Uncharted Territory

Hey everyone!  I know I didn't post during Thanksgiving week.  It wasn't because I completely derailed and fell off the wagon.  I honestly didn't have anything to report.  My weight pretty much stayed the same.  I worked out really hard that week so I could enjoy my Thanksgiving with my family and friends. 

 

I also spent a little too much time online enjoying the Black Friday sales.  I couldn't help it.  It's amazing that I actually have choices now.  Skinny jeans, leggings, platform heels... These are all things I thought I'd never be able to wear.  I tried on a outfit that I got from Macy's, and I asked my mom for her opinion.  She just looked at me with her mouth wide open.  So, I'm thinking it must look pretty bad.  She just shook her head and said, "I can't believe I'm looking at my daughter.  You look amazing."  Okay...I had to go compose myself after that.  That meant so much coming from her because she has seen me struggle my entire life with my weight.  It's support like that from her and from all of you that makes it worthwhile.

Taking the Plunge!

So, how am I doing after Thanksgiving?  I'm doing fantastic.  As a matter of fact, I have some very important news to share.  I'm heading into uncharted territory so from here until the end of my journey, every experience is going to be brand new for me.  Why is that?

 

Well, I'm at my lightest ever adult weight.  Each pound loss is another milestone.  When I was on the low carb diet, my lowest weight was 229.  It was at that weight that my physician had to remove me from the plan due to medical complications, and as you know, things went downhill from there.  I never weighed lower than 229... until today.  Thanks to hard work, dedication, a kick ass run on the treadmill combined with a hellacious kettle bell class, I now weigh 228 pounds.  And I thank the good Lord for that! 

 

It hasn't been easy lately.  I had a lot of ups and downs over the last six to eight weeks.  My weight went up.  It went down.  I stayed in the 230's for a long time, and since my weight remained the same last week, I didn't know if I was going to make my "30 by the 31st" mini goal.  Sometimes, it's difficult to stay on task when you don't see the scale move, but it didn't get me down this time like usual.  Sure, I was frustrated that the scale didn't move, but I experienced other things that gave me hope.  

• I'm able to complete full bodied push ups.
• I ran my fastest time and speed on the treadmill.
• My endurance is improving.
• My planking is amazing.
• My shoulders, arms, and legs are stronger.
• I actually completed 100 full squats in less than 5 minutes.
• I wearing a size 16!

It's these observations that make it easier to buckle down, work harder, and stay focused.  I'm only 8 pounds away from my second milestone... that would be 125 pounds in less than one year. At this point, it's hard to wrap my head around it.  I mean... that really ME I'm seeing in the mirror.  I'm not looking at other people and wishing I was them.  I AM THEM.

 

Can you imagine yourself strapped with an additional 125 pounds on your back?  Can you imagine trying to go up one flight of stairs or walking to and from the bathroom?  Imagine completing your basic routine with all that extra weight.  It's difficult to comprehend, isn't it?  I was doing that everyday, and hating every minute of it.  People ask me all the time how I started this journey.  How did I make the decision to lose weight?  Believe me, when any person truly gets sick and tired of something in their life and honestly cannot live with it anymore, they will get rid of it.  That's how I stared.  I hated how I looked.  I hated how I felt, and I was just tired.  I didn't want to do it anymore.  That was my turning point, and the changes I made were gradual.  Small changes that added up to big results.  I didn't even add exercise until I knew I had my appetite and eating managed.

 

So, what's next?  Same as always.  I will continue to work out and monitor my food intake. After all, I got charms to buy and a trip to plan.  Thanks to all of you who read my blog, support me, and encourage me.  I know I've said it before, but it bears saying again.  These journey is so much easier knowing I have all of you with me.  And to those of you who are struggling with your weight or any other personal situation, please know that you have a friend out there hoping you will Find Your Way.