Inert

Well, I am sure you have read about my current weight loss success with Weight Watchers.  So far, I am down almost 20 lbs (19.8 to be exact) since January 4th.  I am obviously really excited and happy about this - for many reasons - health, energy, self-esteem, etc.  But also for my commitment - I am getting ready to surpass the point at which I usually give up on other programs (just watching my diet in general, Nutrisystem, etc) and I am about to pass the weight-loss limit I have achieved in the past.  That is a great feeling!  It is keeping me motivated and I actually look forward to Mondays for weigh-ins.  Crazy, huh?  This 20 lbs was the weight I gained after having a baby (?!?).  Insane to me, since I am the breastfeeding queen.  Oh well, I guess that research study didn't apply to me.  Another 5 lbs and I will be at pre-pregnancy weight.  And downward from there.  I am feeling wonderful and in control for the first time in a long time.  I am not hungry on the program as it is so flexible.  This has truly become a lifestyle change for me.

 With all this weight loss, I really really need to start exercising!  It is sad because I think of exercising all the time!  And I genuinely want to, until the rare occasion that I actually have time to do it.  Then every excuse in the world comes up.  I know how good I feel when I do it, and I have my favorite work-out right on DVD - no special equipment necessary.  I don't even have to go anywhere.  But why, then, is it so hard to hit play? 

I think this is much like making a lifestyle change with regards to eating, once you get started, you gather momentum, and then it is easier and easier to keep going.  I just need to get going.  I am telling myself I didn't want to overwhelm myself with too many changes at once.  But now that I am well established in my eating program, it is time to get moving - literally!  I want to tone up, swimsuit season is just around the corner.  And the weather is becoming so much nicer so I can even get out and just walk, which I love to do.  And if it is raining, there is always the DVD player and the Wii.  My body has almost been craving movement - now its time to get out of my head and get in to action!!!

** I took a break during the writing of this post to take my daughter on a walk as we got a reprieve from some afternoon thundershowers.  We went "hiking" in the arboretum near our home.  What a feast for the senses!  The smell of the leaves, wet earth, and the wood chips beneath our feet.  The sounds of multitudes of birds singing their praises, squirrels scampering in the bushes, and the rushing of a waterfall (all of this over the noise of her squeaky shoes).  The sight of a bright red cardinal, the play of light as the sun dapples the trees and the path, and the juxtaposition of the dead branches and new growth of leaves.  The feel of the breeze against our skin, the sun on our faces, and the sweat from carrying her half-way home (luckily it was too early to feel the bugs).  So although it wasn't necessarily for exercise, we had a great time just talking, being together, and noticing all of the glory of God's creation!  **