I've done it before, I'll do it again!!!

My sister finally talked me into creating a profile and logging my journey to the new me. Hi, I am a 43 year old - happily married although somewhat overweight young woman. In my late 20s, I lost 23 pounds to my goal weight back then :-) - but it took me 23 months to do it. I kept the weight off for over 5 years. I was the group leader in a weight loss support group - I conducted motivational seminars at state rallies, and encouraged everyone out there that they could also reach their fitness goals. Then, at the age of 34 - the C word struck my body - yep - breast cancer. In just a matter of months, I faced radical surgery, chemotherapy, radiation - and who would have guessed 35 ugly pounds due to the steroid medication throughout the treatment. Over the past 9 years, 15 more pounds have found their way to various parts of my body. I have tried to deny, disguise, and hide the weight - but the truth is - I am not the me I know I want to be. Yes, to a degree, I define who I am by what I see.

Now, my husband adores me - he was my fiance through the chemo - when I lost every hair on my body, he told me I was beautiful. My body looks like I have been the project in a butcher shop - and he still tells me I am beautiful, everyday. He loves all of me - and has never criticized my body. But, I know I can be more beautiful to him and to me - it is just going to be another journey to that destination. So, here I am blogging this new adventure of rediscovering the me I am - the ups the downs and everything in between. Journaling was the key to my success before - I am sure it will be this time, too.

I am actually under doctor's order to lose weight. The order came two days before Thanksgiving 2012. I saw the doc after convincing myself there just had to be something medically wrong that was hindering my weight loss - but, every test has come back normal - and I am extremely thankful for that!! So, I have accepted my weight problem can only be blamed on my choices. I met the goal of losing 6 pounds by January 8th - now, he has set a new goal of 10 more pounds by April 9th. He suggested no carbs - but I know me - that would not work for me. Quick fixes are only band aids to the real issue. I just need to eat less - eat healthier - and increase my activity - it's working so far!!! No more excuses! I am even fortunate to have a job that allows working out 2 days a week (one hour each day) on company time - in the fitness center provided at my work site - how awesome is that?!?!?!?!

Yesterday was my first day - it wasn't so bad - but I see there is much room for improvement - I do control my destiny. It is up to me to be the me I want to be.