Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A Year From Now...

"A year from now you'll wish you had started today."
 

It is a quote that I read on someone's blog in January 2010. It spoke to me and by April I was ready to start losing weight and stick with it once and for all. April 29th, 2010 I walked into my first Weight Watcher's meeting and throughout the last year I often reflected on that quote knowing that a year later I was going to be so glad that I did start that day. Well, that day is nearly here. Yesterday I weighed in for the week and gained 2 pounds, but that number doesn't matter to me this week. I brought my size 24 jeans to my meeting yesterday and received a standing ovation for my year anniversary and accomplishment. I held back the tears and smiled through it. It felt so awesome to be celebrated! This week I'm looking at the big picture. I'm remembering where I was a year ago and am celebrating where I am today.

In the last year I've:
  • Gone down from a size 24 jeans to a size 14
  • Lost 75 1/2 inches from head to toe
  • Exercised, on purpose, and enjoyed it
  • Ran through the yard with my son and didn't get winded
  • Gone up and down my stairs several times without wheezing or being out of breath
  • Played with my son for hours at a time without stopping to take a break
  • Wore a dress for the first time in years
  • Walked my first 5K and many after that!
  • Walked my first 10K
  • Met every single goal that I set for myself, and learned how to set realistic goals for myself
  • Lost 28% of my starting weight
  • Smiled and laughed a lot more...joy from health and energy!
  • Shared my journey with friends and family and have encouraged 25 other people in my life (that I'm aware of) to join Weight Watchers
  • Never missed a single WW meeting, I went every week!
  • Learned that it doesn't matter what number is on the scale or in the back of my pants as long as I'm feeling better along the way and am continuing towards a healthier life.
I'm so incredibly blessed to have the family and friends that I do. The friends who have supported me along the way are wonderful and I'm so so thankful for each one of them.  There are those who support me by literally cheering me on each week through this blog, Facebook, emails or phone calls. There are those who cheer me on when they see me at my MOPS meetings or play dates for our kids. I've had teachers and parents at my son's school cheer me on. There are those who I know are silently cheering me on, too. You're all blessings to me and I'm so thankful for each one of you. I'm not done with this journey, so I look forward to what the next year will bring. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know that with God ALL things are possible and He is cheering me on and giving me the strength to continue.



"A year from now you'll wish you had started today."

This week I'm starting my year once again!


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9 comments:

Laura said...

I am so very happy for you. As someone who has struggled my whole life with weight, and been yo-yo dieting for years, your story is an inspiration! Congratulations on your current success and to the success that you continue to have on your journey!

Tammy said...

Congratulations! You are so right that a year from now can be completely different! Best wishes for your continued success on the road to being healthy!

Elizabeth Mae said...

Just started reading your blog and you have inspired me. I am a size 18 and I'm really tired of the way I look. 5 years ago I was a size 10 and in great health. Yes I have had a baby since then but I shouldn't have let myself get the way I am. Seeing how far you have come has pushed me to start dieting and getting into shape. I am so proud of you.

ThunderThighs said...

You are truly amazing!!! Awesome post! I'm totally stealing that quote!

Katie Warren said...

Outstanding, Annie. You are such an inspiration and that picture!!! WOWOWOWOW!!! Congrats to you and enjoy this week. I was wanting you to be this week's powerful princess on my blog. Would you be willing to be featured as someone who is doing an awesome job? If so email me at katiewarren88@gmail.com

Brittany said...

You look amazing!!!!!! Thank you for the much needed inspiration to get my butt in gear :)

Kimberly said...

Congratulations!! You look amazing! I started on WW 9 weeks ago and I'm happy to say I am down 22.2 lbs. I have 40 more to go, but seeing you makes me realize that this is doable! Thanks!

Kelty said...

I LOVE that quote! Congratulations on your year-you have accomplished an amazing amount along your journey!

Floortime Lite Mama said...

This is wonderful
SO glad I found your blog
I am starting weightwatchers today