ww weekly news & info

October 8, 2024 - Be kind to yourself

July 30, 2024 - Keep going!!

LOL, if this is any indication of how crazy and insane my life has been...wow. I can't believe I haven't updated my site or shared any wisdom with you in almost 2 months!! Many of you know I lost my granddaddy's sweet pup on June 6th and then my brother in law on June 25th, and I wish I knew where July went...but here we are.

Last week was so crazy, I lost my 375 day tracking streak...and I didn't even realized it until 3 days later. And what's crazy, is in May I kissed ONE-derland and then yesterday I was just about 10lbs heavier. Just crazy how life can change and we can lose control...but it's okay!! And I'm okay! I'm already turning it around and pulling things together again! 

As I've said in the last few weeks, just remember, we're not failures we're fighters! So we keep fighting and we keep going and we keep trying! Life is unpredictable, it's hard sometimes, but it's also happy and fun, and  worth every minute, moment and opportunity!

As my husband and I embark on this new adventure in his treatment, my goal is to keep things in perspective, to come back healthier, and to focus on doing things that make me happy and the things that enrich my life. I hope to write some in the meantime, but for now, I leave you with this...

june 11, 2024

june 4, 2024

May 28, 2024 

May 14, 2024 

May 7, 2024 

APRIL 30, 2024 

ATTITUDE 

by

Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.  It will make or break a company... a church... a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes

APRIL 23, 2024 

APRIL 16, 2024 - It's not pass or fail

So many times I feel like we continue to see this journey successful or unsuccessful, I'm in it or I'm not, on program or not on program, in short, pass or fail. But we couldn't be further from the truth. 

If we only look at weight loss, I can see how we can think that. But if we see this journey as a health journey or even a weight health journey, there are lots of ways to be successful and to be healthy!! This journey is not all or nothing. It is progress, it is improvement, it is baby steps, big leaps, reaching goals, facing challenges, learning ourselves, trying new things, making adjustments and pushing forward. Remember, even trying is success! 

march 19, 2024 - Don't get mad, get even...

If you were in my Saturday Workshop this past weekend, this may be a repeat conversation for you. But I just wanted to share it with everyone just in case it would be helpful to others. 

So you've probably heard it before, "Losing Weight is Hard, Maintaining Weight is Hard, Being Overweight is Hard...Choose Your Hard!" But I also have to add, Losing Weight AGAINNNN is HARD! One of the reasons it's hard and sometimes can seem harder than losing it the first time, is because you've already done it. You've been to "the promised land!" And you want to get there again, but this time it's 10 years later, this time you're at a diff place in your life and chances are you may even be over 40 or, worst yet, if you're a female, you may even be in menopause. So it would seem the odds may be stacked against you. And so as we attempt to do this AGAIN, it will be diff, and it won't come off the same, and it's very possible there will be somethings at work that are not in weight loss favor. 

But I can tell you from personal experience that getting mad doesn't help. It's like I'm in it, doing it and then the scales are disrespectful and they give me a number I don't deserve after all the work I'm putting in. And seriously, if we're being honest, after months of not trying or not trying as hard, then trying and really doing better, that first week I should be down at least half of what I'm trying to lose!! But unfortunately one of our biggest issues this time is also impatience. And when I get results I don't like, I then stop trying as hard and it ends up being this vicious cycle that I try for 3 days, get mad for 4, try again for 2, and get mad for 3, I try again for 5 days, then I get made for a week and it's this constant battle vs the consistency I had the first time around, because honestly now consistency for whatever reason is now even more challenging than it was the first or even the last time. I found my success my first time losing weight when I made sure to be a WeightWatcher EVERYDAY. No matter what the scales said. 

Sooooo I said all that to say when you're trying and you know you're trying and the scales don't seem to reward you, don't get mad, get even by making those scales RESPECT you and all of your work! That can be the diff between being stuck and you reaching your goals...again! And even if it takes a minute, remember, you're still healthier for all of your trying!!

march 12, 2024 - Keep going!

march 5, 2024 - Keep going!

February 27, 2024 

February 13, 2024 

January 23, 2024 - You D-CIDE

Yes, I'm actually writing something this week. Something has really been on  my mind lately. So if I have been your coach for at least a 6 months, you have probably heard me say "it does no good to cut out everything you love, to race to get to a number that you don't know how to maintain." And I still stand by that. Figuring out how to manage the food you truly love throughout your weight loss is def beneficial, not only to enjoying your journey but also being able to maintain your goals. 

However, recently I realized something as well. There is a diff between denial and being deprived. Being deprived is that one we don't want. Like depriving yourself of everything you love. But denying yourself a food you love or enjoy on a particular day, when it doesn't fit in your points, or when you're satisfied, or when you've been overeating is perfectly fine. Denying should not be depriving. But depriving yourself is never the solution, especially long term. When you deny yourself, you decide when you want to enjoy it. When you deprive yourself, you tell yourself you can't have and most of the time we end up eating around it, or even over eating it when we finally do allow ourselves to enjoy it. Denying yourself is temporary, but depriving yourself is often an indefinite kind of decision until you give in. 

So as you move forward, whatever that food is that you've given up to start 2024, it's very possible you may feel deprived, but choosing to change how you eat a food or how often you eat a food is just denying yourself and doing something that we all need along this journey..discipline. Disciplining yourself to deny a food every now and again does help you be successful, especially if it doesn't fit into your points that day or that week. But you should never feel deprived on this journey. We can have anything, we just can't have everything, everyday! What do you think?

January 16, 2024 - Reminder

January 9, 2024 - happy new year!

DECEMBER 26, 2023 - note to self

DECEMBER 19, 2023

DECEMBER 12, 2023 - 3 P's

Some of you know, my birthday is coming! 😝 I'll be the big 5-0 on Sunday, December 17th! And I'm excited and grateful and oh so blessed. I've said over the last few months that I really wanted to go into my 50's in ONE-derland! Well despite my best efforts, it ain't happening! I'm still holding at 10lbs away and losing that in 5 days is not realistic or doable. And you know what, that's okay. Because after all, it's not about how I go into my 50's, it's about how I go through my 50's. So not by Sunday, but that doesn't mean never.

Attending a workshop this morning I shared that even with 148 days of tracking and working out 6 days a week, I've still been holding steady. And that's okay! Especially considering we're smack dab in the middle of this holiday season. But I'm still trying and that's worth everything. And a fellow member reminded me of something I had forgotten, my 3 Ps! Patience with myself, Persistence with my plan, and Prayer! These are my keys to success! So even though, I won't see ONE-derland YET, if I keep going with my 3 Ps, I will see it soon! I'm still the healthiest version of my 49 year old self, and my next goal will be to be the healthiest version of my 50 year old self...you know, starting Sunday! ❄️💙

So if you haven't met your goals YET, this week, this month or even this year, take some time and put things in perspective and see what you have accomplished and what you can be proud of in the meantime. Because remember, even trying is success! 🥳

December 5, 2023

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 - more football thoughts

If you can't tell, I watch a lot of football. Lately I've even found myself watching without my husband. Not sure what's up with that, but anyway...I guess I just like football. So anyway, unlike a couple of weeks ago when I told you about the kicker who won the game and was hoisted up on everyone shoulders, this weekend, there was a game that went quite the opposite. 

This time it was the Jaguars and the Texans!  The score was 24 - 21 and a field goal would send the game into overtime, to be clear, a 58-yard field goal. But the kick went up........it was right down the middle.......but it hit the horizontal crossbar of the goal post and bounced back into the field. Literally inches of distance would have made all the difference, but it was no good!! Unlike the last game where the Bronco's kicker was hoisted in the air and celebrated for winning the game, this time the kicker just hung his head with one player, tapping the top of his helmet in consolement as they both walked away. 

I have to be honest, sometimes this journey has moments that feel like that. Upset, crushing, defeated. Some of us have set weight goals to be at a certain weight or to have lost a certain amount by a certain date or event or even hoping that we'll finally reach goal, crossover into a new decade or even into ONEderland, or just simply the weight we were before __________ happened. Then we get on the scale, feeling like we did our best, with or without a few sidesteps, but ultimately our best, only to see that we were just short of the goal. 

But unlike football, us missing the goal, doesn't mean we lost the game! Unlike football, health is not only about "losing" (or winning), but it has everything to do with HOW WE PLAY THE GAME!!! I've said it before, EVEN TRYING IS SUCCEEDING!!! 

Despite the number, are you healthier for trying? Did you make decisions you were proud of? Did you work on behaviors that you had been struggling with? Did you get more sleep, drink more water, move more, eat better, think better? Were you more mindful, did you get honest with yourself, did you make the healthier choice? Did you keep pushing, keep working, and refuse to give up? Because if you did, no matter what those scales say you are better, you are healthier and you really did win!! The number may or may not come, or maybe it just didn't come when you wanted it to, or maybe it wasn't a realistic number for you in the first place, but as long as we are healthier for it, isn't that the goal? Because honestly, I will take feeling better, moving better, looking better, fitting in my clothes better, all of that, over a number goal that I'm the only one who sees or cares about! So pick your head up and dust yourself off...because YOU REALLY WON!! And if you keep on going, you'll keep on winning!!! 

NOVEMBER 21, 2023 - what's the alternative?

I'm quite sure this is not the first time you've heard me ask this question in one of my Wisdom posts, but I really feel like it's necessary to repeat it again. Cause it's the question I've been asking myself lately!

Yesterday was 2 years since I eulogized my Mom. That morning I had realized 10lbs of weight loss of the 20lbs I gained over the first holiday season without my Granddaddy and my Daddy! (Christmas was not only Daddy's fav time of year, but it was also my Granddaddy's birthday! It was also my first birthday without them. Andddddd we were in a pandemic, and everything was just crazyyyyyy. So to say that first holiday season was ROUGH was an understatement. So yeah, 20lbs came on quite easily!) But that morning, I was literally in the middle of getting it back off. And then the Christmas season, now without both of my parents, hit. And my birthday call that came every year on my birthday at exactly 3:45pm from my Momma didn't happen. And again, no Daddy or Granddaddy, and things were still cray cray, and I found those 10lbs and 6 more.

And once again last year I was working at it, then I totaled my motorcycle and took on a new venture, and there I was, just kinda stuck in it. And now over this year, rather having ice cream for dessert every night, not tracking and not working out ORRRR tracking like my life depends on it, coloring to stay out of the kitchen and starting out the year with 120 straight days of walking at least 2 miles a day, 127 days of tracking...intentionally working to make activity more consistent, and really putting my best foot forward, I've been stuck in the same 7lb range for the last year.

But through all that I've celebrated you amazing members losing 10, 20, 35, 50 and even 95 and 99lbs of weight loss! New members doing the dern thing, and other members coming in each week with weight loss and nonscale victory after nonscale victory and I am GENUINELY THRILLED for all of you!!!!! But yet, here I am, often feeling like even my best efforts are good enough and seem to fall flat. And still just stuck or even watching the scales go up undeservedly, or even stay the same disrespectfully!

But the question I keep asking is what's the alternative? If I'm doing everything I know to do, do I just get mad and not do anything? Do I quit? Do I just say to hell with it? Nah, I can't. Cause the truth is while I have gained weight, I'm still not the biggest I've ever been, but I also refuse to believe I'm the smallest I will ever be. I am making improvements everyday and being more and more honest with myself and my journey. And even on my worst day, I'm still grateful that I'm trying and so glad I have the support and encouragement and information that WW offers. TBH it's totally swarming over my head that it's very possible I may go into my 50's over 200lbs, but I know I'm really doing my best, even in the moments I struggle and that's all I can ask of myself and anyone else. Because even maintaining the last year, after all of the challenges I have faced, I know it could always be worse and through it all I'm still trying. Because seriously, what is the alternative??? I will always believe that NO MATTER WHAT CHALLENGES WE FACE, that we truly can do this. May take more time, it may take effort we've never had to use before. It may even involve energy we feel like we don't have, but we really can do this. We just have to keep going. Cause one thing's for sure, if we give up, we will NEVER get there!! And when my birthday gets here and I turn 50, I will face it with gratitude no matter what the scales say.  I will celebrate health and wisdom, and the ability to still be able to continue on this journey! Because health is not a deadline. It truly is a lifelong journey! There is no THERE, and no matter what goals we realize, we still have to keep doing all the things we did to get there! And with that, there is no alternative, but to just keep going!!

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 - football thoughts

Last night was the craziest end to a football game I've ever seen, course I didn't see it until this morning, but still!! The Bills were up by 1 point and the Broncos had the ball and it was only 30 some seconds left in the game. Then the ball was thrown and when the Bronco's receiver tried to catch it, the Bill's guy ran into him and the pass interference foul put the Broncos now in field goal range. But they had no timeouts left. So they did a couple of knees and at the very last moment, they called out the field goal unit and the kick was NO GOOD!!!! He just missed it! Actually the ball pretty much kissed the uprights! But the Bills had 12 people on the field so it was a penalty and the ball was moved 10 yards closer and the Broncos got a 2nd chance for the field goal. And this time the kicker made it! He put it through perfectly and the Broncos won and they went crazy!!! But as I watched as they celebrated and they had the kicker raised up and they were sooooo happy!!

But I realized in that moment, that had the other team not made the 12 players on the field mistake it would have been a very diff moment. It would have been his fault that they lost, and I guarantee he would not have been hoisted on their shoulders in celebration. And then I heard the announcer say that the Bills just didn't deserve to win the game because of how they played, but had they not had that 12th player on the field, they would have won, and then what would he have said??

It just made me think about our journeys and the scales. How when the scales don't say what we want we blame ourselves and we beat ourselves up, but given the same scenario, if the scales say what we do want, we hoist ourselves up and cheer and clap. Never mind the fact we played the same exact game, but at the end we allow that final motion of getting on the scales to determine our happiness or our sadness. 

To be honest, I don't know what will ever change our outlook of the scales being judgment or what will help us to be okay with the number, no matter what it says. But I know the first step is being aware of how you treat yourself when it's "good" and how you treat yourself when it's "bad." And maybe find a way to acknowledge your efforts either way, to trust the process, and realize it's just a number on the graph of your journey. But always remembering, if you don't like the trend you're in, you can change it. 

I wonder if we could see it as a homework grade. Realizing it's just the weekly assignment but it doesn't determine our grade for the quarter or the year and that every weekly assignment will be graded, but we can still get the  grade we're working on for the semester, and most of all we can still pass the class or win the game!

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 - STEP BY STEP

October 31, 2023 - This 👇

October 24, 2023 - New Beginnings

I agree it's probably a little odd seeing new beginnings at the end of October, but the fact is, new beginnings can happen anytime, every day and in every thing. It's been a busy summer for some, a rough summer for others and just a crazy year for a lot of us. I've been really sad to see a decline in our attendance, but I'm aware of the trends. We lose more people after summer vacation than we do after the holidays. Which makes sense, because there is a feeling of newness after the holidays. But how can there be newness after the summer and the kids going back to school and various ones getting back to the grind for 3rd quarter and preparing for 4th.

I'm not sure but I do know the rest of the year doesn't have to be wasted. It's hard not to just chalk it up and start again after the holidays. Besides, next week is Halloween, then Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and then we're full fledge Christmas season, if you're not already, lol! But there is still time to set some goals, to reach some goals and to accomplished goals that we've adjusted. These last 68 days in the year can be the diff between having 20 more pounds to add to that 2024 goal and taking 10lbs off that 2024 goal.

I know t's a struggle and every time you say okay, I'm gonna do a, b and c from here on out, someone throws in a i, j, k and you feel like you're at x,y,z again so why even bother. But just because you can't do a, b and c, doesn't mean you can't just do a today, and maybe b tomorrow and then a again next week, but c the week after that. As I will continue to say, even TRYING is succeeding. Regardless how these last few months or even these last few years have been for you, you can have a new beginning today! You can have a new beginning at your next meal. You can have a new beginning as soon as you finish reading this. New beginnings can happen at any moment and as always remember, you're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience.

October 17, 2023 - right for who Portions

Since we spent last week talking about portions, I thought I'd share a little funny shared by a member! This really made me giggle!! 

October 10, 2023 - The Power of a why

I know it's been a minute since I actually wrote some wisdom, but writers block is real!! LOL. But I do have something for you this week!

So, this past Sunday, my sister in law, brother in law and 2 nephews came to visit and bring us dinner! It was such a great time, but you know sometimes family time is never long enough. But they got on the road around 7:45pm or so and Kevin and I went to watch Sunday night football. About an hour and a half later, our sister in law calls and says they have a flat tire and they're stuck on the side of the road in Delaplane on 66E. But she said Roadside Assistance was on their way. Of course we were concerned and we had questions, but we had a feeling, roadside assistance or not, they may not be able to get all 4 of them and get everyone where they need to go. So we called back and said we were on the way! Of course this meant driving 3 of them to Clinton, MD, which according to Google Maps is 94.2 miles and 2 hours and 6 min from our door to my other sister in law's door. But out the door we went, first to pick them up off the side of the road, then on to MD. Long story short, everyone got home safe and sound, even if it was after 1am! 

But when I got back all I could think is that there is no way I would have willingly planned a trip to Clinton MD on a Sunday at 9pm. But in that moment, what time it was wasn't a factor. Because our family was on the side of the road and needed to get home. It wasn't a short trip, it was super late, and it was dark, but again, not a factor. WHY? Because our family needed us. That my friends is indeed the power of a WHY! When you have a powerful WHY you will just do what you have to do, and all of the things that would typically factor in just don't, because you have a reason that you're doing what you're doing! 

I know we haven't talked about our WHYs in a minute, but for so many of us, it's been a challenging summer and a difficult year and maybe you're struggling to get it together. But I want to challenge you, reconnect with your WHY, discover a new WHY, remind yourself of your WHY, because as I've heard it said, when you know your WHY you'll figure out HOW! 

October 3, 2023 - keep embracing no

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 - the choice is yours

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 - I hope you dance

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 -  WHILE YOU WAIT 5

AUGUST 29, 2023 - Just remember, you're not starting from scratch, you're starting from experience. 

AUGUST 22, 2023 - Not sure who needs to hear this...

AUGUST 15, 2023 - What is your definition of success?

Last week I reminded us that even trying is succeeding but I just realized that if the scale is our measure of success, we're never gonna see trying as success. So here is my question, if the scales never move again, or if all the scales in the whole wide world disappear, lol, what would success look like for you? What would your measure be? What would your goal be? What would Lifetime look like for you? Honestly I don't know your answer. I'm actually still trying to figure out my own. So that's my question to you this week. What is your definition of success?

AUGUST 8, 2023 - Even trying is sucCeeding!

Often we feel like if the scales aren't moving, we're failing. But just remember even trying is succeeding! Even if you're frustrated about the scale, you're making healthier choices. Our efforts to be healthier, lose weight and be a better version of ourselves are never wasted. Even trying is succeeding!! 

AUGUST 1, 2023 - today

Embarking on a new journey, rebounding from a time of struggling and just plain trying to pull it all back together can see very overwhelming. You begin to think about how far you have to go and how long it's gonna take. You consider all it's going to take to get there, sometimes you even begin to accomplish things, only to come back to yourself and realize, it's Day 1 and you're still right here. And through all of that, you continue to beat yourself up once again over the fact that you let this happen, or lost control, or got off track. 

So if that's you, and you're just pulling things back together, don't get ahead of yourself and forgive yourself for whatever part you may have consciously played in the challenges you faced that caused you to struggle in the first place. And while you may wish you had another number, realize you are enough, your are amazing, and love yourself right where you are. And instead of worrying about all the work to come and all the challenges you have ahead, bring yourself back and say, today is today. Today I did. Today I'm trying. Today I'm focused. Today I'm working on it. Today I'm trying. Today is a all we have so what will you do today for you? What will you do today to be in control? What will you do today to get back on track? What will you do today to be your best? What will you do, just for today?

JuLY 25, 2023 - 80/20

JuLY 11, 2023 - YOU COULD HAVE, BUT YOU DIDN'T!

This whole month of July we are focusing on Protecting Your Progress! Well last week I had a long layover with the Apple Store so we ended up going back to the restaurant we had lunch at. Of course, what comes next, dessert!! But when I ordered it, Kevin opted not to have any! I was like okay, well I still want some. So it came to the table and I dug in. But just because it was there, I still wanted to be responsible with how much I enjoyed. 

As I approached the halfway mark, I began to make it even, lol. (You know how we do!) And at that point I got the waiter's attention and asked for a to go box. As I put the 2nd have in the container, it hit me, you know what, you could have eaten the whole thing...but you didn't. I mean while in my heart of hearts, I would have rather not even ordered it, or maybe just have eaten 1/4 of it, I still didn't eat 3/4 of it, or the whole thing. My point is sometimes it's about what we could have done, but didn't! And that my friends is the life style change that we often miss. We can often feel like we've gone back to old behaviors and things we thought were behind us, but if you look hard, I guarantee, what you did still doesn't compare to the magnitude with which you would have done it 2, 3, 5 or even 9 years ago! AND THAT MY FRIEND IS PROGRESS! And sometimes just honoring that is Protecting your Progress! You could have, but you didn't! And no matter what, remember it's not what you did, but it's all about what you do NEXT!

JuLY 5, 2023 

"It's never a mistake to try." - CDBiscoe

June 27, 2023 - Trust the process

June 20, 2023 - That's the post...

June 13, 2023 - That's the wisdom... 

June 6, 2023 - What matters...

"What you get by achieving your goals

 is not as important as 

what you BECOME by achieving your goals." 

                                         - Henry David Thoreau

may 30, 2023 - It's just gonna take time...

Last week I needed to blow up a knee support pillow so I plugged up the machine and got it set up for air. I turned it on and for a few minutes, it looked like NOTHING was happening. The shape was the same, it still looked deflated, and it just seemed like it was taking forever! I even wondered if I had it set up correctly and if the air was even getting in. But as I waited (semi-)patiently, eventually I saw it start to shift, and then it finally started to take shape. And in time, it was fully inflated and ready to go.

As I sat there and watched it though, I couldn't help but think about our journeys. How sometimes we feel like we're doing what we're supposed to be doing and nothing is changing. We feel like we look the same, sometimes we even feel the same, and we always feel like it's just not happening fast enough. We wonder if our efforts are even helping and if they even matter. But as we wait patiently, trust the process and keep going, we will start to shift that needle and in time, we will begin to see and feel our progress.

I heard a coach say once, the body will do what the body does, it's up to us to lay a path. Rather we can see it, or feel it or even if others don't notice, and the scales don't reward us, we have to learn how to be proud of our efforts. And how to honor what we're doing and all the strides we're making. Focus on your path, and let your body figure out the rest. I wish it could all be quick and fast, but where our HEALTH is concerned, it takes time! And that's okay. Remember, you're still making progress on the way to your goals! And you're healthier for everything you're doing! It's just gonna take time!

may 23, 2023 - you are strong!

Yesterday I was streaming a message from Mother's Day. Pastor Holly Furtick really spoke to my heart. While the whole message was AMAZING, one of the things that stuck out to me was when she said "Just because you have to fight, doesn't mean you're not strong!" My mind went to our weight loss journeys, among other things, and just how so many of us sometimes struggle.

Often in our fighting, I think that we feel like we're weak that we have to even fight this in the first place. I mean how many times have we said, why do I have to do this? Why do I have to track? Why do I have to pay attention to everything I put in my mouth! Other people don't have to do this. And I believe many of us feel like we're some how inferior to others because we feel like we have to do this and they don't. (And s/n, everyone is doing something if they're focused on being healthy!) But what if we would see it like Holly and realize that all the things we're doing to live our best life makes us strong, not weak!

When I first stared Weight Watchers 13 years ago, I started a blog called "Fighting a Losing Battle." And I'll be honest with you, that statement for me, has a dual meaning. And yes, it's the usual way we understand this, like a feeling of defeat, but the way I mean it more is that I'm fighting a "losing battle." No one is going to gift you with weight loss. No one can do this for you. And regardless of the quick fixes out there, no one can be successful with this journey without WORK! And it takes strength to do the work!

So this week, please remind yourself, that just because you have to fight, it doesn't mean you're not strong! It's actually quite the opposite. YOU ARE STRONG, and it takes strength that some people know nothing about, to take control of our lives and to reverse the direction we were headed in, to lose 10, 25, 60 and 80lbs +, and fight for better health, better sleep, and a better mindset. YOU ARE STRONG, don't let YOU or ANYONE ELSE tell you any different!

may 16, 2023 - 100%

may 9, 2023 - 100%

may 2, 2023 - Just a thought

Last night I was messaging a fellow member who was frustrated because she had had her first gain for a weigh in after 10months of losing. It was crushing to her especially because it was almost 5lbs. I know unexpected gains no matter how big can be crushing to us, especially when we're doing all we know to do. But just a thought...

I've found that unexplained gains are like a kid having a temper tantrum. If you give them attention they'll just get worse. But if you ignore them, they'll stop and get themselves together. But if we're gaining and we know why, it's like a kid with negative behavior, if we don't address it, it will get worse so we have to nip it in the bud! I guess my point is you need to know what gains to give your attention to, and which ones to ignore. Again, just a thought. 

APRIL 25, 2023 - It can't all be bad 

There's an old saying that goes "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Basically it means don't eliminate something good or of value out when you're trying to get rid of something unwanted. In my several years in this position, I've noticed a few things. And one of those things is that we have a tendency to see the whole week as a wash or as bad all based on one meal, or one behavior, or one misstep.

We have to be so careful to not chalk up our journey to one day or one moment, or even on challenge. There is good in every day. There is good in every week, and I guarantee you there is something good in all of our journeys, and thus our lives. Maybe your food has been out of control, but your heart is full from all of the family gatherings you've had. Maybe you haven't exercised, but it's because you've been having fun with your grandbabies to help out your kid. Maybe you've been struggling with water, but lights are out at 10pm sharp. Maybe you haven't been tracking, but you've been training for a new job or a new experience or even a first of many 5ks! 

My point is, it can't all be bad. So if you feel like there are some challenges, hone in on those. Do some self evaluation. See what's possible and what you can work on or be intentional about. I know we want to be healthier and for many of us that means losing weight, but we can't stop living to be so hyper focused lose weight. At least that's not the kind of life I want to live. Every struggle also has blessings, and we can use that energy to help us with the things we want to work on. Just remember, it can't all be bad. There is something good in everything! Find the good in your journey and use that to help you with the challenges. 

APRIL 18, 2023 - ReSet 

Last week I did something I never thought I would ever do. I reset my weight in the WW App! (Note: resetting it in the app doesn't erase your history.) But I needed a reset. So now instead of looking at the number and seeing what it used to be, I'm just looking at it and seeing it for what it is. 

This weekend, I had some time to think and for everything that I've been struggling with on my personal journey lately, it all comes back to my choices. I often hear peole say they they've allowed the old behaviors to come back. And we have learned that the only way to continue the new or the healthy behaviors is that we protect them, that we protect the things that lead to them. And lately I can relate to those who have said, they found the old version of themselves. And if that's you, I have a suggestion...Let's RESET!

Let's begin again to do the behaviors we're more proud of. Let's begin again to make the choices that we know get us closer to our goals. Let's begin again to find ourselves in this journey so that we can become the best version of ourselves. Restart, reconnect with the basics, and reset your mind to focus on your WHY and not just the in the moment decisions. It's not the beginning of the month, the first day of the week or even a fresh season, but it is a perfect day to RESET and do this better moving forward. Remember, it's not what you did, it's what you do next, so RESET, for you, for your why and for your goals! Remember you're not starting from scratch, this time you're starting from experience!

APRIL 11, 2023 - NEWSFLASH! 

Sorry I missed sharing something last week! It was a busy one! But I've got a good one for you this week. 

So my last sentence in my last Wisdom said, 'Life challenges can coexsit taking care of ourselves, even if not losing weight, but yes, still taking care of ourselves." A few weeks ago we dug pretty deep into the importance of taking opportunities during this journey to just MAINTAIN! During that week, we thought of diff instances where it is necessary and needed to just maintain, like surgery, sickness, after a loss or going through a divorce, or even summer, a month of celebrations and sometimes a whole season! But I want to take it a step further this week and remind us that this is a HEALTH JOURNEY! Not a weight loss journey, but a HEALTH journey! So NEWSFLASH: Health is More than Weight Loss! 

When we make this a health journey, we realize that there will be times that focusing on our health may or may NOT include losing weight. Sometimes we're put on meds that can cause weight gain, but to not take that med because you're scared you'll gain weight is probably not the best idea. Being skinny doesn't matter if you're dead. I know that was blunt, but it's true. Recently my doctor had to take me off medications for the health of my kidneys. That med helps my inflamation which sometimes shows itself undeserved on the scales. So going by some of our thought processes, some of us would actually consider continuing to take the meds. But in this moment, for me, scales be damned, I have to focus on getting my kidneys healthy! 

My point is, TRUE HEALTH is knowing what needs to be a priority when it needs to be a priority. And there are times, possibly more often than not that it's NOT the scales!!! Sometimes it's focusing on our mental health, sometimes our sleep health, sometimes our activity health, sometimes is our health in the wake of taking care of someone elses at the same time. Being healthy has got to be our priority at all times, accepting whatever that looks like, even if it means not losing weight! 

march 28, 2023 - keep the main thing the main thing

Life has a way of presenting challenges, expected and unexpected. It's been said that we can't control what happens but we can control how we respond to it. However, unfortunately, whenever we are faced with hard things, our healthy habits are more times than not, the first thing to go, the first thing to fall by the wayside, the first thing we put on hold. Last week we took a deep dive into weight maintenance. When it's necessary, when it's needed and when it's most helpful, beyond being at goal. 

Choosing to maintain when you can't focus on losing is powerful! It def takes a diff mindset to try to lose than to just want to lose. But realizing that life is dictating that you take a step back is a great thing! Taking a step back, actaully keeps us from backtracking. Wanting to lose and not being able to focus on losing only causes us frustration and disappointment. But making the choice means that we are still in control of our journey, that we're still on the journey and that we recongnize it's still a part of journey. And when life is hard, that's what we need. We need to know we're still trying, we need to know we're still in control and by all means we need to keep taking care of us. Even if taking care of us, means just pressing pause on losing weight while still focusing on being as healthy as we can. 

Our health doesn't have to take the back burner when life is hard. Instead it can still be a part of everything we do, even when faced with hard times. Facing our challenges can still include taking care of ourselves. Maybe we can't get in the 30min workout, but we can get in the 10min one. Maybe we can't track but we can make a better choice. Maybe we can't get in the 64oz but we can get in the 32oz. Maybe we can't workout, but we can walk the halls or take the steps. Maybe we can't get the good night's sleep but if the opportunity presents we can take an afternoon nap. Maybe we can't have the best mindset but we can be positive, think good thoughts, and give ourselves a bit of grace, knowing that we're doing the best we can with what we have. Life challenges can coexsit taking care of ourselves, even if not losing weight, but yes, still taking care of ourselves. 

march 21, 2023 - remember your why

march 7, 2023 - What are you waiting for?

What AMAZING workshops we've been having! It was so amazing celebrating so many wonderful Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) last week!! I think the tear monster got me in all of the workshops except one! But as we talked and shared last week, one share stood out to me during celebrations, Liz on Wednesday morning! She was celebrating another member's encouragement to take a dance class and as she shared, she said "I'm tired of waiting until I'm smaller to do the things I want to do!" And I don't know about anyone else but boy did that thing slap me in the FACE!

Many of us won't take pictures, we won't get on the floor with the kids, we won't walk or exercise in public, we won't go to the amusement park and at least ride the rides we can. We won't run, we won't jump, we won't play, and we're just flat out refusing to join in, or to take that trip, or enjoy that party or live our lives to the fullest...why? Because you're a little heavier than you were or than you want to be? Just from someone who can relate, let me tell you, your kids stories are so much better when they can say, Momma/Daddy or Grandma/PopPop, Aunt Susan or Cousin Jim did this with us or was there with us, vs, no, he didn't want to, or no she didn't try.

And I get disabilities and health challenges, but I'm talking about those of us who are waiting for the scale to say a certain number or waiting until we wear a certain size or waiting until we can "look good" doing it. Well guess what, so many things are possible at any number, at any size and even if you don't look perfect doing it. So stop missing out on the moments. Stop missing out on creating memories. And by all means, stop missing out on their childhood, those milestones, those special events, special occasions and those amazing opportunties. I promise you, you are the only thing standing in your way!!

So what are you waiting for? JUST DO IT! Just have fun, do the dance, take the pic, hit the crazy pose, wear the dress, enjoy the event, make the memories, celebrate the moments, run with the kids, give it a try, do what only you are saying you can't! What are you waiting for? Stop sitting on the sidelines when you have the ability to truly ENJOY LIFE!!!

That pic is me wondering what the heck I was thinking to order this! Ughh! As I shared with you last week, I still continue to face some truths about my personal journey! One more week has gone by that while I've hit 90 days of moving today and 56 days of tracking and I'm still disappointed I have no weight loss to show for it. And you know why...because the food is still in control. And thus the volcanic dessert that's in this pic!

TBH it wasn’t even that good! And let me be clear, the whipped cream was rinsed down the sink this morning. The brownie I split part of with Kev that night and little by little over the last 5 days. And the cone, I took one bite out of and threw away. But even with all that I still find myself disappointed that I didn’t talk myself out of it in the first place. That instead of thinking maybe I’ll come back for one some other time, I acted like I had to have it like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

It’s just food, that I keep allowing to be way more than fuel or even something fun for special occasions or when I actually have the points for it. I’ve made it a cure for my anxiety, comfort for my tears, something to do when I’m bored, therapy when I mentally struggle, and mostly a false fixer for things it's not able to fix. While that was kinda  our make up Valentine's Day, and I did save up points for it that day and eat salmon and veggies for dinner, I also had volcano shrimp (like bang bang shrimp) and it just wasn't  a reasonable decision that night. The dern thing served 4-6 people. But I just convinced myself I had to have it, like I do every night when I continue to make choices that don't support my weight loss, or I just simply have more food than my points allow.

But it’s okay! I’m facing my truth, that all of my efforts have at least been enough to help me maintain, but I’m making the necessary adjustments. And I'm still super proud of all of my accomplishments and the adjustments I've already made, but now it's time to take the next step, self discipline!

If you can relate to this at all…I hope you will make your adjustments, too. We really can do this, but like I said last week, we have to not only want it but truly try to make it happen! 

February 21, 2023 - ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Today makes 83 days of walking at least 2 miles a day! Never in my life have I ever moved this consistently. But I have to tell you it all started with 1 day. Telling myself one day at a time as I endeavored to do St. Jude's 62 mile walking challenge for the month of December in memory of my Momma. When January 1st came I didn't see a reason to stop so I kept going. And believe me there have been days I thought about taking a break or not doing it. but I did it anyway. Lately though I've wanted to add in activity. And you would think, "well hey, you're already in there every day, what's the big deal..." The big deal is just that I'm not. Sometimes when I'm walking I'm in a hurry or I just want to get it overwith!

But last week talking to a trainer, he mentioned just twice a week would be a good start. So today, I did my day 1 this week. And the thought came, you know you don't have to do it tomorrow. But then I realized as I said it, you know what, you really don't have to do it tomorrow. All that matters is that I've done it today. 

I encourage people all the time, that their only job is to get through today. Something I constantly told myself when my heart broke over losing my Daddy. But it still applies to my journey, to my goals, to my endeavors and to my strides. I don't have to do it tomorrow. I just need to do it today. And then tomorrow, I can tell myself the same. 

That's one of the hardest things about change or starting something new. We start to look at all that lies ahead and how long it's gonna take, and how much we have in front of us, but if you remember, you only need to do it today, each day, then before you know it, you're 83 days in and all you can say is I did it one day at a time, every day! Whatever you want to do, start today, and just remember, you don't have to do it "tomorrow". Every goal starts with 1. Hope that helps! 

February 14, 2023 - wanting vs trying

I know I should be saying something love related today but I had a thought this weekend that I wanted to share with you! I was thinking about this latest part of my journey and the thought came to my mind that, there is a difference between wanting to lose weight and trying to lose weight. I have so many of you who are coming in and kicking butt on this journey, and it made me wonder, but what's the diff in them in me. And I think that's it. Some of you are in it to win it and your making the better choices, your balancing life and moments and making it all work together in your WW journey. But if I'm being honest, while I'm 75 days into moving every day and 37 days into really tracking, there are days that I choose the food over my goals and it's one of those days that I can only chalk up to wanting to lose but not completely trying all the time. But what I do know is it will come together!

As much as I want it to, 2 years of emotional eating and 6 months of being inactive is not going to be resolved in 75 days of walking and 37 days of tracking, especially if I'm only wanting to lose weight and not really completely trying meaning exercising a bit of discipline and sometimes making the hard choices, of just because I can, does't mean I should. I mean, all things considered I'm holding my own and what matters most is I haven't given up. (I don't think you all would let me anyway!) But I know I'm still in this! Because even in the hardest moments over the last 3 years, I still get myself to a workshop every week and I do my best to, at the very least, work some part of our pillars (food, moving, mindset, sleep) every day.

So I say to you, to those who are kicking butt, keep doing your thing because you inspire me everyday!! I'm in awe of you...and you motivate me and those in our workshops more than you realize. To those of you who feel like me in that you're struggling and like you're not accomplishing enough fast enough, all I know is quitting won't get us there any faster! I know I'm on the right track and I'm doing the best I can right now. And I have a feeling that you are, too. And if we keep going, it's all gonna come together! This journey isn't perfect because life isn't perfect, but as I continue to remind you as often as I can, no matter what challenges we face...WE CAN DO THIS!! I want to lose weight, but this week I'm going to make an extra effort to try a little harder by taking a little closer look at my behaviors...anyone want to join me??!!

Oh and if you wanted some love shared today, let me say this, LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO KEEP GOING!! And Happy Day of L❤️VE!!

February 7, 2023 - Reminders

january 31, 2023 - It's not me, it's you!

The more I think we're getting closer to working on this toxic relationship with the scale the more I see how much so many of us keep struggling with making peace with it. As I said a couple of weeks ago, I really don't know how to help you not be disappointed when you hope for one thing and the scale says something different. But I've been doing some thinking (yep that's smoke you've been seeing)! 

I just wonder what would happen if we would stop attaching the scale to us. Meaning what if we would just say the scale was up this week or the scale was down this week. Or my weight was up or my weight was down. I just feel like when we say I'm up or I'm down, we internalize that judgement and own it. Last week I was watching one of the TLC weight loss shows and she said to the young man, well, let's get your weight measurement! I loved that.

I guess what I'm wondering is what would happen if we found a way to acknowledge the scales without attaching it to me, allowing it to judge me or allowing it to be my value. Either way, I hope we're still continuing to make peace with the scales, whatever that means to you...and for me, I'm chosing to say...It's not me, it's you! Meaning the scales...especially when I know I'm doing all I know to do! Just remember, You gotta get past your gains in order to get to your goals!! 

january 24, 2023 

january 17, 2023 - JUST KEEP GOING

If you haven't been attending Workshops this year, whew!! Get to one immediately or ASAP!! Weight Watchers is saying something to my health right now!! Soooo last week, we really took a deep dive into the....dun dun dunnnnnnnnn SCALES!!!! Ohhhh those things!! Those often dreaded things. We talked about our on again off again relationships, our love/hate relationships, our toxic relationships and just how complicated our relationships with the scales can be. We love them when we do, hate them when we don't and most of the time we don't even understand them. The bottom line is this can't be all about the scales. Rather the scales are up or down, we just have to keep going! 

We have to focus on what helps us be healthier. We have to focus on what helps us feel better. We have to focus on moving forward...no matter what! I don't know that it's possible to not feel disappointed, to not feel robbed or cheated or even deserving, or like you cheated or got away with something you should have, or any of the many other reactions and responses we can have after stepping on the scales, but like our workshop last week, all that matters is what you do next! That we consistently keep going, keep trying and keep working at our behaviors, our habits and our choices to enjoy this journey!! All that matters is what you do next!! 

I learned during my journey that "Success is found when you're willing to put forth your best effort despite your greatest disappointment." and I would add to that, or even your best celebration! This journey more than anything is about our behaviors. Just be consistent! Be persistent. Be patient! And whatever you do...JUST KEEP GOING!! 

january 10, 2023 - The Peace in my Journey

After last weeks topic, I have be honest, I've been lying to myself. I really can't do this program without tracking. Tracking is my truth and when I don't track it's because I don't want to face the truth. The truth that I'm overeating, the truth that I'm not focusing on my health. The truth that I have continued to use life's challenges as a blank check to do what I wanted to do.

Last week some of you had some real reasons why you just didn't like tracking.   And I could identify with all of them. But for all of those reasons, getting back to it boils down to this for me...it really is MY PEACE. It's my peace that I know I'm being mindful. It's my peace that I know I'm trying. It's my peace that I know what I'm eating. It's my peace that empowers me to make better choices. It's my peace that we truly are on this journey together! It's my peace in my head and in my heart that I am being responsible in my health. And if I'm being completely honest, I've been missing that peace for a while now. Yesterday was a turning point for me! And we can have those every day! But for me, I'm not worrying about tracking for the rest of my life, but I will do my best to track as honestly as I can today. And tomorrow I will do the same!

I don't need to cut out or go crazy and do something I can't live with, I just need to be consistent in my tracking...because that's what will guide me to my goals and most importantly, a better me! And I need that peace to know I really am taking care of myself.

january 3, 2023 - keep fighting!

I saw this over the weekend and I couldn't help thinking about our WW Journeys! I know sometimes it's easy to feel like, yep, here I am again! Yep, I'm still trying to lose the baby weight and the kid is 8! Or that you've been trying since 1987 to reach your goal or that you've come back once again because you know it works...when you work it. Or, maybe you've even stuck it out year after year through ups and downs but you still carry some disappointment that you still struggle with certain habits or that you do great with something and struggle with others. Whatever brings you back to WW, all that matters is that you're here. That you still care and that you're still putting your health in the forefront of your mind and trying to live your best life. Human Perfection is impossible, but we can practice what we're trying to be better at, continue to make progress no matter how small, and place priority on the best things in life. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2023, to reaching goals, to trying again, to coming back, and to continuing to fight for your health!

Archives for Weekly Wisdom from June to December 2022