Wednesday, March 9, 2011

To have and to hold from this day forward


There aren't many things in life that require a life long commitment. You can change careers (like I did). You can move to a different country (like I did). You can change hair color, friends, hobbies, your name and your decor and know deep inside that those are all reversible.

Now, marriage is a different thing. It's one of the only things in life that you do with the intention of having it last a lifetime (and beyond, if you are LDS like me). At least, that should be your frame of mind when you take the plunge. You want it to be eternal. You intend to try with all your heart and soul to make it work, no matter what. It takes A LOT of work. And dedication. And compromise. Every.single.day of your life. That is a lifetime commitment.

Today I became a LIFETIME member of Weight Watchers. And I was thrilled. And I was scared. Because guess what? Today I married my WW lifestyle. Forever. The dating phase is over. No more butterflies in the stomach as I approach the scale in the meeting room. No more daydreaming about how wonderful it will be when I see a big loss on my weight tracker again. No more after meeting rush. The heart beating fast, the eyes sparkling with utter passion (I just lost 3 pounds for Pete's sake- I'm in love with myself!).

14 months and 65 pounds later that phase is over. And I'm glad it is. A person can't live a lifelong heated passion like that. That would kill you. The thrill and uncertainty. The excitement and anticipation. It would kill you.

So now what? (you ask me and I ask myself) Now, it's on to working hard (er). On to making it work in the long haul. Even if you don't have the excitement of the weekly encounters with the scale. You'll have the calm, constant reassurance of a solid routine of healthy habits. Even if you have no more huge surprises (I lost HOW MUCH?WOW!). You will have the simple pleasure of fitting into every single piece in your (6 size smaller) wardrobe. Even if you can't count on the boost you get when you hear someone else ask if you lost weight. You'll be able to rely on your own experience and self-confidence to know how far you've come.

There's no turning back for me. I'm in it for the long run. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Forever. I DO.


PS. Here is an adorable photo of Isabella with her dearest friend Max. Thanks Cleta. We love the photo. Thanks Max. We love you.

3 comments:

Cathy said...

I'm so happy to be the first one to leave you a comment, Ana!!!

First of all, I appreciate your honesty all along the way on this journey... you've always been real about the struggle. I think that's one of the most valuable other members can hear - that they're not alone in their struggle.

And secondly, I think your transformation is incredible! Not only in your physical appearance, but in your attitude and ability to see the merit in the healthy lifestyle vs. the numbers on the scale. Good for you!

Love the word picture of marrying Weight Watchers... I'll be using that in meetings in the future for sure!!!

I'm so proud to be your leader, Ana. Congratulations, once again!

Simone said...

Ana!

Que saudade das nossas conversas... Fiquei emocionada com o seu "post". VocĂȘ continua linda e tudo que faz por mais simples que seja, torna-se algo MARAVILHOSO!Que Deus te ilumine sempre! Bjs
Simone

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I hope you have a long and happy life together. Somehow I completely missed your personal blog and I just subscribed to it a few days ago. We are so alike Ana, it's awesome. I LOVE the quote you had at the end of your post. I think I am going to put that up somewhere in my house because I ALWAYS think that I'll just have to try again tomorrow.