What a WEEK!!!

Nope...not me over there.  Don't have long blonde hair!  But I've had that kind of week.   

You might have noticed the lack of blog posts during the week this week...that wasn't a coincidence!  This new group of 10 year olds has me on my toes all day, every day...and this week was no exception.  They are challenging me to be the best I can be on a daily basis...and I'm coming home exhausted from the enormity of the job I have to do.  And honestly, some days, completely beat down by the feeling that I'm not adequate to the task. 

I haven't really felt like I've had a fresh word this week to share...so I haven't.  I've pulled up the blog every night, even started new posts that I later abandoned.  But days and weeks like these cause me to stop and reflect. I've found that re-reading my journey so far is great source of strength and hope to me.  What these posts have reminded me is that I've come a long way. 

In the past, I would have sabotaged myself during a week like this.  I'd have been an emotional eater who hid her real feelings in response to the stress of the week behind mac and cheese.  I'd have abandoned my plan for exercise in favor of more sedentary stress relief...like zoning out in front of the television.  I'd have spoken negatively to and about myself for not being the teacher I want to be.

I did none of those things this week.  I ate healthy and within my limits.  I exercised every day I planned to exercise.  I've worked hard and refused to second-guess my judgments on the job, decisions I made. 

And I'm honestly very encouraged by that.  To me, this speaks to the change in me that is more significant than any other.  My head...my mindset...my attitude...whatever you want to call it.  It's game over...I truly have already changed my life. 

Yes, there is still much weight to shed.  I am still obese, after all.  But the biggest changes have already been accomplished.  My mindset has been changed.  My attitudes have been shifted.  My actions are becoming habits...positive habits.  That was the hardest work of the journey...and it's done.

Now, there's a fresh word for the end of this week! 

Oh, and I was very kind to myself today.  After a long, stressful week and a very late night last night doing something I truly love...volunteering at the merchandise table for an amazing band at their concert...I took the day off!  Another one of those new mindsets and habits.  Being nice to myself without feeling guilty!

I hope sharing my journey with you has been helpful.  I'm still going to be sharing...after all, there's still more to do.  Some parts of the journey never end!  But I'm also very excited to hear about YOUR journey.  I can tell you that taking the first step is hard...but changing your life is worth whatever it costs you to do it.  You'll never regret it!  So, what are you waiting for?!?!