Celebrate

May 4, 2020 marked the third anniversary of standing on the scale at my WW meeting and being told by my coach that I had reached my goal weight. On that date I had lost 151.5 pounds, an achievement I did not even consider when I first stepped on the scale at the first WW meeting. It was a day worth celebrating!

When I started my journey, I knew for sure that it was “my time” and my season to start towards a goal of being healthy. That first weigh-in made my heart sink as the reality looked me in the face from that scale. I was determined to work the program and give it all I had. At the next weigh-in, I was 11 pounds lighter and feeling supported by my husband, my WW coach and fellow members so there was no looking back.

Did I know what I would look or feel like at goal? Not a clue. I never imagined how energizing it would be to be told that I no longer held a diagnosis of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), to have medications removed from my day or take long daily walks that did not leave me breathless. I could not have imagined how amazing it feels to leave those plus-size stores behind and shop wherever I wanted (and save money too!)

The most important changes happened on the inside. For the first time in thirty years I felt that when I said something that people would actually listen to me and think that maybe I had something to offer. I had spent years feeling ignored, dismissed and unfairly judged. I had to dig in and find my worth in God. I learned that at my essence, I am who God says I am. My worth was not defined by that number on the scale or the size tag on my dress. That is still true as I maintain the weight loss.

You are dearly loved by God and we know that He has chosen you to be His very own. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 TPT

Now that I celebrate the third anniversary of that accomplishment, the journey continues. Seeing that goal number on the scale did not mean I could just go with the flow from then on. After reaching goal I continued on with my lifestyle and lost an additional 13 pounds. Maintenance does not mean I have arrived. Every day I make multiple choices regarding food, activity, stress, food, sleep, study, food, my health, relationships and food. See a pattern here? I continue attending weekly WW meetings and connecting with other members, many of whom have become dear friends. I continue to keep good habits I have started like meal planning, a weekly activity routine and keeping healthy food in the house, among many others. I continue to move towards changing unproductive habits or mindsets into more productive ones. It may seem cliche, but it really is a lifestyle that adjusts and adapts with the season of life I am in.

It is also important to celebrate the milestones, not just the big one on May 4, but the small ones too; for example when I focus on the fellowship and not the potluck choices at gatherings or when I bump up the speed on the treadmill. There is almost always something to celebrate.

How did I celebrate? I planned and chose three healthy meals. I chose to celebrate my strength by exercising. I took time to worship God and thank Him for how He has guided me through this journey. I truly could not have made it here without Him! Lastly, I chose to celebrate by writing, because I have found my voice and my confidence. I have had them all along as good gifts given by God, but I finally unwrapped them and now it is my joy to share them with my friends, both old and new.

Are you feeling that it is “your time” to start a journey to better health? Have you started once or twice (or a hundred times) before only to give up? No better time to start than now. I would love to walk this journey with you and help celebrate you achieving your own goals!

When you succeed, we will celebrate and shout for joy. Flags will fly when victory is yours! Yes, God will answer your prayers and we will praise Him! Psalm 20:5 TPT