Self Care Win

As you may recall, I’ve been seeing a therapist/counselor through my work’s employee assistance program since July. I’ve generally seen her monthly. When I first saw her I was pretty much at rock bottom, but through ACA, making time to put myself first, and not taking work “failures” too personally, I’ve come back to life, I think even better than before. 

We had to reschedule our January meeting due to snow, so we met yesterday. I gave her so many wonderful updates regarding my fitness/health, self care, work balance, work success, ACA community, etc. She gave me lots of kudos for the work I’ve done and how it’s so evident even physically in the changes I’ve made. I don’t feel hopeless or too stressed. I feel lighter is SO many ways. She was impressed and you know I’m impressed with myself too.

I’ve learned to find my (re)find my voice these past 6 months.There are A LOT of changes at work – my boss is leaving (yay), plus we are going through an organizational restructure along with strategic planning in my division and at the whole institution. 

So, for the time being, I’m not setting up another appointment with her. I really only have 6 meetings with her a year (which I used), but I know if I need her I can go back. Plus I know others are struggling and I don’t want to hog a precious resource. If I need to find an outside counselor I will, but between ACA, my journaling, and my strong support network I feel good. 

Looking back at my WIWs

I came across both these posts below from 2010 and 2012 while searching my WIW posts to see when was the last time I was in the 170s. Getting to the 170s has always been a daunting task. I made 179 my Weight Watchers goal weight. I think the 169 would honestly be my UGW, I can’t even fathom what a 155 pound me would look like. It’s also CRAZY to think how frustrated  I was about being in the 170s, we NEVER appreciate what we have. Oh life! 

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WIW – Broken Record Edition (spring 2012)

Today: 176.0

Don’t get me wrong the Jenn 2.5 years ago never thought she’d be woeful over maintaining a weigh in the mid 170s for months, but Jenn of TODAY is so eager to FINALLY hit the 50 pound loss mark. 172.2 YOU ARE SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR.

Over the past 1.5 years I’ve seen 175.X, but have yet to see 174.ANYTHING. Not only do I want to see 174, but I want to see 172 and then 171 – which will put me at the “normal” BMI range for my height.

46 pounds down and in the end I’d like to see 20 more pounds go.

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WIW – Goals Edition (fall 2010)

Last Week: 188.4

This Week: 186.8

Change: -1.6

I know over the past few months I’ve had a bunch of new followers and I thought I’d use this post to touch on my weight loss goals. I should mention that this blog first started it focused on weight loss, but I’m much more focused on health, strength and races these days.

However my weight is still an important factor. Many of you know in November 2007 my father died a few days after his gastric bypass surgery (which was unnecessary in my opinion based on his height and weight). In Jan 2010 I was ready to make big changes in my life and was determined to never have my weight become a factor in my death.

At 5’9.5 I need to be ~170 to be considered on the high end of the “healthy” BMI range. I chose 168 as a Goal Weight because I like the idea/sound of 160s and 169 would make me giggle too much.

My Ultimate Goal Weight is 155. It would put me smack dab in the middle of the healthy BMI range with a ~22.

Weight Left to Lose: GW – 18.8/ UGW – 31.8

Total Weight Lost: 35.8

It’s frustrating to see numbers on a scale you know so well. I was in the 180s last year at this time. I got down to 175 at my absolute lowest on this journey. As thrilled as I am to be back on track, it’s hard to get excited about weight I’ve already lost (and should have done a better job keeping off).

I just need to stay focused, be positive, and keep moving forward!