Success is Defined Individually

Everyone defines their success in different ways, I personally like to look at the less obvious things. I'm currently working on my weight loss journey as many of my readers already know, but I find myself struggling with it a lot of the time. I won't deny that, and I want people to truly know that there are more ways to measure success outside of the scale.

I do measure my success by things that matter to me personally. I know that while I'm working on myself I can notice the changes I've been wanting to have. Even though I've only lost a few pounds I can tell that I'm losing fat from my body. I'm able to look in the mirror at myself and feel like I look better. I know that I look better in the simple fact that my clothes are fitting better too.

I bought a pair of size 18 jeans yesterday at +Wal Mart and as much as I love them, they are still slightly tight on me. I'm thinking within the month of March I will be able to fit in to them perfectly. Which while it kind of stinks they don't fit, I'm able to use them as a goal. Fitting into a pair of jeans is a lot more healthy than trying to look at the scale every weigh in and hoping I can make the number go down.

Let's face it, those of us who are struggling with our weight often feel defeated in what the scale says. Even if we say we are fine with it and know that it will change, there will always be a part of us that wants to be that lower number right now.As true as this is, we all have to remember that we will see changes in that number too, but we may notice our body changing first.

I want everyone to stop and think about it for a moment. Do you find yourself looking at the clothes in the department store that you're dying to try on but you're so scared you won't fit in them? Do you think maybe you might weigh too much to do something? Get over those thoughts. They're harmful to your mental and physical health.

Give yourself a pep talk before, during and after a weigh in and MEAN IT. I know it's hard, I struggle with it myself but I am getting better at doing it every time. I choose to be happy with my body even as it progresses, otherwise I'll never love it when I do reach my goals.

Here are my current stats as well as a picture of my body now. My camera on the phone I have right now isn't great, so that's why it's a little grainy. I'll have my digital camera up and running soon hopefully, and then I'll be able to take a clearer shot. Until then!

 Picture & Stats

Weight: 209

Pant Size: 18/20

28 Days

It's been 28 days since I had a soda, and I have to say, I'm starting to not even miss it or want one. I mean sure there are some moments where I would really like to give in and have a tasty beverage, but I'm feeling good about my decision not to. At some point next month, I may have one can of soda, but I will not feel defeated or let it bring me down. My goal was to go 30 days (or in the case of January 31) without one, and I've almost made it!

My doctor and I have discussed it, and it is okay to drink soda pop every now and again, just not all the time like I was for a while there. My doctor also informed me that since the last time I saw her, I have lost 6 pounds! Right now I weigh in at 210 lbs, and that's okay with me. My next appointment with her is in late March, and I'm hoping that I will at that time be 200lbs. If I can beat the 200 mark I'm going to feel even more confident that I can make it further down the rabbit hole of weight loss.

I've got a long way to go, but I'm headed there. I've recently updated a tracker to the top of my blog as well so that you can also see how my progress is moving along. Have you ever used Ticker Factory? I find that it has a lot of different tickers that are great for many things. I use to use this a long time ago on LiveJournal, but now it's time to use it here for my weight loss! Here is another view of my ticker as well. I started this ticket at 210, and I ended it at 135lbs. So, I've got about 75 pounds to go, but I'm not afraid. I can do it.


I'm proud of myself for making it this far and I'm glad that I'm doing my best to keep myself active and moving as much as I can. It's hard, I won't lie to you all, but I'm doing it. Whether I make my ultimate goal of 135lbs by the end of the year or not, I know every pound I lose is one step closer to where I want to be in my healthy life.

How are you staying on track this year?

Headed towards Reward One for Weight Loss

Isn't this necklace beautiful? I can't wait until I meet my goal of losing 20 pounds so that I can buy it. I figure this necklace is the perfect reward for weight loss. 

Seeing as the necklace itself runs about $20 at REBEL CIRCUS, I figure that is exactly 20 pounds worth, wouldn't you agree? 

The necklace is not only super cute, but to me looks a tad bit vintage with the chain and the portrait holder frame. I love that it could be worn with some of my favorite colors too, orange and teal. I don't think anybody I know has any necklaces like this one either, so that makes it more exciting. I can be a trendsetter, maybe? I like vintage things. I do have one friend who would probably love it though, as she has a pirate alter ego, she's fantastic.

Do you try and use these types of rewards for your weight loss? Have you ever tried the reward system?

#SparksPeople also has a great list of 50 Non-food rewards for weight loss. Find that list HERE.