Happy New Year! Can you believe it is already 2012? I can’t believe how fast 2011 went. If you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you know that 2011 was a big year for me. On January 4, 2011, I had what I call my “aha moment,” which inspired the beginning of this blog and its first series. I was tired of being frustrated with my weight and knew my fitness was not consistently where it should be. So I spent the first half of the year working hard: keeping points, reading labels, checking menus on-line, working out 5-7 times per week, etc.
The 2nd half of the year I felt like I could do more in auto-pilot; I had learned some tools and they had become habit. From the very beginning I was settting goals, and it was always my plan to back-off a little bit for the holidays. Loosen up the restrictions and enjoy some traditions and feasts with my family and friends! So here I am now in the new year, and I am a few pounds up, and I am ready to get back on the healthy train.
Letting go of some of the rules was fun in the moment, but when I think about how hard I worked in the beginning of 2011, I wonder if it was worth it. I wonder how I could have loosened up restrictions a little but still kept some rules. For example, I think maybe I should’ve kept my fast food and restaurant choices healthy. “Moe’s Mondays” date nights are not good for a girl counting her calories! I think since I loosened up the restrictions I went a little too crazy. Give me an inch and I’ll take a mile, ya know?
But there is something different now than a year ago. I don’t feel guilty. I don’t feel defeated. I don’t feel like I have a big “L” on my forehead. : )
I know that this is a lifestyle change. I know that I am still learning. I know that I am dedicated to my health for myself and for my family.
I saw myself do things in 2011 that I never thought I would do (not always perfectly or with a smile!), and I know there are things that I will learn and do in 2012 that I never thought I would do. I know that the scale is just a number, and it doesn’t affect who I am and what I am learning. That for me is a HUGE thing to learn in a year, and it’s exciting to see what the next one holds.
What did you learn this last year? Did you have any “aha moments”? What are you going to accomplish this next year?
To read more about my year you can visit here: Aha Moment series or Plan of Action series.
Congratulations, Jen!! Doesn’t it feel wonderful to wake up on January 1st NOT thinking, “This year I’m making that resolution to lose weight!”!! You’ve done it, girl, and can look forward to a year of fine-tuning that physique!
I started working with a trainer at Miracles Fitness a year ago as well and have been maintaining my weight loss since July. It feels great to look ahead to this new year with excitement and anticipation rather than dread.
I’m so proud of you, Jen. Keep blogging!
Pat
Thank you, Pat! It does feel different this year. Thanks so much for your encouragement!