New Chapter

I spent some time yesterday jazzing up my blog with a new header and background. What do you think? I love it and am really happy with how it turned out.

I thought it was fitting to give my blog a new look to kick off a new start. I left my old posts intact, because I meant every word when I wrote them, and they are all part of my journey. But from here on out, I really am focusing on using my blog as a more positive tool, a way to help me keep my sights on the blessings in my life, to vent when necessary (because let’s face it, life happens), but to get back on track as fast as possible with weeding out what I have no control over and taking the best care I can of myself and my family.

A quick-and-dirty background: last spring, when my company decided to send all of us to work from home, I knew I had a valuable opportunity to make a difference in my weight and health. I had more time to work out, cook my own lunches, and quit making excuses!

And at first, I did great. I lost enough weight that I had to buy some new clothes. I felt in control, strong, renewed. Then I started letting old habits creep back in, slowly at first, then like a tidal wave, until I completely let go. For some reason, I just couldn’t stop the avalanche once it started.

It is embarrassing to admit, but I have gained back almost everything I lost. My only saving grace is that I have kept off about 10 pounds. I hate that I gained back the rest, but those 10 pounds will be my building block to get back at it and come back better than ever.

I don’t pretend that the weight gain didn’t happen. But I also don’t pretend that those pounds define me. It is important to me to finally reach a healthy weight and be happy with how I look, but in the meantime, I am proud that I reached some other personal goals recently, that I landed a new job last fall and have been killing it in my new role, and I am beyond grateful that I have my best friend, my husband, my biggest supporter, at my side each day.

I set myself way, way back by gaining so much of this weight back. I gave myself a lot of extra work to do. There’s no denying that. But I know I am a hard worker. I know I have it in me to start again and put in the effort each day. Most importantly, I know I am well worth the effort.

I like to think that writing about my journey here just might help someone else, even if just to show that falling down doesn’t mean you can’t do it. I am human. I stumble. Sometimes I wipe out so hard that it looks like I will never get up, but eventually, I get sick of being down, and I get back on my feet, roll up my sleeves, and get back to work.

So come with me if you like, and let’s start a new chapter of this story!