Thank you, Sister1

It seems my idea of initiating phases to our weight loss journey (4 phases total=1 year), has encouraged Sister1 to feel like the journey has been compartmentalized into sections that will keep her motivated and accountable. I seemed to have entered Phase 2 with challenges. Started with a stressful work week and having trouble fending off simple urges and old habits. Example: Eating extra bites of things. Two doritos, a spoonful of ice cream, a crust of pizza. I did not partake in any of those 'samplings' the first 12 weeks and now they are in the shadows of my mind always. Where's the strong voice that was shooing those demons away? They are loud thoughts and they fire off at every chance they can get. Not sure if it's that time of the month again, which always seems the hardest for a few days, but yesterday Sister1 and I finally got on the phone and talked it out.

Sister1 brought me to tears when she thanked me for all the encouragement and words I gave her though Phase 1. She told me it was my words that put her back on track several types when she was ready to quit again and again. Now it seems I need her words and encouragement to continue. I feel great and see so many changes in my daily life with less weight on my 5' 4 1/2" frame. Exercises I am able to do more easily and clothes I can fit into with ease. It all feels wonderful and I so desperately want to see Phase 2 end with being one more size down in clothes. However, it seems a cloud has settled and am not sure of my triggers that are causing this need to eat those 'sampling' bites. People without a weight/food issue, think what are you talking about!!!??? What's the big deal? A bite of food? Those bites of food are the beginning of an end. Those bites turn into seconds and then they turn into cookies and then they turn into a bowl of chips instead of baby carrots... It's the beginning of a downward spiral. You see how many extra bites can you eat before you gain any weight. How much before the needle on the scale is tipped? Then you sacrifice a 1 or 2 pounds for those bites. Then it's 5 and 10. And then you give up and buy new clothes and suddenly you've gained so much weight you just beat yourself up for repeating that weight loss cycle again. Words that you know you shouted, "I will never be that weight again!" Ha.

Today, I am thanking Sister1 for wonderful words of encouragement. "Do you have enough healthy options in the house to get you through those periods?" Hmm... I wasn't even sure what was in my cabinets. So, today I'm restocking on produce and groceries that will get me 'though' the those urges. I'm maintaining a steady exercise routine and was congratulated by Sister1. Thank you again! Plan on getting in the pool again today and already have dinner planned out. It's a good start to getting back on track and am thanking Sister1 for all the reminders. Next I need to envision a goal for October 12 (end of Phase 2). Will get back to you on that one.

Until then, once again, Sister1, THANK YOU!!! Don't ever go on vacation again. I love you.