrong, my sweet tooth is a big as this 10 bedroom house I live in, but I will keep it more in check. I will choose less carbs. I will exercise. I also want to encourage you. What do you need to do to be a better you? What do you need to do to hang around a little longer for your spouse/kids/grandkids? Don't let Satan tell you that you cannot do it. I NEVER thought I would lose 20 pounds, enjoy running, or take up yoga. But I did. Step out of your comfort zone. If you wanna diet, do it. Pick a plan you can stick to and do it. Lose weight in a healthy way. Don't just quit eating. It isn't healthy and the weight will come back. Your metabolism will slow down. Start choosing healthier foods. If I can be of any help, ask. I enjoy talking about this stuff and assuring people that you can do it. Find an accountability partner. Most of all, Love yourself. Most people do so much for others. Getting healthy is a gift to yourself.
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