How have I done this?

Since I began my weight loss journey, I have had tremendous support and encouragement from my family and friends.  That has been truly invaluable.  I have made it over 2/3 of the way to my goal and believe I will hit my goal of losing 60 pounds by June 1.  To date I have lost a total of 45 pounds and have come down 5 clothing sizes.  I tracked my measurements a couple weeks ago and marveled at the fact that I have lost 6 inches off my hips, 4 inches off my waist and thighs, and even 1.5 inches off my neck and upper arms.

Along the way people have asked me how I am doing this... how I have lost the weight.  Honestly, the main thing is that my mind changed.  I made the decision to truly change my life and have never looked back.  Somehow, after all these years, I 'flipped a switch in my head' and became truly determined.  I have learned a tremendous amount, both about healthy living and, perhaps more importantly, about myself.  I have not been dieting... I have changed the way that I live.  And the beauty is it has affected me across many different areas.  Losing the weight has also inspired me to do a better job of clearing out the years of clutter in my house (beginning to see clear space in my attic!!), helped me get better control of our finances, and has pushed me to get out and enjoy life even more.  Somehow, taking control of my weight and health has spread that positive energy throughout my psyche.  Life is truly good!  (It always has been... but now it is even better.)  :D

I have been thinking about this process and how to encourage others who would like to do the same.  I have come up with a specific list of tools and tips that I will share with you.  These all come from my own personal experience, but I believe they could be helpful to anyone.  I'll be sharing them here over the next week or so in a series of blog posts.