There is a man, Dwayne, who has been going to the Y for about 1 1/2 years. When he first started, he could barely do 10 minutes on the treadmill. I’ve seen him out and about in the community and, since this is a small community, have exchanged pleasantries as fellow exercisers.

He recently started doing the elliptical. I think he’s up to about 45 minutes on that machine. He’s been faithful; everyday he’s there; pushing a little harder and a little more. I asked him today how much weight he’d lost and he said 150 pounds in a 1 1/2 years! Can you believe that? I asked if he followed a diet plan. He said no, just changed the way he eats and what he eats: lots of steamed veggies and baked chicken. I told him congratulations and that he has spurred me on to stay faithful to my committment to a healthy lifestyle.

I, on the other hand, have lost, regained, lost, regained the same ten pounds for the past 1 1/2 years. I am determined to lose this weight this time. It is coming off. Then, in 1 1/2 years, I can inspire someone else with my story.

Good news: no stress eating! And trust me, work and my period have given me stress this week! But, I have prayed instead and drank water.

My family and I weighed in this week. I am 247; close to where I started. I have set some new goals for myself. Here they are:

short term goals:

• Get under 240
• Exercise at least three times a week (one of those times being yoga)
• Keep my food journal (also long term)
• Read a chapter in my Bible each morning (I’m reading Psalm right now)
• Get a WW starter kit
• keep my back straight! I have a terrible habit of schlumping.

 Mid-term goals

• Lose 34 pounds by my sister’s weekend in October (34 wks. x 1lb. a week)
• Increase exercise to 5 times a week (to include some yoga and/or pilates)
• Continue w/food journal
• Fast about once a month or as lead
• Buy some new clothes J

 Long term goals

• Lose 77 pounds (using the formula above at one pound a week, that will take about 1 ½ years)
• Buy new clothes!!
• Exercise everyday except Sunday (hey, if God took a day off; so can I) J
• Become a certified yoga or Pilates instructor.
• Debating maybe running a mini-marathon. That would be kinda cool.

I did make it to yoga this morning at 5:30. I loved it. My youngest DD went with me and it was great. It was just right to get the day off to a fantastic start.