Challenges

Life's full of them.  Some are easier than others.  Some we struggle with all of our lives.  But it's how we take those challenges on that shows the kind of person we are. 

My recent challenge... gaining all my weight back.  Okay, okay.  So I was bitching over the last year about losing 30 pounds.  Something most people, including myself, would kill to have happen.  It was the method in which I lost the weight though that left me unsatisfied with the results. 

So when I was eventually well again and began eating normally, I was ecstatic!  I was also determined to make sure I would remain at a healthy weight and workout regularly.  Thus comes my challenge.

My crazy schedule makes it difficult to do things most times.  For me, I am a night exerciser.  So not having a 24-hour gym near me requires that I wake early and go for runs or workout at home.  Neither of which leaves me feeling satisfied.  Hell... when your schedule leaves you wide awake until 4AM, you long for a 24-hour gym to release some of the adrenaline you gained during a jam-packed day of developing/breaking news.... and loathe not having one near so you must wake around 9:30 to get a proper workout in before "starting" your day.

So eventually my workouts wained... and the weight was gained.  Luckily, I have not reached my heaviest, having only gained back 18 of the 30 pounds I dropped.  However I refuse to go back to that.  So I opted to invest in myself, and it was so easy when the stars all aligned in my favor.

As I was feeling down on myself, Groupon started having deals on all the things I was wanting to help invest in myself.  First, health and fitness magazines.  Groupon had both Eating Well and Fitness on their specials list... so I had to get them.  You always need something to help you along the way, and I figured having magazines about what I really need to focus on would definitely be a benefit to my challenge.

Next, a food scale to help make sure I am not going overboard on portions.  I am terrible at judging portions.  This way, I know how much I am eating and can get a better idea of what certain portions of food look like, hopefully being able to do it all on my own in the future.

Then came the full body, digitial analyzer scale.  It is supposed to measure everything from water weight, bone density, to body fat percentage.  A must on my list as my old rinky-dink scale is never on target.  Following my dozens upon dozens of doctors appointments, I realized my scale needed constant adjustments.  So it was about time to get a better one.  Especially as this one got GREAT reviews when I researched it! 

That was followed by a guilty pleasure I just had to take on... pole dance fitness classes.  As I already run and do workouts at home, I figured if I allow myself a fun class to do every week, it would be a nice change from my typical routine.  Plus, the class will give me a much needed boost of self esteem and empowerment.

Finally, I rejoined Weight Watchers.  This was one I was debating for the past month.  However when I wasn't able to zip up my skinny jeans anymore, I figured it was about time.  I have done it before and I did well on it then, so I know that it can help me again to make sure I stay on the right track.  I also found a group on its website that is about nerds/geeks trying to lose weight together.  So now I have new friends facing the same challenges as me to talk to when I am feeling down, or just talk about the new season of Sherlock that isn't coming out for another year!  UGH!!

One positive thing I can talk about.  When I rejoined WW, it still held all of my old information from when I was on it three years ago.  My heart nearly sank when I saw that when I started initially... I weighed 170 pounds.  At present, I weigh 149.  So thinking of the drastic tranformation I have undergone to where I am now, I am glad that I didn't wait to take these steps at keeping my healthy weight.  I also felt better knowing that I am not that person anymore. 

My challenges have transformed me.  I take action.  I am bolder.  I am more open.  I take chances.  I am that girl who walks proud, and will continue to.  I know where I have been, and I now know where I want to be, both mentally and physically.