Garage Sale

In preparing for our garage sale, I started going through my closet. I pulled out sizes that range from 12 to 22. I've gotten rid of some clothes along the way, but have held onto some. Specifically, I've held onto one pair of the size 22 jeans because they are a reminder for me that I don't ever want to go back to that size.

I realized as I was folding the clothes that I had the feeling that I should HOLD on to the size 12 and 14s just in case I gain my weight back. What was I thinking? Should I really hold onto those pants? The answer is NO. Give them away...get rid of 'em! Holding onto those pants would be telling myself that it is okay to go back and it isn't.

We didn't have much traffic at the garage sale. So on Monday, we will take these clothes down to a place called Clothes Mentor. They buy gently used clothing and I will donate what they don't purchase.

I encourage everyone that is going through this journey to not hold onto the bigger sizes. Dance your way out of the size and give them away. Are you holding onto something just in case?

The Tortoise and the Hare

The last three days, I have been running on the trails by my house. I like to run on the trails because nobody can see me (or so I think). There is a certain spot on the trail that I've come to find a little bunny rabbit along the edge of the path. And as I run by, the bunny rabbit runs with me. What really makes me chuckle is the rabbit will run ahead and then dart off into the trees toward the end of the trail. It reminded me of Aesop's Fable:

The Hare was boasting about his speed before the other animals. "I have never been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge anyone here to race me."

The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge."

"That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the way."

"Keep your boasting until you've beaten," answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race?"

So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning post and could not run up in time to save the race.

Moral of the story: Slow and steady wins the race.

Today, I weighed in and lost 2.4 pounds. I am now 4.6 pounds away from my overall weight loss goal of 100 pounds. I was frustrated the last few weeks because I gained 3 pounds after vacation and my class reunion. I don't think that I've hit a plateau at this point. I've just been trying to run toward that finish line a little too fast. The bunny rabbit has reminded me that the process is slow, but if I keep on a steady pace (as well as keep running with the bunny)...I will win the race!

Saturday Stories

Such a busy Saturday!

Well, the scale reflected an increase of 0.2 lbs this week. Last week, I gained 2.8 lbs after vacation. Now, on vacation, I followed the plan...with a few extra points added in. Actually when I arrived home from vacation, the scale showed quite an increase...must have been the "salt" water. That folowing week, I worked diligently to get the weight back off, but there was still an increase on the scale. Then last weekend, was my 20th high school class reunion. What a great time! This week, I walked six days out of seven days and expected a drop on the scale...no such luck! See, sometimes my body likes to hold on to the weight. I have no idea why, but it can be rather frustrating at times.

I was so excited that one of my oldest and dearest friends joined Weight Watchers this morning. I am so proud of her and can't wait to ride along on this journey with her.

Funny story...we took a walk as a family today to a garage sale because I saw some shorts that Noah, my oldest son, likes to wear (I don't like them because they look sloppy, but he likes them). Anyways, when we started out on our walk, Patrick, my youngest son, asked me, "Mom, how long is this walk going to be?" I laughed because I must be walking them long distances lately. We walked in the Stow Parade last Monday and it was a little over 2 miles and HOT! Such troopers they are.

Finally, I spent the afternoon having lunch with two friends. One is going through a challenge right now and I just ask that all of you keep her and her family in your prayers. Just lift them up, the Lord knows why.

Slender?

I received the best compliment today..."your neck and shoulders are slender." Slender? What does that really mean? The definitions of slender range from being of delicate build to having little width in proportion to height...or thin; gracefully slim; very narrow; well-formed.

This is not a description that I've ever been used to hearing when describing myself. This journey has had its ups and downs, but I really had an "UP" moment today. A definite "non-scale" reward.

I've really tried to avoid feeling sorry for myself along this weight loss journey and instead I've tried gratitude. I feel grateful for the opportunity to change and grow, feeling and looking better each day!

Slender...I kind of like it!

The Pledge and My Declaration to Thindependence

As we head into the 4th of July weekend...faced with barbeques and fireworks, I encourage all of you to take this pledge with me and declare your thindependence. At Weight Watchers this morning, our leader provided us with the following inspiration:

The Pledge
I pledge allegiance to myself in quest of my weight goal
And to the healthiness for which it stands
One body...
Under control...
Indisputably
With confidence in new clothes for fall!

My Declaration of Thindependence
I have a right to a healthy body
I have the right to enjoy activity
I have the right to feel good
I have the right to say "no"
I have the freedom to make sensible choices!
God Bless America (...and Weight Watchers)