Count Your Gains and Losses

People often asked me, "So how much have you lost?" Don't get me wrong, it's a great thing to hear, but I think the more important response is how much I've gained.  You see, I didn't start my weight loss as a goal to lose a certain amount of weight, what I started was a lifestyle challenge.  It wasn't just about the weight and fitness, it was about the goals for making our lives better. There are many things that push me to work hard and find reasons to keep going. One of my most inspiring items from my past is a picture that I came across a few years back. It was taken when Riley was a year and a half, so approximately 8 years ago.

 

Then and now...oh what a difference a few years can make :)  

 

In no way would I want you to believe that I (or we for that matter) have lost all that weight in a couple of years. There were many ups and downs in the last 8 years. Following a second baby, a different job (one that allows me time for myself) and following Matt's car accident, I knew that we needed to make our lives better in every way possible. So for the last 5 years, we've worked hard and have gradually gained a lot of things. Matt has gained an education  in the wind field (and is currently pursuing his bachelors in management), I am in school with the goal to eventually get my bachelors in education and we have recently moved to a new state and community which has enabled us to gain so many new friendships that it makes us feel like we never truly left home.

 

We greatly miss our hometown and the many things represented by it.  We are fortunate to be close enough that we can buzz home for the weekend to catch up with friends and family. However, moving here has given me the chance to prove to myself that I have changed and progressed in many ways. I have ventured out of my comfort zone to meet new people and developed new friendships. One of my biggest fears about moving here was the likelihood that I would end up living a hermit lifestyle and gain my weight back. I believe it's very important for others to realize, I didn't do this on my own. I wouldn't have stuck with Insanity, biking or running if it weren't for my friends who were my accountability group. We pushed each other and looked forward to our next butt kicking. Now that we've gotten settled in up here, I've found a few friends who thoroughly enjoy a good butt kicking as well. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be where I'm at today.

 

So I guess the morals to this week's lesson are as follows: 1) Don't be so focused on what you're losing to appreciate everything you're gaining. 2) Take healthy risks and step outside your comfort zone. Even though you may not get the result you want, you're bound to have learned something from the experience. 3) Find a support group. You don't need someone to give you affirmation or a pat on the back for every good thing you do but you do need someone to hold you accountable when you're slacking off and taking it too easy on yourself.