Taking Care of Me First!

Today's Weight (February 13, 2010): 177 Pounds (Lost .4 Pounds Since Last Post)
Total Weight Loss: 30 Pounds

Another week down and another .4 pounds down too! This feels amazing - I'm at my lowest weight in about 20 years. I've started to go back into my closet and find clothes which I haven't been able to wear comfortably in so long that really when people see me they comment on my "new" clothes!

This week's WW topic was Putting Yourself First. This actually was a continuation of the discussion on motivation. To start with, Kelly (our fearless, funny leader) told us to ask ourselves why we chose to come to the meeting. For me, the answer is simple - I have to in order to take care of ME! Also, I get a lots of helpful information from others there (more on that later).

Kelly shared some very interesting strategies on how to put myself first. Here's some of the suggestions:

1. Write out my meeting and/or exercise plans on a calendar. This is helpful because once it's on paper (or even in cyber-space), you're committed!

2. Ask for help.

3. Make enjoyable changes. This suggests finding activities that make you happy and are fun.

4. Celebrate accomplishments. This is so important and, at least for me, motivates me to continue on in my journey to better health and fitness. As a matter of fact, this week, I reached a very important milestone - I've lost 30 pounds to-date! Yay me!

5. Last, but not least - Strive for persistence - not perfection! I believe this last one ties in all of the other points mentioned before.

I don't think I need to write down my meeting/exercise plan because I'm completely committed to coming to meetings and attending exercise class twice a week, and trying to walk at least once a week (weather permitting!). However, I think I need to add to this, by making an enjoyable change. I have for some weeks been contemplating this, and have to decide on whether or train for a 5 KM run or train to climb the CN Tower in October, as part of the United Way fundraising I participate in at work. I'm torn about this because I'm still pretty heavy and tried running across the street earlier this week, and my knees were not impressed. However, on the same day, I walked for an hour, and then tackled the stairs in my apartment building. I live in a building with 14 floors - I made it up 6 flights. I don't think that's too disasterous after walking an hour. However, I think the true test would be walking up the entire building a few times consecutively. I may try that in coming weeks and see how that goes. I will also check out the website www.fromthecouchto5k.com.

Until next week, take care!