10 pounds down!
Apr 21st, 2008 by Bethany
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Three weeks into practicing my healthy living goals, and I’ve lost 10 pounds! I didn’t make any weight loss goals because the number on the scale isn’t something I could control, but what a nice side-effect! My clothes fit a little more loosely, I’ve been happier, and I have more energy than before. Perhaps more than anything, I’ve had the motivation to work hard on something I felt was worthwhile. Yesterday was day 21… I have a few more days of actually doing all the things on my list to get 21 days in a row, but for some of them I’ve hit what “they” say is the habit-forming mark.
It’s really helped a lot to have Colin supporting me. He’s watched the kids while I’ve gone to the gym, stayed up late helping me finish picking up the house, gone to the store to buy me food when I’m too grumpy, and encouraged me to go ahead and do things when I wanted to just give up and go to sleep. There were a few times this weekend when I certainly would have given up if it hadn’t been for him. Thank you for being such a great husband, Colin!
Now that I have a taste of success, I’m going to keep it up. I’ve hit 15 days in a row of all my health goals, and halfway to my 30-day mark I’m getting excited about getting my 30-day reward of going shopping for new clothes. Woo-hoo!
Now I don’t know if it was a lack of faith in myself to actually accomplish my goals or what, but I didn’t really think through how I was going to PAY for these rewards. Hmmmm…you’d think I would have done that. We definitely don’t have an extra $50 in our budget every month for clothes, not to mention all the other rewards I “promised” myself. On Saturday I scrounged through the house collecting stray coins to buy myself the flowers I’d earned. I may have to rethink this if I’m actually going to achieve these goals. Maybe there are some really good, really inexpensive rewards out there. Or maybe I can get sponsors. I guess I could get a job, but we’re already sacrificing a lot so that I won’t have to do that and my little goals don’t seem to merit a change in our family priorities. Earning money to pay for rewards I’ve earned doesn’t seem like much of a reward, especially when any money “should” go to bills. Maybe the stickers alone are enough. But doing things to get a reward I ultimately don’t get is a sure path to discouragement. Any suggestions?
CONGRATS! What a wonderful accomplishment! I know that for ME, some inexpensive rewards I would be happy with, are things like: a chick-flick movie rental from Redbox, a pedicure or manicure from a beauty school, an hour browse through a craft store–WITHOUT children, new makeup–whether it be new eye shadow, or new lip color–something fresh! Just some ideas…maybe those aren’t things that you would go for, but maybe it will help. Hard to say because I don’t know you in person.
Good luck!!
Congratulations on your weight loss! That’s amazing, for just three weeks!
I echo what Rachel said: try to find things that are inexpensive or free. For me, “alone” time is a precious commodity, so I might try to negotiate some free time to spend however I see fit, whether it’s taking an uninterrupted nap, browsing a bookstore, getting some ideas from a craft store or boutique or taking a book and a blanket to the park for a nice shady tree-read.
Also, if you continue to lose 10-14 pounds each month, you’re going to be buying clothes in several new sizes, some of which I’m sure will be too large after only a few months’ wear. Maybe you could pick one new top or one new pair of cute summer capris every month/every other month to replace one previous (too big!) (wahoo!) item in your wardrobe. Then save a little bit and have a larger splurge at the end of your goal, when you know your size won’t be changing.
Bethany,
Wow! What a great motivator you are! I think you’re on the right track — maybe just reading about you can help the rest of us.
As far as rewards, they’re ESSENTIAL! I agree with the other two comments…they don’t have to be really expensive…and maybe just one item from Target (or wherever) that won’t break the bank. It’s your due! And definitely you’ll need something new to feel pretty at the graduation coming up…so maybe that can be the reward.
Keep it up! We’re all energized!
Love,
Sonja
PS…Bet I know someone who would volunteer to help sponsor one of those rewards if you’d be amendable…