Tuesday, September 28, 2010

New Beginnings!

I have thought for a long time about writing a blog. I wasn't sure where to begin or who would actually want to read what I had to say. Low and behold, I would have an experience this past week that would change my thinking forever. I will get back to that soon enough.


First a little about me, my name is Jenn and I have been struggling with my weight for almost my whole life. I spent the last 5 years working so many hours that I did not have time to think about me and my need to lose weight. Not just because I don't like how I look and how I hate trying things on, but for my health as well. 


I decided about 6 months ago that I really needed to do something. I began to consider things I could do to help myself. Being new to Brooklyn, I wasn't sure where to start. I went searching online an began to check out the weight loss blogs, considering options and seeing what works for others. Now, mind you, I am not obese but I am definitely overweight. And that's where the idea for my blog came from...I am round. There are no two ways about it. I have skinny little chicken legs but a round belly reminiscent of Santa. If you remember the Weeble Wobbles, the Weebles wobbled but they didn't fall down. Well, lose the legs and I am a Weeble shaped woman. I dread shopping, and it doesn't matter the occasion either. I can never find anything that fits even remotely well. 


I have read so many blogs that inspired me. I thought, if these women could do it so could I. I started exercising and eating better and drinking oceans of water. Holy moly, the weight was coming off! Then it happened...THE PLATEAU! Nothing was happening, I was trying but I saw no change. I deviated from my plan and was miserable. 


I continued to read blogs and keep up with the progress of others. I still follow these bloggers now, but I was feeling unmotivated. I was lost, and confused, and unhappy, and worst of all...still overweight!


So, back to what changed my mind. On September 26th, I participated in a 5k race called Tunnel to Towers. It is a run/walk in honor of Steven Siller, a FDNY fire fighter who ran from the Brooklyn side of the Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center towers. Now, this is not my story to tell but  you can read about this hero's story at tunneltotowersrun.org. I knew one of the most inspirational weight loss journey bloggers, Sheryl, would be there. Having spoken to her on Twitter, I said I would try to meet up with her. 


With the huge turnout I never thought in a MILLION years that I would find her. As I headed to the UPS trucks to find my bag, I saw a familiar face. There she was! In the flesh! Now I know it sounds silly but she is truly an inspiration. But it gets better, standing with Sheryl was Trixie, another awesome weight loss blogger.


Together, these women are hugely responsible for my change in mindset on the spot. The showed me that Weight Watchers can work for you and that goal weight is only an obstacle in your own mind. You have to get out and do something about it. So, this week I am signing up for Weight Watchers and the Y.


Thank you ladies! You are both awesome. And thanks to whomever might be reading this. I hope that you continue to read as I continue my weight loss journey. 

6 comments:

  1. YAY! I'm so glad that we met up and that you will be joining us!

    We are a great support system and have been doing this for a long time, so let us know if you have any questions.

    I'm so excited for you! I now have a whole new life and you deserve to feel this way as well. PLEASE keep telling yourself that!

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  2. Jenn, I am so proud of you! I had no idea we had such an influence on you but the fact that you took away this thought "goal weight is only an obstacle in your own mind" is SO important and such a great sign! I know how it feels where you are right now and I know how it feels over here, where I am now and I am SO excited for you to do this for yourself, to get to the feeling I have now. I want that for everyone. You *can* do it - like you said, goal weight (or anything for that matter) is only an obstacle in your own mind. The most important thing on this journey is to change your thinking, then you can change your habits & behaviors and from there you *will* see progress at the scale, in your clothes, in your body. You can do this. Just make a promise to yourself to never give up! Welcome to the WW club :)

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  3. Thank you both for the support. It's means the world to me. It's always been hard for me to lose the weight, but I don't think I ever saw the situation for as bad as it is now. I was always the "chubby girl", and the one that people overlooked. I am done being her. So ladies, again, thank you for the support and the inspiration.

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  4. Hi Jenn,
    I am Kathy and my favorite blog is hands down Bitch Cakes and I always check out whoever she has written about and that is how I am here at your blog. I started WW in April and reached lifetime on 9/17/10. I have my meeting today during lunch and it is my favorite way to spend my lunch hour on a Friday. Good luck with WW. I know you can do it!!

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  6. Oops! I goofed...

    Hi Kathy, congrats on reaching lifetime! That is quite an accomplishment. Ms. Bitchcakes is such a wonderful person, she is open and honest. I had read her blog for almost a year before I actually met her. And she is just as great in person, as she comes across online. I am excited to start my new journey and I hope you keep reading. Thank you for your support!

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