Success is Infectious

There is thinspiration all around me. And it's a wonderful thing.

In the past week or so I have had some really inspiring and motivating conversations with friends about weight loss. I have two co-workers, in particular, who are navigating the twisted paths of their own weight-loss journeys, who have served as major motivators for my own kick in the pants toward health. My recent chats with them about their struggles and successes make me feel less alone in what I am taking on, and what's more, make me believe that I CAN and WILL do this.

I've always been a lover of the weight loss success story, even when my own weight loss attempts were sunk at the bottom of the toilet. There is something so personal and triumphant about people's stories of losing weight and claiming back their lives that I can't help but root them on and feel joy when reading about them -  or even better, getting to speak to them about it in person. When I read or listen to someone else's story, I often hear and see my own self in their experiences. The indulgent lifestyle, the lack of exercise, the number of pounds needing to be lost being too overwhelming to even think about. It's the lament of so many overweight people. Our goal is all the same - to drop the weight. For good. Those of us in the Chub Club are not so unique that way.

Hearing about someone who has actually conquered their weight issues and slain their own personal Fat Beast is, to me, like reading a juicy novel.  Who did it? How did they do it? How long did it take? How much did they lose? What is life like now (being thin)? Will they keep it off? The list of questions goes on. I could read a thousand different weight loss stories and each one is as enthralling to me as the next. Call it living vicariously and all that...

The truth is, those stories always seem to light a spark in me. I used to think: If they can do it, why can't I? These days I'm trying a different approach to my thinking. Today I say: If they can do it, so can I.

I had a loss of 4.25 lbs this week. Only 95.75 to go. Yes, it's a big number. Yes, I hate it. But I own it. And it will become smaller as the weeks go on. Of that, I am sure.

This was certainly not an easy week, but it was easier than I initially thought it would be. As it turns out, eating healthy doesn't suck.

I can't thank enough those of you that are taking the time to read this blog and offer support. A support system means everything and while I may seem somewhat level-headed about this journey at the moment, rest assured there will be times I may need some or all of you to talk me off the ledge. Or at the very least, talk me into pulling my head out of the chip bag. So thanks in advance for that, and thank you for being invested enough to see me through to having a success story of my very own.

And to my two beautiful co-workers, if you are reading this, I know you know who you are. Keep on rocking it and know that I have your back, too!