WW at Work

We learned last week that our health insurance premiums are going up significantly in the coming weeks – UNLESS we, as individuals, actively participate in a wellness program. Many in our company are unhealthy and contributing to the problem of rising health costs.

Let’s face it, a lot of our health problems are from poor choices. Mine were. My bad choices caused me to be overweight; and I’ve been that way for a while. Fortunately for me, I was able to get my head around losing weight way before this entire insurance issue/wellness program came to light.

I’m glad to work for a company that is taking an active role in encouraging and supporting positive health practices. They are going to start Weight Watchers class at our research office. I am very excited, and encouraged, that more than 20 people have signed up to participate. I’ve already been asked if I would speak at a meeting and try to encourage my co-workers.

Initially, I was hesitant; but I smacked myself in the head when I realized how selfish that was. Isn’t this what life’s all about? We go through struggles so we can help the next person in line. I’ve participated in WW for a year. I’ve realized some success, and now I’m being given the opportunity to share some of what I’ve learned.

So, I’ve been thinking about what I would say to encourage my friends. What words can I offer as they get started? I really want to be a source of encouragement. I REALLY want to help each and every one of them realize the same success that I have had and continue to have.

So, here it goes – my first piece of advice: Cut yourself some slack. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making today a little bit better than yesterday. One positive change – that’s all it takes. And YOU can do it.

Priceless Moments

I realized this morning that I forgot to share the most important part of the story with my kids – the part that should more than convince you just how amazing they are.

If you recall, I was trying to come up with good reasons to get out of going to a water aerobics class. The kids wanted me to come up with three good reasons why I needed to stay home. Without them, I was expected to get up and go to class – very, VERY early on Saturday morning.

I was getting desperate as it seemed that no excuse was going to work with these two kids of mine. So, I got devious.

I offered $10. Nope.

$20? Nope

$50? Nope

I even went as high as $100. At this point, I would go to class before I paid either of them money. But I wanted to see just how firm they would hold to their convictions. THEY TURNED ME DOWN!

Then Nathan says, “Mama, I don’t care if you offered me a million dollars. I would still want you to go to class. You’re worth way more than any amount of money.” They want a healthy mama, and I’m going to give them one.

Seriously, life doesn’t get much better than that. Now, does it?

Three Good Reasons

I have the absolute BEST kids. A couple of weeks ago, Hannah, Nathan, and I were driving home from a church activity. I was tired. It was Friday night, and it had been a long week. I told the kids that I wasn’t going to attend my water aerobics class the next morning. And because they are such blessings to me, they stepped into “coach” mode.

Nathan said, “Mama, if you can give us three good reasons NOT to go, we’ll let you stay home.”

REALLY?!?! This kid expected me to give HIM a reason for my decision?? I’m the parent! I’ll make my own decisions!!

But the reasonable voice inside me realized that Nathan’s statement was coming from a place of love and concern. Both he and Hannah want me to be healthy and successful, and they want to contribute to the process. You can’t ask for better motives than that.

So I started offering up reasons:

“I’m tired and I want to sleep in.” “Nope, you can take a nap when you get home.”

“I want to spend extra time with you kids in the morning.” “We’ll be here when you get home.”

“I don’t feel like it.” “You’ll feel better after the class.”

This banter went on the entire ride home. I don’t think I got credit for one single reason for staying home.

So, to honor my kids, I got up early and went to class. And just as expected, class was awesome. I felt really good after the hour-long workout. I was proud of me, and my kids were proud of me.

They were part of the process, and I love them for it. I am REALLY, REALLY blessed.

Internal Battles

The last time I posted was July 27. Wow, almost a month. A lot of mental battles. Some struggling with the numbers. I was very, VERY tired. Maybe it was the heat. Whatever it was, I was tired of playing this game. Despite the struggle, I’m very proud of myself. I didn’t quit.

Despite very little positive reinforcement on the scale, I didn’t give up. Remember, this isn’t a diet. It isn’t a temporary set of rules I have to follow. I am changing my life. I’m choosing to move in a different, healthier, more positive direction.

So, while there are external challenges – things that tug at my convictions – I continued to move forward.

I didn’t write because I didn’t want to share that I was “blah”. It wasn’t even that really. I just didn’t want to hear encouragement from my friends. Yes, I’m weird. I know you all would have rallied around me and shared plenty of love and encouragement for me. And for that I thank you and love you bunches and bunches.

But I needed to work through this myself. I needed to find the strength inside myself to push forward and make the right decisions for ME. I didn’t want to (nor did I need to) be making any decisions because of what other people expect of me (or what I think they expect of me).

So, I move forward to make a better life for me. Selfish, maybe. But when I am a better, stronger, healthier, there’s more of me to share with other people – despite the fact that the physical me is getting smaller.

YAY me!! Current weight loss is 74.6 pounds. Less than one half a pound away from 75!!!!  I plan to cross that threshold very, very soon.