Category: Uncategorized

Goal Set for July 2nd!

On By TerriIn Inspiration, Mindset, Uncategorized2 Comments

What is your goal for July 1st?  (July 2nd for me). 

At my workshop last week, my coach asked this question of all of us.  

I had to think.

Before we set that goal, she wanted us to discuss three things related to what our goal will be- 

Preparation-what do we need to do to get us to this goal?  What are the things that help? Barriers– What might get in the way of reaching that goal?  What obstacles do we face?  And Reality– is this goal realistic based on where we are in our life?  Is it doable?  Looking at our journey over the past, is this goal something that can be achieved or do we need to adjust it to match the reality of our own personal journey?

All of this had me thinking, which is a good thing.  These questions get me to look at my journey and my goals honestly.  It is VERY easy for me to fool myself into thinking this can be done overnight, that all I have to do is wave my magic wand or blink my eyes or twitch my nose and POOF!- I have lost the weight and reached the goal I have set.  But that is not reality!

Believing I can do it is a good thing and helps motivate me to move forward BUT it can also be a negative when I fool myself and falsely believe that I can lose overnight what it has taken me a few years to gain.  My weight loss just doesn’t happen that fast!  I wish it did!  The reality is that weight loss for me, is a slow journey filled with smooth sailing and stormy seas.  Choosing to ignore the warnings, the signs, the history of my journey and heading out, with a false sense of calm and success, just sets me up to encounter those stormy seas, unprepared.

Sitting in my workshop, listening to the discussion I set one goal (-10 lbs), only to change it to another goal (-20 lbs) and then to change it a third time to the goal that is right for me.  A goal that was based on the discussion about Reality and based on knowing myself and where I am currently at on this journey.

You see, I know myself well enough to know that if my goal is too low and easily achievable (by doing the things that I KNOW work) then I will sabotage myself- my mind will tell me everyday that I have plenty of time to reach this low number and I can therefore start “tomorrow” (but as I have learned over and over, tomorrow just never comes…. It is always just a day away).  I also know that if I set the goal too high which requires more hard work with little flexibility, then I am setting myself up to fail- another form of self-sabotage.  Setting a goal that is realistic for me, where I am at and based on my history with weight loss is best and provides the flexibility I need on this journey.  My chances of success are higher with this realistic goal! 

So I set my goal to lose 15lbs by July 2nd, which is my weigh-in day.

Now, how to get there-

Preparation– what things do I need to do and what things work for me that will help me to get to that goal?  Tracking my food (I will write another day about this as tracking in the app is VERY hard for me, so I need a mindset shift here!), walking and/or swimming most days (to say I will do it every day sets me up to fail), portions (weigh and measure everything!), journaling (that is what this blog is for), attending weekly workshops (and virtual when I am traveling), weighing myself at home daily and then stepping on the scale in my workshop for the accountability and breaking my goals into smaller ones will keep me motivated.  The biggest key, however, will be to remind myself of my why!  That anchor…the thing that reminds me every day about why I am doing this will keep me motivated. (I have written about anchors in the past and will write more about my anchor and my why another day.)

Now I am prepared but what about the barriers?  What gets in my way?  Me!  I am my biggest barrier to success.  My mindset.  The lies I tell myself that let me eat the bag of cookies, the bag of chips or a multitude of things that do not help me lose weight and instead keep me very unhealthy.  Yes, I am my biggest barrier and the hardest one to overcome.  I will be sharing those times here on my blog, because I know I am not alone in this struggle!  The other barriers- travel, visitors, stress, emotions, and boredom with food! (I really need variety and new foods in my weekly meals).  As these barriers pop-up, you know I will be writing about them and how I overcame them or how they derailed me and what I do to get back on the right path.

Is my goal based on reality?  Yes, for me.  This goal may not be realistic for someone else- it may be too high or too low.  For me, knowing where I am and knowing I need a little room for flexibility but not too much room, makes this goal realistic and doable for me.  Doable with some work and some flexibility. 

My goal for July 2nd is to lose 15 lbs.  (If I say it out loud or write it here, then I am more likely to do it!) And to help me with accountability and inspiration I created this tracker to record each week’s weigh-in results-

This week, to get me one step closer to that goal, I have committed to tracking my food.  The one change I can make this week.  The one step that will help me get closer to where I want to be.

What is your goal?  And what one step can you take today that will get you closer to that goal? 

Just 20 lbs……..

On By TerriIn About Me, Activity, Food, Mindset, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Just 20 lbs, that’s all”

This was said to me by my doctor in 2006 after I had thrown my back out.  Just 20 lbs and my back would have less stress on it and feel better.  He was right.  Losing those 20 lbs helped.  But I didn’t stop with just 20 lbs.  I went on to lose 85 lbs, reaching my goal weight in January 2008.  I vowed then, that I would NEVER need to hear those words again.  I was NOT going back to daily pain in my back.  Not after finally finding freedom from the pain. 

And then, a couple of weeks ago another doctor said to me, “Just 20 lbs”.  There it was. Those words again…… Only this time, it wasn’t my back that prompted those words, it was my hip. 

I have had pain in my hip, at times so severe I can’t stand, walk or sleep.  So, I went to the orthopedic and heard those words again.  Weight gain affects so much more than my self-esteem and how I see myself, it also affects my health and my body.  My hip is not happy with this weight gain and no matter how many times I tell myself it is time to do something about it, I sabotage myself. 

Yes, I sabotage myself. 

16 years later, hearing those words again hit me hard.  I am NOT back where I once was (now needing to lose 35lbs not 85 lbs), but I am at a weight that is not healthy for me.  And healthy is far more important than how I look.  I have goals.  I want to participate in my granddaughter’s life, not watch.  I want to live to a very old age and enjoy my life, not spend it watching from the sidelines.  I want to hike and enjoy the outdoors.  I want to skip down main street at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.  I want to go on walks with my husband, swim in the pool, shop, dance and so many other things that require my hip and my back to be healthy.

So, I am working on it.  Imperfectly.  But working on it.  I have started to make changes.  I am working to change my mindset.  I am sabotaging myself a little less each day (I am not perfect and still fight that sabotage, while acknowledging the wins along the way)

Just 20 lbs. and then more……

One-pound-at-a-time.

I Got on the Scale

On By TerriIn Activity, Food, Uncategorized2 Comments

I got on the scale. 

I have not stepped on that darn metal box in over 2 weeks.

I knew it wasn’t going to be good.  My clothes are really tight and uncomfortable.  But…. I was not prepared for the number I saw.

How the hell did THAT number happen? 

I sat down and before I knew it, my cheeks were wet. Yes, the tears had come.  I was shocked, angry with myself and frustrated!

The thing is, I knew this was happening.  I just didn’t want to admit it. 

It is very easy to lie to myself.  All the things that work for me, that keep me healthy—eating fruits and veggies, tracking my food, cooking healthy meals, walking—I was doing those things. 

You see, we can tell ourselves we are doing all the right things.  We can track our food and it looks like we are doing really well- points and/or calories are where we need them to be.  Step counts on our tracking devices show we are getting those steps in.

But what all of that doesn’t tell us is how honest we are not being. 

Tracking food only works when I track EVERY bite, EVERY sip.  If I eat the chips, cookies, candy, donuts, cake, and a myriad of other snacks, and I don’t track them… well…. They still count.  NOT tracking food does NOT mean the food doesn’t count.  My daily points may show I am doing well, but the untracked foods, well they tell a different story. 

Eating those healthy meals are GREAT but when I eat them AFTER I am over-stuffed with salty and sweet snacks, those healthy foods really don’t do much to help me, instead they now become a part of a greater problem.  They become an illusion of healthiness, behind which the truth is hidden. 

Wearing my fitbit is awesome.  It keeps me aware of those steps.  Most days I hit my step goal.  And hitting that goal or going over is just another illusion.  How many of those steps were gained through walking and how many of those steps were gained by folding clothes or moving my arm back and forth during my normal day?  How many of those steps were actually from intentional exercise that got my heart rate moving?  Not many, I can tell you that.

It is very easy to hide behind the illusion of healthy eating and exercise.  And then look for “reasons” for the weight not coming off- there must be something wrong with my thyroid or other health issues going on or maybe it is a medication that is making me gain weight rather than lose, afterall, my trackers show I am doing well…..

BUT the scale doesn’t lie.  Clothes don’t lie.  Looking in the mirror tells the truth.  And blood work doesn’t lie.

This morning I finally faced the truth.  As tears flowed down my cheeks, I realized that I am the reason my weight is where it is.  No one forced me to eat those three donuts in one sitting, or the entire bag of chips.  No one forces me to eat peanut butter toast with butter, not one piece but three.  No one forces me to buy the chips, candy and cookies and no one forces me to eat them.

I am responsible for where I am.  It is time I accept that!  Time I do what I keep saying I am doing.  It is time to be honest, completely honest.  And time to make my trackers tell the WHOLE story. 

If I want to live to be 100, if I want to be healthy, if I want the pain in my joints to lessen, if I want to be a participant in my granddaughter’s life rather than a spectator, then I NEED to step up to the challenge.  I need to make me a priority.  I need to be honest.  I need to do the work necessary to get back to being the healthiest and best version of me I can be.

Stepping on the scale was the first step.

A healthy, fully tracked breakfast was the second step.

A 2 mile walk was the third step.

And writing this post was the fourth step. 

Today I am being honest with myself.  Finally!  I am making changes.  One day at a time!  One meal at a time!  One step at a time! 

I can and I will do this!  It just took getting back on that scale to get me going. 

Do One Thing Different

On By TerriIn Inspiration, Mindset, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you always got”

That mantra has been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks now.  I first heard it when I was in the middle of my 5th journey with Weight Watchers, the journey that finally resulted in my reaching my weight goal and achieving Lifetime status.  That was a long time ago, now.

This quote is so accurate.  And it is one of the keys to success.  Doing something different….making changes, the kind of changes that become habit, is key to success.  And necessary.

I have been on a rollercoaster journey the past few years… up… down…. topsy-turvey……. It has been a difficult journey at times. 

A couple of months ago, a group of ladies and I started meeting virtually each week and in person once a month, to support each other on this journey and to discuss various topics.  Our own support group and accountability group.  Boy have I missed them and meeting as a group.

Through this group and our discussions I realized my why, and how to keep it close (more on that soon) and I revisited “the basics” that help on this journey.  You know, ALL those things I used to do and the things I KNOW work for me.

But I was still stuck.  Up and down and all around…… I just wasn’t getting anywhere.

And then my husband and I went on vacation.  A 3 week roadtrip…. 4100 miles driven….. 6 states…… lots of family and long-time friends visited….. and GREAT food (especially in San Francisco!). 

Yes, on vacation.  I told myself that I was NOT going to gain.  I had a plan.  I packed healthy snacks.  I prepped the cooler and loaded drinks and fruit.  I was ready.  But I had been on vacation before.  And I knew what happens…. 

Vacation mode.

Well…. something was different this time.  The long hours on the road led to long discussions with my husband.  And my desire to reach my goals and my reminder of my why were strong…. Very strong.  So….

I did not deprive myself because saying no and deprivation would only backfire.  So, I had a few cookies over the days in San Francisco…. Amazing cookies my son made for us.  I had sourdough bread, and pastries and pasta and croissants and so much more.  I had dessert in WA.  I had burgers, fish and chips, wine and beer. 

And I maintained.

How?

I go back to the quote at the beginning of this post— I did not do what I always did.  I stopped telling myself that tomorrow was another day, so what I was eating today wouldn’t matter (because tomorrow NEVER comes and it DOES matter).  I shared meals with my husband.  I ate half of my meal.  I listened to my body instead of my head and that made a HUGE difference.  When I was full I turned down dessert.  After dinner I stopped eating.  I didn’t buy soda and chips and candy bars for nighttime snacking in the hotel rooms. 

I DID something DIFFERENT. 

In order to get a different outcome, we have to stop doing the same things we have always done.  And that is HARD!!  Very HARD!! 

Doing what we have always done, doing the same thing is comfortable.  It keeps us in our comfort zone and then we end up with the same result. 

In order to get that different result we HAVE to do something different- just ONE thing will make a difference.  Something outside that comfort zone. 

That is what helped me maintain on my trip and what has helped me to lose 3.4 lbs in the week after returning home.  I am just doing things different.  Getting out of my comfort zone. 

What are you doing that you have always done, but it is holding you back and keeping you stuck?  What is one thing you could do different today?  Just one thing! 

Finding My “Tribe”

On By TerriIn Inspiration, Uncategorized1 Comment

Support is so important on this journey of losing weight and becoming the healthiest version we can be.  But I am not just talking about the support from our family and close friends, which is very important. 

I am talking about the support and the accountability that is found in a group.  A group of individuals who are all on a similar journey.  A group of individuals who “get it”.  They have been there.  They understand.  And there is NO judgement.

Finding that kind of group is priceless.  And if we are lucky enough to find a group where we can find support and understanding and accountability, where we can nod and think, “yes, I too have felt that way” or “yes, I have been there too”, then we really need to hold on to that group, cultivating relationships that will last.  Relationships built on shared experiences, and a shared journey.

That group experience is what drew me to Weight Watchers in the first place. 

And Weight Watchers is where I found a group like that in 2005 when I joined for the 5th time.  The members in that meeting were my “tribe”.  We celebrated together, lifted each other up when we were down, shared ideas, shared tips, shared our journeys.  We laughed together and sometimes cried together.  We were all on this weight loss journey, a similar journey, yet an individual journey, too.

That group helped me to reach so many aha’s…. those lightbulb moments.  That group and the leader helped me to believe in me and helped me to reach my goals. 

And then I had to leave. 

I have found other groups here and there in the many places I have lived over the years.  And as a coach for WW, I met many individuals who inspired me to continue to work on being the best version of me that I could be.  I found people I connected with in those groups I lead.  They were a part of my tribe, but leading was not the same as being a member, a part of the group where we all shared our struggles, challenges and successes. For 12 years I have struggled to find my “tribe”, that group where I could just be a member, contributing and connecting with others, who are on this shared journey.

Until now.

2 months ago, a group of my friends and ladies I had met through WW workshops, and those who had become my walking partners and 5k partners, decided we all would like and needed more accountability and support. 

So, we started meeting every Monday night via zoom.  And we met in person, once a month.  This has become MY tribe.  The tribe I had been missing.  The tribe that is helping me reach the goals I am setting for myself.  When I am struggling, they “get it”.  They just “get it”.   NO judgement. 

Oh, how I have needed this.

These ladies inspire me so much!  We support each other throughout the week and check in to see how we are all doing with the commitments we make to each other.  We discuss topics that are of interest to us, our challenges and our successes.  We celebrate each others success and we understand each persons challenges.  We ALL “get it”!  We are friends.  We are a tribe!

Yes, I have needed this.

Our group has grown a little and each new face is welcomed as if they are an old friend.  THAT is what a tribe is like.  THAT is what I have been looking for.  And THAT is what I have found with these ladies, my friends. 

Do you have a support group for your journey?  A group outside your family?  Maybe you found your tribe in a WW Workshop?  Or through another friend who attends a group? 

This journey is HARD!  Really HARD!  But doing this journey with a tribe of others who are also somewhere on that same journey, well, it makes it just a little bit easier.  

My tribe has made this perfectly imperfect journey easier for me!  And that makes it perfect for me!

Weekly Accountability- April 1st

On By TerriIn Mindset, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I stepped on the scale this morning and it moved…. Down!

I lost 1 lb!

This week was better.  NOT perfect.  Better.

What made the difference this week?

Mindset!

Mindset!

Mindset!

I spent this week focused on my strengths and how they can help me.  THAT made the difference- in how I approached this week and in my mindset.

I used my strengths, my Superpowers—Kindness and Forgiveness toward myself when my plans went awry or I made a choice that wasn’t my best choice….. Creativity for coming up with meals last minute that were healthy for me….. Perseverance to keep pushing on when I took a detour or the candy bar landed in my grocery bag at the checkout…… And so many more of my strengths.

Harnessing the power of my strengths made the difference in my imperfect week! 

What made the difference for you? 

My Strengths…My Superpowers!

On By TerriIn Inspiration, Mindset, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Last week at my virtual workshop, my coach asked us what our strengths were and when we struggled to come up with one, she asked what others would say our strengths were.  I have thought about this a lot since last Thursday.  And I have thought quite a bit about how these strengths can aid me on my journey.

If I can turn these strengths into Superpowers, well then I will be unstoppable!! 

We all have strengths.  They are part of who we are.  Sometimes it is hard to see our own strong attributes, but others see them. 

What are your strengths?  Are you compassionate?  Funny?  A survivor?  Quiet?  Kind?…….

My coach asked us to just pick one to focus on.  What one strength do you have?  I chose kindness. 

How can I use kindness on this journey?  It doesn’t really relate to food or exercise…. Or does it? 

I am kind to others. But am I kind to myself?  How would being kind to me, change this journey?  Would it have any impact?

What do you think?

Yes, being kind would have an impact.  A HUGE impact! 

 Our thoughts are so powerful on this journey.  My mindset is a HUGE part of becoming the healthiest and best version of me that I can be.  So, how can I become the best version of me if I am negative, critical, and mean to myself?  Wouldn’t I get farther and become a better version of me by being positive, by being kind to myself? 

Think about it.  What happens to our mindset when we are negative and focus on our faults or our failings?  What impact would the negative have?  How would you feel?  I know that I would give up.  I would feel defeated.  I would stop believing that I could achieve any goal I set for myself.  Being negative, unkind and only focusing on my faults sets me up to fail.  Every. Single. Time.

But if I turn that around and focus on my strengths, on the lesson I can learn and on the positive steps I have made, then I would feel far different.  I would feel empowered!  I would believe I could do anything!  Being kind to myself and focusing on the positives sets me up to succeed, even when I have a slip or take a detour!

Amazing what focusing on the positives, focusing on our strengths can do for each of us!   

Kindness is one of my strengths and the one I chose during my workshop.  And I realized I need to make being kind to myself a priority.  Being kind to me helps my mindset stay positive.  Kindness helps me continue when I have a slip.  Kindness helps me to forgive (another of my strengths) and move on, learning as I go. 

As I thought about my strengths this week, I came up with a list (not complete yet, as I keep adding to it)—

These are some of my strengths!  My Superpowers.  And the power of each of these strengths can be harnessed and used as a tool on my journey.  These strengths have gotten me this far and will keep me going!  Especially if I apply them to myself! (okay, realistically, I won’t use them ALL of the time, BUT I know they are there and I KNOW the power can be used to help me on my journey!)

Examples of how some of these strengths can help me on this journey–

Forgiveness, Kindness, Compassion, Love, Gratefulness, Empathy—When the power of these is harnessed I take the power away from my guilt and give it back to me.  Slips no longer mean failure.  I am more positive, and happier. I am more understanding of what I am doing and where my choices are originating from. I make better choices for me. I feel better, emotionally and physically, when I harness the power of these strengths.   

Thoughtful, Creative, Curious, Passionate—When the power of these is harnessed, I can keep the boredom and staleness at bay.  I try new foods, new recipes.  I find fun ways to move.  These strengths are powerful tools to keep things fresh and new.

Bravery, being a Survivor, Perseverance, Hope—When the power of these is harnessed, I am empowered to push through, to continue, to believe that I am capable of far more than I give myself credit for.  Slips no longer mean failure, instead those slips become stepping stones on my road to success.  When I harness the power of these, I am unstoppable!  Nothing is out of reach or impossible!  Everything is possible!  I CAN and I WILL!

Zest—When this power is harnessed, I am being present in the moment. I have a zest for life.  I enjoy the little things along with the bigger things.  I find joy in the moment– in a new recipe, in the quiet of nature, in the beauty of a hike, in the joy of a new food find.  This zest for life keeps me mindful, present and joyful.  All things that help me travel this crazy journey.

Organized— How better to be in control of me, than to be organized? Harnessing this power stops the chaos in my life and in my mind. THIS is how I plan, how I prepare, how I keep calm.

What are your strengths?  How can you harness the power of each of your strengths to turn them into tools that will help you move closer to your goals, closer to the version of you that YOU are striving for?  How can you turn your strengths into your SUPERPOWERS?

Ask yourself “what are my strengths?”  “what would my family and friends say are my strengths?”  “How can these strengths aid my journey to becoming the healthiest and best version of me that I can be?”

Our strengths, our Superpowers, once we recognize them, become powerful aids on our journey….. this perfectly imperfect journey we are all on.    

Weekly Accountability- March 25th

On By TerriIn Inspiration, UncategorizedLeave a comment

No, I didn’t post last week.  And I am a day late this week.  But here I am, sharing for accountability. 

The last 2 weeks have been okay.  Not perfect.  Not a failure either.  Just okay.

When I stepped on the scale yesterday morning, the scale didn’t change.  I have maintained the past 2 weeks. 

Before I started writing these accountability posts, maintaining AFTER a gain would have sent me down the hole…. But this time it didn’t.  And it won’t.

I maintained.  This week there were really good days that had me making healthy choices and even getting out and walking.  And then there were days that were super stressful that had me making a few less healthy choices. 

That’s life, right?

It isn’t perfect.  Or easy.  Despite how much we wish it were.

So we learn and we continue, while making adjustments as we go.

Each of us are different.  And we each need to find what works for us.  Because, as I said so many times in the workshops I coached—”what works for one may not work for another, we each need to find what works for us.”

And that is what I have been working on since recommitting to myself, my journey, and my accountability.  Finding and doing what works for me.

How ironic, then, that the theme for WW Workshops this month has been “Do What Works”. 

This theme has hit home with me.  WW has asked us each week to find what works for us, because we all are individuals with different strengths, lives and needs. 

It is so important to find what works for ME.  To make this journey fit my life, my personality, my needs. 

Because really, will I continue on this journey if I HAVE to do it in a way that doesn’t work for me or in a way that doesn’t take into consideration my needs?  NO!  I would NOT do this if I had to do it another person’s way!!

So, what worked for me these last 2 weeks—many things!  And I learned much.

What didn’t—a few things.  And I learned much from those slips as well.

BUT there is one thing, ONE, that I now know, without any doubt, I need on this journey.  ONE thing that without a doubt helps me on this journey!  My workshop.  MY workshop.

So, this week what worked is- (there were many but I am going to focus on one)

               —MY workshop.  (finding the right workshop is important and keeps us attending)

I have been attending a virtual workshop every Thursday mornings.  It is really early for me as the workshop is in another time zone, across the country in another state.  This workshop is the workshop I attended in person from 2006-2009, where I lost my weight and achieved my lifetime goal.  My leader (cuz back then coaches were referred to as Leaders) has retired and no longer coaches, but I still attend.  My friend, the one I went to my first Leader Training with, is now the coach and she is very motivating! 

I started attending this virtual workshop regularly about a month ago.  At that time there was only a 2 hour time difference.  But now it is 3 hours.  I have to be up at 5 am to get ready to attend my workshop (I want to be on video so….)  It is NOT easy to get up and get ready that early every Thursday morning. I could make a lot of excuses NOT to attend.  But this is important.  Because attending a workshop works for me. 

I have not been regular in my workshop attendance since I left Virginia in 2009.  Lots of reasons why.   Lots of excuses NOT to attend. 

No more excuses! 

Workshops work for me.  Period! 

The Workshop is the ONE place where I KNOW I am not alone in my struggles!  Everyone else has been there at one time or another too.  THEY get it!  And there is NO judgement!  Only acceptance!  Workshops are that ONE safe place where I can share my struggles and my triumphs, my aha moments and ask questions and my celebrations. 

Workshops are where I find motivation!  As a coach, I was motivated by those who attended my workshops each week!   As a member, I am motivated by the others attending the workshop and by the Coach and Guide.  So much motivation!

Workshops work for me!  And since they work for me, I am going to keep attending.  (I am hoping WW will keep this virtual workshop going so I can continue to attend from across the country every week and one day I will also go back to in person workshops, when things are a little safer for my health).

What is working for you?  Do you have that ONE thing that you have found that works for you?  What steps are you taking to make sure you do that ONE thing?  How are you making that one thing and YOU a priority?

This journey is hard.  Excuses are easy.  Excuses hold us back and keep us from doing what works for us. 

Here is a quote that a member shared in the workshop I attended this week that really struck home for  me—“Be Stronger Than Your Excuses!”

This week don’t let your excuses get in the way of doing that ONE thing that works for YOU!  

Vision Board Anchor

On By TerriIn Inspiration, UncategorizedLeave a comment

This is one of THOSE weeks.  The imperfect in this journey.  I don’t know why.  I don’t know what set this off.  But it is just one of THOSE weeks.  And THOSE weeks happen (more about the week tomorrow in my weekly accountability post). 

Yesterday afternoon I had finally had it.  My stomach hurt.  I didn’t feel well, physically.  And I was angry with myself and embarrassed. 

Me?  How could I eat all that?  What happened to the valve that “turns off” eating?  Mine was definitely broken.

It was then, in the midst of beating myself up, that I remembered the photo collage I had created years ago, to motivate me to stay at my goal and to keep working on being the healthiest me I could be.  The photo used to hang on my refrigerator…. But hadn’t been there in over a year.  Where was it?

I searched through all my things until I found it- the photo collage of my before and after pics along with a question/statement that helps me to stay focused. One of my anchors.

As I sat at the table, putting the photo onto another paper to frame it, I remembered the vision board I had created years ago and realized it was in the back of the closet.  Well, if this photo will help motivate me then surely my vision board would too!

So, I found the board.  It needed updating.  (the last activity goal on there was for January 2020….. )  I sat at my kitchen table, with bright colored paper and my marker and created a board that would motivate me. 

–The collage photo with the question “Which YOU do you want to be?  Only YOU can choose!” prominently displayed on my vision board.

–Two strings tacked along the top with small clothespins, each representing one pound.  The top string for the pounds I had left to lose.  The bottom string for the pounds I had lost.  Visual motivation! 

–Quotes to motivate me!

–A list of the things that WORK for me!

–Twos questions I ended every workshop I coached with- “Can I?  Will I?”  Powerful questions to ask.  Yes, I CAN.  But the real question is always WILL I?  WILL I do what I need to do?  And if not, then what WILL I do to help move me forward? 

–My activity goal, updated to reflect my goal for January 2022—when I complete the She Power 5k.  My goal is for it to be my fastest 5k EVER. 

This vision board is motivating for me.  The board sits on my counter, where I see it multiple times a day.  An anchor, to ground me to my journey and remind me what I am doing. 

And the photo is back on my refrigerator and now also in my pantry, hanging from the shelf in front of the snacks.  Anchors to remind me to check with myself BEFORE I grab food to eat—which one am I choosing?  Anchors to remind me to choose ME!

Anchors keep us moving forward.  They remind us why we are doing what we are doing, why we want to keep going, and what we are working toward.  If you want to know a little more about anchors, I wrote about them on another blog in 2017 and you can read about them here and see what my anchors have been on my journey. 

How do you motivate yourself?  How do you keep going when you have had an imperfect day?  What are your anchors? 

This week (heck the past year) has truly shown me that this journey is an imperfect one, a perfectly imperfect journey!

Weekly Accountability- March 4th

On By TerriIn Mindset, Uncategorized3 Comments

Last week I committed to a weekly update post on my progress as another form of accountability for me on my journey.  Though I am posting this a day later than planned, I did weigh in yesterday (March 4th) and I did attend my virtual workshop yesterday morning. 

Accountability is important.  It helps to keep me in check.  It helps to keep me honest. 

Yesterday morning when I stepped on the scale, I was expecting to see a gain.  Yes, it was that kind of week as far as food went.  And a gain would not have surprised me.  I was, however, quite happy when I saw that the scale did not change.  I maintained!  THAT is a victory for me, after the week I had. 

Last week’s topic about Non-Scale Victories (NSV’s) had me focusing on those this week and less on what number I may or may not see on the scale.  I think that focusing on those things that tell me I am changing and that I am moving forward on this journey, helped my mindset this week. 

It was a rough week, but I did not fail.  Life happens.  Life will always happen.  There are going to be days and weeks that just do not go as planned.  Focusing on other means of seeing change and success is important if I am going to stay motivated and if I am going to keep moving forward!  VERY important! 

Afterall, mindset is a HUGE part of this journey and has the greatest impact on my choices! 

So this week, what worked for me?  What were my NSV’s, those moments I am proud of?

               –I tracked, even the days that I ate way over my daily points and even after those weekly extras were gone!  I tracked 6 out of 7 days this week!  Yay!! 

               –I meal planned and created my grocery list from that in preparation for this next week.  I was reminded this week that I really do need to have that meal plan, and the foods on hand to create those meals in order to not make a run for fast food or to not order the pizza.  I also need easy and quick meals that I can make on those very busy days and those were added to my grocery list.  Preparing for any situation. 

               –I was able to walk a little more than the previous week because the daily pain is getting better!  I NEVER thought I would be THAT person who WANTED to move more or exercise, until I couldn’t.  Now I am excited that I may be back to long walks soon!

               –I used my calm app 4 days this week.  Taking care of me is important, but it is the thing I let go of first when life gets crazy.  I am getting back to those things that give me a few minutes to just breathe.  Just. Breathe.  Taking care of me first means I can take care of everyone and everything else! 

My week may not have gone how I planned it to go and the scale may not have gone down.  But I am still moving forward.  I am still changing.  I am still learning. 

One-step-at-a-time!

One-day-at-a-time!

One-NSV-at-a-time!

What was your success this past week?  What did you learn?  How do you know you are moving forward when the scales doesn’t show that?  What are your NSV’s?

This imperfect journey is perfect for me!