THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

I've invited some of my closest friends to read my blog.  I figured it would be a great way to be accountable in an indirect sort of way.  So, anyone who reads this will be watching me to see if I reach my goals and that's great.  That's what I want.  I've received some great feedback from my friends and I'd like to share some of it with you: 

"I read some of your blog, and I do not agree with you saying you are fat. Having a goal to be skinny or to fit in a certain pair of jeans will only bring you short term satisfaction before you find something else about yourself that will make you unhappy. I'm not saying don't try to be a healthy weight, but remind yourself that weight isn't the key to happiness or good self esteem. I hope you reach you goal, and have fun doing it. Working out and eating healthy can be a lot of fun.  Don't get discouraged."

"...I read your blog and I think we all get discouraged from time to time.  Just be you and love yourself for who you are and if your goal is to get in that dress then all you can do is to do your best and I know you can do anything you want to do!"

"Great idea!!! I have read it and congrats on doing so well. I think it's important to work towards goals that are realistic and worthwhile. Your reasons are good - health ones especially. If doing this makes you feel better, then go ahead but don't do it because you think you'll like your life more if you're thinner - simply because it will still be your same life. You'll feel better about yourself which does makes things seem easier, but it's still the same life dealing with the same things. You have good reasons and a good goal, stick to it! Good luck."

"I read your blog too...I agree with everyone who already wrote back to you. I think the key here is to love yourself AS YOU ARE first...then if you want to improve that, then go for it!! Acceptance is a big thing...but once you can do that, then it'll be easier to move forward!! I commend you on your goals, and if you really think it will make you happier then I'm all for it!! Keep those blogs coming Tammy!! We're all rooting for you!!"

I love getting these comments because it is encouraging for me.  There is always something new to be learned.  You know it's not that I think I am fat it's just that it is a medical fact that I have 30 pounds on my body more than I should have and I am not happy with that.  I also am not getting any younger so getting back into shape is just going to get harder and harder.  I know that my goal has to be for a lifestyle change as well and not solely for a specific event.  It's okay to have a certain event to use a time line in order to reach your goals, but it is equally important to have something in mind for after the event as well.  If you don't, then what?  You gain all your weight back?  For me, no way!  Yes, my original motivation is for my wedding vow renewals, but it is definitely a lifestyle change for me.  This is not just for now, this is forever.

My happiness is not conditional upon my weight loss;  I'm already happy and  I am no different than anyone else as I have setbacks and problems too!  Life is not easy.  But the bottom line is, if I am overweight, then I am overweight and I need to do something about that.  I will not be satisfied until the weight comes off.  There is anything wrong with that.  I want to be as healthy as I can be.  This is especially important as I am not getting any younger.  I do want to be as healthy as I can be in my old age, not old, sick and decrepit.

According to my nutritionist and a personal trainer at the gym,  I have healthy and realistic weight loss goals set.  (not to mention my own personal knowledge of fitness & nutrition)  I want to lose 30 pounds and I have 32 weeks in which to to accomplish this.  Very achievable.  One pound a week is a very safe and healthy weight loss and I have a much better chance of keeping it off by doing it this way. 

The only problem I have now is my impatience.  I want it now.   And I often feel discouraged because it is coming  off so slowly.  This is why it is so important to watch my thoughts because if I don't they will get the better of me and this doesn't help in any way.  I need to remind myself that even Rome wasn't built in a day!  But wasn't it destroyed in one day?...case in point!