Updates

Wow. To say it's been a little bit since my last post is a bit of an understatement. That being said, it's time to get serious with this. I'm in need of a little more motivation in my life and I'm thinking this is exactly the way to do it. 

So, some updates since my last post:

• I have lost about 30 pounds! Still a long way to go, but I am definitely celebrating that victory!
• I am in a new, healthy relationship. Realizing just how un-healthy that last one was and exactly what it is I deserve from someone else.
• Moved into a new place and live alone - finally! As much as I have loved all my past roommates, it was past time for me to live alone. It's helping me be consistent with my routines and also allows me to be lazy without feeling guilty when I need to.
• I started fostering dogs who are in the process of finding their forever homes. It has brought so much extra joy into my life!
• Continuing with the same job, and trying to find the joy in it. I'm feeling a little bit stuck right now, but I just need to be reminded of why I started this job in the first place.
• I'll be traveling to Europe in almost exactly one month for a few weeks!! I am so ecstatic and can't even contain it. It's going to be such an incredible experience.

That's the gist of what's been going on since I last updated, but now let's talk about the real reason I'm back on here: MOTIVATION. My goodness. I have fully accepted that my weight loss is a journey and not a quick fix, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to lose every ounce of motivation I have along the way. I've been feeling so down and disappointed in my weight loss lately and haven't felt the motivation to do anything to change that. I need to find the time to really consecrate my routines and plan ahead. If nothing else, I've learned that weight loss is all about planning. Without taking the time to plan ahead, you're basically saying that you're okay with failing. And it feels like that's what I've been doing lately. I've started doing a lot of research and reading about different recipes and meal plans for my lifestyle and am working to get things organized. If I can stay organized, I can stay on track. And this blog is going to help me with that so much. I really am going to try my hardest to write in here every other day, if not every day. I know it will keep me going and focused on my goal.

So here's a question, friends: I've been having a difficult time with lunch lately. I work on-the-go and am in my car a lot and often have to eat lunch while I'm driving. What are some good options that are easy to prepare, not a hassle to eat, and will keep me full through the afternoon? I'd love to hear what you all have been doing!

Lastly, here's a little motivation for me (and maybe for you). I was reminded on the picture on the left tonight and was amazed at how different I look and feel now. Yes, there is about a 30 pound difference, but I can remember exactly where I was in that picture a little over a year ago and exactly how I felt. I was heartbroken, unhealthy, and totally lost. The picture on the right is from tonight and now I am confident, in a healthy relationship, and focused on my goals. It's incredible what a little reminder of your past can do. Sometimes you have to see how far you've come to find the strength to keep going!

Stay strong, friends!