Energy & persistance conquer all things!

At the end of week five, I’m happy to report that I lost another pound. That nearly 7 pounds total for the first five weeks! I’ve also dropped over 3% of body fat if the scale I use at home is accurate. This was also the first week I saw measurable progress. I lost ½ inch each from my neck, waist & hips!! How do you lost ½ inch from your neck? I have no idea but I’ll take it. :)

I wish the weight was coming off faster. I’m trying not to get discouraged but I’m cutting down portions and exercising twice a day…I would expect the results to be more dramatic that what I’m seeing. I know 1-2 pounds a week is the normal expectation so I should be happy but I can’t help it…the overachiever in me is still a little disappointed.

However, let me tell you what makes that disappointment disappear…getting a call from my dad telling me that he’s heard from my mom how hard I’m working. Him telling me “keep it up and let me know if I can do anything to help!” Him reaffirming that it’s so important for me to do this for me and to take care of myself…him acknowledging that for so long I’ve worked so hard to take care of everyone else…him letting me know that I’m worth the effort I’m putting towards myself. I don’t care how old I am…the approval and support of my dad still means the world to me and has such an incredible impact on my outlook and on the decisions I make in my life. Those who know my dad know this isn’t a typical conversation…so when he reaches out in this way, it’s truly powerful. I love that I can always count on his support, no matter what.

I’m not really sure how many people are following this blog but I can tell you that there are a large number of people following my posts on Facebook. Who would have thought that I would inspire other people while on this journey to better my health? I’ve had friends and acquaintances support me through Facebook…send words of encouragement…let me know that I’m inspiring them. I mean really, 60+ likes just because I lost a few pounds? Tonight, a friend of mine told me that on days when she doesn’t feel like working out, she’s getting to the gym anyway because she’s been motivated to take better care of herself because of me. What?! That’s not what I intended when I started this journey but again, what a powerful impact that has on me…that’s the motivation I NEED to keep going when things get tough.

Not having the time to workout and take care of myself was always the excuse I gave to myself and others for why I couldn't get into the gym. I've found that with planning and commitment, this is no longer a barrier that I can't overcome. I know if I can find the time with everything that I'm juggling, then everyone else can find the time to exercise too. So, come on people...get moving! You won't regret it!!

My goal for week six is to give up candy and sweets. I have a sweet tooth and have really worked hard to cut down on the sweets that I've been eating during this challenge. I'm hoping that cutting these out completely will help me successfully achieve my goals. When I walked into work today, there was a large box of donuts waiting there...I'm excited to report that I did not have a donut (which I happen to LOVE)...and instead I enjoyed a cherry Greek yogurt with a small amount of chocolate granola mixed in. So proud of myself for having the restraint to pass on the sweets today!

Again, I can’t thank everyone enough for their support.This no longer feels like a journey I’m taking alone…I definitely feel like part of a team…all pulling together to help me be the best person I can be. So, if you have ever liked or posted a comment on my Facebook page, you too can take credit for the success that I’m having in this 12 week challenge.Thank you! :) 

“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it!”