[MCKMNL]

My name is Missy( will be 40 Sept 8th ), and I am a mom to 4 great kids, 5 if you count my husband Somwhere along the way after 21 yrs of marriage,4 kids, being a STAHM.. I forgot about *ME* Today I weigh 240 pounds..and I have decided for MYSELF my weight is just no longer acceptable anymore!!! I started last week and did really well, I got a total of 9 miles in workouts in ( Biking and treadmill ). I really PUSHED MYSELF to get all this in, and I have to say as much as I HATE exercising, it actually felt good to see I really have DONE IT, all on my own
Yesterday I biked 4 miles with my oldest daughter, today I will strength train after supper

I really would love to connect with others who are struglling to drop the pounds. I need a place to vent, brag,and SUPPORT.. I struggle with FOOD though, and yes I am talking all that is bad for you So if there is one thing I need to really tackle it is FOOD..If I can bike 4 miles, I think I can tackle my bad food addiction.I just really wanted to say HI to everyone before I jumped in on conversatiuons!!

[redsox33]

Welcome! Where in Illinois are you? I'm living in IL as well. Congratulations on your first week of working out! You're doing well!

[cherylmn]

Welcome, Missy! I can totally relate to your story. It was last December when I came to the same realization. After being a single, career-minded individual for 12 years, I found the love of my life & married at 34. In the span of 5 years, we got married, bought a house (first time homeowners for either of us), had 2 beautiful children, and were simply spinning from all of the change that had occurred in our lives. I found myself at my highest weight ever and looking down the barrel at 40 (next March).

So, I grabbed hold of a weight loss program & held on tight. I did not incorporate much exercise until I was within 10 pounds of my goal weight. It was simply too much for me to make 1 more change into my already time-challenged world. As of April, though, I committed to 3-4x/week and have stuck to it like glue. In fact, I typically get some form of exercise 5-6x/week now, and the weeks when I don't, man do I know it! I am really proud of you for making it a priority early on in your weight loss journey. You will absolutely reap the benefits from it every step of the way. Bravo!!

What a beautiful example you are to your children. Way to show them how to care for their own bodies & prioritize their health. You can do this & I look forward to hearing about your successes, large & small, in the upcoming months.

Go get 'em, mama!!
Cheryl

[MCKMNL]

Cheryl, you made me cry!!!!! It feels so nice to hear such wonderful words of encouragement!! For now my life is about me first, I feel my kids are at that age where they can wait 1 hr before I get to them, hope this does not make me selfish or sound like a terrible mother, as my kids are the center of my life, but for now I am making myself the center, so TY so much for your beitiful words, I never knew how much I needed to hear something like what you said to me!

Redsox, we are in LaSalle-Peru area, where are you?

[redsox33]

Originally Posted by MCKMNL

Redsox, we are in LaSalle-Peru area, where are you?

Arlington Heights. I had to look on the map for your town. To be fair though, I am not originally from Illinois. Too bad we're not neighbors... but we can still give each other support here!

[cherylmn]

Originally Posted by MCKMNL

For now my life is about me first, I feel my kids are at that age where they can wait 1 hr before I get to them, hope this does not make me selfish or sound like a terrible mother, as my kids are the center of my life, but for now I am making myself the center, so TY so much for your beitiful words, I never knew how much I needed to hear something like what you said to me!

I know how much I needed those words, too! So, I'm glad it was helpful.

The idea that it is OK to put yourself first is a mind shift for sure, but just keep reminding yourself that a happier & healthier mommy/wife IS putting your family first. You cannot give 100% of what you do not have. So keep it up, make yourself whole and you will be leading by example. You and your entire family will benefit...I promise!

[lili58]

Hi there, I am new too.