Two-Year WW-versary – 11/2/11

I cannot believe it has been two years since I looked at that dreadful Halloween picture of me from Saturday, October 31 and immediately signed up for Weight Watchers on Monday, November 2. I don’t think I can really put into words how much my life has changed for the better in that span. Well, life changes a lot in two years no matter what.

Since 2009, I have gotten engaged, gotten married, gotten a puppy, had major back surgery, the wife had major knee surgery, moved apartments – twice and much more…

I had half attempted Weight Watchers while in college. Basically, I took my friend Lindsey’s books, photocopied them and tried to follow the plan without paying for it. Hey! I was a poor college student, what do you expect?

I tried it for awhile and had success, but then I got lazy and the rest was downhill.

Well, I can certainly say it has been different the second time around. Attending meetings has made a world of difference. Having the accountability of standing on a scale every week will definitely keep you honest! You can lie, but the scale can’t!

I wish I had started this blog at the beginning of my journey. It would be fascinating to look back on the early entries. You know, when you are still in the honeymoon stage with WW. You all know what I am talking about.

(Note: If you are just starting your weight loss journey, I highly recommend documenting the progress. I know how you probably hate taking pictures, but that is something I regret now. I don’t have many pics to compare with...)

Over the past two years, I have learned a lot about myself in terms of goals, determination, will power and boundaries … or lack thereof. There are disappointments along the way of course – how I gained 6.6 lbs that one week will still haunt me – but they were all learning experiences.

Weight Watchers has taught me how to eat a more well-balanced lifestyle. Because to be truly successful, you need to embrace it as a lifestyle change rather than a diet. There is no way you are going to keep the weight off unless you change the mental aspect.

Speaking of mental aspect. That may be my biggest struggle to date. I am very good at motivating others and making sure that others see the positives in their lives. But, when it comes to me, I am my worst critic. I have talked about this before, but it is hard for me to compliment myself. It is hard for my brain to process compliments.

I honestly want to work on this.

This anniversary gave me a reason to focus on how far I have come in this journey. I don’t often put pictures side-by-side from the beginning and now. It is something I recommend to everyone. It really puts the change in perspective since you see yourself everyday.

There are days when I look in the mirror and I still see the old me. I now keep this comparison picture as my profile picture for my blog’s Facebook page. Now I have to look at it on a daily basis. It is a consistent reminder for me that I am no longer that person.

I am now a person that will get up every morning at 5:30 and go to the gym or Spinning or out for a run.

I no longer hide behind excuses. I no longer hide behind being lethargic. I no longer hide behind 50 lbs of protection.

By no means am I 100% comfortable in my own skin, but I am getting there. I realized that this morning as I suited up for my 8-mile training run with a friend. I left the house wearing only running tights. I didn’t put shorts over them. I didn’t take them off and wear baggier pants. Nope. I was okay enough to wear the pants in public … and I survived. :)

I am most proud of being considered "an inspiration." Since I have joined WW, I know at least a dozen of my friends and family who have also signed up - all because of little 'ol me. The extended support is amazing. Seeing a friend hit their first 10 lbs lost and knowing I had something to do with it - is a feeling that cannot be topped.

Besides thanking my many WW leaders over the past couple of years, my supportive wife and my friends, I want to thank me. No one, but me made the choices I have. I took ownership of my life and I have never been happier.

I raise my water glass to the next couple years of this journey. As I fight to finally hit Goal and most importantly Lifetime! It will happen. Why? Because I said so.