This all came to a head yesterday, and thanks to my wonderful friends, family and twitter followers I am now back focused, somewhat a little more proud of where I've come from and ready to face the week and get closer to goal. Again.
Next week, 17th May, will mark my 3 year anniversary with Weight Watchers. I can't believe it's almost 3 years ago I walked into that school hall and stepped on the scales for the very first time. I could not imagine how much my life has changed since that day. I remember it like it was yesterday, walking into my flat mates room and telling her I would be home late from work because I was joining weight watchers, no explanation, probably because I was shitting it about telling people. But I got back and all of my friends were amazingly supportive.
Since then I've lost 6 stone 1 lbs. But the number on the scales isn't everything. And this is something I struggle getting my head around, and I'm sure a lot of you can relate to. When we start this journey along with getting healthy, and losing weight the main aim is to see that goal number on the scales. And for most of the journey that is what we work for. That number.
Along the way, we realise that, that isn't the end moment, we need to enjoy the journey along the way, appreciate what we have achieved, and continue to achieve before we see that number on the scale.
There may be moments where you just want to give up, and to be honest I think the closer to goal I get the more often they become. I sometimes think getting to goal is a just a dream; but one day ; it will happen.
I'm 11 lbs from goal, and it may take me another 6 months or so to get there but the things I have achieved in the last 3 years out weigh the length of time it's taken me to get there.
I've gone from a size 22 to a size 10-12
I've run 2 half marathons, the 2nd one knocking 9 minutes off my first time
I've run a sub 1 hour 10K
I've been featured in a magazine for my
weight loss
I've been posted on the Weight Watchers Facebook page getting over 1800 likes
I've met some wonderful people I'm proud to call my friends along the way thanks to twitter & Facebook
I've graduated from university
I've applied to run a marathon in 2014
And the happiness of these achievements sure as hell outweighs the fact that the scales don't read my goal weight. But they sure as hell don't read 16st 12.5 which they did 3 years ago.
I've changed so much as a person not only physically, I like to think I've grown up (sometimes) become more aware of others and who I am.
A good friend said to me yesterday " One day at a time, but not necessarily every day in a row" And it could not be more true. We are all human, we are all going to slip up, life gets in the way, but getting back up and trying again is what makes us strong. It's also so easy to focus on the negative stuff (another friend pointed this out to me) and sometimes we need to stop, and take account of what we've actually achieved.
The fact that people see me as an inspiration is amazing, and I will continue on this journey, not only for myself, but to continue inspiring those around me.
The support from everyone that I get is incredible, and I cannot thank you enough. You probably don't realise just how much it means.
Lots of love
xxxx
Fantastic & inspirational post Elinor x
ReplyDeleteYou've done absolutely amazing. hun. You should be so so proud of yourself. And yes, you are inspirational. Losing six stone is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI joined Weight Watchers the day after you, May 18 2010. How odd/cool is that? It's not been an easy three years for me either. It has been worth it, don't get me wrong, but there have been many ups and downs.
I totally agree that when you start eating healthier losing weight is the main goal but as time goes on you start to focus on the health aspects more, being able to feel like you've got energy and feeling fit and healthy.
I'm not at my goal weight either. I haven't lost six stone like you. I've lost 40lbs, 2lbs off losing three stone. But I'm trying not to focus on the weight loss and just be healthy as I've had a couple of health issues. I've not been point counting for a couple of weeks just to see what it is like. It's scary and liberating all at the same time.
You should be so proud of yourself. You're amazing. Don't ever forget that.
Your amazing Elle, you should be so so proud of yourself! I cant wait to see you on front of a ww magazine when you get to goal because you will do it!! xx
ReplyDeleteListen to your friend, that is amazing advice. You have done so well!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing and inspirational.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your cover girl appearance in the mag.
xx