WLJ: You've come a long way, baby

Anyone who follows me on twitter or is friends with me on facebook has already seen this photo, but I feel it's worth sharing again.

What a difference a year makes ...

Yes, approximately one year ago, I became a Weight Watcher.  In that time, I've lost 24.8 lbs. and two dress sizes.  I'm really pleased with those facts, but they aren't the only changes I've made.  It has truly been a year of taking better care of myself, physically and emotionally.  Let me explain.

I'm making better food choices.
Sure, Weight Watchers is part of this. When I have to calculate everything I eat, I'm more mindful of what I'm consuming. The first time I tried Weight Watchers, I relied solely on those frozen diet meals.  That worked to a point ... until I was bored of them and gave up.  This time around, I knew I had to have other options. I still have Smart Ones and Lean Cuisine meals, but only occasionally.  Maybe once a week.  I try to eat a lot more fresh foods, which includes lots of produce.  Tons of it.  I definitely spend most of my grocery money on romaine lettuce, baby carrots, apples, bananas, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, grapes, kale, spinach ... and any other fruit or vegetable that strikes my fancy.  I'm really excited for summer's approaching arrival.  I'm ready for some fresh zucchini and strawberries.  I would also like to learn more about cooking eggplant and different kinds of squash.  We'll see how that goes.

I'm staying active.
Working out used to be a duty. Now, it feels like an indulgence. A treat.  A way to relieve stress.  I love love love Zumba, and very little clears my mind like a nice three-mile run along the lake.  I also tried kettlebell, yoga and total body burn (boot camp-style class) this past year.  All of them challenged me and made me feel strong.  They're not my favorites, but I enjoy mixing them in with my two beloved cardio options.  I've worked with some great trainers at the fitness center I joined, and I confess the one who scares me the most (read: I thought he had killed me during my first workout with him) is the one I look forward to training with each week now.  Weird, right?

I make sleep a priority.
I make a conscious effort to turn off the computer at a reasonable time each night.  Now, the Rangers haven't gone to the West Coast yet, so there will be some exceptions.  But, in general, I make every attempt to pull myself away from my electronics around 10 p.m. and climb into bed by 11.  There have even been a few nights I was in bed by 9:30.  I know sleep has a huge effect on our hormones, and is just good for productivity, in general.  I definitely feel better now that I'm getting more regular sleep.

I have cheerleaders.
Friends and family have been a tremendous support of encouragement and support.  When I'm having a bad day, I only have to text Jamie or Jill or tweet at Jaci.  They're quick to reassure me that one bad day does not have to mean a bad week, month or year.  They cheer me on and keep me going and inspire me.

I don't beat myself up.
The numbers on the scale go up and down each week.  And sometimes they don't move at all. That's how it is.  But it doesn't define me.  And it doesn't define my journey.  It's just another challenge to push through.  Getting upset or giving up won't get me anywhere. 

I'm more confident.
I have been told repeatedly in recent months that I seem to have more confidence than ever.  This is from people who have known me for 30 years, 10 years and even just a few years.  People I know from various circles of my life.  But they all seem to agree that I have gained a ton of confidence in the last year.  I think part of that is from my lifestyle changes and accomplishments, but I also think it's because of all the things I've worked through in recent years in regards to friendships and relationships.  I hope this trend continues.

I may not be at my goal weight yet ... or anywhere close to my other fitness goals, but I'm closer than I was a year ago.  And I'm proud of all I've accomplished so far.  Thanks for following me on this journey, and advance thanks for your continued support.

Weight-loss goal: 40 lbs.
This week's progress: - 2 lbs.
Progress to date: -24.8 lbs.
Non-scale victory: Last night, I finished writing my novel.  Yep. The one I started in November is finally finished. 277 pages later.  I'm relieved and also a little sad.  I miss those characters already.