THE SECOND (or third) TIME AROUND!

 I know some folks in our group are starting back on their program again this week, and that's wonderful! Just knowing that you are on your way to a lower weight and healthier body is exciting! I agree with one of our guys that talked about the temptation and tendency to "discount your losses" the 2nd time around, because you're having to re-lose the same pounds again; that somehow they "don't count" because you're backtracking to where you used to be.

 It's very difficult not to do this, and I'm as guilty as the next person of comparing where I am today to where I was at my "lowest weight!"  However, I think that it is damaging and self-defeating to feel this way. It undermines the progress we are making if we do not acknowledge and give ourselves credit for the positive effort we are putting forth today; rejoicing over each pound and inch that we lose! Most of us have realized that, left to our natural tendencies, if we're not losing we're gaining! Foodaholics don't tend to STAY THE SAME!

I've decided that: 

1. Choosing to STOP the insanity of gaining is GOOD!

2. Finding a way to "stay the same" until you can lose again is BETTER! 

3. Actively LOSING weight is BEST!

4. LONG TERM MAINTENANCE---That's the VERY BEST place to be!  

Wherever we are on this scale, we can be encouraged and celebrate our victory at that level! Positively acknowledging where we are will give an inner strength that helps us make it to the next stage! It is difficult for me to accept a NEW starting point, but I think it is a positive thing to do so.

Remember the horse with blinders on; the blinders keep him from being distracted or frightened by things along the way! When we approach our weight-loss with an intense focus on what we are doing, we can't help but get there! Remember to keep those blinders on!

It's vital that we give ourselves kudos for our good decisions today, and not withhold them for "when we get back to where we were!"  That just does not work! You NEED the affirmation and positive self-talk TODAY, not down the road after how ever long it takes to get back to where you were. Whatever your weight was last week, that's the number to beat!  Unless, of course, you are starting fresh this week!