Change 2007: My Word for the Year

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Change 2007: My Word for the Year

My Word for 2007 was Change…and my goal was to change myself and my weight. My journaling is:Change: do an about-face, make adjustments, refine, metamorphosis, reconstruct, remodel, revise, shift your way of thinking, transform…They say a picture is worth a 1000 words and this photo of me, taken on Christmas 2006 was life-changing for me. I've struggled with my weight for years…food is my comfort when I'm sad, depressed, upset, happy…add to that hormonal issues which didnâ¿”t help my weight and I found myself weighing in at 190. This photo reminded me of a photo of my Mom, which was less than flattering. She died at the age of 52 and was medically obese. 2007 was the year I would turn 48…and that age, even more than the soon-to-be 50, was a wake-up call for me to get it together. I am my Mom in so many ways, but didn't want to be her in the weight and health departments. Being overweight affects your self-esteem, physical energy and stamina, and how others perceive you. So, my 2007 word of the year was CHANGE. I joined Weight Watchers online in January, and prepared (in my mind) to make changes. I started loosely following the Weight Watchers points system with limited success…I lost a few pounds but nothing significant. On May 9, I went to see Dr. Tangredi about a sinus infection and a conversation I had with her nurse, Sylvia, motivated me to step up my efforts. She had lost over 30 pounds on WW and told me to stick with it and start walking a few minutes a day…so mid-May I made the decision to change. I started walking and changed my diet to 23 points per day…chicken and cottage cheese for lunch and a sensible dinner (usually chicken). I allowed myself to have whatever I wanted on Saturday without going overboard. I learned that chips and dips are my downfall, I rarely crave sweets and I love taking walks. I started out with 20 minutes walks and didn't realize how slow and out of shape I was. About two months after I started my daily walks, Russell joined me on my morning walk…and something magical happened. Not only did I lose weight and inches (32 pounds and 26.75 inches), but during those 45 minute walks, we talked and prayed together…it changed our marriage and spiritual lives…we discovered a closer, more intimate walk with the Lord and we reconnected personally. There's something about walking in the dawn, hand-in-hand, that allows you to open up and speak from the soul…to share your deepest thoughts and feelings. Who knew that trying to lose weight could lead to physical changes as well as heart and soul changes…life is awesome when you allow yourself to push aside the old you and try new things…and change.