Way back in November I finally decided I’d had enough. Enough of wearing a size much-too-large. Enough of feeling sluggish and uncomfortable. Enough of self-loathing every time I actually looked in the mirror, not just quickly glanced. And photographs of myself? Fuhgetaboutit. So I joined Weight Watchers.

A few years ago I joined to shed the pounds I had gained on chemo and various other medicines that were not conducive to maintaining a slim figure (or in my case, a slim-ish figure). The problem was that my body was still having strange issues which required me to take a hormone suppressor and steroids – neither of which are friendly weight loss tools. So after a week of staying within my points and walking and knowing I had lost, only to find out at the meeting that I had actually gained, I quit. I cried too. I hate crying. Especially in public.

So after a few years of trying this and that with little to no effect I finally decided to try it again. I would have to say that starting Weight Watchers right before the holiday season may not be the best time to start. I lost 6 or 7 pounds, only to gain 5 of it back during that time. So maybe it was a good idea, otherwise I may have had that extra 5 to lose.

After the holidays and getting my mindset back on track – and it really is so much about mindset – I got to it again. This past Tuesday I received my “First Ten Pounds” ribbon. The grin that went from ear to ear completely obliterated any leftover humiliation from my crying episode from a few years ago. So now I need about six more of those ribbons and I’ll be good! When I stop and think about all I have to lose I could easily give up because it will take forever. So instead I’m all about these little mini goals. If I show up on Tuesday and have lost 1/2 pound then it’s a good day. (Especially because I’ve not had a great week – too many social events and all that.)

Still, I can’t wait for my next ribbon! My first ribbon looks a little lonely on the fridge.