My Nutrisystem Journey

"You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, "I don't care how hard this is, I don't care how disappointed I am, I'm not going to let this get the best of me. I'm moving on with my life."  This is the attitude I had to take today, because I really have no choice. We all have to move on with our lives after something we had no control over happens. I spent too much time over the years dwelling on things I couldn't change instead of focusing on what I could. It's easy to say, but so much harder to actually do. We had almost 6 months to get used to what was going to happen but I don't think that made it any easier. It's in the past now, so I'm thinking ahead to the future. I'll tuck away all the fond memories and start making new ones. We all have to do that. I still have great hope that this is going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise for all ...

"Life changes. You get it all lined up just the way you like it and then something beyond your control comes along and bumps you off center. Nothing stays the same. You grow up, make friends, lose friends, lose track of people, meet new ones and sometimes you ask yourself why. But all I can tell you is that every single experience you go through changed you in some way. Every new person who comes into your life changes you. Every moral dilemma or emotional experience you come up against changes you. It's your job to decide how. Today's theme acknowledges the fact that life goes on, whether we like it or not. It's so true that every experience in life changes you in some way. People, places and things change you. Sometimes you become a better person and sometimes you just become bitter, depending on the way life goes and how you react to it. I spent enough time being bitter, so I will continue to work on becoming a better person. I've been bumped off center man...

"Acceptance is not about liking a situation. It is about acknowledging all that has been lost and learning to live with that loss." About 10 this morning a sudden silence descended in the office as the associates finished their goodbyes, dried their tears and departed for the last time. I was kind of glad they didn't expect them to "work" today, let alone sit there all day. I feel like that would have added even more pain to an already difficult day. Today we arrived at a crossroads none of us wanted, forced onto a path we didn't choose. Many tears were shed and many hugs were exchanged. Good wishes were offered and reciprocated. Surprisingly enough, there was also a lot of laughter mixed with those tears, as memories of the "good old days" were exchanged. Being shy, my norm is to hide out in my office but today I couldn't do that. I had to get out there and give those hugs and wish these people well. They deserved that and I didn't wa...

"There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn't the end of the world, it's the beginning of a new life." This quote pretty much describes how I have to look at what is happening in my office. Most of these amazing employees don't want to leave their job or their hometown but it's happening and they have no choice but to accept it and move forward with their lives as best they can. I want to believe it's not the end of the world, but a new beginning for them. As happened in my own life, perhaps this change is going to put some of them on the path they need to be on ... one they will find they are happy with. Some are jumping right into new jobs on Monday July 1. Some are taking the summer off to breathe and decide what is next. Others are moving right into retirement. Some are headed south with their families to continue working for the company. More hugs and tears were sha...

"Sometimes you just have to remind yourself that it'll all be okay, maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but one day. Say it enough that one day you'll actually believe it. Remind yourself that things have changed, it changed for a reason, people change for a reason. You just have to let go and move on. It's going to be hard and you're going to feel lonely but just hold on, because who's to say tomorrow won't be the best day of your life ?" Emotions ran high today and many tears were shed for those who departed the office. The next 2 days are going to be incredibly difficult for all. I'm not looking forward to coming back from vacation on July 8 to find an empty office .. one that used to bustle with well over 100 top-notch employees. Local employers are going to experience a bonanza of amazing potential employees and I hope everyone who wants or needs to continue working is able to find a job that they love and that supports their lifestyle. T...

"We are all brave eternal souls, commonly living a challenging earthly existence. No matter what one's lot in life is we must not see them as lesser beings. Everyone deserves to be given respect, kindness and compassion.    ~Randi G. Fine~ Compassion came to mind today because in 3 days people I've worked with for most of my career (some since day one !) will be leaving our office forever. I've never had to deal with something like this but I offer comfort wherever I can and I avoid talking about what is ahead for me . My problems are nothing compared to what these folks are facing. Some people seem to be tone deaf to what is happening and act like it's just business as usual. The people who should care don't bother to ask how anyone is doing. Sure, I will still have a job but it's not all about the job. We're talking about people's lives here. Most are middle aged and age discrimination is still alive and well in this country. I can't jus...

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow." ~Dorothy Thompson~ Pure dumb luck to stumble across this quote. Dorothy  graduated from Syracuse University in 1914 ! She was a journalist and radio broadcaster that some regarded as the "First Lady of American Journalism", according to Wikipedia. Courage is needed this week to face the upcoming changes in my professional life. In 4 days I will depart on vacation and most of the people I've worked with for many years will depart our office for good. I'm sad to see this 34 year ride end for them and I worry a bit about what the future holds for me. But, as the quote says, there is always tomorrow. My focus on losing weight is helping keep my mind off things. I...

"Winning does not always mean coming in first. Real victory is in arriving at the finish line with no regrets, because you know you've gone all out."    ~Apolo Ohno~ Victory came to mind this morning because "Dark Victory" was on TCM when I got up. The best thing about this movie is all the stars that were in it ! Bette Davis, George Brent, Humphrey Bogart and Ronald Reagan. I've always hated the fact that the movie didn't have a happy ending, but I guess that's a true representation of life. I haven't had many happy endings in my life but right now I feel like I'm heading towards one. Every pound I lose is a little victory. Every day that I exercise is another. Every day that I feel better is a win. These little things keep me pushing towards the ultimate victory, which will be reaching my goal weight. I'm definitely going all out on this one ! Breakfast was a 2.1 ounce 180 calorie cinnamon roll with french vanilla coffee. Second c...

"Do not be discouraged by the distance you still have to travel. Instead, appreciate how many "life miles" you have already covered. Your struggles have changed you into a stronger and better person. Don't let anyone dissuade you from blooming into the person you are meant to be. Keep walking.   ~Dodinsky, author of In The Garden of Thoughts~ Every morning I search for an inspirational quote. Some days I have a theme in mind, some days I just find something that speaks to me. Today is one of those days. I've talked often about the fact that the journey to lose weight is going to be a long one and daily motivation is necessary to keep myself moving forward. I am focusing on how far I have traveled on this journey, rather than letting the long road still ahead discourage me. I also think about the fact that I am not really traveling this road alone. Every kind word about my progress gives me even more motivation to continue. I may be doing this for me, but i...

"Today is my tomorrow. It's up to me to shape it, to take control and seize every opportunity. The power is in the choices I make each day. I eat well, I live well. I shape me." I was looking for some weekend inspiration this morning and I came across this quote. It's so true ! Where my life goes is up to me and the choices I make. I decide what I'm going to eat. I decide if I'm going to exercise. So however the day goes it's on me, no one else. There have been times in my life that I've blamed my circumstances on others but in retrospect perhaps I could have done more to take charge of my own life and steer it in a different direction. I can't change what has already happened but I can use those experiences to keep myself from making those mistakes again. I also can't sit back and expect things I want to just happen without any effort from me. If I want to lose weight I have to work at it. I have to eat right and I have to exercise. I...

"Time passes by so quickly. Change happens all around us every day, whether we like it or not. Enjoy the moment while you can, because one day it will just be another memory." The older I get the faster time seems to go. Only 6 more working days and most of the folks in my office will be gone. I'm glad I'm on vacation the week after closure because it'll give me more time to adjust to this major change. I can only imagine how difficult it will be for many of them. Going on to new jobs, moving to a new state, beginning the search for a new job and even retiring can be traumatic after doing the same thing for so many years. I can only hope that whatever comes next turns out to be a blessing for each and every one of them. The impact to my life is minimal so I'm not worried about myself at all. Time will march on for all of us, whether we like it or not, and it becomes more precious every day. When you wasted as many years as I did, time is infinitely precio...

"Confidence is a very fragile thing, and it certainly is something that has to start with your mental approach and your ability to respond and stay focused and not allow negative thoughts to enter into your own mind. When you're successful, it's easier to expect success. All of a sudden it's not there, it becomes more of a challenge.   ~Bill Cowher~ Considering his record with the Steelers, I'd say this guy knew what he was talking about ! My confidence is very fragile and it doesn't take much to shake it. For the first few months of Nutrisystem I only weighed myself once a week but I'd spend the whole week wondering if I was on track and going to lose something. There was a period of time that my weekly losses were barely a pound and honestly, that was disappointing. I've now started weighing myself almost every day but I don't record the readings. If I get to mid-week and see a reduction it motivates me to stay on track and maybe even work a ...

"Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure and loss only act as motivation." To me, motivation is the most important tool needed to achieve any goal you set. Unless you are continually motivating yourself it's easy to get bored or stray away from your goal. Giving up is all too easy, I know that from personal experience. It's  easy to just say "I can't do it" or "It's not worth it" or "It's too hard" and then go back to your old habits. I know, because I've done it so many times. It's hard to stick with a diet, especially when you are bombarded with food everywhere you look. Whether you're watching tv or browsing social media, food is everywhere. You're also bombarded with food at social gatherings, sometimes in massive quantities. Before I started Nutrisystem I purged my social media accounts of food related pages. I was shocked at how many I h...

"No matter what happens, no matter how far away you seem to be from where you want to be, never stop believing that you will somehow make it. Have an unrelenting belief that things will work out, that the long road has a purpose, that the things that you desire may not happen today, but they will happen. Continue to persist and persevere." ~Brad Gast~ I've known this journey was going to be a long one since Day 1. Because of that I knew it would be important to continually remind myself of that and take steps to make sure I stay motivated and on track. So I avoid thinking about the end goal and focus on a series a mini goals. Getting 50 pounds off was really the first little goal and now that I'm approaching 70 pounds lost, I can start thinking about making it to the 100 pound mark. I'd like to be there by Christmas or January 4 (the one year mark), so that gives me something to work toward over the next 6 months. My goal weight is always there in the back o...

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone can give another person. He believed in me."          ~Jim Valvano~ A quote about dad's taken from Jim Valvano is appropriate today, considering cancer took both my dad and Jimmy V. If you have the time, listen to his ESPY speech here . Every time I hear it I am more inspired than ever to never give up. My dad has been gone for over 7 years now (26 years for Jimmy V) but I can still see dad's smile and hear his laugh. The strength and work ethic I have came from him. My dad worked hard his entire life to provide for our family. We may not have had much but I never felt deprived. I never heard him complain. He always had a smile on his face. I can remember him getting up to go to work when his back was in such bad shape he couldn't stand up straight and he could barely walk. I can remember him coming home limping from a broken foot and insisting he was fine. He was the epitome of strength. I don't know if I eve...

"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.   ~Bob Moawad~ I love this quote because it pretty much describes where I am now. My life became my own again the day Alex died but I continued to live in his shadow until the fire. After the fire I leaned on and relied on my family to get through that. Same when I broke my wrist. I guess I really didn't decide my life was my own until I actually moved back to my house. My family really wanted me to sell the house and move closer to them, but I love my house and I'm happy here. So today I'm back on my own. That's not to say my family would not be there for me if I needed them, because I know they would. What it means is that I've taken control of my life back and I'm doing...