It's UNBELIEVABLE!
I must admit, I did weigh myself once after I had started camping in the new place, and I wasn't surprised to learn that I had gained 2 pounds. I figured that with all of the fast food and easy preparation food I had to eat, that gaining a few pounds was inevitable. Of course, I was not excited about the idea that I might spent most of another month losing the weight I had gained while camping.
So this morning, without any dread, I stepped on the scales to learn the truth about my weight. I couldn't even remember the last weight before the camping. So I noted the number, and thought it seemed like a good one. Then I came to the computer to update my weight chart -- and that is when the Hallelulah chorus started.
I WEIGH EXACTLY WHAT I DID BEFORE THE CAMPING!
I know I had gained a few pounds, so apparently, even with the camping, I've also lost a few pounds. I'm right where I left off! I'm totally shocked, totally grateful, and very excited about this. I must admit, during this camping time, I did indulge myself a bit, knowing it was temporary. I didn't overeat, but I did make it a point to try out all of the fast food things that had come out since I started Weight Watchers almost 18 months ago. And I tried them all. The best news is that I didn't love any of them. Sure, a few of them were actually good, but they didn't taste as good as my home cooked things. In fact, I found myself hungry for a salad a few times. Anyone who knew me before WW would know what a miracle that is! I actually missed the fresh and home cooked foods I've been eating on WW.
So during my camping time, I didn't cut loose, but I did allow myself a few indulgences. I had french fries a few more times after that accidental time I wrote about. I've tried all of the new menu items in almost every fast food joint. And I won't miss any of them for the next 18 months. From this event today, and the first weigh in after my illness, I've really come to realize that I have accomplished the biggest part of goal, the goal that has been driving me since before I started WW. I HAVE developed a more healthy lifestyle. I've turned the tide in my own life. Every part of me wants to be healthier and healthier. Now, it's just a matter of tweaking and fine tuning, and occassionally making changes to my daily living.
I'm still doing WW, and I've still got something like 70 pounds to lose. I've not lost sight of that. But it feels today like I'm ready to start to focus more on my next healthy lifestyle goal -- the one related to my physical challenges with my legs. At the same time, I'm also working very hard to learn a more healthy balance between work and rest and play. Every mother knows this challenge! And everyone who works at home knows the little secret of the home-based workers -- We don't work at home, we LIVE at work. It's a challenge to create a healthy lifestyle in the midst of this, but I know I'm going to find my way through this, also.
Hey, if you are reading this this and didn't get it yet, I'll say it right out -- miracles do happen. My life is full of them the last 18 months, and I'm finally starting to really understand what that means for my own life. You might want to look around and see if there are hidden miracles happening in your own life. After all, it's a miracle that the universal forces that keep the Earth in orbit around the Sun didn't fail through the night -- the Sun comes up every morning on schedule. The tomato plant continues to grow on the Earth after generations and generations. Rain and sunshine together allow life to continue. Well being abounds! We live in a miraculous world.
P.S. When I lose another half pound it will be time for the updated red towel pictures. I hope I can find it in the moving mess!
