Trying to find more of me

  I turned 50 a few years ago, and while the number doesn't bother me so much, I realize that it is past time to take care of myself.  I'm a mother of three, wife of a wonderful man, and an active member of the communities I take part in.  I chose to leave the corporate, commuting 2 hours, high-stress job of a programmer in the financial industry to take on raising my children and caring for my family full time when I was expecting my third child 15 years ago.  I've never regretted that decision, and truly believe that because I was fortunate enough to be able to do that it has made a difference in my family.  About 6 years ago I created my own company called FreeMyFotoz, and I love the work I do helping people deal with the thousands of digital and print photos that so many of us have.  The flexibility of owning my own business far outweighs the extra work and time of that endeavor.

    One thing I have neglected is me.  Not in a big way - I take time to read, follow some favorite TV shows, have fun with my family, lunch or coffee with dear friends, etc.   I am extremely fortunate.   I just haven't put me first.  I realize that I need to do that now to lose weight and become more fit.  I want to be around for a long time to enjoy retirement with my hard-working husband and see the lives of my children unfold.

   I've tried Weight Watchers what seems like a million times, and (not surprisingly), when I FOLLOW the program, the program WORKS.    I have about 80 pounds to lose to even come close to a healthy weight, and that can feel overwhelming.  I do believe, however, that I can do this.  I am going to cook more, plan more, and try to take care of me more.  I'm going to follow the Weight Watchers program and share my journey here.  I am SURE that I will share successes AND setbacks, but this will be where I am accountable.   There is a lot more of me UNDER all of this extra weight, and I'm going to try to find it.

   Some things that I've figured out:

• When I cook flavorful foods, I am more satisfied and tend to want to stay on course.
• When I go to the gym, it starts out as the LAST thing I want to do, but I NEVER leave the gym regretting that I went.
• Having the right things in the house to nosh on, and clearing out the wrong things (for me) helps a lot.
• Part of why Weight Watchers works for me is that nothing is off limits.  I can have everything, in moderation.  It's real life and is training me for a new relationship with food.   It may take longer, or be more work than the quick fad diets, but I truly believe I'll come through the process and be able to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
• My kids are WAY more flexible than I give them credit for.  Served a dinner last night that tasted ok, but could have looked very suspicious to the 15-year-old.  Everyone loved it.  Go figure.

   So if you find this blog, and choose to share my journey by reading along, WELCOME!  I will leave you with a quote from FDR.  He said "It isn't sufficient just to want - you've got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want."  

-Tricia