Accountability!

Thursdays are weigh-in days.  Usually, I wake up a little early on these days due to excitement.  That's right, it's not a typo -- I get excited about weighing in.  I do it on the scale we bought the day before I started Weight Watchers, in our little master bathroom, usually with my husband at my side.  Meetings are not a part of my program because I am doing it online, so the level of expectation regarding those pesky digital numbers is based solely on my early morning brain activity.  This may not work for everyone, but it has been great for me.  The biggest hurdle?  Accountability.

There is something kind of funny about realizing that no matter who you are, what you do, how you live, your weight is your weight.  It is either your problem, or not a problem at all.  But it is not your mother's problem, or your bosses problem -- it's all yours.  Eh, maybe it's not all that funny, but it sure is sobering.

I gained a buttload great deal of weight after my father passed away.  I was a sophomore in high school and had so much support and love, but food was always around and available for comfort.  It only got worse when I got to college and enjoyed a fair amount of beer and other various empty calories (thank you buffets and frat parties!).  However, as I recall, I made the choice to indulge in these things.  Ah yes, the accountability part that isn't so fun to come to terms with.

When I decided that enough was enough, I hadn't weighed myself in...well...forever.  I literally had no clue when I  had last weighed myself.  Correction: I didn't know the last time I had LOOKED at my weight.  I would go to the doctor, walk to the scale, and ask politely that my weight not be spoken.  Usually I would say something along the lines of, "I know I need to lose some weight -- please don't tell me what the scale says."  I was always hiding from something that I was and am completely accountable for.

This morning, I got on that scale, looked down, and breathed a big ol' sigh of accomplishment when I did the groggy math and realized I had lost 2.2 lbs.  I entered 168 into my Weight Watchers tracker, and enjoyed seeing my goal get so much closer!  These feel good mornings keep me accountable!

If you are ready to start your own weight loss journey, make sure you find a way to keep yourself accountable.  This does not mean stressing yourself by purchasing a bridesmaid dress 2 sizes smaller and expecting to fit into it for your best friend's wedding in 3 months -- this might work for some people, but I personally think this kind of stress is not so great.  Embrace your motivation and stick with it -- once you start feeling the changes, remaining accountable will begin to feel like second nature.

I must add, that most of my success is thanks to a great weight loss program, personal motivation, and a husband that has always loved me, regardless of weight or size.  In fact, he came home one day, gave me a huge hug, and said, "I almost stopped at Wendy's for lunch today.  I didn't, because I felt like I would be cheating on you."  I nearly peed my pants laughing, but he really meant it!  He has been so strong in this adventure with me, providing a great deal of support.  And on top of it all, I've encountered such kind words on Facebook and from friends and family -- and even have had some people reach out to me for help in their weight loss.  This has become so much more than I could have ever imagined.

So, let's do this.  Let's keep travelin'.

Starting weight:  220 lbs
Current weight:  168 lbs
Goal weight:  160

8 lbs to go!