2010: A Year of Inner Growth

Seriously, 2010 was pretty damn amazing. Not only did I FINALLY hit a healthy weight for the first time in my memory, but I walked a 60-mile walk, ran my first 5k and developed some awesome eating habits to carry with me into 2011.

Here is a montage looking back on 2010 and the outer signs of inner growth I experienced.

I learned a lot last year. I learned about healthy eating - more than just low-calorie eating - and what my body needs to thrive. I learned that physical activities don't come easy for me, but that I can do anything I set my mind to - so long as I prepare my body correctly. And I learned what I need to push myself to the next challenge (mainly fear and a deadline). So, I'm taking those lessons with me into 2011.

It will be hard to top 2010, but I'm setting things up to do so. Heck, just the fact that I will be finishing law school this year is pretty amazing (in December). Plus, I'm signing up for a half marathon, and am setting new weight-loss and maintenance goals for myself. I'll blog about those in a few days.

How was your 2010? What milestones did you reach? What lessons are you taking into 2011?

Resolutions

How many years have you made the New Year's Resolution to lose weight?

I remember a New Year's Eve my sophomore year in high school spent writing out my resolution list, topped with "lose weight" and kissing the list at the stroke of midnight. And that was that.

Honestly, I've consciously been trying to lose weight since middle school - but never have I stuck with one plan the way I have with this one.

Finally, I figured out a way to lose weight that was about making a lifestyle change, rather than just a diet. Finally, I admitted to myself that things were too far gone and I needed to rein myself in and take control over things. I've never stuck to a plan as long as I've been practicing my 50n50 stuff. Sure, I got a little distracted over the holidays, but I maintained my weight. I didn't gain anything!

I consider this a success. If I stop "dieting" and don't gain weight, it means I am making the right decisions, you know?

I don't know if I can stress enough how hard it was to see myself described as "obese." It truly was a wake up call. It was the slap in the face I needed. The motivation came and I haven't looked back. I never succeeded on diet plans that starved and denied me. This isn't a diet - I had pizza for dinner just last night! But I know where to balance and I am truly grateful to have finally found this.

The next 40 pounds are going to be tough, I know that. But I am resolved.