Brenda C.
Whistle While I Work...
Jan 06, 2012
Ever have one of those days where you get EVERYTHING done? I did, and am I beaming with my accomplishment.
Mammogram. One word that makes many women find excuses to not do this simple task, I just want to ask those of you who fall into that description, why??? It only takes maybe a half hour to an hour of your day away, and early detection is crucial if you have anything questionable in your scans. Fatty tissue isn't always as easy to self test, so why not take the little bit of time, and get your boobies squished?
The funny thing I got a kick out of when I stripped down for the exam, I FIT in the One Size Fits All gown - woo hoo! Last year, they had to grab me one of their "extended size" gowns, so this is an improvement to me. When asked if I have had any changes since my last scan, "Oh, I lost a significant amount of weight..." When she asked "How much," I beamed, "Oh, just 165 pounds..." She looked up, and congratulated me.
My miles for the week stands at 14, but I am going swimming tomorrow, so I may get to add more. When I went to get my truck serviced, it was great to not have to move my seat after it is serviced, and fitting in an arm chair is something I silently celebrate. Having the Service Manager, who has known me five years, not recognize me, now THAT was the best part of the visit.
Okay, another request for old, too big for you, swimsuits. I am also asking if YOU need/want a suit, please send me (private message) what you need, I'll try to get it for you! If you have a swimsuit that is too big, why not pay it forward to another who can use it? Sure, you won't get the tax deduction, but you may be helping someone get active. I do have some suits between 26 - 32, and maybe one or two beyond. I have already received a few requests, and I am trying to fill them.
Oh, a swimwear tip for those of you like me, with a hanging, saggy tummy... I wear a swim brief one size smaller then my swimsuit - backwards! I hate that my belly is bigger than my butt, but hey, I make it work! I found black works great - and you could even use a pantie girdle, but wearing it backwards (for me) keeps my belly tucked in.
Work, chores, exercise, and I even got to have some Thai food for dinner. Yup, I am whistling, even if only in my head, because I had a great day!
Stay positive!
Brenda : )~
5 comments
Mammogram. One word that makes many women find excuses to not do this simple task, I just want to ask those of you who fall into that description, why??? It only takes maybe a half hour to an hour of your day away, and early detection is crucial if you have anything questionable in your scans. Fatty tissue isn't always as easy to self test, so why not take the little bit of time, and get your boobies squished?
The funny thing I got a kick out of when I stripped down for the exam, I FIT in the One Size Fits All gown - woo hoo! Last year, they had to grab me one of their "extended size" gowns, so this is an improvement to me. When asked if I have had any changes since my last scan, "Oh, I lost a significant amount of weight..." When she asked "How much," I beamed, "Oh, just 165 pounds..." She looked up, and congratulated me.
My miles for the week stands at 14, but I am going swimming tomorrow, so I may get to add more. When I went to get my truck serviced, it was great to not have to move my seat after it is serviced, and fitting in an arm chair is something I silently celebrate. Having the Service Manager, who has known me five years, not recognize me, now THAT was the best part of the visit.
Okay, another request for old, too big for you, swimsuits. I am also asking if YOU need/want a suit, please send me (private message) what you need, I'll try to get it for you! If you have a swimsuit that is too big, why not pay it forward to another who can use it? Sure, you won't get the tax deduction, but you may be helping someone get active. I do have some suits between 26 - 32, and maybe one or two beyond. I have already received a few requests, and I am trying to fill them.
Oh, a swimwear tip for those of you like me, with a hanging, saggy tummy... I wear a swim brief one size smaller then my swimsuit - backwards! I hate that my belly is bigger than my butt, but hey, I make it work! I found black works great - and you could even use a pantie girdle, but wearing it backwards (for me) keeps my belly tucked in.
Work, chores, exercise, and I even got to have some Thai food for dinner. Yup, I am whistling, even if only in my head, because I had a great day!
Stay positive!
Brenda : )~
How Long Did It Take???
Jan 04, 2012
Mile eight, done... Just 592 more to swim for 2012.
Howdy folks! With all the time I have to spend thinking while I swim, I sometimes come up with things I want to talk about, share, write, so here goes. One of the subjects that struck me is length of time to get surgery. So many of us have a long wait, and frustration sets in. To give some perspective of how long I have invested in my journey, I talked long and hard with my doctor about my wanting to "get serious about my weight," back in 2008. I spent that year working hard, that is when I started swimming. By the beginning of 2009 I had not lost enough weight to really make much of a difference, so I went back to my doctor to ask for her to write a referral to get into a Bariatric Program. She was hesitant, but after all my food and exercise journals I shared, she agreed.
Sadly, I had to put my wishes for surgery on hold, I was in an auto accident that side lined me for 14 months. Talk about frustration, I was finally ready, but had to put my plans on hold -- I also was not able to swim for 5 months. Swimming helped me mend, so swimming is great for rehabilitation, too. Starting again from square one, I entered the University of Washington's Bariatric Program in February of 2010. With a long list of hoops to jump through, I was diligent and ready to do whatever was called of me. I did the psych evaluation, the nutrition classes, was seen by Physical Therapy to make sure I would be mobile after surgery (they happily gave me a pass after just three weeks). I did all the tests for cardiovascular, upper GI, and a few I know I am forgetting. Then, I hit the wall. One member of the team at UW decided that my asking for therapy took it upon herself to say I couldn't get my surgery until I had a therapist working with me. My medical coverage does NOT cover mental health services, so I was in trouble.
So, my suggestion, think twice before you ask for something you cannot get on your own, hoping you will get assistance getting it. Me being me, I negotiated with the social worker, that if I got a third party to evaluate me and pass me, could I then get surgery without getting a therapist? She agreed. I paid, out of pocket, for a therapist who worked specifically with Bariatric patients, and I passed. The social worker then pushed my file onto someone elses desk, they went off her original notes of my asking for help getting therapy, so no matter what a third party said, it did not matter. I started looking for another Bariatric Program.
Sadly, I really liked the surgeon I had chosen at UW, so I decided I wanted a "perfect fit," and was willing to put effort into meeting the right surgeon. Three surgeons later, I finally found the right surgeon, and started the whole process all over again. Luckily I only lost six months. Having already jumped through hoops, I was basically ready to go. Sad thing, most patients aren't this ready this quick, so you then have the problem of falling through the cracks. I was voluntarily weighing in every week, until the nurse pushed the issue with the surgeon's Nurse Practitioner, and they made an appointment for me to see the surgeon. I was worried that it was October by this point, I had to have surgery by December, or I would have to put it off until Mach of 2011. Dr Jeffery Hunter laughed when I told him my schedule, "How does November sound?"
With all that has happened in the last year, I just consider all the time it took to get me here as a small payment for where I am now. Patience is something we all need to have, but also be assertive when you need to be. When I consider where I was - weightwise & physically a year ago, it helps put the waiting into perspective. I spent one whole year working on my weight without surgical intervention, so I know I have gotten a lot further in this last year. Don't spend your energy thinking about the "should'a, would'a, could'a," and just do it. Maybe the first year (2008) was a waste of time to some, but it actually taught me how hard this journey is and that I did need help. When you are facing six months of nutrition classes, a certain amount of weight to lose before a date is scheduled, consider how long it took to get to the weight you presently are.
In the entirety of our lives, what is a year, two or even three? I now have so many more years of quality living that I may not had, had I not pulled my big girl panties up and faced I needed help. When people in my support groups, or even here on OH start talking about their frustration, I try to tell them - the short version - how long it took for me. Eight months of support group meetings, saying my name, saying "I am waiting for surgery" was frustrating, but I never gave up. Support, that is one of the top five things I tell people to have in place before getting surgery. I am just over one year out of surgery, and have lost 165 pounds, and am happily waiting until March 29, 2012 to get my first procedure for removing my pannus. Would I like an earlier date? Sure, but I still just dance around knowing I finally know when my life will improve, again.
If you are starting out, frustrated over a plateau, feel free to reach out to me or anyone else. Luckily, if you are on Obesity Help, you will have an easy time to find someone who has gone through what you are going through, and they can share what worked for them. Ha ha, I found drinking 16 ounces of peppermint tea a day is helping me become "regular". With all the things I have tried to combat my lifelong constipation, I accidentally found something that works for me. So, there is one more nugget to knock around - maybe peppermint tea will help you, too!
One more plug for my new idea -- if you have a swimsuit (or suits) you have grown too small for, how about paying it forward? I am looking for usable suits to distribute to ANYONE who wants or needs them! I still have some extended sizes (beyond 32), so hit me up!!! If you can live without the donation credit on your taxes, I will accept (and try to pay the shipping) any and all suits, so please private message me here - or [email protected]
On that note -
Stay positive!!!
Brenda : )~
8 comments
Howdy folks! With all the time I have to spend thinking while I swim, I sometimes come up with things I want to talk about, share, write, so here goes. One of the subjects that struck me is length of time to get surgery. So many of us have a long wait, and frustration sets in. To give some perspective of how long I have invested in my journey, I talked long and hard with my doctor about my wanting to "get serious about my weight," back in 2008. I spent that year working hard, that is when I started swimming. By the beginning of 2009 I had not lost enough weight to really make much of a difference, so I went back to my doctor to ask for her to write a referral to get into a Bariatric Program. She was hesitant, but after all my food and exercise journals I shared, she agreed.
Sadly, I had to put my wishes for surgery on hold, I was in an auto accident that side lined me for 14 months. Talk about frustration, I was finally ready, but had to put my plans on hold -- I also was not able to swim for 5 months. Swimming helped me mend, so swimming is great for rehabilitation, too. Starting again from square one, I entered the University of Washington's Bariatric Program in February of 2010. With a long list of hoops to jump through, I was diligent and ready to do whatever was called of me. I did the psych evaluation, the nutrition classes, was seen by Physical Therapy to make sure I would be mobile after surgery (they happily gave me a pass after just three weeks). I did all the tests for cardiovascular, upper GI, and a few I know I am forgetting. Then, I hit the wall. One member of the team at UW decided that my asking for therapy took it upon herself to say I couldn't get my surgery until I had a therapist working with me. My medical coverage does NOT cover mental health services, so I was in trouble.
So, my suggestion, think twice before you ask for something you cannot get on your own, hoping you will get assistance getting it. Me being me, I negotiated with the social worker, that if I got a third party to evaluate me and pass me, could I then get surgery without getting a therapist? She agreed. I paid, out of pocket, for a therapist who worked specifically with Bariatric patients, and I passed. The social worker then pushed my file onto someone elses desk, they went off her original notes of my asking for help getting therapy, so no matter what a third party said, it did not matter. I started looking for another Bariatric Program.
Sadly, I really liked the surgeon I had chosen at UW, so I decided I wanted a "perfect fit," and was willing to put effort into meeting the right surgeon. Three surgeons later, I finally found the right surgeon, and started the whole process all over again. Luckily I only lost six months. Having already jumped through hoops, I was basically ready to go. Sad thing, most patients aren't this ready this quick, so you then have the problem of falling through the cracks. I was voluntarily weighing in every week, until the nurse pushed the issue with the surgeon's Nurse Practitioner, and they made an appointment for me to see the surgeon. I was worried that it was October by this point, I had to have surgery by December, or I would have to put it off until Mach of 2011. Dr Jeffery Hunter laughed when I told him my schedule, "How does November sound?"
With all that has happened in the last year, I just consider all the time it took to get me here as a small payment for where I am now. Patience is something we all need to have, but also be assertive when you need to be. When I consider where I was - weightwise & physically a year ago, it helps put the waiting into perspective. I spent one whole year working on my weight without surgical intervention, so I know I have gotten a lot further in this last year. Don't spend your energy thinking about the "should'a, would'a, could'a," and just do it. Maybe the first year (2008) was a waste of time to some, but it actually taught me how hard this journey is and that I did need help. When you are facing six months of nutrition classes, a certain amount of weight to lose before a date is scheduled, consider how long it took to get to the weight you presently are.
In the entirety of our lives, what is a year, two or even three? I now have so many more years of quality living that I may not had, had I not pulled my big girl panties up and faced I needed help. When people in my support groups, or even here on OH start talking about their frustration, I try to tell them - the short version - how long it took for me. Eight months of support group meetings, saying my name, saying "I am waiting for surgery" was frustrating, but I never gave up. Support, that is one of the top five things I tell people to have in place before getting surgery. I am just over one year out of surgery, and have lost 165 pounds, and am happily waiting until March 29, 2012 to get my first procedure for removing my pannus. Would I like an earlier date? Sure, but I still just dance around knowing I finally know when my life will improve, again.
If you are starting out, frustrated over a plateau, feel free to reach out to me or anyone else. Luckily, if you are on Obesity Help, you will have an easy time to find someone who has gone through what you are going through, and they can share what worked for them. Ha ha, I found drinking 16 ounces of peppermint tea a day is helping me become "regular". With all the things I have tried to combat my lifelong constipation, I accidentally found something that works for me. So, there is one more nugget to knock around - maybe peppermint tea will help you, too!
One more plug for my new idea -- if you have a swimsuit (or suits) you have grown too small for, how about paying it forward? I am looking for usable suits to distribute to ANYONE who wants or needs them! I still have some extended sizes (beyond 32), so hit me up!!! If you can live without the donation credit on your taxes, I will accept (and try to pay the shipping) any and all suits, so please private message me here - or [email protected]
On that note -
Stay positive!!!
Brenda : )~
Save the Date...
Jan 03, 2012
March 29th is the date I become less one "fup," more commonly known as my pannus. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I have been buzzing my other doctors offices, as my surgeon asked that I have a current mammogram -- if there is need for tissue, this would be the time to know, I didn't know they could use my belly sag to fill in my boobies, good to know! Anyhow, I have my mammogram scheduled, the number to fax the mammogram report to the cosmetic surgeon, now all I have to do is sit on my hands & be patient... Not an easy task!
I do have a project that I contemplated while swimming today, collecting swimsuits from those who no longer fit in the larger sizes, and then folks WANTING to get into swimming as I have, could contact me for swimsuits that fit! I have been donating so many clothes, and sharing clothing within support groups, I do not know why I had not thought this one up until today. My thoughts were, "What size will I be after surgery???" So, if you have any - I mean ANY - swimsuits in good condition, I figure size 14 on up, please contact me!!! I will try to figure out the cheapest shipping and collect all the suits & advertise them HERE! I have kept my largest suit, I will let it go at some point, but I am proud that it is NEVER going to be used by me, again.
As of today, I have swam 5 miles on my quest to swim 600 - and if things go well, I may bump that number to 750. I will be out of the water possibly 2 months, so I figure I will shoot for 600, make adjustments as needed! I usually swim 15 - 20 miles a week, so if I can knock out 45 weeks, I should easily be over the 600, but still giving me room for days I do not swim as much, or cannot swim. The other thing I am proud of, I have decided unless I am in pain, I will climb the four flights of stairs after my swims! I had been taking the stairs down every trip, but only taking them back up infrequently. No more whining, take the stairs!!!
On the protein snack front, I got a Premier Protein Titan Protein Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin -- 150 calories per cookie, 10 grams protein -- comes in a two pack -- LOVED IT! I was reading the ingredients, and for those who are fat watchers, this does have 5 grams, but I was happy with the texture, flavor, and how filling it was after my swim. They come in Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Chip -- but I have only had the Oatmeal Raisin so far. If you want to check out their numbers, follow this link... http://premiernutrition.com/titan-protein-cookie-nutrition.html
Ordered more Chick Meal Replacement Protein today -- I LOVE Chike (iLikeChike.com), and got free shipping -- thanks Jason!!! If you are looking for fabulous flavor, more nutritional bang for your buck, call my guy at Chike, Jason: 325-480-0700, and he will HOOK YOU UP! There are five flavors at the moment, with COFFEE being released soon (I think) - I ordered Orange & Chocolate, as they are my households FAVORITE! Check them out at: http://www.chikenutrition.com/ Chike will send you send you five full servings to try, just tell them Brenda sent you to them!
It is the New Year, so this is when the gyms are busiest! If you are good about your exercise workout, just give it a month, and you'll have your gym back the way it usually is. I get sad by the New Year push to exercise that slowly peters out. People! People! it takes three weeks to make or break a habit. If you are still going strong into February, I salute you!!! Do NOT push to exhaustion - and do NOT let a trainer push you too far, injury or just plain pain will make you less likely to keep your new habits going. When I started swimming, I went three days a week for a half hour. You get stronger and able to do more, so be patient with your body, especially if you are starting out.
Okay, to recap my exciting day: I got my surgical date for my panniculectomy (if you want to learn more, go to my December Blog - I actually have done some of the homework for you); I want to start a collection of swimwear for those wanting to get into swimming; I raved about two products, one new to me, the other a cherished favorite; I reminded you to be patient with New Year Resolution Exercisers, and to also be patient with yourself! It's been a GREAT start to 2012, I am so looking forward to better health and a sleeker profile! Less drag in the pool, means I can swim more miles!
On that note - Stay Positive, and GET OUT THERE, even if it is just to walk around the block!
Brenda : )~
12 comments
I do have a project that I contemplated while swimming today, collecting swimsuits from those who no longer fit in the larger sizes, and then folks WANTING to get into swimming as I have, could contact me for swimsuits that fit! I have been donating so many clothes, and sharing clothing within support groups, I do not know why I had not thought this one up until today. My thoughts were, "What size will I be after surgery???" So, if you have any - I mean ANY - swimsuits in good condition, I figure size 14 on up, please contact me!!! I will try to figure out the cheapest shipping and collect all the suits & advertise them HERE! I have kept my largest suit, I will let it go at some point, but I am proud that it is NEVER going to be used by me, again.
As of today, I have swam 5 miles on my quest to swim 600 - and if things go well, I may bump that number to 750. I will be out of the water possibly 2 months, so I figure I will shoot for 600, make adjustments as needed! I usually swim 15 - 20 miles a week, so if I can knock out 45 weeks, I should easily be over the 600, but still giving me room for days I do not swim as much, or cannot swim. The other thing I am proud of, I have decided unless I am in pain, I will climb the four flights of stairs after my swims! I had been taking the stairs down every trip, but only taking them back up infrequently. No more whining, take the stairs!!!
On the protein snack front, I got a Premier Protein Titan Protein Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin -- 150 calories per cookie, 10 grams protein -- comes in a two pack -- LOVED IT! I was reading the ingredients, and for those who are fat watchers, this does have 5 grams, but I was happy with the texture, flavor, and how filling it was after my swim. They come in Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Chip -- but I have only had the Oatmeal Raisin so far. If you want to check out their numbers, follow this link... http://premiernutrition.com/titan-protein-cookie-nutrition.html
Ordered more Chick Meal Replacement Protein today -- I LOVE Chike (iLikeChike.com), and got free shipping -- thanks Jason!!! If you are looking for fabulous flavor, more nutritional bang for your buck, call my guy at Chike, Jason: 325-480-0700, and he will HOOK YOU UP! There are five flavors at the moment, with COFFEE being released soon (I think) - I ordered Orange & Chocolate, as they are my households FAVORITE! Check them out at: http://www.chikenutrition.com/ Chike will send you send you five full servings to try, just tell them Brenda sent you to them!
It is the New Year, so this is when the gyms are busiest! If you are good about your exercise workout, just give it a month, and you'll have your gym back the way it usually is. I get sad by the New Year push to exercise that slowly peters out. People! People! it takes three weeks to make or break a habit. If you are still going strong into February, I salute you!!! Do NOT push to exhaustion - and do NOT let a trainer push you too far, injury or just plain pain will make you less likely to keep your new habits going. When I started swimming, I went three days a week for a half hour. You get stronger and able to do more, so be patient with your body, especially if you are starting out.
Okay, to recap my exciting day: I got my surgical date for my panniculectomy (if you want to learn more, go to my December Blog - I actually have done some of the homework for you); I want to start a collection of swimwear for those wanting to get into swimming; I raved about two products, one new to me, the other a cherished favorite; I reminded you to be patient with New Year Resolution Exercisers, and to also be patient with yourself! It's been a GREAT start to 2012, I am so looking forward to better health and a sleeker profile! Less drag in the pool, means I can swim more miles!
On that note - Stay Positive, and GET OUT THERE, even if it is just to walk around the block!
Brenda : )~
What Will YOU Do With YOUR EXTRA Day...?
Jan 02, 2012
Hey folks! Happy New Year, and my I also say, Happy Leap Year!!! I sat and thought long and hard on how to start my New Year off, and I laughed. I am spending that extra day today, just communicating with all the wonderful folks I am getting to know, here on Obesity Help.
For many of you who have been following my journey, I really do try to keep my blog up to date, and I ALWAYS make every effort to respond to EVERY comment & email I receive. I guess my mother would have been proud of me, I try to think of others, and frankly, I guess I do play well with others. It has taken me three hours to catch up with folks, and I am NOT done, I still have to respond to comments on my blog - to which, THANK YOU! Getting support requires giving support - mark that one down if you haven't already. Maybe the Golden Rule actually hit home at an early age, all I know is that I will never hurt anyone, intentionally - and if I have hurt anyone, I will do whatever I can to remedy that situation. Now, on with the never ending saga of Brenda, the Happy Honu (Sea Turtle)...
December 30th, 2011, I swam my 500th mile in Federal Way, Washington. If I had swam to Yreka, California, I would still have four more miles to go before I saw 500 miles. If I swam North 500 miles, I could travel (theoretically) over the Caribou Highway almost into Chilanko Forks, British Columbia, Canada. Had I swam East, I would have left Washington, breezed through upper Idaho, and made my way between Missoula & Deer Lodge Montana. That my friends, is a wonderful journey, even if most of it was in Federal Way, Washington. The funny thing is, I still know I could have walked further in the amount of time it took me to swim 500 miles, so maybe that will make a good goal for me to achieve in 2012?
If you are just starting your weight loss journey or someone in the middle of it, I want you to think of goals for a moment. Sure, seeing a certain number on the scale or on the tag in your clothing is one way to show how far you have come, it just makes it more interesting, and sometimes a little easier to have "other" goals to achieve. Every Non-Scale Victory I have realized has made me a little happier than just when I saw the scale moving in the right direction. The first time I was able to pick up the soap in my standing shower stall without opening the door was amazing. I actually keep adding more goals to my life, just to make me realize how truly far I have come in my journey. Make the trip fun, make the trip challenging, but above all else, make the journey toward better health.
For many of us, regret is a tough thing to swallow. As a young, fat girl, I tried to live my life with few regrets, which may seem odd to many of you. But, look at it this way, I had so much optimism as a child, I did not let my weight keep me from living. Sadly, my biggest regret is my weight. Sure, we all have worked on achieving a certain size or weight, but somewhere along the way, we got stuck. Getting unstuck is the true measure of how strong you are - inside and out. When I finally opened my eyes to how out of shape I was (Round is a shape...), I realized it was going to take a long time to get back into the shape I preferred. Being able to physically do what I once did with ease, it is well, amazing. I have a long way to go, but with every day I spend working toward enjoying life, I celebrate. So, I toot my horn, I am one more year closer to my ultimate goal, being able to do everything I want to do physically, and being the healthiest me, I can be.
No New Years Resolutions for this girl. I look at every morning as another day to enjoy life. Life is too long to be miserable, and too short to have regrets. Live life outloud! Sorry, if this sounds too easy, but believe it or not, adjusting your view of life will really take you further. Be so optimistic that you can sell a pessimist a dream (I came up with that line back when I was still a kid). What I am doing with my extra day this year? I am here offering to support anyone who needs my support. I challenge YOU to challenge ME! Make this a 366 day year to remember!!!
Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~
5 comments
For many of you who have been following my journey, I really do try to keep my blog up to date, and I ALWAYS make every effort to respond to EVERY comment & email I receive. I guess my mother would have been proud of me, I try to think of others, and frankly, I guess I do play well with others. It has taken me three hours to catch up with folks, and I am NOT done, I still have to respond to comments on my blog - to which, THANK YOU! Getting support requires giving support - mark that one down if you haven't already. Maybe the Golden Rule actually hit home at an early age, all I know is that I will never hurt anyone, intentionally - and if I have hurt anyone, I will do whatever I can to remedy that situation. Now, on with the never ending saga of Brenda, the Happy Honu (Sea Turtle)...
December 30th, 2011, I swam my 500th mile in Federal Way, Washington. If I had swam to Yreka, California, I would still have four more miles to go before I saw 500 miles. If I swam North 500 miles, I could travel (theoretically) over the Caribou Highway almost into Chilanko Forks, British Columbia, Canada. Had I swam East, I would have left Washington, breezed through upper Idaho, and made my way between Missoula & Deer Lodge Montana. That my friends, is a wonderful journey, even if most of it was in Federal Way, Washington. The funny thing is, I still know I could have walked further in the amount of time it took me to swim 500 miles, so maybe that will make a good goal for me to achieve in 2012?
If you are just starting your weight loss journey or someone in the middle of it, I want you to think of goals for a moment. Sure, seeing a certain number on the scale or on the tag in your clothing is one way to show how far you have come, it just makes it more interesting, and sometimes a little easier to have "other" goals to achieve. Every Non-Scale Victory I have realized has made me a little happier than just when I saw the scale moving in the right direction. The first time I was able to pick up the soap in my standing shower stall without opening the door was amazing. I actually keep adding more goals to my life, just to make me realize how truly far I have come in my journey. Make the trip fun, make the trip challenging, but above all else, make the journey toward better health.
For many of us, regret is a tough thing to swallow. As a young, fat girl, I tried to live my life with few regrets, which may seem odd to many of you. But, look at it this way, I had so much optimism as a child, I did not let my weight keep me from living. Sadly, my biggest regret is my weight. Sure, we all have worked on achieving a certain size or weight, but somewhere along the way, we got stuck. Getting unstuck is the true measure of how strong you are - inside and out. When I finally opened my eyes to how out of shape I was (Round is a shape...), I realized it was going to take a long time to get back into the shape I preferred. Being able to physically do what I once did with ease, it is well, amazing. I have a long way to go, but with every day I spend working toward enjoying life, I celebrate. So, I toot my horn, I am one more year closer to my ultimate goal, being able to do everything I want to do physically, and being the healthiest me, I can be.
No New Years Resolutions for this girl. I look at every morning as another day to enjoy life. Life is too long to be miserable, and too short to have regrets. Live life outloud! Sorry, if this sounds too easy, but believe it or not, adjusting your view of life will really take you further. Be so optimistic that you can sell a pessimist a dream (I came up with that line back when I was still a kid). What I am doing with my extra day this year? I am here offering to support anyone who needs my support. I challenge YOU to challenge ME! Make this a 366 day year to remember!!!
Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~
About Me
38.8
BMI
Surgery
11/16/2010
Surgery Date
Mar 16, 2010
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
