8 Weeks Down- My Final Thoughts!

Final Thoughts

This last 8 weeks have been a learning experience for me. I have tried many “diets” and weight loss ideas. I have done Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach, and joining several gyms. What I realized that each of these were just one piece and they were missing a few crucial things; Community, accountability, and prayer. I feel that it is import to have each of these pieces. I also had people tell me “Why don’t you just have surgery, it’s so easy and you would be a candidate”. I wanted something that when all was said and done I could say “I did this” and also have the tools to keep going. I honestly didn’t want a quick fix, the next fad, or what worked for that one person that one time and they had great results.

I know that with this program I have the tools to change my life. I know that I will be able to continue this for the rest of my life. I know that I understand what I am eating and how it affects my body. I know that I do not want to go back to the old me! With everything included in 8 Weeks to Wellness I can’t keep myself from telling everyone about it and how it can change their life.

Now you may be wondering after reading this if I ever wanted to quit the program. I never felt like it was an option. There were times I had questions on whether what I was doing was right, but never felt like I wanted to quit. I believe that it is because of 2 reasons. The first reason being that this was a sacrifice, and an investment in me. I couldn’t just throw that away. The second was that there was support in all areas. This part was the largest for me. That is what I needed. And I am not talking about the kind of support that guilt you into completing it. I am talking about the kind that walks you through the tough times and parties along with you for your successes.

To be successful during this first 8 weeks took planning, drive, and commitment. For me planning was the most important. Never miss an appointment. Life happens, but this is something that there really

should be no sliding on. Once you make a concession it just gets easier and easier to let things slip by. Don’t let that happen.

I have had many people say “wow, isn’t that a far drive”, and I tell them that yes, but it was worth it. I would drive from South Minneapolis, to my work in White Bear Lake, and then to Woodbury and finally back home to South Minneapolis 3 days a week. I looked at it as a plus because I wasn’t sitting in traffic during rush hour and I got to see all my friends and hang out with them 3 days a week.

In the end it is all about perspective. There are a million excuses I could have come up with on why I couldn’t do this program (Time, Money, the Drive, I have a busy schedule, etc.). But instead I scheduled it, made the commitment that I wouldn’t miss an appointment or work out! That is how I got to where I am. I am far from done, because I have a long way to go yet. This is really just the beginning!

A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at. (Bruce Lee)