NSV - Confidence at the beach

Last spring, I did something I hadn't done in 9 years: I bought a two piece swimsuit. A bikini to be exact. Not a tankini. Not one with boy shorts. Just one with normal briefs and a halter top.

Then, I did something else I hadn't done in 9 years: I went to the pool at my apartment and laid out without wearing a cover-up.

And that was 30-some pounds ago.

Did I feel completely comfortable? No. Did I think some of the other girls looked better than me? Absolutely. But, I still felt great about myself and enjoyed the sun.

So...this summer came along, and I decided to up the ante a bit and bought a different swimsuit. A triangle top and string brief.

And then I walked down to the beach and laid out. For some reason, the beach has always intimidated me...probably because it is basically a breeding ground for good-looking boys playing football in the water. Who, for whatever reason, I'd always guessed would be mean douches to me (my self-confidence was awesome) because I'm shy and not a size-0 with long blond hair.

And you know what happened? I talked to people. Even a couple of guys who tried to get me to come into the water with them (no way, the lake is gross). No one was mean. Everyone was just there doing what I was - enjoying the sun, meeting people, and hanging out.

I loved it. I loved it so much, I went again. And again today. And I'll probably go every day I can if the weather is nice. I'm a late-life sun baby and it wouldn't have happened without my new-found confidence from my weight loss. But not just from my weight loss, also from the fact that I know I'm a pretty awesome person and I finally let it show on the outside.

From the fact that I love myself.

I don't know how to take a good pic of all of me at

the beach yet. But soon, maybe :D

I hope for you all to have fun, loving and self-confident summers!

WLJ Weekend Update: 7.9.11

Hey.

I weighed in today.

I weigh 144.

I'm sick.

A summer cold.

When sick...

...I talk in a monotone...

...with lots of dramatic pauses...

Kinda like Shatner.

Anyways, I wanted to check in.

And let you know...

The last NSV post will come tomorrow night.

It might be funny.

Because I'll be drunk from Ny-Quil.

Oh, yeah...

Does anyone know how track couch syrup?

WLJ Mid-Week Update: 6.29.11 - Independence Week

I've officially declared June 28th to July 4th "Independence from the Scale" Week (it's gonna be a thing...).  I'm not going to weigh myself at all and just focus on Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) for the entire week - and I challenge my readers to do the same.

But, I'm going to amuse y'all in the meantime, so this will be the first of a three-part series about NSVs, and today's will be about "The Double Takes".

"The Double Takes" are what happens when you see a friend/acquaintance/family member who hasn't seen you since you've lost weight.  Or when you meet someone new and after getting to know them reveal you're a WW and have lost (insert number here) pounds.  It's the face they make when they have to connect what you used to look like to what you look like now.  And it can be a bit startling when it first happens to you.

Mostly because people do it differently...

Some say, "Wow!  You look amazing!  I almost didn't recognize you!"

Some see you and then quickly look away before trying to sneak a peek.  When you bust them they say, "Well, you look so great now...not that you didn't look great before...uh...uh..." (be nice to this person, he's just trying to keep his foot out of his mouth).

Or, they don't say anything...and just stare at you like they are trying to figure it out.  Personally, this is the most unnerving one for me, but mostly because I keep thinking there is something on my face.

When it's someone new, they will typically crinkle their eyes in concentration...like they are trying to put the weight back on you to figure out what you used to look like (at this point I usually whip out my before picture that's in my wallet).  Then they do something similar to the reactions above. 

And while these reactions were a bit weird in the beginning, I've started to see them for what they are...compliments. 

These people are amazed by what you have done and want you to know!  Although, they may feel bad or embarrassed to say anything.  So, here's my guide to helping them not feel weird:

1. Acknowledge that you know you look different.  This way they know they aren't sticking their feet in their mouths.
2. If they ask how you did it, be honest about the hard work it takes.  Don't be cocky.  People asking this are wanting help, and being a condescending bitch doesn't help them.
3. Thank them for their kind words.  Let them know it makes you feel good that they see the differences you've put into place for yourself.  
4. If they sound like it's something they'd like to do, be encouraging.  Be a walking success story.
5. Walk away smiling.  Enjoy the moment.  You earned it.

Yep, this is a reward.  You earned it.

WLJ Mid-Week Update: 5.25.11

So far, so good.  I've ran three times this week, went to the pool once, and stayed within my points much better than last week.  Keep your fingers crossed that WI on Saturday is a good one! 

I'd write more, but I'm exhausted...and I almost went off at work today.  Apparently after years in a "real" job, I now have absolutely no tolerance for disorganization.  Ugh.  I want a cheese pizza...but I won't...I won't...I won't!

Wait...that's a Non-Scale Victory!  Whoop!