I try not to make this website about me but rather a way to share ideas, tips, tricks and inspiration that are helping me along my journey and could be of help to you too. That being said…this particular post IS about me personally. After several days of debating whether or not to write about my own recent weight loss experience, I heard myself say something during one of my virtual workshops that stopped me in my tracks. It made me rethink my hesitation and I decided I should share.
WW workshops are a key component to weight loss and weight maintenance success because gaining support from others who share like goals and are going through similar experiences is extremely powerful. There is absolutely no doubt the most effect workshops are the ones where the members speak up and share.
I’m pretty good about sharing my challenges, but sometimes I hold back my own celebrations out of fear of sounding vain or arrogant. I can’t think of two character traits I’d less like to be thought of as EVER! But as I tell anyone attending my workshops, we all need and want to hear good news, especially now. In our WW world of managing our weight and our health, sharing an accomplishment and how it’s been achieved is not egotistical. Instead, it’s proof it can be done! It reinforces that if we stick with healthy behaviors and don’t stop or quit, even when we feel like it’s “not working” the results will show up!
So here’s my celebration:
Over the past 13 weeks, I’ve shed 15 pounds, putting me comfortably back under my WW goal weight. YAHOO! Creeping up slowly over time, I was able to rationalize and justify gaining a few pounds here and there for all kinds of reasons that seemed very valid in my own mind. The wake up call came when I alarmingly realized I was no longer avoiding one or two pairs of pants or a dress or two that was too tight….I was avoiding at least half the clothes in my closet. I’ve been a WW Coach for over 18 years….I know how this works. The trajectory of my weight became crystal clear and I knew all too well where it was headed if I didn’t change course.
Couple that realization with the first week of sheltering in place, working from home, spending everyday steps from my kitchen and nervous about the future of our country, it was evident I had two choices. I could either eat my way through this time of worry, uncertainty and stress or I could spend the time reworking my eating, activity and mindset patterns to help me get back to my goal weight. I knew I needed a new normal before the pandemic hit. My old routines that had kept me at goal were either not working anymore or I wasn’t working them the same way. Either way, I was in need of balance between enjoying life AND maintaining a healthy weight. The more prayerful thought I gave the situation, the more I could see it as a real opportunity to take control of what I could change, while taking the focus off the many external situations I couldn’t change.
Fifteen pounds might not sound like much, but it feels like A LOT. My energy level has noticeably increased and I feel like myself again. All of my clothes fit comfortably and some are even too big. This is a huge accomplishment for me. As my clothes were getting tighter and tighter and I continued to let it slide through denial, I knew in my heart I wasn’t being true to myself. There are few things as frustrating as our actions not only feeling out of control, but also being out of line with our goals and desires.
My WHY is two parts. First, I live my best life when I feel comfortable in my own skin and for me, that means being at a healthy weight. I simply handle the rest of my life better when I am in control of my eating and I feel good in my clothes. I’m a better mom, wife, freind and co worker because I have more to give when I feel good. The second part of WHY I choose to do what it takes to manage my weight and health is to share what I learn and help others overcome the struggle too. I spent so many of my early years in life being ashamed of my weight and hiding from it. I never wish those feelings on anyone. That all changed when I found my WW tribe. I stopped feeling isolated, alone and embarrassed about my eating and my body. Thanks to my WW Coach, Shelly, and our Thursday night group all those years ago, I began to understand I could achieve and sustain a healthy weight and do it in a way that’s completely livable and enjoyable. So that’s what I’ve done and if you haven’t already discovered this for yourself, YOU CAN TOO! I’ve dedicated a big part of my life to being a WW Coach and writing about my experiences to give back what’s been so generously given to me.
SOOOOO, that’s my latest update! The recent recipes I’ve been sharing have helped me TREMENDOUSLY and I have many more to post! My motivation for doing so is to help anyone out there who resonates with my experiences. We’ve got this. If I can do it, ANYONE can and I’m here to help!!
All is well❤️
Terra Ayres,
Wellness Coach
Congratulations on the weight-loss, and using this unprecedented time in such a positive way. I really appreciate this post, as I also have so many clothes hanging in my closet that are just too tight right now. Two weeks ago I logged in to a WW virtual meeting and committed to a “reset” and am already seeing positive results. This post just reminded me that I’m not the only one who struggles periodically, and we can draw strength from others who share their story. Please keep sharing your story!
Absolutely, Betsy!! Congrats on your reset & thanks for posting!! We are in this together
Congrats! Love when you share, both your struggles and your successes. I hope you never stop.
Stay well,
Michelle (Geneva)
Thank you, Michelle! I hope you are doing great!!!!
Terra, Terra…you are ALWAYS motivational! You don’t ever have to worry about being VAIN or CONCEITED, my dear. You radiate humility–and JOY. Congratulations on your success! You’re modeling it for the rest of us. WEIGH to go (did you see what I did there?!)! Hugs across the miles, you Cali Girl!
Thanks, Maralee And I might borrow your “weigh to go”…LOL!!!! Hugs right back your way
Terra, WOO! HOO! What an incredible accomplishment. You put in the hard work. Our lives this past year or so have been very parallel in many ways. Long story short, moved back “home” to MA last June, (excellent news), but enjoyed all that Cape Cod had to offer! FRIED seafood! Had foot surgery in Dec., 6 wks of no gym but weekly PT. Physically & emotionally depressed. Joined WW workshop here on Valentine’s Day. LOVED my new coach & group. Hit the ground running- Pandemic hit and I felt so derailed. Made it my mission to challenge myself and kick butt from my home gym! Walked the beach almost every day even in freezing wind & cold. On a
mission?! 17 lbs down and 1 lb. away from my goal weight! (Giving up my wine- I could have lost more but…not happening! ) Can’t wait to get back to see my group soon to celebrate. Thank you for always inspiring me! Going to try to jump onto one of your Zoom meetings soon! xo Miss seeing your gorgeous smile in person my friend!
Cathy! Congrats to you!! Love reading this story!! I’m so glad time & distance has not come between us staying in touch Really looking forward to seeing you virtually soon
Yay Terra. You are an inspiration. I have gained some weight and find I am making every excuse why it is not coming off. I made a commitment to track religiously the last 2 weeks and I am down 2 pounds. Thank you for the post. By the way a few weeks ago you talked about the waffle and adding the egg. I ordered the waffle maker and have been enjoying the waffles. They are delicious. My 4 year old granddaughter loves them too and she loves helping me make them. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations on your weight loss too! As we know, it’s one step at a time! Thrilled you like the waffle maker and egg idea! I just made serval ahead of time this morning!!! Makes me smile to hear from you! Log onto a WS when you free time and let me know how it’s progressing
Terra, I’ll try to remember to drop in tomorrow. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your current celebration! I have been a weight watcher from about 1972. I became a lifetime member back then and maintained quiet a long time. Then life threw me a big curve and I gained. I have been back and forth a lot over the years, but I know for me WEbis the only thing that works. In 2007 I got back to my goal again and that time my why was health more than appearance. I learned I had to come to the workshops weekly. I again have had health issues but not from my weight but I have been battling depression for a while now and gained 10 lbs..and this virus has made it worse and I now have 20lbs. I do KNOW WW works and I can and will do it again and even though this has been a very difficult time, I still pay my dues and try to be at the workshops. I am a little shy so I don’t speak up much but I listen. I love your classes and the enthusiasm and .. I am really happy to hear this part
Of your story cause I always see the leader as having
Perfect control! Thank you for sharing
Terra you look wonderful!! A perfect Calufornia girl!! Congrats!!
Lol!! Hope you and your fam are well? Miss you
Terra: You look beautiful and have the personality to match. Looks like California is treating you well.
Way to go Terra❣️❣️
I find myself in the same situation, 15 pounds up. My goal is to be down that much by Labor Day. Weekly meal planning and tracking are my behavioral goals.
Thanks for sharing. You look fabulous
Janet! I’ve been thinking about you! I’ve been trying to look up your WW workshops so I can log on to see you!! Those are the two things that have helped me the most…PRE tracking my day each morning, starting with dinner and whether or not we are having a cocktail, then working the rest of the day around it. I also stopped focusing on my daily target and instead just try to get a blue dot at least 5/7 days. Took the pressure off and the weight loss still happened. Great to hear from you❤️
Thanks for sharing. I haven’t been focused it motivated. Good to hear good news.
I hope you’ll come to one of the workshops tomorrow, Monica! You’re such an positive and fun addition to the group! We miss you!
Terra,
Congratulations on your loss. You look fabulous!!
Yay for you, Terra!! As always…thank you for being an inspiration to so many of us!
Right back at you, Jan!! You do the same for me!! I have Thursdays off and I’m going to try to attend Brigid’s virtual workshop tonight!!
Terrah, Thank you for sharing that! I get so lost when I think about my own “why”. I have been spending years feeling ashamed how I cannot keep 15 lbs off. I do buy clothes that are flattering for my body and I do love the person that I am, however I get stuck in my own story and feeling so defeated that I cannot keep the weight off. I have a husband who adores me and cannot understand why I cant be comfortable who I am. I am going to borrow your “whys” until I get my own. Thank you! Kathy (from your South Elgin noon workshop 2012)
I hear you, Kathy! I totally relate to that struggle. Shifting your thoughts to our (I’m happy to share mine with you) WHY instead of ones of defeat and frustration will make a huge difference. So good to hear from you! Keep me updated on how it’s going
Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing!❤️
Thank you
Terra, thanks you for sharing! I’m trying to get my groove back too, and your post was very motivational! Every day is a new opportunity. 🙂
Thank you, Danielle! Tough to put personal stuff out there!