For those of you that noticed, no, I didn’t post last week.  Going through some things that left me feeling a bit …. Well, off kilter (ironic huh?)Â
I also had a 3 lbs gain last week that I didn’t want to admit.  I should have posted… I tell you guys that all the time, don’t I? But I jut Could. Not. Do. ItÂ
I had to really look at the gain to see why… I was running (more on that to come) so my fitness was there… but MAN my nutrition was WAYYYYYYYY off.  Lots of “I’m too busy to cook†excuses… Lots of “self-medicating†with food…
It’s not the first time I’ve fallen off the wagon, and it won’t be the last because let’s face it, contrary to popular belief – I’m human.  I will make mistakes and falter but each one is an opportunity to get back up and start again.  Each mis-step is an opportunity to come back stronger and with more resolve and that in and of itself is a victory.
Eight months. That’s how long I’ve been on this journey.  In eight months, I’ve come farther than I ever even DREAMED possible. Â
Eight months ago I was hiding behind my weight – limited in so many activities because I was too tired or too scared to even try.  A typical day included getting up, going to work where I sit behind a desk all day, coming home, relaxing on the couch with an order of Hooter’s hot wings (OMG do you know the calorie count there?!?!) with extra ranch, a 32 Coke Zero (because yes, I once thought that was the HEALTHY option), watching TV until it was time for bed and then going to sleep. I WAS the epitome of a couch potato and the poster child for why so many American’s are battling obesity.
Eight months ago, if you had told me that exercise would become part of my daily routine, the strength training is fun,  and that I would become a runner I would have laughed and told you that you were crazy. I often joked that the only time I’d be running would be to get away from a snake that crossed my path (don’t get me started on my totally irrational fear of snakes… it’s bad people)
Eight months ago I had given up on the idea that I could be thinner… prettier… fitter… HEALTHIER. After all, I had tried every diet known to man and had become a professional dieter…
And then I stumbled upon Mamavation. It started as a blog post I stumbled upon where someone, who has since left the Sistahood, talked about Mamavation Monday.  I was intrigued and wanted to see more. So I lurked for a bit and when I saw so many FABULOUS women supporting each other, I knew I had to join.  So I did. And I was welcomed with open arms.  And started to learn… things that I’m sure my mother taught me but I didn’t listen (Sorry mom)… I cut out my diet coke/ coke zero habit (which had gone way past ridiculous).. I started walking…. I started eating more green food (and red, and purple, and well every color you can imagine)… I cooked more meals at home and ate out less.  And ya know what? I started to lose weight.  Not quickly, but slowly… healthy.
And now, here I am today.
ignore my dirty scale
I lost 2 lbs from my gain last week. All told, I’m 30 lbs lighter than I was eight months ago, with some of the best friends I’ve ever had.  Friends that are ALWAYS there for me no matter what and will listen to me talk for HOURS about whatever I’m going through with no judgment or condemnation.  Who will offer advice only when I’m ready to hear it and ask me for guidance when they need it. Â
So, when I fall off track… and I stumble… I’m thankful that I have all of you cheering me on.  Picking me up. Dusting me off. And reminding me that this is a journey. So today, I THANK you!
{and for those who asked, tomorrow will be all about the lessons learned while running, so stay tuned 🙂 }
And this is why I love you! ….that is all
Thank you for posting this. As hard as it is to come out and say “I didn’t do so great”, it’s such a big opportunity to learn and to teach others that even though it happens, it’s normal and you can just as easily get back on track. Now when you stumble, not only do you have a support system in place, you also have the tools you need to get back to it.
Been there. Three pounds Schmee pounds. You’ll kick their ass back off! I totally look at slip ups or backsteps as part of the process. You learn something every time you do something that doesn’t or does work.
The fact that you are looking back at 8 months ago will help other people who are where you were then. They will be able to see that it IS possible. WOOHOO!!
30 pounds!! AMAZING! Can’t wait to see how the GF Ambassador Challenge goes! I bet the pounds start melting off.
I am glad you posted and walked everyone through this latest teachable moment. I tell people to post especially in the times when life is not so rosy (that is when you can use support the most). Welcome back and I can’t wait to meet you next month!
ive done that before so i know how you feel everyone else has losses and have so many good things to report and theres nothing for you to say so you don’t post. kia once told me to post even when i gain cause i still need support.
im glad tat things are back on track hugs
Truly awesome! You’ve made such a huge change and continue to do so. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration!!
SO proud of you, even with that 3lb weight gain! Because in reality, it just means that you’re human, just like we all are. And what’s great about being human is that you have the ability to get up and do it all over again and succeed again and again. That’s what makes you GREAT! Success is nothing more than just re-committing yourself over and over, and you should be completely proud of yourself for your constant re-commitments — it shows! 30lbs is a BIG accomplishment and definitely no easy task! I’m proud of you for all the steps you’ve taken, and you are a BIG inspiration to me! 🙂
you are so amazing 30lbs is so great! and look at what you did a 5K WOW! You have set an example for your children!!!!! Your life is so much better you are no longer that women eating hot wings and drinking diet coke on the couch! I am so proud of you and you where an amzing mentor to me I am so happy to have meet you big big hugs! Love you sweetie!
You are so inspiring. You are one of the people that convinced me to join Mamavation and you didn’t even know it. I was feeling this morning the same way that you felt last week…and yes I was wondering why you didn’t post. I did not want to post either, but I knew that I had to hold myself accountable. No More Hiding! Thank you for being so honest and I am glad you came back to us this week 🙂
Yep. Nobody’s perfect but it’s hard to admit when it’s us, isn’t it? I am also amazed at how different life is now. You are a rock start, Shelley! I’m so proud of you!
You are amazing!! You have accomplished SO much in just a short amount of time!! Keep moving forward and you will continue to see fantastic results (on and OFF the scale) Love you!
I big puffy heart you!!! #thatisall And Congrats on the 30lbs loss in 8 months…thats why you are a FREAKING ROCKSTAR!!!!
I big puffy heart YOU!
YAY for working your way back down to where you were. You continue to see that progress. Keep it up!!! =)
ya know… 2 steps forward and one step back means I’m still moving in the right direction 🙂 thanks for your support 🙂