I’ve wondered, for years, what I’d look like… thinner.

Easter 2010
Easter 2010

This year, my family and I started on a healthier journey thanks to some MAJOR motivation and indigestion over Easter weekend – that, and a fat pic.  Yes, the infamous fat pic.  You know, the one that you’re look at thinking… I know that’s me, but wow, that’s not me.. is it?

Over the last 8 months, our family has made several changes in our lifestyle, and for the most part, we’ve done great!

I know that my goal was to lose 50 pounds in 8 months, hence the website title 50 in 8, however I never made it to the 50 pounds.

Am I upset about it?  No.  Do I feel defeated?  No.  Am I am failure? No way.

Lisa in July 2010
July 2010

You see, a few months into our lifestyle change, I switched my focus.  I was no longer doing this for myself. I became a leader and an inspiration for many others in my shoes, yet I hit a road block.  I was no longer listening to my body, but what others were pressuring me to do with it.  I was no longer eating for myself but for a number – a number that was not changing.

In August, I hit a plateau.  Sure, I wavered back and forth a few pounds – but I lost the spark.  I kept telling myself that I have several months to hit the goal.  Nothing.

Lisa and Kim in Galveston,
August 2010

Finally, mid-November, I removed myself from a very flat and stressful situation, but by that time, it was too late to rekindle that fire I had ignited in April.

Is my journey over?  No, it’s not.  Not at all!

Currently, I sit at approximately 40 pounds lost.  I don’t see that as failure, because a very wise person once told me “you have achieved weight loss”.  That, to me, is a great acheivement.

October 2010
October 2010

It’s been a very rough Thanksgiving and Christmas season with absolutely ZERO motivation to get up and move, but that is slowly starting to fade away.

I have high hopes, and I would hate to reverse all of the hard work that I’ve put into living a better life!  It’s been a long and hard 8 months, but we’ll see what the next 8 months bring us!

One day, I’ll be able to look back on these photos, add more to them, and wonder why I ever let myself get to this point.  I WILL see the day when I am thinner.  I will get there, and I will hold on to it.

November 2010
November 2010

Can you see my ups and downs throughout the months?  I read a quote today (not sure where) that said something along the lines of “To get one step forward, you often have to take two steps back.” This has been my saving grace.

December 2010
December 2010

I know that I have not failed, because this is a long, tough road, and I knew it was not going to be easy!

I’m cool with gaining a little here and there.  Ultimately, I know where I am going!

Thank you for following, and I look forward to bringing you many positive, healthy, and encouraging updates soon!