JTH9: Great Weight Off Wrap Up

As my mentor John C. Maxwell says, “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” I learned a lot during the 90 day Great Weight Off Challenge:

Don't do a weight loss Challenge during a record-breaking frigid winter because I'm not going to go outside for a walk or go to the gym when it's 20 below. I just wanted to hibernate and eat comfort food!

90 Days is a long time to stay engaged with a Challenge. If you have a hard time hanging in there with long Challenges, a series of 30 Day or 21 Day Challenges may be the solution. Check out the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine at pcrm.org for a 21 Day Challenge that is effective and free.

People you think will support you may not for reasons that have nothing to do with you. Do not let that stop you or slow you down. Keep on doing you.

A number on a scale does not define me. Numbers that mean more to me are how many minutes a day do I spend quality time with my family, how many times do I smile and laugh during the day, how much time do I invest in strengthening my mind and spirit, how often do I encourage and help others, how many minutes do I spend moving my body, how many fruits and veggies do I eat, how many ounces of water do I drink... By taking care of these numbers, the number on the scales will take care of itself.

The Biggest Loser type progress is unrealistic unless you are willing to take extreme actions which are rarely sustainable. 1-2 lbs a week weight loss is realistic and sustainable.

Be patient. Be persistent. Expect success!

This is not the end of my wellness journey, it is just the beginning. Julie and I have made a one year commitment to helping others on their wellness journey by sharing our successes, struggles, and resources via our blog, podcast, and community events.

Our next wellness adventure will be a group study of The Daniel Plan – 40 Days to a Healthier Life. The study starts April 8th and meets Tuesdays 4:15-5:30 p.m. at The Optimist Store, 428 S. Washington Street, Marion, IN 46952. Not in the area? That's OK. You can join via phone conference call or listen to the recording. It's FREE to attend. For more information and to sign up, email us at juliehkathyg@gmail.com.

 The WINNER of the Great Weight Off Challenge is Judy Buroker. Judy won not for the most weight lost, but for consistent participation. She attended all the meet-ups and was active in the online support group. It is this type of active engagement that helps us achieve any goal. Congratulations Judy!

Hundreds of pounds were shed during the Great Weight Off Challenge. It accomplished what we set out to do which was to inspire people to take control of their health and wellness. Julie and I both said we were willing to be open and vulnerable if it would help even one person get healthier. We heard from several people who said they have been inspired by the Great Weight Off Challenge. To know that someone is taking steps to improve their health makes posting my weight and sharing my struggles all worthwhile.

Thank you to our sponsors - the Chronicle-Tribune, MGH and the Y. We have enjoyed being a part of this community wellness event and appreciate the opportunity you have provided to learn and share. The feedback we received about the Challenge was mostly positive. Accountability, making new friends, sharing stories, education from health experts, and group support were the main things participants said helped them to make their health a priority.

Thank you to the Great Weight Off Challenge participants. My wish for YOU and everyone on this wellness journey is that you live your healthiest, happiest life!

Kathy

Day 2 - Swim Lessons

Day 2 of the Great Weight Off Challenge and you may be feeling excited about the possibilities of achieving your goals and imagining success. Go with that feeling. Visualize yourself healthy, at your ideal weight, and with abundant energy. What would you do if you had all the energy you needed and wanted? Would you go dancing? Picture that. Would you go hang gliding, sky diving, scuba diving, swimming at the beach, or on some grand adventure? Imagine it. Feel the gentle wind and warm sun on your skin. What sounds do you hear? Involve your senses. Immerse yourself in the imagined experience.

For some, the excuses may already be kicking in. "This Challenge has already started." "I don't have time for a Challenge." "I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I'm confused." "Who is going to help me?" Tell those excuses to take a hike! Let any negative thoughts go and watch positive changes start to take place in your life.

No matter what day of the Challenge it is, it is never too late to start. The moment you are ready to take charge of your health is a call to action. By taking action, YOU are helping yourself. Mentors, coaches, and support will appear in many forms once you start taking the journey towards living your best life.

This morning I went to the Y and worked out with my daughter, which was so nice. I love spending quality time with my family doing healthy things. We haven't been to the Y in several months. I didn't realize how much I missed working out in a gym.

After we did some cardio and strength training, I decided to go do a few laps in the pool, maybe get in 10 or 15 minutes of swim time. Near the pool entrance, I noticed a "Swim a 100 Miles in a Year Challenge" display on the wall. There were tiny squares on the poster board that looked like they must each represent a mile. There was a sign hanging nearby that showed 36 laps or 72 lengths equals a mile. I thought it was a good idea and got in the pool. The moment I submerged my body into the tepid water, I could feel stress I didn't even know had leave my body. It felt SO good and made me wonder why I ever stopped coming in to swim.

As I swam, I noticed the square tiles on the bottom of the pool, which made me think about the squares I saw on the Swim 100 Miles Challenge board. Each square represented 36 laps.

I started counting my laps.

Then it hit me... what a Challenge is all about.

A Challenge is about pushing yourself beyond what you would normally do. I went to the pool to swim for a few minutes. An hour later, I had swam almost a mile. I would have made it to 36 laps if I didn't have to pee! Once I got out of the pool, I was ready to go, but the lesson stayed with me.

I never have been big into sports or competition. But, in that moment in the pool, I got it. The competition is fun and may come with rewards, but it's really not about beating anyone else's score, it's about becoming a better me and I am the one in charge of making that happen, one stroke at a time.

Wishing You Abundant Health and Happiness,

Kathy 

P.S. Our first Meetup is tomorrow (Tuesday, January 14, 2014) from 5-6 p.m. at The Optimist Store located in the lower level of the Centrum Mall, 428 S. Washington Street, Marion, IN 46952. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person. Hope you can make it. If not, don't worry, there will be more opportunities. 

Questions? Email juliehkathyg@gmail.com