Phases

I have been up for an hour or so and I am still working on getting into the swing of the day.  I am on my second cup of coffee and I have had some time to chat with my thirteen year old about the goofy things I used to do when I was younger.  The little ones are still sleeping; however, I know they will be up shortly and my day will officially be on full throttle.

I so enjoy these moments of silence………alone with my thoughts.  There is nothing like it in the whole wide world.  It is these moments I give to myself that I am able to regroup and begin anew each and everyday.

Aria just got up and my thirteen year old is going to change her diaper for me.  That is great, because I am in the middle of journaling right now. 

Okay, I have been really focused on visualizing my body going through the necessary phases of weight loss.  Many times I find myself wanting to skip some of the phases……..however, this is not an option.  My body is losing weight one solid pound of fat at a time.  My body will go down the size ladder in the order it must………skipping sizes is not an option, for I refuse to try to squeeze into a smaller size to say I am wearing it.  I like to look good in what I wear, not like a “muffin top”, as someone on one of the other threads mentioned.  I loved that phrase!  It is so true!

Wanting to skip the phases in my weight loss journey is what it is all about.  This is a normal thought process.  It keeps the momentum going.  I keep visualizing where I want to be; therefore, I keep on with the life style changes to make my goal a reality.  It is an amazing process really.  I continue to persevere and I continue to lose weight.  My body is becoming more in shape as each day passes.  I have done this before and I know I am going to do it again.  I have the ability to reach my goal weight because I have a plan and I am working the plan.  I am also able to adjust my plan if need be.  I celebrate all aspects of my progress, no matter how small they may appear to others.  To me, each and every step I take in this journey is worth celebrating.  If I slip up and get back on track, I celebrate doing so.  When I work out, I celebrate my doing so.  When I make a healthy food choice………it is yet another celebration in the works!  My life is filled with celebration of my accomplishments I make on a daily basis.

I lose weight slow and steady.  When it took me 2 ½ years to lose 80 lbs (post baby weight)………it was as if those around me really did not notice…….until one day I was a size 6/8. (started at a size 20)  Slow is good…..for my body had time to adjust……….my skin had time to spring back into shape.  The stretch marks are there; however, I celebrate my being able to give birth to four beautiful children.  I do not view my stretch marks in a negative way.  I celebrate them.

I think self love is being able to love yourself despite any quirks you may have.  I think to love your self, it is essential to be able to laugh at your self and move forward.  Negative self talk is absolutely poisonous to the soul.  I used to be that way in my early twenties.  I am so happy I am not that way today.  In my late twenties, something happened………maturity I believe……..but I no longer felt the need to batter myself on a daily basis; rather, I chose to focus on my positive attributes.  It took time for me to realize I had some of those, but I believe my daily walks helped me to feel better about myself…….and it all fell into place from there.

I take this weight loss journey in phases.  I focus on mini goals.  I do not overwhelm myself with the big picture.  As I meet eat mini goal, I reset my counter to conquer the next mini goal.  A mini goal is so much more fulfilling to focus on.  I always feel successful.  Mini goals are pieces of the puzzle that will in the end build a beautiful puzzle.    

Today I will be swimming at the Y.  I am looking forward to my workout!