Why I write: the accountability

(Why I write introductory post here)

About a year ago, I saw some photos of myself on Facebook and was mortified at how I looked. I'd gained so much weight in years since I'd graduated from college that I was embarrassed for anyone to see. At my mother's urging, I joined Weight Watchers, even though I was dubious as to how much success I might have with it.

I also doubted whether or not I should announce to the blogworld about my attempt to lose weight. I mean, no one even knows what I look like, save my real-life friends, so what difference would it make to everyone else that I was losing weight. But because I was getting used to the whole over-sharing concept that drives a blog, I went ahead and wrote about it.

Then I realized something: I put my weight-loss pledge out there in writing for all to see. As a result, I didn't want to let anyone down by giving up. I'm a stubborn gal like that. I wanted to be able to report back to all of you that I wasn't all talk without action just as much as I wanted to be able to call my mom and tell her each week that I was working toward my goal.

At times it was easy, but most of the time it was hard as crap. I work a lot of hours, so it took some real focus to plan out my meals and strap on my running shoes. But the encouragement I received with each post I wrote made it more than worth it. After a while, my new lifestyle was just that -- a new, healthier lifestyle. That's when it got much easier.

Then I started reading about some of my blogger friends who were committing to Weight Watchers and other healthy goals, and it warmed my heart so much. I am bursting with pride for each of you.

So now, I'm proud to announce that today I reached the ultimate Weight Watchers' goal: lifetime membership. What that means is I reached the weight-loss goal I set for myself through the program (18 pounds), and I maintained that weight loss for six weeks. Now, as long as I hover somewhere near that goal, I'll never have to pay to attend another Weight Watchers meeting. I could even consider becoming a group leader if I wanted.

Actually, I've lost more than my goal. My official tally:
-minus 22.4 pounds since the start of Weight Watchers about 7.5 months ago
-minus about 26.7 pounds since I started keeping track a few weeks before that

I couldn't have done it without all of you.